Exiled to the indoors: a survivor’s guide

Note to layout: The writer intends that the word "write," which is in all caps, be italicized, along with the other names in caps.

As winter approaches, there is a four-letter word that comes to the mind of many.

Cold.

During the wintry weather season, a lot of time will be spent 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 warmth.

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 to the Wisdom": Get your hot chocolate on!

Either way, you’ll be happy you added a warm refreshment to your indoor activity.

Guitar Hero – Rock the ’80s when the temperature’s in the 20s. When it comes to video game battles with friends, Guitar Hero is rarely topped. Whether it’s face-melting guitar riffs or chord combinations twisting your fingers into pretzels, Guitar Hero helps you become the rock star you always dreamed of.

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 the first one 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 the night away.

Food contests – Kobayashi may have lost his hot dog crown, but will you ever lose your "cold dog" crown? The possibilities are endless. Nothing settles the competitive score like a vomit disqualification.