Six tips to help beat the winter blues

If you’re like me, this is the time of year when you just want to hibernate. It’s dark, bleak and cold outside, which makes it hard to get out of bed in the morning and easy to pass on going out at night. I tend to get the blues because the holidays are over and, let’s face it, we’ve got a long way to go until Memorial Day.

This year I’ve taken precautions to keep myself cheery and motivated. Here are some tips that I find helpful to beat the winter blues.

Take vitamin D: The lack of sunlight during the winter months lowers your body’s level of vitamin D. According to WebMD, some studies say that vitamin D helps boost mood by keeping levels of serotonin high, which wards off depression. By taking a daily supplement of 1000 IU of vitamin D, you can help improve your mood and your immune system.

Stay active: Exercise is another natural mood booster. When it’s cold and dark, though, it’s hard to find the motivation to work out. If it’s within your budget, join a gym for the winter. I chose an expensive gym that’s less than five minutes from my house. After work, I hop on the treadmill, tune into E! News and the Daily 10 and before I know it, an hour has passed. On the weekends, if it’s warm enough, I take advantage of the sunlight and go for a walk on Jemison Trail.

Use self-tanner: Each winter, it never fails that I look at a photo of me from the summer and yearn for that long-lost tan. Now, I know you’re supposed to be paler this time of year. But giving myself a little bit of color makes me look and feel better. I like Faux Tan by Bare Escentuals. Note: Do not go crazy with the self-tanner. Orange is not natural. Just apply enough to give yourself a healthy glow.

Indulge in comfort food: This my all-time favorite category of food. It means different things to different people. But when the temperature drops, I think of hearty soups, chili, mashed potatoes, and all things carb. So go ahead and have some. I bet you’ll feel full and happy when you do.

Make it a movie night: A cold winter night provides the perfect excuse to get cozy and have a movie night at home. I love to bundle up in the quilt that my grandmother made me, light candles, have a glass of red wine and hit the couch for some Netflix action. Another bonus: it’s free.

Change your perspective: This is probably the most important tip. Don’t stress yourself out over little things that don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Of course, it’s easier said than done. But if you teach yourself to be thankful for the simple pleasures in life, you’ll be a lot happier.

I never really thought of myself as a "beach" person. For one, my fair skin and the sun do not get along. No matter how much sunscreen I slather on I always end up with weird blotchy burns. Second, it's kinda hard to like the beach when you're not a fan of sand. Third, I grew up in a household where a familiar saying was, "If you've seen one beach, you've seen them all."

Yet the older I get, the more I want to get away to the beach. Last weekend, P and I went down to Orange Beach, the lovely Redneck Riviera, for a three day weekend. This was not the beach trip of our college days where we divided our time equally between laying out and the FloraBama (and plenty of sleeping in to recover from the latter). In fact, we did not visit the establishment at all. We had a grown-up spring break.

I needed this weekend of sleeping, reading, eating and relaxing. I woke up early and sat on the balcony and watched the waves. I lost myself in books to block any work-related thoughts from creeping into my mind. P and I walked to the jetties and sat on the warm, smooth rocks. We gorged ourselves on seafood (mostly fried) and were so full after dinner, the FloraBama wasn't even an option.

It was on this trip that I decided I am a beach person. The beach gave me what I needed--time to be still and quiet and listen to the waves and feel the sun.

My lovely Sunday

So much for sticking to my New Year's goal of blogging every day. Work has really picked up and I'm pretty much brain dead by the end of the day. I've been conserving all of my brain power for my job. Now I'm finally starting to catch my breath.

This morning, I could feel the familiar Sunday dread creeping in. I've reverted back to high school in a way. In high school I was never fond of Sundays because that meant doing homework and the inevitable return to school on Monday. This sour feeling subsided when I was in college because, well, it was college and everyday felt like the weekend. Damn, I miss those days. Now the dread is back and I have to learn to deal with it. It's not good to start my week with this feeling. So when I started feeling blue this morning, I made an effort to do something about it.

First, I took care of some laundry and dishes that needed doing. It felt nice to do something productive. Around lunch time I got my butt dressed (no makeup though ha!) and made the decision to get brunch by myself. I needed some "me" time and it provided the opportunity to do some reading for work. I grabbed my "homework" and headed out.

