The Winter Blahs
- EternalOptimist
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The Winter Blahs
Now that the holidays are over and winter is in full bloom (so to speak), what do you do to cheer yourself up and deal with the blahs.
"When nothing goes right....go left"
Re: The Winter Blahs
It's tax season. I am about to prepare 500 tax returns for people who can't afford to hire someone to do it for them. They cheer me up.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
Re: The Winter Blahs
This is a good time to do summer planning. The prices are good, but most importantly, contemplation of various trips is psychologically very rewarding.
Victoria
Victoria
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- EternalOptimist
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Re: The Winter Blahs
I'm getting ready to 'snowbird' it in Florida for the month of February, it should be great!
"When nothing goes right....go left"
Re: The Winter Blahs
Me, too.jebmke wrote:It's tax season. I am about to prepare 500 tax returns for people who can't afford to hire someone to do it for them. They cheer me up.
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Re: The Winter Blahs
Go out on the deck, fire up the grill and tiki torches, and drink beer...while freezing my butt off. I grill year round...and drink beer year round, too, for that matter.
Re: The Winter Blahs
normally I ski, but sadly I don't think that is going to happen this year as my mom (who typically is the person I ski with) broke her leg in the fall and the doctor said she can't ski this year.
Re: The Winter Blahs
Agreed. In the meantime, I must pack for my trip to Rio on Sunday and work out accommodation options in Jamaica next month.VictoriaF wrote:This is a good time to do summer planning. The prices are good, but most importantly, contemplation of various trips is psychologically very rewarding.
Victoria
Re: The Winter Blahs
Go to the beach for the month of January, assist AARP with tax preparation in February, and golf in March. No Blahs here.
"Earn All You Can; Give All You Can; Save All You Can." .... John Wesley
Re: The Winter Blahs
This is my first January as a retiree. There are no blahs here.EternalOptimist wrote:Now that the holidays are over and winter is in full bloom (so to speak), what do you do to cheer yourself up and deal with the blahs.
Re: The Winter Blahs
This must be a thread for you Northerners... in Southern California it's beautiful as usual
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- EternalOptimist
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Re: The Winter Blahs
Yes I've heardsperry8 wrote:This must be a thread for you Northerners... in Southern California it's beautiful as usual
"When nothing goes right....go left"
- SquawkIdent
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Re: The Winter Blahs
Look forward for the next snowfall to snowshoe.
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Re: The Winter Blahs
I don't get winter blahs. I ski weekly and usually hope that the snow and cold last throughout the winter. I am also an avid nature photographer and always look forward to the special aspects that the snowier months bring to outdoor photography.
Once the snow leaves and we are in that in-between thing before Spring arrives, I do get the blahs to a small degree but not really so much.
I am always thankful for the variety that comes with the four seasons.
Once the snow leaves and we are in that in-between thing before Spring arrives, I do get the blahs to a small degree but not really so much.
I am always thankful for the variety that comes with the four seasons.
Re: The Winter Blahs
Don't lose sight of what's really important in life...
... just found out a co-worker of mine has stage 4 liver cancer.
Lucky3
... just found out a co-worker of mine has stage 4 liver cancer.
Lucky3
Re: The Winter Blahs
It has been very pleasant in the Bay Area as well, although a bit smoggy on some days. I've gone day-hiking five times already in 2014. However, if the lack of rain persists, we may have to pay for this when summer arrives (water rationing)...sperry8 wrote:This must be a thread for you Northerners... in Southern California it's beautiful as usual
- EternalOptimist
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Re: The Winter Blahs
Sorry.....amenlucky3 wrote:Don't lose sight of what's really important in life...
... just found out a co-worker of mine has stage 4 liver cancer.
Lucky3
"When nothing goes right....go left"
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Re: The Winter Blahs
Arrrrgh, talk about blahs, I had a terrible commute this morning. It rained all night and everything is now covered with sheet of ice here in upper DC/MD sub. Biking is out the question so I walked instead. My cleats and trekking pool kept me upright. But, being too focused on my steps I neglected to see an incoming car splashing through a wad of water next to the sidewalk. So I am now drenched and freezing. Arrrgh!
I will practice planning for a vacation today to alleviate my mood.
I will practice planning for a vacation today to alleviate my mood.
Re: The Winter Blahs
The short days are what bother me about winter, so I track the sunrise/sunset times closely. We are now at the point of the year where the sunset is getting later everyday and the sunrise is getting earlier. We are over the hump. That makes me feel better. Even though there is still a lot of cold weather to be had, there is at least longer days.
I also try to get as much sunlight as possible. I am fortunate that I have a corner office with huge windows with a beautiful view.
I also try to get as much sunlight as possible. I am fortunate that I have a corner office with huge windows with a beautiful view.
