Take 'em by surprise

"Breaking news!" I tell my sister. "I killed a spider in the bathroom by throwing water around it so that it lost its footing and got swept into the sink & down the drain! That way I didn't have to clean up spider guts by killing it another way!"

Rebecca replies, "But it might survive and crawl out, so I always kill them."

At least I made sure so much water followed it down the drain that it couldn't possibly have survived.

somewhere sunny please?

Winter blahs -noun: often characterized by 1) lack of motivation, 2) mild depression, 3) low energy.

Oh, that's what's wrong with me! Here are some solutions that I so kindly plagiarized from the internet:

1) Exercise. Endorphins can make you feel better and happier for several hours after exercising. Don't feel like braving the ice to get to the gym? That isn't an excuse. Jumping jacks, pushups, yoga, and chin ups require minimal equipment & space.

2) Eat healthy foods. You might crave pizza and Nabisco iced animal crackers,

but these refined foods can contribute to depression, lack of concentration, and mood swings (exactly what you're trying to get rid of).

So eat those things sparingly, or at least paired with healthier items such as salads, fruit, fiber-rich breads (ie, 100% whole wheat), and vegetables. Try making your own soups, in order to avoid canned soups (which pack enough sodium to give you either a heart attack or thyroid cancer eventually).

3) Make self improvement goals and work toward them. You'll feel better because you will be better.

4) Plan something exciting- the anticipation will improve your mood. Ie. a weekend trip, spa trip, girls/guys night out, themed party, or sporting event.

5) Get enough sleep. People naturally desire more sleep in the cold months. It doesn't necessarily mean you're lazy.

6) Socialize. Insurance statistics say that good social connections can add as much as 9 years to your life expectancy (http://www.attitudefactor.com/socialties.htm). So go hang out with a good friend, or talk to someone who makes you laugh.

7. Relax. Take time to read a book, do nothing, even take a bubble bath.

8. Put these things into practice, don't just read them.