I seriously am at the end of my proverbial rope.
I know it sounds like I am whining…and that’s probably because….I am!
I already made “the best of it” and I’m ready to move on.
Spring technically begins March 20th. That’s less than a month away.
The questions that I must ask myself are “will I survive” and “can I make it without hurting anyone”?
What’s a summer-sunshine-lovin’-flip-flop gal to do?
I googled “fun ways to get through the winter”. On the bottom of the screen it gave my some other options related to “fun ways”. Two of them were “fun ways to get drunk” and “fun ways to get drunk faster”. Is the universe trying to tell me this is the only way to get through the next couple of weeks? That’s not gonna work. I’ll be in rehab by June.
Other brilliant ideas provided by the plethora (I don’t often get to use that word) of lists were as follows:
“Have a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.” Are you kidding me? How about a big bag of chips and a mojito.
“Wear your fuzzy slippers.” Fuzzy slippers? That’s all you got? Listen..I’ve been wearing fuzzy slippers, big socks and fleece since October. I’m done with that.
And NO! I do not want to build a snowman. Thank you very much!
Needless to say, I didn’t find any answers there. So I dug down deep inside and asked myself “how would Coco handle this?”
I thought of what I love most about summer.
And then I made a better list of ways to save a life right now (mine or an unsuspecting bystander).
Feel free to use any or all of these tips to help get you through until the snow melts and the robins come back to town. They are listed in no specific order.
1. Listen to some tunes that get you in the mood for or remind you of summer. Here’s a great one.
Michael Franti “The Sound of Sunshine” 
2. Get yourself a new pair of flip flops. (You are going to be dancing around in your living room to the above-noted tune…so you don’t want your cruddy old ones on the carpet. Just sayin’.) 
3. Time for a pedicure! Do not second guess this. It will make you feel wonderful! Do it!
4. Buy a beach scented (or anything that reminds you of summer) candle. Or get out your sunscreen. Open it. Take a deep inhale. Mmmmmm..heaven. If you’re really on the edge..go ahead and slather some on just to remind you of that summery feeling.
5. Pull out some pictures from summers’ past. Remember the “good old days”.
And remember that summer will once again return just as it has before. 
6. Be grateful. It seems like forever since there hasn’t been a pile of snow to climb over. But when we are feeling sorry for ourselves, a sure way to get out of that funk is to stop and just be grateful. Even if it’s just for the simple fact that we are able to climb over that pile of snow. Make a short gratitude list first thing in the morning or last thing before you fall asleep. It can be on paper or just in your head. It’s amazing how this small practice can change your attitude.
These are things I know will help me but what do you love most about summer? Is it a smell, a memory, a feeling? What is one thing you can do right now to take you to that special place? I would love to hear about your favorite things. Feel free to share and hang in there it’s almost over!! We’ll be having summer fun before you can say “Porky the Paper Eater”. 
Ready to take action?
Join the mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from Clarity Coach Cathy
Cathy- I stumbled across your wonderful little blog here. I’m sure this isn’t the question you were hoping for – and I’m also a guy. So if that makes me disqualified to ask a question, please let me know! 🙂
I was just wondering where and when in your life you came across Porky The Paper Eater? 🙂 I’m kind of obsessed with the guy, so any info I can collect on him is kind of a big deal.
I hope you have tremendous success here with your coaching!
Jim,
Hey..I am open to any and all questions..even from guys. LOL. Don’t be silly.
When I was a young, we had a great little park nearby…Angela Park in Drums, PA. I think you can still find it if you Google it. There was a great train ride through the woods, a sky ride, amazing food, a huge pool and Porky-the-Paper Eater. I’ve been seeing some posts about him on FB. You should be able to find info if you search Facebook for either Angela Park or Porky-the-Paper Eater.
I support your obsession. Thanks for writing and feel free to stop by again any time.
Cathy
Hey, Cathy! For some reason, I just came across your response. I guess I should have set myself a reminder to check back.
I am familiar with Angela Park! I have a Facebook friend I worked with this past November to design an Angela Park Porky shirt & hoodie which was used to raise money for charity. We met because of our common interest in the Paper Eaters. He is very active on an Angela Park Facebook page and I believe they are about to release a documentary about that wonderful little park. It reminds me a lot of my park in Ohio: Idora Park.
I have a Facebook page dedicated to Porky, Leo and friends called “Porky The Paper Eater Fan Club” where I collect and document the history and location of known Paper Eaters. This needs some updating, but it is the most information you will find about them in one location online. I would love to have you join us if you are interested.
Thanks so much for your kind response!
Jim