What To Do During the Government Shutdown - UPDATE

Since this is a "D.C. blog"*, I'd be remiss not to mention the federal government shutdown, which has affected many thousands of federal employees in the metro area, and millions nationwide.  The situation has obvious implications for government programs, large and small, and for individuals who depend on government salaries, benefits, and services.

Leaving the nitty-gritty of the political conversation to the pros, I wanted to offer advice, relevant to the scope of this blog, on how to handle the shutdown if you're among the D.C. folks who find themselves with some extra time on their hands over the next few days. 

Without further ado, here's what to do during the government shutdown:

Attend Sixth and I Historic Synagogue's Shutdown Central, with free coffee, food, West Wing episodes, and yoga.

Check out upcoming author lectures, held both during the day and in the evening, at Politics & Prose.  Make sure to stop downstairs for an excellent coffee.

Answer WaPo's reader poll: How long do you think the government shutdown will last?

Work out for free, or at a discount, with a federal employee I.D.

Eat and drink, also for free, or at a discount, with a federal employee I.D.

Or, come downtown and support the food trucks, which were still truckin' on the first full day of the shutdown. 

Try out a shutdown-inspired pick-up line. 

Take a drive out to the country and pick your own apples and pumpkins in Maryland or Virginia.

Visit one of the cultural institutions that will be open despite the shutdown.  The National Geographic Museum is offering free admission to furloughed employees for the duration of the shutdown.

Find a book at a D.C. public library.  This Town may be a good choice.

Write to your member of Congress.  :)

UPDATE:

If you decide to watch Netflix from the comfort of your couch, you won't be alone.  House of Cards would be an à propos choice, though Top of the Lake and The Fall are two of my recent favorites.

Ford's Theatre will stage two free performances of The Laramie Project between now and next Tuesday, October 8.

*If you don't know, now you know.

(Capitol dome image via Old Blueprints.)