I've Got Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

Today is gloomy. It's raining, chilly, and muddy from all the melting of the ice and snow from our winter storm. It's easy to feel down on these dreary days, so I thought I'd post some of the things that perk us up on days when we're stuck inside.

• Curling up on the couch (or in the bed!) under blankets and watching a movie: This is one of my favorite things to do on a crummy day. It is so relaxing (as long as it's not a horror movie, which I rarely watch anyway since I'm a huge scaredy cat...oh and don't watch a sad movie, because you will cry...you know, just stick with a comedy on the dreary days!) and for those short intervals when my son comes and snuggles up against me, it is, in my opinion, heaven on earth. Throw in some popcorn and you're in business!
• Going out to lunch: I know what you're thinking. "What? Ashley, why would you want to go out in the rain if you don't have to?" Well, I'm glad you asked. Going out to lunch has many advantages: 1. You get some fresh air. 2. You get to listen to music in the car on the way. 3. You get to "people watch." Really...this is something I love to do. I think I get it from my Daddy. He can sit in the mall while us women shop and be content watching people walk by and striking up conversations with strangers. 4. You get to enjoy a meal that you didn't prepare. 5. Someone else cleans up after your toddler. 6. You get to listen to music on the way home.
  
• Naptime: Need I say more?
• Art: I am just starting to see my son get more interested in drawing/coloring. He loves to grab a post-it pad and a pen and act like he's making a grocery list like Mommy. Sure, it's all squiggles, but he likes seeing the marks show up on his paper. I have not been brave enough for finger paints yet. One day soon, though...
• Cooking/Baking: Bake some cookies or cupcakes. Share with your neighbors. Send me some. Cook something that will warm you up like Chicken 'N' Dumplins (which I just found out recently are actually very easy to make - just make sure you use self-rising flour! ;)).
• Just for mom: Hot bath. Book. 'Nuff said.
• Dance party: Put on your favorite tunes and show me what you're workin' with!
  
• Talk to a friend: Catch up with your friend(s), whether via phone or internet.
• Board games: Play a game with your family. We always end up with lots of fun and laughter when we play games together.
  

A crummy weather day does not have to bring you down. Spice it up with some fun. (Please note that cleaning in any form was not on this list.) I'm just sayin'...