To all my California friends, there’s a whole lot of snow in New England right now.
For many, you might not even care. If so, I would suggest that you remain ignorant to the East Coast weather and enjoy your round the clock sunny forecast. Although, last time I checked, the Glendale Galleria parking structure was completely flooded thanks to the storm that hit Southern California last weekend.
When I first saw snow for the first time, I freaked out.
Mind you, I lived in a part of the state where the changing of the seasons was essentially non-existent. We didn’t have the vibrant beautiful fall foliage like in New Hampshire or in Massachusetts. The San Gabriel Mountains never flooded upon thousands of gold, red, yellow, orange or even purple hues to match the autumn weather. In the winter, the air got a bit chilly, but it was always sunny. It never snowed in Los Angeles nor in my hometown. So I had to base my assumptions on snow from watching television and reading books.
For 20 years, I had no idea what snow formally looked like nor knew what snow felt like. From the literature I would pick up and the programs I would watch, I had these preconceived ideas that snow was fluffy, it was soft, and that it weighed and tasted the same as cotton candy.
Don’t ask why.
So when I finally – FINALLY – saw snow and touched it for the first time, I was very confused. It was nothing compared to the image that I originally had in my head of what snow was like. My fingers hurt from holding it with my barehands, it was sometimes more hard than powdery, and it definitely didn’t taste like cotton candy.
That was the most disappointing realization.
For many, you might not even care. If so, I would suggest that you remain ignorant to the East Coast weather and enjoy your round the clock sunny forecast. Although, last time I checked, the Glendale Galleria parking structure was completely flooded thanks to the storm that hit Southern California last weekend.
When I first saw snow for the first time, I freaked out.
Mind you, I lived in a part of the state where the changing of the seasons was essentially non-existent. We didn’t have the vibrant beautiful fall foliage like in New Hampshire or in Massachusetts. The San Gabriel Mountains never flooded upon thousands of gold, red, yellow, orange or even purple hues to match the autumn weather. In the winter, the air got a bit chilly, but it was always sunny. It never snowed in Los Angeles nor in my hometown. So I had to base my assumptions on snow from watching television and reading books.
For 20 years, I had no idea what snow formally looked like nor knew what snow felt like. From the literature I would pick up and the programs I would watch, I had these preconceived ideas that snow was fluffy, it was soft, and that it weighed and tasted the same as cotton candy.
Don’t ask why.
So when I finally – FINALLY – saw snow and touched it for the first time, I was very confused. It was nothing compared to the image that I originally had in my head of what snow was like. My fingers hurt from holding it with my barehands, it was sometimes more hard than powdery, and it definitely didn’t taste like cotton candy.
That was the most disappointing realization.
Then came my first ever snow storm and I had no idea what was happening.
Again, in Southern California, we NEVER took a day off from school because of the weather. The ONLY time that had ever happened was when we had those damn Santa Ana winds mess up Pasadena back in 2012. We didn’t even take the day off if there was a wildfire. But windy weather? Oh, you better stay home.
The first time classes were canceled on my friends and I, was during the November 2012 nor’easter, Sandy. Followed by a second nor’easter in February of 2013 when classes were canceled for almost a week thanks to Hurricane Nemo.
Unfortunately, my experience staying indoors during the Santa Ana windstorms was nothing compared to the snow storms that I endured while I was in college.
Because they were so FUN!
Again, in Southern California, we NEVER took a day off from school because of the weather. The ONLY time that had ever happened was when we had those damn Santa Ana winds mess up Pasadena back in 2012. We didn’t even take the day off if there was a wildfire. But windy weather? Oh, you better stay home.
The first time classes were canceled on my friends and I, was during the November 2012 nor’easter, Sandy. Followed by a second nor’easter in February of 2013 when classes were canceled for almost a week thanks to Hurricane Nemo.
Unfortunately, my experience staying indoors during the Santa Ana windstorms was nothing compared to the snow storms that I endured while I was in college.
Because they were so FUN!
If you think I’m crazy for saying that, you’re probably right.
Granted, going outside during a snowstorm isn’t all that great.
But staying indoors, is awesome!
If you have the right supplies, of course.
So if you’re like me, and like watching the snow fall outside the comfort of your own home, here is how to make the most of surviving your next winter storm. All you need is good planning and determination.
#1: Purchase Alcohol
Granted, going outside during a snowstorm isn’t all that great.
But staying indoors, is awesome!
If you have the right supplies, of course.
So if you’re like me, and like watching the snow fall outside the comfort of your own home, here is how to make the most of surviving your next winter storm. All you need is good planning and determination.
#1: Purchase Alcohol
While staying in during a snowstorm can be fun, it can sometimes lead to unexpected events (i.e. if your electricity or your Internet goes out), so you’ll need something to make the time pass as you wait out the blizzard.
