Ten things to do instead of watching the inauguration
We’re a few minutes away from the inauguration of the United States’ forty-seventh president. Like many of you, I have no plans to watch the proceedings. It was enough to watch it for the first time eight years ago.
But, to avoid the crap that will be happening to D.C., you might have to find an activity to avoid setting your eyes on it. Here are some suggestions on what you can do for an hour or so:
Take a long walk. It should be fairly easy to kill an hour or so by walking a few miles.
Go to the gym. For many of us, it’s too cold to walk outside or we don’t have access to a mall. Hit the gym, lift some weights or walk on a treadmill. Just make sure it doesn’t have a tv where you can accidentally see any news channel.
Go to a museum. I bet many of you haven’t been to one since your children were children. It would be fun to see dinosaurs that aren’t in Washington.
Head to a movie theater. I haven’t been to a movie in more than a year. I think Wicked would be appropriate today.
Watch a Hallmark Movie. If it’s too cold to go outside, turn on the Hallmark Channel. All their films are two hours long and are guaranteed to take your mind off of whatever. Spoiler alert: there will be kissing at the end.
Listen to loud music. I don’t care what genre of tunes you like; just turn it up as loud as you can stand it. I do recommend a heavy dose of guitars and drums.
Have sex. Nothing like a little physical connection to make a bad day better. And if you’re alone—that’s okay. No judging!
Take a nap. This kind of goes with the above idea.
Have an emergency session with your therapist. Talking it out is always helpful. If you have a therapist, give him/her a call. They’ll understand. If you don’t, get one. You’re going to need one to get through the next four years.
And finally—and this is the easiest, most logical one: UNPLUG THE DAMN TELEVISION. Just keep it off for a day or two or whatever 365 times 4 equals. That should be simple enough to do.
Those are my suggestions on how to get through today. As for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and more—you’re on your own. If you figure out a way to do it, let me know.