52% TSM, 23% TISM, 24.5% TBM, 0.5% cash
Re: The Winter Blahs
Go to Australia. Self-portrait:
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Last edited by livesoft on Fri Jan 10, 2014 2:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: The Winter Blahs
No winter blahs here either, partly I think because I grew up mostly in northern climes and had fun in winter - sledding, skating, later cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and in between all that, walking. Also agree about the variety of seasons: just about the time I start to get bored with one, signs of the next begin to show and there's something new to look forward to.Rich in Michigan wrote:I don't get winter blahs. I ski weekly and usually hope that the snow and cold last throughout the winter. I am also an avid nature photographer and always look forward to the special aspects that the snowier months bring to outdoor photography.
...
I am always thankful for the variety that comes with the four seasons.
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: The Winter Blahs
This year I can have fun thinking about my 2 month paid sabbatical coming up in a few months. That will be a break from thinking about retirement, which will be one year later!
But really, I don't get the winter blahs. Storm coming in this afternoon and tomorrow, as long as the power stays on, I'm good. (Despite this dang head cold.)
But really, I don't get the winter blahs. Storm coming in this afternoon and tomorrow, as long as the power stays on, I'm good. (Despite this dang head cold.)
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Re: The Winter Blahs
I like the winter.
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Re: The Winter Blahs
SKIEternalOptimist wrote:Now that the holidays are over and winter is in full bloom (so to speak), what do you do to cheer yourself up and deal with the blahs.
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Re: The Winter Blahs
xc ski every week. No winter blahs. I like the cold and snow, and don't mind the dark. Dislike spring.
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Re: The Winter Blahs
Well, it could be worse. Or are you Canadian?
http://www2.macleans.ca/2014/01/10/your ... picks=true
Less facetiously, exercise, with good audiobooks or music, outside preferably, and take advantage of all the daylight hours that you have available. When I lived in the cold, swimming laps in heated pools was wonderful, the only downside having to make sure your hair was completely dry before going outside again. Perhaps it might be a good time to start up that language again that you learned the minimal basics of in high school. Also, two to three episodes of Parks and Rec a night, streamed from Netflix, is also a cure for just about anything.
http://www2.macleans.ca/2014/01/10/your ... picks=true
Less facetiously, exercise, with good audiobooks or music, outside preferably, and take advantage of all the daylight hours that you have available. When I lived in the cold, swimming laps in heated pools was wonderful, the only downside having to make sure your hair was completely dry before going outside again. Perhaps it might be a good time to start up that language again that you learned the minimal basics of in high school. Also, two to three episodes of Parks and Rec a night, streamed from Netflix, is also a cure for just about anything.
Re: The Winter Blahs
I don't have too much to complain about in our mild winter (except for the drought), but there are a few things that work well this time of year.
As others mention, exercise--either to work off holiday pounds, as a resolution, or to get in shape for summer conquests.
Organization. We have a small house, plus winter means being inside more, so organizing pays dividends. Seems like there's always something to do. I'm one of those people who isn't naturally organized but whose brain finds it very rewarding when I increase efficiency. Weird.
Cooking. We do more cooking in winter, which is a combination of it being less pleasant to go out to eat (harder to bike there, darker earlier, and some places that are outdoor-based) and cozier to cook inside.
Of course, in the world of Netflix, who can get bored? Ken Burns alone would last about a winter and a half!
As others mention, exercise--either to work off holiday pounds, as a resolution, or to get in shape for summer conquests.
Organization. We have a small house, plus winter means being inside more, so organizing pays dividends. Seems like there's always something to do. I'm one of those people who isn't naturally organized but whose brain finds it very rewarding when I increase efficiency. Weird.
Cooking. We do more cooking in winter, which is a combination of it being less pleasant to go out to eat (harder to bike there, darker earlier, and some places that are outdoor-based) and cozier to cook inside.
Of course, in the world of Netflix, who can get bored? Ken Burns alone would last about a winter and a half!
An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered. -- GK Chesterton
Re: The Winter Blahs
A week of sub- zero temps and piles of snow, now rain! Can't get in any xcountry skiing even. The gym is warm and has a 1/10 th mile track. The boys high school volleyball season begins in two months. I am planning a backpacking trip in the Bighorns with family in summer. Have to replace all the vintage (heavy) 70's era gear with something lightweight.
- EternalOptimist
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Re: The Winter Blahs
I see two camps here: winter lovers or planners for warmth, guess that's what makes the world go 'round
"When nothing goes right....go left"
Re: The Winter Blahs
This video should cheer anyone up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQmBXEZEYtg
It is a short clip from the 1965 movie Ski Party. You may recognize a number of people.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQmBXEZEYtg
It is a short clip from the 1965 movie Ski Party. You may recognize a number of people.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Re: The Winter Blahs
The blahs don't set in until pro football is over. Other than that getting outside regardless of the temperature definitely helps.
