We’ve all noticed, as of late, the weather forecasts have been dreary often enough to send Picasso’s lingering spirit back into his blue period, but fear not, there are ways to keep a sunny disposition, regardless of threatening storms.
I’ve thought the topic over through sleepless nights of nail-biting agony during those aforementioned rainy – and thunder-filled – nights, all in an attempt to save fellow students from the wretched boredom of a rainy day.
1. Accept the situation, throw on your swimsuit and go to Hogtown Creek. However, keep in mind that lightning isn’t a fuzzy finger extending from the heavens to tickle your forehead, and that thunder is lightning’s boisterous henchman. One of Hogtown’s entry points for pedestrians is only two miles from campus, just south of Westside Park, across 8th Avenue. The place has nice trails, and when it rains, the water rises but can still be walked through. Go walk and splash about; it will definitely throttle your capacity for fun.
2. Read a good book. This idea couldn’t be avoided. I texted a friend to give me suggestions for surviving rainy days and he responded simply, verbatim, “Lol read or lie in bed and make sweet love.” Both viable options, but for this article I’ll keep to the literary aspect of communication. Here are some personal favorites to possibly spark your interest: “Ask the Dust,” “One Flew Over the Cukoos Nest,” and “Crick Crack Monkey.”
3. Movies. Namely, Netflix. Need I say more...Yes, I must. It would be a minor tragedy if a person didn’t also check out video rental shop Video Rodeo while living in Gainesville. It’s at a prime location just two blocks east of campus, right on University Avenue. The selections are better – far better – than a lot of Netflix’s, and you don’t have to queue up. Besides, consider it a cultural learning experience – a little glimpse of how things used to be.
4. Hit up a bar. For me, it’s Palominos. They serve a wicked Bloody Mary, have boiled peanuts and a Ms. Pac-Man arcade machine. Billiards is an option too, for those inclined. Besides, if you get bored of this spot, you can either hop over to Boca Fiesta or the courtyard outside, which is covered on the backside of the restaurant.
5. Aim for a dance revolution. This is inspired by my older brother. A long time ago, I walked in on him during a rainy day while he was dancing in his underwear to a Will Smith song. As a witness of the sheer indecency of lacking coordination that occurs on dance floors, a little beforehand practice can’t hurt. So shut the blinds, crank up the volume and wiggle with it.
Of course you could always write an article for The Independent Alligator. It’s been pouring rain since ten this morning and I’ve just happily spent two hours composing this piece for you all. Hope some of these help.
