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Ms. Snarker’s cures for the January blahs

Think back: Were you feeling particularly down two Mondays ago? It’s proven scientific fact, or at least a well-publicized theory, that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year, aptly dubbed Blue Monday by Cardiff University researcher Dr. Cliff Arnall. But here in the States, Jan. 21 fell on a holiday, and you can’t really be sad when you’re being paid to not work. So for me, yesterday was Blue Monday. It could have been the nonstop drizzle, or perhaps it was the holiday credit card bills that arrived and made me rethink the role of my internal organs. I mean, I have two kidneys when one could suffice. Perhaps it’s time that freeloader starts earning its years of room and board.

But instead of wallowing in my self-pity or Googling black-market kidney buyers, I decided to cheer myself up the old-fashioned way. No, not with a whole cheesecake and bottle of pinot. Instead I went with my favorite music, movies and TV shows. These old standbys are guaranteed to put a smile on, at the very least, my face.

Album: Ani DiFranco, Dilate

Now, I realize this selection seems counter-intuitive. Right now you’re all, “Uh, Ms. Snarker, that’s, like, an angry breakup album filled with personal demons and unrelenting angst.” True, true. But it’s also got some of the best F-you songs on the planet, not to mention some of the best music to sing to at full volume in the car, windows up or down because you are a righteous babe and don’t care who knows it. And if all else fails, just fast-forward to “Joyful Girl.”

Movie: Finding Nemo

Yes, I am a grown woman. No, I am not ashamed to watch an animated children’s film about talking fish. You got a problem with that? My sister and I have been known to jokingly scream, “Find a happy place, find a happy place, find a happy place!” at each other over the phone when we’re stressed. And you know what? It works. Also, you cannot deny the cuteness that is Ellen DeGeneres as Dory. It simply can’t be done. I mean, the woman speaks whale.

TV Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Nothing slays your blues (oh, the puns; clearly I’m feeling better already) like some good old-fashioned demon-dusting. Something about Buffy, Willow, Xander and Giles staking vamps and cracking jokes just makes everything seem right with the world. Heck, let’s all snuggle up and watch a whole episode together in our jammies. I’ll bring the popcorn, you bring the holy water.

And, well, if all else fails, I just put this clip on loop, sit back and enjoy. It’s got pockets, are you into that?

So, what are your guaranteed blues busters? And who else wants Liz Lemon’s pajamas?

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