Re: The Winter Blahs
I have continue to run every day in NJ during this very, very cold spell. It was a little hairy on a few occasions with black ice but no injuries. I simply recall in the winter who I detest heat and humidity so cold is preferable. You can always add clothes but can only remove so much. Of course spring and fall are the best.
Re: The Winter Blahs
...and on the other end of the World, we're day dreaming of how nice Winter would be
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/ ... ralia.html
...Outback resident Gian Tate, 60, spends much of the day soaking in a small wading pool at her home near Emu Creek in the Pilbara region, a remote area off the electric grid. The thermometer outside her home registered 50 C (122 F) ...
...Brazil is also sizzling, with the heat index reaching 49 C (120 F). Zookeepers in Rio de Janeiro were giving animals ice pops to beat the heat...
"To achieve satisfactory investment results is easier than most people realize; to achieve superior results is harder than it looks." - Benjamin Graham
Re: The Winter Blahs
Better hope for some rain soon...I was in Tahoe a couple weeks ago, and there's pretty much no snow pack (aka SoCal's water supply).sperry8 wrote:This must be a thread for you Northerners... in Southern California it's beautiful as usual
Most of my posts assume no behavioral errors.
Re: The Winter Blahs
NASCAR in a month or so but really volunteering and giving back to the community! Get involved in a Jaycees, Lions or another group that is creating positive change!
Eric |
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- tylerdurden
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Re: The Winter Blahs
+2. Lots of our beach vacations were planned during the winter months.VictoriaF wrote:This is a good time to do summer planning. The prices are good, but most importantly, contemplation of various trips is psychologically very rewarding.
Also, winter provides some extra time to binge watch TV shows on Netflix (often catching up on shows we had not previously watched), watch random documentaries, and spend more time reading books. This winter has been less blah since we were house hunting over the past few months and just recently purchased a house; so we will be kept busy with all the steps of closing on the house and then moving, decorating, etc.
All that said, I do hope to move to a warmer climate in the not-to-distant future.
"The things you own end up owning you." -TD
Re: The Winter Blahs
Except that the air quality is California as usual, aka bad... which makes enjoying the outdoor weather a limited time affair if one values one's lungs.sperry8 wrote:This must be a thread for you Northerners... in Southern California it's beautiful as usual
And I can safely say that winter itself is not the source of my "blahs" right now; having an unhealthy work/life balance is. I need to work on that and free up a bit of "me" time.
Re: The Winter Blahs
Volunteering for AARP (tax prep) through mid April. And a few hours for the local food shelf.
But the summers are mine alone.
carolc
But the summers are mine alone.
carolc
- EternalOptimist
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Re: The Winter Blahs
Good ideascarolc wrote:Volunteering for AARP (tax prep) through mid April. And a few hours for the local food shelf.
But the summers are mine alone.
carolc
"When nothing goes right....go left"
Re: The Winter Blahs
I never appreciated clouds and darkness..... until I moved to Houston.mhc wrote:The short days are what bother me about winter, so I track the sunrise/sunset times closely. We are now at the point of the year where the sunset is getting later everyday and the sunrise is getting earlier. We are over the hump. That makes me feel better. Even though there is still a lot of cold weather to be had, there is at least longer days.
I also try to get as much sunlight as possible. I am fortunate that I have a corner office with huge windows with a beautiful view.
burt
Re: The Winter Blahs
Getting over the flu and passing my last section of the CPA exam next week. That will hopefully help drive me through tax season where I'll begin preparing returns for folks that make what I earn in a year in two days.
Re: The Winter Blahs
Hmm. Well, Winter's spirit landed here in Seattle last Wednesday. I've been making music as usual; that's what keeps me happy. Regardless of a perceived tension felt when winter descends, it's important to realize it's just one aspect of the whole. -- Tet
- pennstater2005
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Re: The Winter Blahs
I still enjoy winter, especially the first big snow. I am not so fond of bitter cold. I could see myself in southern Florida for a couple months
“If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.” – Earl Wilson
Re: The Winter Blahs
Help high school kids build robots.
Re: The Winter Blahs
Go to iceland of course
Re: The Winter Blahs
Some people advocate the use of light therapy if you actually get depressed during the winter. They make light boxes that give you more light to help with the blahs.
(I do not use, have no experience with, and am not affiliated in any way with the company that sells these items.)
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/li ... MgodpTAAYw
Mike
(I do not use, have no experience with, and am not affiliated in any way with the company that sells these items.)
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/li ... MgodpTAAYw
Mike
Re: The Winter Blahs
Went for a trail run last evening-- fresh snow on the trails. Magical. Took in a hockey game tonight. Life is good...