Beware the Ides of March

So they say. And I tend to believe everything they say.

At least I used to when I was growing up. Somehow, as a child, I got it stuck in my mind that the ides were some mysterious evil force that tried to mess with your mojo during the month of March.

When my dad died on March 28th of a drug overdose, I held the ides partially responsible and I mourned the fact that he couldn't hold on for three more days until April. After that it seemed like most of the family tragedies occurred in March, further confirming my suspicions that the ides were a force to be reckoned with.

"It's the hardest time of year," my mom always said. And so it was.

And yet it doesn't have to be, does it? Am I right? Or am I right?

In actuality "ides" simply means "the middle" or "to divide," so we only have to beware of the middle of March.

March 15th, to be exact.

Good thing I got married on March 16th. Dodged a bullet there, eh?

I didn't want to get married in March. I fought it tooth 'n nail. I fought it with every fiber of my being. I pouted and skulked and scowled about it. (That was back when pouting and skulking was still attractive on me.)

As it turned out, because my hub was playing college basketball, we could only get married in March or June, so I relented. But I relented like a lamb to the slaughter.

My MIL couldn't understand why it was such an issue for me.

"March is bad luck," I told her. "If we get married in March, we will be cursed forever and ever and ever. We will have a black cloud floating over our heads every day throughout time and all eternity."

"And ANYWAY!" I continued with my arms folded tightly across my chest, "If God had wanted us to get married in march, we would have been born in March."

She laughed and said "Oh my goodness!" twice. And then she said "Oh Gad!" twice. And then she said "Honest to Pete! March isn't bad luck. I was born in March."


"And your point is?" I said.


So she sat me down and gave me a Kellie Pickler pep talk. "Get married in March and change your luck!" She told me. "Make something good happen. Give yourself something to look forward to!"

Such a Polyanna! But you know what? She's right as Sprite.

It took me a while to change my mindset, because death anniversaries stink, but good golly, miss molly, I ain't afraid a no ghosts!

(I hope the ghosts didn't hear me say that!)

I ain't afraid a no ides of March neither.

(I  hope the ides didn't hear me say that either!)

So, here it is, my first March in Utah in 20 odd years. I can't help but wonder if there will be demons to face, but, I'm predicting NO.

A very confident NO.

I can feel the momentum of spring coming. Little green buds are already poking through the ground and the sun is getting up earlier and spending more time with us and I'm cleaning my bathrooms more regularly.

I'm going to send a boom-a-rang of positive vibes out into the universe and keep my fingers crossed that I will ease on down the road into April. And while I'm easing on down the road, I'll be extra careful not to step on any cracks. And I'll steer clear of black cats. And I won't steal any lava rock or walk underneath any coconut trees or break any mirrors or open my umbrella indoors.

And if I accidentally do do any of those things, I'll simply knock on wood and throw a pinch of salt over my shoulder.