I’m not going to lie: Winter is flat-out miserable. It is unnecessary and redundant to point… I’m not going to lie: Winter is flat-out miserable. It is unnecessary and redundant to point out the countless reasons why — and besides, it only serves to bring additional gloom to the hardships brought on by a seemingly endless time of the year that is a direct contributor to seasonal affective disorder.

In the spirit of trying to appear jovial while residing in a city that essentially remains frozen for six months of the year, here is a list of little things so enjoyable that, regardless of how menial they might be even Old Man Winter can’t ruin ’em.

Live Music

For those who can be certified no less than “musically challenged,” nothing beats going to a hangout to check out the local talent — even if their skills may only be slightly better than your own. If nothing else, it gives you fresh material to make fun of. Throw in a frosty brew or steamy hot chocolate as an added bonus.

Down Comforters

There is nothing more essential for winter than bedding that keeps you snuggly enough that you can avoid jacking up the thermostat. A quality down comforter does just that. And it is as good an investment as betting on Lance Armstrong to win the Tour De France. A few overnight guests can attest to this claim, as well. (Wink, wink.)

On Demand

This could quite possibly be the best thing to happen to a lazy Sunday afternoon since the NFL. On Demand provides cable subscribers with the opportunity to watch missed episodes of their favorite shows and movies, as well as entire series, such as every single gal’s Bible, Sex and the City — all commercial-free and ready to be paused and rewound at your convenience. It’s also a great excuse to stay indoors and avoid battling the elements outside — not just the inclement weather, but class as well.

Hot Showers

For someone who has the ability to beat his or her roommates to the bathroom before all but H2O suitable only for a polar bear has been drained off, standing under a steamy waterfall is a relaxing and enjoyable moment of escape from the harsh realities of the weather forecast. Just beware of the onslaught of frigid air waiting immediately following your exit.

Trivial Pursuit

Nothing is more amusing than discovering which member in your group of friends holds the greatest amount of useless knowledge. For the more adventurous thrill seekers, add the twists of stripping or drinking as challenges. Use some imagination and hide all cameras.

The gym is constantly packed with New Year’s resolutioners, while attendance in major lecture classes has reached pathetic new lows. Despite temperatures in the 70s holding strong in recent memory, the signs are obvious: Winter is upon us, and it ain’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Unless you’re considering a transfer to the University of Hawaii — not a bad idea — it’s time to grin and bear it (The key word being “grin”).

Like an unruly teenager defying her parents, we must unite and fight against winter’s bitter reign. Find a way to make the season bearable, be it through hours spent frying in a tanning booth to gain a sun-kissed glow or mixing up a batch of frozen pina coladas, it is essential to obtain a reminder that, while not upon us at the moment, warmer days are indeed in the future as long as you survive. Unless, of course, you transfer to the University of Hawaii.

Colleen Bayus is bound and determined to enjoy the winter for once. And this is her last semester, so transferring is no longer an option. E-mail her at [email protected].