Take a rain check on life
The month of April is notorious for being one of the most rainy, gray and boring months of the year. The saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” almost seems to say it’s okay, because May will be beautiful.
But the rain can be more than just wet – it can be fun. There are many things to do in the rain. Logan gets about 1.85 inches of rain a year in April alone, which is approximately 9 percent of the yearly rainfall, according to the Western Regional Climate Center.
As long as there is no lightning and thunder, there are many fun and safe things people can do to take advantage of wet weather.
Dance: If you want music, you can put the music indoors, and turn the volume up really high, or you can just let the inner music of the soul be the guide.
Kiss someone: Serious bonus points with your girlfriends, here, guys.
Hot tub: It’s relaxing to have the cool rain come down while hanging out in hot water.
Puddle jump: Most people don’t like being soaked, but if the proper footwear and/or rain gear are worn, puddle jumping can create many hours of entertainment. Remember to wear rainboots.
Build dams in the gutter, and watch the water destroy them.
Play soccer: It’s a muddy adventure, but the professionals do it, so why not?
Make yourself a work of art: Get washable markers and bathing suits, and draw all over yourself. Then go out into the rain and let the water wash you off. Feel free to do another activity from the list while waiting.
Be a rain photographer: Buy a waterproof camera and take pictures of the rain, the rainbows, the puddles, the clouds. Be creative.
Camp out: Put up a tent on the quad, in the backyard or at a park. Bring books, pillows, blankets. Cuddle up and drink hot chocolate from a thermos and read or tell ghost stories.
Break out the chalk: One of the coolest things is to use chalk to draw on the street, the sidewalk or a driveway during a dry spell. When it rains, the artwork is washed away and you can do it again.
Take a drive: Go for a drive, and make up songs by varying the speed of the windshield wipers.
Make mud-pies: Get large amounts of mud, and, during breaks in the rain, play with it. Who can make the biggest pie? The grossest-looking?
Get out the slip-n-slide: Turn the hose on, and slip and slide like it’s summer.
Go rainbow hunting: Some stores sell notebooks that are waterproof or water-resistant. Buy one, and some of the pens that go with it. Take it with you when you go hunting around town or in the canyon for rainbows. Jot down where they are, how big they are or what they look like.
Have a “rain-day” where everyone in the house stays home from work or school, and relax.
– april.ashland@aggiemail.usu.edu