Janu-weary

Most of you who are regular visitors to this space are well versed in my absolute disdain for winter weather. I realize that I am more fortunate than most in that I have a built in escape hatch-my retreats to the Southern home. I wish I could tell you all that these regular winter sojourns lessen the impact of sub-zero temperatures, snow, slush and greyness, but the truth of the matter is quite the opposite. I am a long time sufferer of Seasonal Affectedness Disorder, and any amount of time spent in the misery that we call winter is too long. That said, I have decided that since this year I must be in town for the month of Janu-weary, I thought that I would attempt to make the best of it. This is not to say that I am not hibernating-I am-nor is it to say that I have found a way to batter the winter chill-I have not, short of sitting on top of a hot water bottle. Honest! Nope. Winter still sucks, but here are a few things that are truly getting me through a very long four week stretch.

1. Tomato soup. Is there anything better than a hot cup of tomato soup and a grilled cheese (lactose free, of course) sandwich on a frigid day? Comfort food at its finest.
2. Aero Chocolate bubbles. I am usually a dark chocolate girl through and through, but these little bites of Canadian ingenuity are just the right size for a winter chocolate fix without feeling as though I am packing on the winter weight. They kind of melt on the tongue-oh my-a little taste of heaven.
3. My Restoration Hardware foot duvets. The best $35 I have ever spent. They are plush, soft and incredibly warm. I don't even require socks which I loathe with a passion even in the dead of winter. Pampered feet are happy feet.
4. My Kindle. The greatest invention since the iPod. I love reading on my e-reader. The Husband purchased an iPad recently so I have had the opportunity to try reading on it and compare the two, but I have to admit that I am still partial to my Kindle. It is easier to read, no glare, and it is much lighter and less awkward. I have heard all of the concerns about missing the tactile experience of a book and, yes it took a bit to adjust, but I am hooked. Look, the way I figure it, we moved from stone tablets and scrolls. The e-reader is just the next logical step. 
5. A long, hot, steaming shower. If one is ever in need of chasing the blues away, I highly recommend a shower. It allows for the opportunity to get warm, and the solitude is a great place for problem solving. 
6. The butt/seat warmers in my car. How did we ever function without this life-affirming gadget? I don't think that I could buy another car without one.
7. The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, and my new favourite TV comedy-The Middle. It is impossible to feel depressed when laughing. Each one of these shows is smart, brilliantly written and acted, and incredibly funny. 
8. Great music. Yesterday a friend sent me the video below of James Taylor and Yo Yo Ma performing Here Comes the Sun. Classic. Anything that good is guaranteed to lift me out of my doldrums.

These are just a few of my coping mechanisms. Please send me yours. I would love to hear about them and I would love to try them. Whatever works to get me through until the Daylight Savings.