On such a nice springy day, I knew exactly where I wanted to go--Chez Lulu, an adorable little French restaurant in English Village. I got a table outside in the sunshine. I ordered a coffee and the plat du jour, eggs florentine with stone-ground grits and homemade applesauce. Before my food arrived, my server brought me bread and olive oil. I tore off a piece of the bread and dipped in the oil. For some reason it tasted so good, as if I hadn't had olive oil in years. Maybe it was just good quality olive oil. But I began to feel better about my day.

The eggs florentine was ehh not so good, but the rest of the food was delicious. I settled into my book and occasionally watched passers-by and eavesdropped on neighboring tables' conversations. Two middle-aged couples were discussing movies and TV shows they rented through Netflix. They were going to see a movie after brunch. They left and a couple took their table. Their conversation was quite interesting because they were planning a trip to Mexico and Central America. Mind you, a four-week-long trip. As I listened to the fascinating details I wondered what their professions were to allow them to take such time off of work. They also mentioned taking a detour to wine country in Oregon and Washington and something about moving to Colorado. I also thought I heard a wedding being mentioned. All in all, I was pretty jealous. Planning a trip is the existence of my being. I am never happier than when I have a trip to look forward to. It made it hard to focus on my book.

I so enjoyed my brunch. The sun felt nice though it did leave me sleepy. Next I headed to Whole Foods to grab some grub for the week. A trip to Whole Foods is always a treat. I began to feel like this might turn out to be a nice Sunday after all. After depositing my groceries at home, I wanted to get back outside. I drove to Jemison Trail to go for a walk. I worried that I was cutting it close to sunset, but I made it just in time. The walk was just what I needed. I listened to my pod, admired all of the beautiful homes in Mountain Brook and soaked up the fresh air. I loved seeing lots of people out doing the same thing. And I spotted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, my dream dog. The dread I felt this morning had disappeared. This walk in the woods saved my Sunday.

25 Random Things About Me

1. I love listening to Edith Piaf sing though I do not speak French. I try to sing along but I really just make noises that sound French-esque.

2. I freaking love Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies.

3. I have a special little friend named Gownie :)

4. I hate people who act stuck-up and superior.

5. I am so ready for the 'W the President' stickers to come off of 95% of cars in Alabama. Yay for Blue Dot stickers!

6. It bugs the snot out of me when people hate on Southerners. Haters.

7. When I want to be lazy, I can be really lazy. And I truly enjoy it.

8. President Jimmy Carter might be my favorite human being ever. Garth Brooks comes in at a close #2.

9. I make up a new nickname for Preston pretty much everyday.

10. When I was little (until about age 5 maybe) I was a bad kid. I could throw hellacious tantrums--just ask my mom.

11. I want to have a house with an awesome back patio so I can dine al-fresco and have dinner parties in the warmer months. It makes me think of California/Europe.

12. I secretly long to wear a one-piece swimsuit.

13. GEEZ I love wine and cocktails. I might start having a cocktail hour after work everyday.

14. I think a pair of Levi's on a guy is tres sexy.

15. I lurve Indian food. Chicken tikka masala is the shiz.

16. I went through a cardigan twinset phase in high school.

17. If I had to be in a pageant tomorrow, I have no idea what my talent would be. I don't think I have one.

18. Travel will be priority in my life.

19. I believe that gays and lesbians should have the same rights as everyone else and be allowed to marry the person they love. Watch "Milk" and tell me you're not moved.

20. I am a freak about putting lotion on my hands after washing them. Touching paper without lotion is absolutely out of the question.

21. I think the history of the state of Alabama is fascinating.

22. I have crooked pinkies.

23. Mine and my dad's song was "You Got It" by Roy Orbison. I miss him.

24. I enjoy discussing good movies with my mom and stepdad.

25. Preston and I have a serious problem of talking in baby talk. I've slipped into the voice at work, which is so not professional.

Africa and India in 2 days

This weekend I watched two epic films--Out of Africa and Gandhi. How I have lived until now without seeing these movies, I do not know. After watching them I feel like I changed person. It's movies like these that remind me of how powerful and moving the cinema can be. I also look at these films as opportunities to learn more about history, different cultures and humanity in general--part of my quest to expand my cultural horizons.

In short, what I loved about each film:

Robert Redford washing Meryl Streep's hair (gush)

1. The scenery: Good lord, the views in this movie took my breath away. In the scene where Robert and Meryl are flying in the plane above the African wilderness my eyes filled with tears (the music also had a hand in this). I never had too much of a desire to go to Africa. Technically, I've been to northern Africa--Tunisia, specifically--on a Mediterranean cruise. After seeing this movie, I would very much like to see more of Africa if I ever have the chance.

