January Survival Kit

Did you notice? It’s January. Nobody I know claims January as their favorite month, and I don’t think I even have to get into the reasons why. It doesn’t matter—what matters is that we endure. Below is a brief list of things that help get us (i.e. me) through these dark, dark days.

Happy Hour: It’s cheap, cheerful, and delicious. Besides, when it gets dark at 4:45 there is no reason to abstain from drinking before 5:00 and absolutely no reason to be awake past 10.

Rock Documentaries: Pete Seger: The Power Of Song, Patti Smith: Dream Of Life, Shane McGowan: If I Should Fall From Grace. They entertain, they educate, they inspire, and they remind you that compared to the truly great and talented you will never amount to anything in life.

Coors Light: It’s not because I’m from Colorado—it’s because of the frost-brew liner and the low alcohol content and the fact that it somehow makes most situations better, more festive, more poignant.

New favorite songs delivered from friends via iChat: It's magic how they suddenly appear on your desktop like that. The Arcade Fire doing Talking Heads’ “Naïve Melody.” Galaxie 500, “Strange.” Wire’s “Used To.” The Zombies, “Whenever You’re Ready.” I’m a lucky woman.

Trader Joe’s California Rolls with brown rice: I thought non-sketchy grocery store sushi didn’t exist but I was wrong. Three bux. Comes with ginger and wasabi. Tastes sweet and fresh like the ocean breeze.

Spooning: One of life’s most excellent activities is only enhanced by the frosty January air.