Urban Vancouver

Top 10 Ways to Beat the Snowed-In Blues

By Amanda Nicole on December 2, 2007 - 7:54pm

Even if the snow is washed away in a few days, it's not gone for good, and you can also use these ideas during our rainy season. Have fun!

1) Make a long-distance phone call. I never make these anymore, what with the convenience of email, Facebook, instant messaging and the like, but the sound of a loved one's voice--and their surprise at hearing yours--is worth the extra few bucks.

2) Request books through VPL's website. You can use up to 50 free requests a year, and it saves you the trip downtown if you have a branch closer to you.

3) Make a belly-warming winter soup. Soups are so easy and lend themselves willingly to the creative chef, so it's a great dinner to make when you just can't make it to the store.

4) Get an early start on your New Year's resolutions. I've always been adverse to these but since I started up my own business this year, I'm making them in three month increments. Just thinking about the year to come will get you feeling refreshed and excited.

5) Start Winter cleaning. Living in an apartment in the city, I've never taken part in Spring cleaning. But the holidays are a perfect time to gather up everything you haven't used or worn in the past year, call up your favourite nonprofit association, and give to your heart's content. It also guarantees you a spot on Santa's "nice" list.

6) Do those household projects you've been putting off. Fix that jiggly handle, that squeaky door, or clean up your computer. Bring in the New Year with a fresh start.

7) Write a letter. Again, with email and all that, no one but your Aunt Mable writes letters anymore. Sending a handwritten letter in the mail adds a human touch to your season correspondence and you can stuff the envelope with silly things like confetti.

8) Make your own holiday cards. No matter what you celebrate this time of year, almost everyone sends out cards. Making your own using nothing but stamps, fancy pens and gorgeous paper will set your card apart from all the generic ones.

9) Dust off some board games. I really like board games and usually have to coerce someone to play with me, but when the ground is sloshy and the air is chilled, playmates come around a lot easier. It also helps to throw popcorn into the bargain.

10) Get out. Cabin fever may kick in, so don't be afraid to gear up and get out there, if only to trudge around. Then when you've had enough you'll be glad to get back in.