20 Things to do (instead of acknowledging the ceremony in D.C.) on 1/20

• Listen to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
• Honor Michelle Obama’s refusal to attend the inauguration* by reading her memoir Becoming.
• Screen a David Lynch marathon.
• Spend some quality time with your tweezers in a mirror with good lighting.
• Write a check to an organization you believe in – Planned Parenthood, the Damien Center and GLSEN are personal favorites.
• Cook something hearty like this soup. Yes, it’s meatless Monday, but seriously? Noncompliance is the new normal, no?
• Take on a home project. For me, it’ll be cleaning out my youngest son’s former bedroom and working to create a she-cave.
• Binge something authentic. I recommend Somebody Somewhere on Max
• Write a thank you card to someone. Notes of appreciation should not be limited to expressing thanks for a physical gift. Consider sharing your gratitude for someone’s presence in your life or an act of kindness you observed.
• Sip a cup of tea and explore future travel destinations.
• Take a long walk, preferably alone and to a place where you can breathe deeply. Optional: scream or cry.
• Treat yourself to a pedicure.
• Bake cookies. This recipe comes with the instruction to bang the baking sheet a couple of times during the process. Bonus!
• Check in with loved ones who might be feeling particularly vulnerable.
• Escape into a book, something epic like The Poisonwood Bible or one I’m planning to revisit before visiting France in spring, Rich Man, Poor Man.
• Make a playlist of your favorite inspiring songs. Prepare to play on repeat.
• Take advantage of the fresh snow – grab your x-county skis, sled or snow shoes and get outside.
• Get your paperwork organized. Collect receipts and donation acknowledgments and other financial documents to prepare for tax season.
• Go to yoga or the gym. Being strong and fit helps with whatever life throws at you.
• Visit a museum. History and art can always remind us that we’ve survived a lot of bad things before and beauty can be found everywhere.

Good luck.

*why are people more upset about a former First Lady not attending an inaugural ceremony than they were that time when the outgoing First Couple boycotted the ceremony for the incoming President?