Exiled to the indoors

Winter comes bearing gifts of relaxation, snow-capped mountains, and a break from the school load. But, it also brings the type of chilling weather that exiles one to the indoors.

These are days in which sleet defaces the slopes at the resort, when the roads become crystallized with ice — and it is realized that the closet is sans suitable warm clothing.

In this freezing frenzy, inside enjoyment is only an idea away. But before any activity is chosen, here is a word to the wise: Get your coffee on! Or for others, a “Word of Wisdom”: Get your hot chocolate on! Either way, you’ll be happy you added warm refreshment to your indoor activity.

Play Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Rock like it’s the ’80s when the temperature is in the 20s. When it comes to video game battles with friends, these two games are rarely topped. Whether it’s face-melting guitar riffs, chord combinations twisting your fingers into pretzels, or singing your heart out, Guitar Hero and Rock Band helps you become the rock star you always imagined being.

Play board games. You know, there used to be a time when games were played on a table, instead of on a gaming system. Conquer the world in Risk, or satisfy your pseudo-sweet tooth with Candyland.

Think that Monopoly puts the “bored” in board games? Well, you should play Twister, the interactive game that provides the opportunity to finally left-arm-red that special someone’s right-foot-blue. You’ll be closer with each spin. Remember: bare feet grip, and fresh socks slip. Both choices can be beneficial if used the right way.

Read a book. If you think it takes a long time to read a book, just think how long it took the author to WRITE the book. You might learn a thing or 30. Pick up and read the first book you come across.

Restore your hobbies. Remember when you used to draw all the time? You should really get back into that. Or grab that guitar gathering dust and serenade all night long.
Host food contests. Kobayashi may have lost his hot dog crown quite some time ago, but will you ever lose your “cold dog” crown? The possibilities are endless. Nothing settles the competitive score like a vomit disqualification.

Regardless of the weather, this time of the year offers many opportunities for enjoyment, and sometimes all you have to do is look around, use some creativity and make yourself busy.