welcome to the first day of spring, everyone. the current temperature is 85 degrees. leave it to chicago to skip seasons altogether and rendering my large collection of cute spring jackets useless.

to celebrate the end of a fairly mild winter, i leave you with the top 5 ways to ring in spring. enjoy.

one. it's too early to run your air conditioning. go somewhere that is already running it for free.

GAME ON | March 9 - April 21 from Alan and Michael Fleming on Vimeo.

like an art gallery. currently running until April 21, Game On is on exhibit at threewalls featuring our friends Alan and Michael Fleming, brothers who attempt twin telepathy while spending their first time living apart in Chicago and New York. the collaboration which happened in two parts—part one while living in different cities, part two when reunited in New York—in which the latter is on display in the form of video, drawing and sculpture.

two. turn off the netflix. you've already caught up on all your MioBi episodes.

find one of the remaining bookstores in your 'hood and pick up this book, then return to reading outside by the lake. Jonah Lehrer writes about the science behind creativity and while the creation of an idea causes specific activities in the brain, the conditions for the moment to happen are quite broad. read interview highlights with the author at npr.org. who knows, maybe your reaction the next supremely adorable puppy that walks by sparks the next multi-million idea.

three. go ahead and ride a segway.

as much as i love knocking it, i've heard the tours are actually quite entertaining. keep an eye out for the tour guide that has a pet parrot, he's like the unicorn of segway tour guides.

four. be less of a nerd and just ride your bike.

it's not too far from the city, but the palos park forest preserve offers a little less rollerbladers in your way than the lakefront. out of my way, hackers.

five. when in doubt, drink beer.

no explanation needed. the weather is forcing beer gardens out of hibernation. find one nearest you here.