December 16, 2009

Small Ways to Survive the Holidays

-Pet a puppy.

-Find a can or jar of something past its expiration date in your kitchen, and throw it away. Don't try to convince yourself of its use. Junk it. Don't look back.

-Read Donald Hall's Life Work. 

-Buy a new scarf in a ridiculous pattern.

-Apple cider + Leopold's Three Pins Alpine Herbal Liqueur + low heat + espresso-sized mug.

-Bring a live flower into your home whose shape and color scheme has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas. A yellow rose. A spray of purple tulips.

-Pick one calendar day between now and the end of the year and book yourself a cheap, comfort-food dinner out. Soup, bagel, happy-hour sushi, whatever. Every other day can get booked to the gills, but keep that dinner clear. Take a trashy magazine to read. Talk to no one.

-In DC? Go visit the trains at the U.S. Botanic Gardens.

-Select a large Ritz cracker. Smother with chunky peanut butter. Drizzle with honey, ideally issued from a bear-shaped container. Eat. Repeat.

-Two words: duckpin bowling.

9 comments:

Hannah Stephenson said...

Ah, these all sound absolutely delightful. I haven't had the alpine liqueur before...sounds very interesting!

marybid said...

I love this!

May I do all of them at once?

Giulia said...

Being a goody-two shoes, I would add to your excellent suggestions, helping someone else. It really does put things in perspective. Last night on the way home from a gift wrap for donation gig (where I heard people complain about their lot...most of which I'd take any day), I saw lots & lots of people on the street who need food. If those expired cans aren't too expired...give them to a food drive.

Thanks.

Jessie Carty said...

fantastic tips :)
i really have been craving some sushi, perhaps tomorrow night will be the night for me...

Greg said...

I heartily endorse the Botanical Garden! I've been going every year with my sons since,well, since they were smaller than me.

Jehanne Dubrow said...

Yes. This is fabulous, and I especially can't wait to try the one that involves the alpine liqueur. Sounds de-yummy.

Sarah Dohrmann said...

Oh my God, I've been totally hooked on Donald Hall lately. I second reading Life's Work!

Happy holidaze Ms. Beasley!

xx,
sd

Kelli Russell Agodon - Book of Kells said...

love this!

Steve Rogers said...

Some great ideas. I started by rereading Hall's Life Work.