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The Unexpected Can Be Funny

Posted by Alexis

Image via Wikipedia

Yesterday the snow came, as expected. I hoped to get to the doctor’s office and back before it started to lay. Prior to my pregnancy, I was a bit nervous on icy roads; now I am ridiculously nervous. The roads were still dry when we arrived at the doctor’s office, but by the time we left, they were completely covered with snow. On top of that, the car’s heater decided to break on the way home and the windshield kept freezing over so we couldn’t see. After that adventure, I vowed not to leave the house again until my water breaks. Of course, this is not a reasonable vow at all.

When I was struggling to remain calm in the car, I kept thinking about FML stories. What’s so entertaining about them? I think it has to do with the concept that misery loves company. And some people’s misfortunes are just very funny. The idea itself is addictive: every time something inconvenient happens in my life, I reference FML in some way. I do this despite my decision not to contribute to the FML forum. I don’t contribute because I consider most of those stories very melodramatic and uninteresting. There are, however, some gems that are worth a look, and there are enough of them that downloading the app is probably worth it, too.

Posted in Ramblings

Ideas for Snow Days

Jan 10

Posted by Alexis

Image via Wikipedia

So I’m working ahead a bit on these weekly posts. I figure I’ll start slacking once the baby comes, so I’ll write while I can.

So what are some ways to stay entertained when the snow traps you at home? Well, home is the best place to become trapped, in my opinion. With today’s technology, even if you live alone, you can find many ways to stay social and active in the home. The power’s still on, right?

If you’re feeling brave, try turning on the TV. Last time I randomly turned on the TV, I was fortunate enough to catch most of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Normally, I’m not interested in fashion, but the VS show showcased some very artistic work. It had a kind of magical, naïve sense about it… And it was clear that those models did not often get the opportunity to wear fluttering or glittery wings on the runway.

Have some movies lying around? Have one you haven’t seen or haven’t seen in a while? If you subscribe to Netflix, check out the Watch Instantly section for the latest updates.

Read a book. Sounds boring? Read a good book! When we lose power, my husband and I get out the reading lights and candles and proclaim the evening a “candle party.” It’s surprising how fun it becomes to resort to a favorite activity when your options are few. If you’re anything like us, your shelves are crowded with books you’ve picked up but never got around to reading. Snowed in? Here’s your opportunity. If you don’t have any lying around, pick up your Nook or Kindle, or download the free Nook and Kindle apps for Android and iPhone.

Cook something! Or bake. Even if you don’t have all the right ingredients on hand, make something up. Whether you’re cooking alone or with a partner, this creative exercise not only passes the time, but can reward with you with a great meal. This is an especially good idea if you do not normally cook.

Turn on the computer. The internet offers endless options. With networking social sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Linked In, and countless message boards and social forums, you should have no trouble connecting with others. Blog, check the news, watch videos, do whatever you would normally do.

Remember those things called hobbies? What interests you? Do you play the guitar? Do you paint? What do you always say you’d like to do if you had the time? Do it now.

That is the interesting thing about this topic. People tend to entertain themselves in the home all the time. A lot of us actually have what’s termed “home entertainment systems.” Similarly, many of us are still busy despite the snow. If we have a family, there is usually much to do.

Play a game. Whether it’s a classic board game or something to play on the Wii, now is a great time to connect with the kids. When school gets canceled, it’s considered a holiday. Make it fun.

Go sledding or make snowmen in the yard. Have a snowball fight. Just because driving somewhere is out of the question, you don’t have to stay indoors. Last February’s snow shut everything down in my town, but my husband and I noticed a stray dog out in the snow. We proceeded to follow it in the hopes that we’d discover the tags that would lead us to its owners. It was not easy chasing a dog in that much snow, but it was kind of fun. Unfortunately, the dog never came near us, but it got us both out of the house for a while.

When it comes down to it, consider a snow day an opportunity for something different. We tend to rely too much on luxuries like driving. If bad weather is approaching, stock up on the necessities and you won’t have a reason to leave the house anyway.