2. MERYL: Is she real? She's such an amazing actress, it's hard to believe she is any sort of person outside of the character she is playing. I love her strength and independence, as well as her vulnerability, in this movie.

3. Robert Redford: I mean, he's Robert Redford. What else is there to say?

"We must be the change we wish to see." - Mohandas K. Gandhi

1. Again, the scenery: I've developed a real fascination with India--the land, the people, the food. I'm glad the makers of this film took the time to show the landscape of the country. The scenes where Gandhi travels through the countryside by train really give the audience an understanding of the vastness of India (though it did make the movie 3 hours and 10 minutes long, it was necessary).

2. Gandhi, Bapu: Bapu means "father." I really didn't know much about Gandhi prior to watching this film. He certainly was a remarkable human being and leader. I was moved by his wisdom, patience and compassion. Ben Kingsley sure did a hell of a job taking on this role; he did it with perfection.

3. Peace: Though I was sad that the world lost such an extraordinary visionary, this film gave me a sense of peace after I watched it. I'm inspired by Gandhi's simple way of living. I hope I can find ways to incorporate his philosophy into my own life.

Every picture tells a story, don't it?

First off, I want to follow up on Tuesday's post about my personal growth plan. I wasn't sure how I could execute my 4th goal, but shortly after I posted the light bulb went off. From now on, I will "tweet" (That's Twitter-speak for posting a Twitter comment) 1 thing each day for which I am grateful. Tah-dah a measureable tactic! I'm telling you, social media has my mental wheels a-turnin'.

Ok, so this post is a new segment I'm trying out. Note: The title refers to a Rod Stewart song, also featured on the Almost Famous soundtrack--loves.

Today's feature:

Summer 2006

I'm not exactly sure what possessed me to put up this embarrassing photo. My mother made me take this before I went for an internship interview at a PR agency in San Francisco. (I was living at home for the summer after a quick change of plans). Unfortunately, I didn't get the job, but it's funny to see where your career path takes you. For me, it took me from being a runner at a law firm (contemplating law school) to an intern at a Birmingham boutique PR agency to an intern at Coastal Living and Cottage Living magazines--at this point I was worried I'd forever be an intern--to finally landing a "big girl" job at an ad/PR agency in Birmingham. It was often times frustrating and I definitely felt like I was having a quarter-life crisis, but now things are soooo much better. It's good to be a working gal. On that note, I think I'll let Dolly Parton wrap things up...

Workin' nine to five
What a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by
It's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind
And you never get the credit
It's enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

My Personal Growth Plan

A co-worker and I were discussing New Year's resolutions after coming back to work from the holiday break. In talking, she recommended I watch Joel Osteen's Sermon #388 "Developing a Growth Plan." According to Mr. Osteen, if a person devotes an hour a day to learning a new talent/subject, that person will become in an expert in that area in three years or less.

Now, I've seen stories about Joel Osteen on the news (maybe it was a 60 Minutes segment) and I was skeptical. He talks in that "salesman" voice and his church is way too big and new age-y for me. I'm a more traditional gal--when it comes to church services, that is.

But something about this theory sparked my interest. Maybe it's because it's the beginning of a new year and I actually decided to have some goals (aka resolutions) this go-round. Maybe it's because 2008 was such a bitch of a year and I want to hear some good news for a change. Perhaps my quarter-life crisis is taking a breather since I finally have my first real, full-time (big girl) job. Who knows? I decided to give Joel Osteen and his sermon a chance.

I just finished watching it, and I do feel it was beneficial. If anything, it gave me a pep talk and reinforced my desire to never stop learning. (Downside: It did make me yearn for my college years. I miss being in an academic environment). Most importantly--and this may sound cheesy--it gave me hope for the future. As long as I keep working toward my goals and try to better myself as a human being, I think good things will come my way.

As my mom says, "As long as you have a plan you'll be okay." In short, here are some of my rough goals for my personal growth plan:

1. Try to write everyday, i.e., update this blog. The goal is to find a subject about which I am passionate so I can write a book or just figure out what the heck I want to do with my life.

2. Expand my mind with culture--literature, art, music, travel, food, wine

3. Become a social media expert--or learn just enough to keep up :)

4. Learn to be grateful for what I have. I need to figure out how to execute/measure this one. It sounds so easy, but I never seem to be satisfied even though I really am blessed.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure there are more to come. We'll start with baby steps, ok?

I want this blog to help keep me in check. A check-up from the neck-up, yo.