Tales of Boredom: 4 things to do while snowed in

I wish the blizzard looked like this>>>>
The allure of the snow is starting to wear off.
Its too cold to go outside.
The roads aren't plowed.
Its day 7 and you dont feel like doing anything.

I'm not complaining I'm just saying.

Ok focus. When these feelings set in, what do you do?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Try a new recipe. Whether you bake, broil, fry, or boil your meal take this opportunity to expand your "go-to" meals. If you dont have a new recipe, google one. All you have is time and opportunity. Take advantage of it because next week its going to be BAU.

2. Play a game. Whether you're into board games, online games, or video games you can play a game. Zynga has quite a few online games to play and online gaming communities are just a Google search away.

3. Organize and clean your space. We all work better when we are organized. You dont have to go as far as color coordinating your closet and sorting your shoes by style, but your living space should be tidy and neat. While you're at it, light a candle for some aromatherapy.

4. Skype. Skype is an online service that allows you and your friends to engage in video chat. You have to download the software and you must have a webcam. You can videocall your friends or get to know new people. If you have friends that aren't snowed in you can brag to them how you haven't had to work all week and they can boast about all the sunshine they are getting.

What are you doing to pass the time? Are you stuck inside? Are you still working and need to complain? Well friends the platform is yours

Tell us how you REALLY feel: The 5 BEST things about being snowed in

We've listed the 5 WORST things about being snowed in. Now its time to list the 5 BEST things about being snowed in.


1. No School + no work=free time. Have you ever worked so hard you started to dream about what you would do if you had a day off? Imagine what you would do if that 1 day off turned in to 6?? When was the last time THAT happened?! You can get caught up on work and get ahead at school. Best of all, you can take some of the pressure off of yourself because you've been granted a mini vacay. You can use the extra time to do things you wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity or the time to do. Think about the direction of your life. Think about your career path. Research different career paths. Find out how to start your own business or non-profit organization. OR

Your daydreams can be epic like the Odyssey;

Your thoughts can become deeper than the abyss; and

Your lazy can become legendary;

Thank you mother nature!

2. Snowball fights: there is something about landing a tightly pack imperfect sphere in the middle of a strangers face. The race to pack more snowballs is almost as fun as hitting people with them. Not to mention you allow yourself to completely submerse yourself in a child-like atmosphere. Its a feeling I love almost as much as I love sweet potato pie (reserve your judgment).

3. Spending time with your family and friends. As Young Professionals, we often get caught up in our lives so much that we forget about the people that matter. -->Since there is nothing else to do you learn more about the people in your circle and you should feel good about it. Play games, watch your favorite movies, and -->wrap it up snuggle up.

4. Snowball fights. They never get old.

5. The beautiful scenery. Before the snow is touched my the hands of man, it is beautiful. It covers trees and you can capture post card worthy photos on a daily basis. The next time you're frustrated about having to dig your car out, whip out a camera and start snapping.

Well friends, its that time again. Tell us how you REALLY feel. What is the BEST part about being snowed in?

Image source: http://www.epidemicfun.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/snowman_party.jpg

Tell us how you REALLY feel: The 5 WORST things about being snowed in

I'm a Floridian.

I'm fascinated by snow.




I needed a break from school.



I got to make my first snow angel and throw snowballs at strangers.




All of these things are reasons why I was initially intrigued by the 2010 blizzard that has forced life in the Northeast to shut down. I didn't lose power and I don’t have a drive way to shovel. I'm uninterested in most outdoor activities and I am not a runner.




Its day 6.

All I see is whiteout conditions.

I haven't seen the sun since Friday @ noon.

I am no longer intrigued.




1. Cabin fever. It’s the feeling that your 4 walls are closing in on you and you HAVE to get out. But guess what? You're snowed in snitches so where are you going to go? Everyone is snowed in! If you're bold enough to go outside you may find a corner pub open which is probably so affectionately referred to as "that mom and pop spot." The streets aren't plowed which means unless you're blessed to have a 4WD vehicle you are stuck and I wouldn't recommend driving. You're a fool if you ignore this advice. Nicknames like SNOmg, SNOpocalypse, and SNOmageddon have grown old and stupid. You may take a walk just for the sake of taking a walk even if you hate walking. You are willing to brave the bitter cold for a few minutes because getting fresh air is one of the cures for cabin fever.

2. You want things you can't have. This is a problem because you could get these things save for the fact old man winter getting ticked off at some of you and decided to let us feel his wrath. *side eye* . I blame BET. The concern that raises eyebrows is that you only begin to want these things once you realize you cant have them. What I wouldn't give for an order of pretzel sticks from Auntie Anne's (I feel you judging me), Chinese food, rice krispy treats, another pack of Oreos, and a sparkling apple sangria. I have never wanted bourbon chicken so badly! Its not even my favorite food nor is it in a close second or third. As a matter of fact, I have never finished an entire order of bourbon chicken but since I've been snowed in I want to call up the nearest Chinese restaurant and order take out. Sad thing is, I know they wont answer and I'm the type of foodie to leave a message. The list gets more bizarre as it goes on: White Chocolate covered strawberries from Godiva (yes I'm picky about the white chocolate, don’t judge me), Cinnamon toast crunch, dippin dots, a Starbucks strawberry frappuccino and a DVD from the redbox. I only moderately desired these things before and they were often purchased on impulse but on day 6, its starting to get outlandish.







3. Getting stuck with someone you realize you don’t like. While I live alone, I know people who are stuck inside with people who they were moderately fond of before getting stuck together. There is something about being stuck that makes every little thing said person does annoying like hell. That thing you thought was so cute last week could be the death of them this week. You may start twitching and having impure thoughts about what you want to do to them. You wonder if you will get away with it. If the person is your spouse, you may start thinking twice about your future. If the person is a friend, you may think twice about why you are really friends.You start to wish you were around anyone but the people you are around. You miss people you dont like just because they haven't been around to tick you off.
   







4. You obsess over what you are going to run out of. When you're stuck inside for so long, you have plenty of time to worry. Most times, you worry about things you did not think of when you thought you would be snowed in for, at most, 3 days. You have enough water, bread and lunch meat to take you into spring break. You have batteries, flashlights and non-perishable foods. Yesterday I ran out of ketchup. I'm on my last 2 containers of yogurt and my last orange. These are things I did not think to stock up on but I wish I would have. After spending twice as much as you normally spend on groceries and standing in line for 2 hours, concerns about what you will run out of are mounting.







5. You realize just how horrible TV programming is (this implies that you have electricity). Who knew the same shows are looped throughout the day? Before getting snowed in you probably didn't pay much attention to the selections, or lack thereof. Now that you cant go anywhere (grrrr) there are only a few things left to do. I've already caught up on my favorite shows and a few I'm not fond of. Before this I never knew Natalie insulted Porsche's parenting abilities which caused Porsche's to give Natalie a taste of the people's elbow and get sent home from BGC.




Sidenote: After surviving Andrew in the '90s, and Dennis, Emily, Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005, I have to admit being snowed in not as bad as being trapped after a hurricane. The irony of the aftermath of a hurricane? All of the wind stops and the humidity becomes unbearable. The rain stops and the air becomes dry. You stock up your fridge so when you lose power your family has a bbq and then you restock it with price gauged supplies.





I've blocked old man winter on Facebook and twitter. Wake me up when winter is over.





Well my friends, what do you think is the worst part about being snowed in? Tell us how you REALLY feel about being stuck inside due to natural disasters. Give us your list of best and worst things. Don’t be afraid you're amongst friends