Snowed-In: What Do You Do Now?

You are snowed-in. The weather conditions are such that it is not advisable to travel to work, school, and the grocery or to any other location. You need to stay in your home; maybe you have already been snowed-in for a day, two days or more. What are you going to do now?

It is always a dream to miss work, school or other time demanding activities, yet when we become snowed-in for more than twenty-four hours it becomes a challenge to keep ourselves, family and even pets comfortable and happy.

The first suggestion is to maintain a daily schedule, especially for children. Make sure that everyone gets up at approximately the same time that they would to go to work and school. This helps assure that nights are spent sleeping and that when regular activities resume, that the internal clocks have not been reset. Also maintain regular meals times, schedule some activities to help transition through the day and into the evening.

Activities? What activities do you engage in when you are snowed-in? There are most likely many activities that do not seem very appealing, such as regular chores. However, by exploring your home you may discover some golden opportunities lie in this extended period of time being spent in your home.

Organization:

What a great time to tackle your closet, the toy room, the garage, the basement or any area that is used a lot, yet there is just never time to organize or clean. Time passes quickly when you begin to organize even a closet. That closet where you keep photos, albums, puzzles, games, hobby items, or electronic gear needs a little attention.

Electronic Gear/Equipment:

Go ahead, pull out all of your software and organize the shelves or area where you keep it. Also, look at all of the equipment that is stuffed into that drawer or closet. Can you really find what you need? Sort out the software, games or books that you don't use anymore. Maybe you could take them to an exchange after the storm, or list them on E-bay.

Photos/scrapbooks:

What a great time to begin, expand or organize you scrapbooking/photo albums. Even sorting digital photos onto DVDs, creating new folders or placing prints into boxes will help you be more able to find what you are looking for later. There are many free sites that allow you to search for ideas, layouts and to print materials for your scrapbook or album.

Hobbies:

Do you have a hobby? You may decide to begin or expand an interest through a hobby. This hobby link will take you to a site that lists over 132 hobbies and will give you information about getting started or expanding your favorite hobby.

Games:

This is an excellent time to pull out the old board games or jigsaw puzzles in the closet. Puzzles may be a solo or group activity. Games may involve one, two or many players. It is amazing how much these activities have been overlooked. Yet, this is a great way to pass a little extra time.

Reading:

Anyone and everyone enjoys reading. You may be the reader, or may be being read to, but it is an enjoyable activity. Reread a book that you enjoyed, but don't really remember. Read that book that you bought for times when you would be able to read it. Read to your children, or read with them, allowing everyone to be involved by taking turns reading out loud.

Cooking:

What a great time to explore your favorite, or new, cookbooks. You may be able to find a recipe that you may be able to use right now. Make a special dish for a meal or a special new dessert. Maybe a new snack!

Movies:

We almost all have DVDs that we have either not seen or watched only once. Dig though the DVDs and find one that would be great as a relaxing time for you or the family.

Outdoor activities:

I don't mean shoveling drives and walk ways, although it may be a part of being snowed-in....and getting out later. However, if the snow is falling, or has fallen in an amount that is good for sledding or building snowmen; take advantage of it. Do you ice skate? Have you ever built an igloo from cubes of snow formed with a wastebasket or recycle bin? Be creative. Enjoy the snow and then enjoy warming up with some hot chocolate!

Pets:

Even pets miss going out on a regular basis; and, they don't understand why they are being kept inside. If they can go out: have warm boots and jackets, the snow isn't too deep and it is safe for them to go outside, do let them go out. They may enjoy playing in the snow too. Some animals are more anxious to spend time outside than others; they do not all enjoy the cold or snow. If you cannot take the pet outside, do help them be comfortable. Spend some time with them playing, grooming or just holding and petting them. They will appreciate the extra attention.

This is a short list, and just a few ideas and suggestions to help make your days of being snowed-in a bit more pleasant. As I write this article I have been in my apartment for five days...I have watched many DVDs with my husband, cooked some new meals, organized my bedroom closet, finished some sewing projects, organized my dresser drawers and am moving on the organize my spice cupboard next. I know we will be snowed-in today, and most likely tomorrow also. I may need to review the above list!