Your answer: Alcohol
Make sure to run down to that liquor store around the corner of your apartment to pick up any much needed booze the day before the big storm. While you may browse between the aisles for that Budlight Beer or that hard Angry Orchard Cider, you’re allowed to spend a few extra dollars on some top-notch hooch. After all, you’re probably not going to leave your place for a while, so you’ll want something that A) Tastes good and B) Lasts for a long time.
I’m not saying that you shouldn't fill your cart with Moet & Chandon champaign up to the brim – I mean, you can, I won’t judge you – but it’s also okay to purchase that bottle of Jameson Whiskey you had your eye on for a long time, or that Patron Tequila all of your friends said tasted like honeyed caramel.
And if you really want to put some effort into your drink, make yourself a cocktail the day of the snowstorm.
I hear that hot chocolate and a shot of tequila makes a great warm winter drink.
#2: Buy ALL The Food
Your answer: Alcohol
Make sure to run down to that liquor store around the corner of your apartment to pick up any much needed booze the day before the big storm. While you may browse between the aisles for that Budlight Beer or that hard Angry Orchard Cider, you’re allowed to spend a few extra dollars on some top-notch hooch. After all, you’re probably not going to leave your place for a while, so you’ll want something that A) Tastes good and B) Lasts for a long time.
I’m not saying that you shouldn't fill your cart with Moet & Chandon champaign up to the brim – I mean, you can, I won’t judge you – but it’s also okay to purchase that bottle of Jameson Whiskey you had your eye on for a long time, or that Patron Tequila all of your friends said tasted like honeyed caramel.
And if you really want to put some effort into your drink, make yourself a cocktail the day of the snowstorm.
I hear that hot chocolate and a shot of tequila makes a great warm winter drink.
#2: Buy ALL The Food
In all seriousness, while it’s great to have a bottle of Grey Goose hidden somewhere within your fridge for you and your roommates to share when the wind starts howling outside, it is crucial to also stock up the day before on food.
But what’s great, is that you can actually splurge on buying all of the junk food you’ve always wanted to eat.
This is now your chance to try those s’mores Goldfishes you’ve been curious about buying since you saw them on display on Aisle Five!
It goes without saying that you should definitely stock up on the necessities: bottled water, pasta, bread and spread to make sandwiches, eggs and milk.
But knowing that a snowstorm is coming, also gives you the perfect excuse to buy all the popcorn and chips you’ve always dreamed off.
It’s like buying food for a Super Bowl Party, except it’s all for you.
#3: Netflix And Chill (But For Real Though)
But what’s great, is that you can actually splurge on buying all of the junk food you’ve always wanted to eat.
This is now your chance to try those s’mores Goldfishes you’ve been curious about buying since you saw them on display on Aisle Five!
It goes without saying that you should definitely stock up on the necessities: bottled water, pasta, bread and spread to make sandwiches, eggs and milk.
But knowing that a snowstorm is coming, also gives you the perfect excuse to buy all the popcorn and chips you’ve always dreamed off.
It’s like buying food for a Super Bowl Party, except it’s all for you.
#3: Netflix And Chill (But For Real Though)
One of the upsides of staying in during a winter snow storm, is catching up on all of those shows everyone has been chatting about at work or at school. If you get a snow weekend, that only justifies your motives to binge watch the latest Netflix, Amazon or Hulu shows online.
If you haven’t already seen Stranger Things or The Crown, now’s your chance to do so!
Curl up on your couch (with your spiked hot chocolate no doubt) and let the marathon begin.
The entire season of The Sopranos? Boom! Done!
Mad Men? Finished!
The six hour version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth? You bet you’re sweet ass you’ll be watching that.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with selecting a TV show to watch, then movies are always a good option.
Maybe you’ll finally watch all three Lord of the Rings movies back to back while the storm rages on outside.
Or be prompted to watch Mad Max: Fury Road.
The possibilities are endless! And better yet, you have no excuse to NOT watch these movies or TV shows while you’re shut in.
#4: Catch Up On Your Reading List
If you haven’t already seen Stranger Things or The Crown, now’s your chance to do so!
Curl up on your couch (with your spiked hot chocolate no doubt) and let the marathon begin.
The entire season of The Sopranos? Boom! Done!
Mad Men? Finished!
The six hour version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth? You bet you’re sweet ass you’ll be watching that.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with selecting a TV show to watch, then movies are always a good option.
Maybe you’ll finally watch all three Lord of the Rings movies back to back while the storm rages on outside.
Or be prompted to watch Mad Max: Fury Road.
The possibilities are endless! And better yet, you have no excuse to NOT watch these movies or TV shows while you’re shut in.
#4: Catch Up On Your Reading List
If you wish to feel somewhat useful during the storm, getting around to reading the books you have piled up on your bookshelf is a good place to start.
