Little Rays of Sunshine

So here we are, February 1st. For many of us, the winter blues set in this time of year- especially in Ohio. Ohio is a special place where the unpredictable weather dictates many aspects of our lives. Currently it is around 18 degrees and overcast-the typical cold accompanied by a "special" shade of gray. But amidst the blah-ness, there have been a few deceiving sunny days as of late, which almost make us forget we live in the cloudiest place on earth. Well that is not entirely true, but close. Regardless, these freezing, yet sunny days give Ohioans hope that the brighter days of May are right around the corner.

So what can we do to make the next few months go by faster? Is there anything out there to make this wintry ride a little smoother? What else can we hold on to when the sun is not blessing us with those little rays of hope? Well, we could all be like my mother and father and take off for a sweet California getaway. But that was compliments of brother, and I don't think he can afford to fly all of us out to the West Coast. So we will have to settle for something easier to obtain. Perhaps something off my "Little Rays of Sunshine" list will fit the bill!

Little Rays of Sunshine

1. A GOOD CUP OF COFFEE: There is something to be said for a delicious cup of java. It is a glorious way to start the day. A cup of coffee is a morning ritual which reminds me of the new
day, an opportunity for a fresh start. So how can this hot energy-boosting gratification brighten up your winter? Perhaps use different mugs. For our wedding, my husband and I received an array of different Fiestaware mugs. Deciding which one of these brightly colored mugs to use is always a treat. The color I pick often dictates my mood that day. For example, today I picked a jumbo mug in Sunflower. It made me feel bright and shiny (perhaps this is silly, but it is true) . Not in the market for colorful mugs? Try a new coffee, or better yet, a new way to prepare coffee. I recommend a french press. I can honestly say, it makes the best cup of coffee. Hands down. Granted, it is a little pricier (you have to use freshly ground beans....currently we have Starbucks Breakfast Blend) but it is WORTH IT!




2. NEW TELEVISION SEASON: We all have our favorite shows, many of which start their new season in September or October. In the past this fresh boost of T.V. life only occurred in the fall. But in recent years, there has been a surge of new and old shows starting mid-season. For example, ABC's Grey's Anatomy was a mid-season replacement. And now we have American Idol which starts in January every year. But the highlight of this winter's television season is without a doubt the final season of ABC's Lost. I am a Lost fanatic. I have been waiting for all my questions to be answered for years. I get chills when I see the trailers. But there are many who think I am crazy. There are those (such as my best friend and her husband--hint hint) who have not taken the leap to commit to this fantastical show. My advice? Set the DVR to tape this season of Lost. Invest in Netflix or watch episodes online. Watch all the seasons straight through (not in one night of course). Think of it as a reeeaaalllly long movie. When you are done, go back to your DVR. This may seem like a complicated process and a hassle just to watch a freaking T.V. show, but I promise after one episode, YOU WILL BE HOOKED. I have seen it happen. Most recently, a friend of mine started watching the seasons on DVD. She immediately became an addict. She is now planning a Lost finale party and printing out various pieces Lost paraphernalia off the internet. Yeah, it is that good.






3. ORGANIZATION: Organization is something I am lacking, which is why I am adding it to this list. I need more of it in my life and perhaps writing about it in my blog will push me in the right direction. Organization of anything, be it financial papers, art supplies, dishes, dog toys, or a junk drawer, seems to help us feel productive. It makes us feel prepared for the unexpected. It guides us in making sense of our surroundings. I am currently in the process of organizing my office. Having this project has given me a much needed boost. I am getting rid of what is no longer needed and making new uses for some older goodies. For example, I have covered some of my old college paintings with batting and fabric to create bulletin boards. This process has also helped me reflect on a life I am ready to leave behind, and is pushing me to move forward. It is funny how giving items a designated home can change one's outlook on life. For a plethora of organizing tips check out www.realsimple.com


For now, these three ideas will have to do. During remaining winter months, I will post a weekly Little Ray of Sunshine. I hope readers will share their ideas on what gets them through the winter! We could use all the help we can get!