We're having a milder winter, but my body doesn't seem to know that. 

Most days, while working, I am freezing. I'll be wearing long pants, a cozy sweater or top, and full coverage shoes or slippers. I still fill chilly. So, I toss on a lap blanket. Still cold. On goes the space heater or up goes the heat. Still cold. So, I throw a coat or extra sweater on top of everything. Only then am I mildly warm. 

If there is  a sun beam available, I will do everything in my power to station myself in it. I'm a cat who moves with the day. It's a good thing I've got office chairs on wheels.

In the evenings, I wear my warmest PJs and practically burrow into a pile of blankets on the couch. I toss my hoodie over my head and hunker down to try to reduce the amount of exposed skin. It's not until right before bed that I feel warm enough to peel off a layer.

My body seems unable to produce and trap body heat. I've been known to cuddle my husband with the sole purpose of stealing his. (He is not a fan of my extremities in the winter because they are ice blocks. Oftentimes, I get swatted away.)

I'm counting down the days until warmer temperatures arrive. Tell me I'm not the only one who seems to be cold blooded.

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I’m a quarter of the way through Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn. This author has a fine line to walk. She has to make at least some of her main characters likeable but, also, Nazis. She’s doing an okay job so far. Additionally, there’s a strong ick factor to the overall subject matter than I can’t quite shake while I read this.

*Books shared here are affiliate links for Bookshop.org

• How to schedule your emails. [WaPo - gift link]

• Terminology matters. [CNN]

• The defensive recession mindset. [Culture Study]

• How to apologize better. [NPR]

• Kids sleep overs can be good. I loved all the ones I went to. [The Atlantic - may be paywalled]

• A generational meme. [The Atlantic - may be paywalled]

• "A wealth of research has shown that masculinity is among the most fragile of identities..." [HBR - may be paywalled]

• So quiet you can hear a pin drop... and your heart beat. [The Daily]

• I love octopuses. [Terrestrials]

• We need to raise taxes. [The Daily]

• How easily we're persuaded. [Hidden Brain]

• Long looooong distance running and its meaning for South Africa. [99% Invisible]

• This look at Empress Anna's ice palace has wonderfully immersive sound editing. [Atlas Obscura]

• The power of Pemberley. [Hot and Bothered]

• I'm not sure if Gamer was weird, stupid, disturbing, or all three. Gerard Butler stars in this thriller about a con who serves as an avatar in a live, first-person shooter video game. He's controlled by a player and, if he survives 30 rounds, earns his freedom. The filming was very art house style and came across as almost manic. I'm still debating what I think about this one. There were attempts to tell allegories but it's all very overwrought. [Amazon Prime]

• We finally got around to watching Top Gun: Maverick and I can't believe I waited so long. It was the most enjoyment I've felt watching a movie in years! On its own, the script is lackluster and full of trite one liners. But that doesn't matter. There are layers to the acting, shockingly powerful performances (with phenomenal casting - still can't get over Rooster), and thrilling action scenes. This film is entirely fan service and all the better for it. I think it works even better than the first film but that is only because the original existed. This is likely to be one film I rewatch all the time. And, you know what, I think it deserves its Oscar nod. [Amazon Prime]

• A delightful collection of shorts where a romance novel author argues with her heroine. If you read romance, this will have you cackling. [Jill Bearup - reader submission]

• We made grilled portobello, bell pepper, and goat cheese sandwiches for the first time in a looooong while. They were a touch goat cheese forward because we forgot to take the the log out of the fridge to soften. That lead to more mushing the cheese on than spreading. I've also learned, through trial and error, that it's easier to make the sandwiches if you quarter and flatten the pepper as opposed to cutting strips or doing full halves. [Cooking Light]

• Made a new recipe this week - southwest skillet ragu. It was kind of like a spicier twist on Hamburger Helper. I accidentally bought ground chicken instead of ground beef but it still was tasty. Not as meaty feeling, but tasty nonetheless. Definitely recommend using a larger pan than you think you need. I almost ran out of space. [The Kitchn]

• For my lunch meal prep, I tossed together this Lebanese lemon-parsley bean salad. It was so hearty that I forewent the pita on the side. Next time, I am going to double the amount of cucumber. I wanted more of that pop of freshness in the mix. [Cookie + Kate]

When I saw this image my immediate response was, “Wow!” Such intricate detail work. [Colossal]

February is Black History Month. Last year, I signed up for the newsletter 28 Days of Black History and it was enlightening. The newsletter is coming back this year and I highly recommend adding it to your reading. While it’s driven towards those who teach, everyone will learn something.

On Friday, I tossed an email out to a bunch of deans, directors, and chairs trying to slide my way into departmental faculty meanings. Shockingly, I got several acceptances right away. Now I get to go around talking about how awesome (and helpful) the library is. I’m very excited about it.