You know which books I’m talking about.
The ones you’ve bought six months ago and they’re still waiting to be read on your shelf.
Waiting and waiting so patiently, to have someone leaf through their pages.
It’s every bookworm’s problem to excessively buy large quantities of book and then NEVER get around to actually reading them.
Well, if you’ve stocked up the day before on food, and have a nice cozy blanket to snuggle into, then reading might be a key piece to you surviving the blizzard.
If you’re feeling lucky, you might be fortunate enough to cut down your “To-Read” list.
For others, you may want to take a nostalgic trip and crack open that dusty old copy of Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome as you sip on some freshly brewed tea. Sure, this may be the hundredth time you have read Ethan Frome, but you can’t get enough of Wharton’s haunting winter’s tale.
Talk about setting the mood.
#5: Break Out The Games
You know which books I’m talking about.
The ones you’ve bought six months ago and they’re still waiting to be read on your shelf.
Waiting and waiting so patiently, to have someone leaf through their pages.
It’s every bookworm’s problem to excessively buy large quantities of book and then NEVER get around to actually reading them.
Well, if you’ve stocked up the day before on food, and have a nice cozy blanket to snuggle into, then reading might be a key piece to you surviving the blizzard.
If you’re feeling lucky, you might be fortunate enough to cut down your “To-Read” list.
For others, you may want to take a nostalgic trip and crack open that dusty old copy of Edith Wharton’s Ethan Frome as you sip on some freshly brewed tea. Sure, this may be the hundredth time you have read Ethan Frome, but you can’t get enough of Wharton’s haunting winter’s tale.
Talk about setting the mood.
#5: Break Out The Games
Nothing says snow day than finding out that it was Colonel Mustard who was in the Study with a candlestick in Clue; or the satisfying feeling of slapping down a WILD CARD on your opponents when playing Uno.
When it comes to preparing for the worst case scenario when the power and the Internet go out, board games and card games are always the best option to make the hours go by. When you think about it, no one really plays boardgames anymore because nowadays the majority of the popular games can now be played on your phone. While this is convenient for those who wish to play a game anywhere and anytime, board games on the other hand are an opportunity to interact with others face to face rather than behind a screen.
And better yet, unlike iPhone/Android games, board games don’t require batteries or charging, so you can play an epic game of Monopoly by candlelight.
#6: Get Baked
When it comes to preparing for the worst case scenario when the power and the Internet go out, board games and card games are always the best option to make the hours go by. When you think about it, no one really plays boardgames anymore because nowadays the majority of the popular games can now be played on your phone. While this is convenient for those who wish to play a game anywhere and anytime, board games on the other hand are an opportunity to interact with others face to face rather than behind a screen.
And better yet, unlike iPhone/Android games, board games don’t require batteries or charging, so you can play an epic game of Monopoly by candlelight.
#6: Get Baked
Who really commits to their diet when it’s cold outside and the idea of the cozy warmth and delicious smell of baked goods is mouthwatering?
If you’re looking for something to take up some time, then undertaking a baking project of a fresh batch of cupcakes or cookies is an resourceful way to make your entire home smell like Christmas morning.
Other soul-warming recipes are rich, flavorful broth, savory-scented vegetables, or tender and juicy meats.
So if you are an inner chef, and snow is in the forecast, have your grocery list ready and buy all of the ingredients you will need to warm up your stomach the day before.
If you’re looking for something to take up some time, then undertaking a baking project of a fresh batch of cupcakes or cookies is an resourceful way to make your entire home smell like Christmas morning.
Other soul-warming recipes are rich, flavorful broth, savory-scented vegetables, or tender and juicy meats.
So if you are an inner chef, and snow is in the forecast, have your grocery list ready and buy all of the ingredients you will need to warm up your stomach the day before.
If the windows are rattling, and the sky has darkened, and you can feel the cold sneaking into your living room, just remember that there is always a way to combat against the frigid environment.
What is paramount is that you are prepared before the storm hits. Check the weather at the beginning of the week to get a good sense if the storm will be mild or monstrous.
Get your grocery shopping done immediately.
Check with your local electric company if they think the storm will cause any power outages.
And – if you’re like me – order your books off from Amazon Prime a couple of days before, so that you have them on hand and ready to read.
Good luck, and enjoy the snow from the comfort of your home!
What is paramount is that you are prepared before the storm hits. Check the weather at the beginning of the week to get a good sense if the storm will be mild or monstrous.
Get your grocery shopping done immediately.
Check with your local electric company if they think the storm will cause any power outages.
And – if you’re like me – order your books off from Amazon Prime a couple of days before, so that you have them on hand and ready to read.
Good luck, and enjoy the snow from the comfort of your home!
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