Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away

Due to unforeseen events, I spent this weekend without a car. And although that could have meant no plans for Sunday – my only day off – I decided to make the most of my time at home. So I grabbed my copy of “Eclipse” and headed outside to lie out in the sun. Not only did the immobilization give me a chance to work on my sad excuse for a tan, but I remembered how refreshing it was to just be outside. Reading is something I usually do from the comforts of my room, but taking it outside added a much-needed spin to my usual routine. And when I thought about it a little more, I decided I wanted to write a blog about activities you may do in your own life that you can take outside.

Are you a yoga nut? Try picking up to mat and taking it out on the grass. If you like to work out with a DVD, grab your laptop and take that outside, too. You’d be surprised what an early morning outside yoga session can do to lift your spirit.

For all you artists out there, grab your paintbrushes and canvasses and head to the nearest lake. I did this a few months ago when it was sunny but not too humid out, and it was one of the best ways I’ve spent a free day in awhile.

And for those of you who are looking for something a little more social and sophisticated, try hosting a blind wine-tasting outdoors. Whip up some appetizers, buy about six different bottles of wine and put them all in numbered brown paper bags (seal them at the top so no one can see the label). Then invite your friends over and have them figure out the wines. At the end of the night, give whoever guessed the most correct the bottle of wine everyone voted as their favorite. Even if they didn’t win, your friends will still be glad they got to partake in such an event. And again, taking your hobbies outside will add that extra “oomph” you may have been looking for.