Summer Dreaming

I sit here at my computer with a mug of hot coffee and cold feet as I write today. No, I am not nervous about anything. It is 32 degrees outside at 2:00 in the afternoon and my feet are seriously cold - even with socks on!  And the forecast is just looking colder and colder as the week goes on.

Growing up in South Mississippi, I wanted a true winter and I am grateful to experience one. However, now I am ready to go outside without fifty layers on but the weather is long from cooperating.  Therefore, I am composing a list of survival suggestions for all of us going through the Freezing Winter Blues.

Let the Sounds of the Islands...
The sounds of Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffett can instantly take you to the beach. I can almost feel the salt water breeze and hear the sounds of waves.  Unfortunately listening to this music in February does come with a drawback. As the music stops, so does the tropical mood. Be prepared for the incredible let down when the music quiets and you are able to hear the cold winds howling again! 

Paint Yourself Happy
Paint your toe nails a fun summer color!  Choose something like Flamingo Pink or Tequila Sunrise. Guys, you can do this too if you feel that it will help your mood. Desperate temperatures call for desperate measures, right? It isn't like anyone will see your toe nails with your feet nestled in those heavy socks and snow boots!  Just make sure you remove all signs of the polish before flip flop season arrives.

Margaritaville
Sip on frozen tropical drinks. The up side: you don't have to worry about the ice melting.  The down side: you will need to bundle up in blankets as you sip since the frozen concoction will make you even colder. If your hands are too cold to hold the drink, try wearing gloves as you sip.

Summer Fashion
Girls, put on that gorgeous sundress and strappy sandals. Guys, get comfy in your shorts and Hawaiian print shirts.   Inside. With the heat going full blast on 80. Admire your pretty summer colored toe nails.

Play Travel Agent
Plan your summer vacation and save the pictures of where you want to go to your screen.  Now you can sit at you computer and daydream as you look at the pictures. Don't worry about your eyes watering. Those are just tears forming as you realize that even the warm places like Florida are freezing at the moment as no where has been spared!

Or....
Enjoy trying these winter relief suggestions!  Or just quit complaining and go out to enjoy the snow.  Remember, about five months from now we will be complaining about the heat.  I guess for now I am going to get some more coffee and put on another pair of socks.