organizing

April weather in Switzerland is a little… well, let’s say it: it’s completely psychotic.
It’s rainy and miserable and dark for days, and just when you start considering moving  because ohmygodIcannothandleitanymore, you wake up in the morning and the sky is blue, the birds are chirping, and it’s warm enough to leave your coat at home.

This year April is even warmer than usual – still psycho weather, but up several degrees. I don’t know if it’s the warm weather or if my husband got hold of a “domestic goddess” potion and slipped me some, but I have been feeling like spring-cleaning.
And not just in the house, either: also my personal schedule and lifestyle habits. I know, shocking. Almost suspicious. (Hence my wondering about my husband dabbling in the dark arts.)

It started last month, and although I didn’t quite follow through with #1 and I’m still working on #3, I did manage not to bitch at my husband. A lot. Ok, only once did I bitch, when I had a migraine and had to make three different dinners. That doesn’t count, does it?

This month I want to really make the best of the warmer weather. Which is why my first resolutions is to

1. Do at least one outing a week for the express purpose of exploring Zurich (and surroundings) and taking some good photos.

In the past couple of months I have been spending more time at home because of the cold weather, but you know what? No more. There’s so many things I could be doing.
I got a yearly membership for the museum but haven’t been there at all since the beginning of the year.
I also haven’t been inspired to take photos because of the gray skies and rainy days, but now there’s no excuse!

Another thing that changes with cold weather? My eating. As someone from a warmer climate, cold weather never feels natural, no matter now many years I spend in Switzerland, or in New York – and as a result, cold weather makes me want to just curl up on the sofa and enjoy warm, creamy, comforting foods.

But spring brings more fruit choices and lots of fresh veggies perfect for big salads and juicing, so I can get back to my warm-weather habits, hence the next resolution:

2. Pack in as many fresh and unprocessed  veggies as I can throughout the day and stay away from sugar, coffee, and alcohol as much as possible – except for special occasions (Sundays don’t count as special occasions, however Marisa‘s birthday party does!)

One thing I love about the warm weather is that eating “cleaner”, lighter, healthier foods doesn’t feel like a diet. When it’s hot out, a big salad and fresh fruit are just what I crave – which thankfully makes the local farmer’s market more tempting than the many chocolatier in my fair city.

Even Starbucks fare is less tempting than usual – I was there on Monday for the English book swap and I had no problem ordering a simple chai tea, instead of my usual Soy Caramel Macchiato or sugary Earl Grey with a Blueberry Muffin (I know, I’m a saint )

And now, because the first two resolutions are all about me, I feel I should include something someone else will benefit from – so in the spirit of Spring Cleaning, this month I vow to

3. Finish decluttering/re-organizing the bedrooms and do two more rooms before the end of the month.

After all, getting rid of clutter is the very first step in the application of feng-shui, and we all know I need to get my chi together. Not to mention the fact that leaving the house a bit tidier before I leave for my London trip will make me feel better about leaving my hubs and kids for a purely selfish long weekend away with my bestie

What are you up to this month? Are you also planning some Spring Cleaning, or are you avoiding it like the plague?

Image credits: 1. Pix11; 2. Phuong, on Flickr; 3. Country Living (UK edition), via The White Verandah
New Month’s Resolution graphic courtesy of Pokidots. Used with artist’s permission.

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