We have begun to enter THAT time of year... You know.. when one day its 45 and the next 27. When it goes from sunny and tolerable to snowy and frigid. Two months ago 27 seem just fine. But after remembering what 45 felt like.. it seems unbearable. I like to call this the Chicago Spring Tease... when I moved here last April the weather was still flirting with spring, so I remember this all too well. She'll give you a little sunlight "Here ya go sweetie.. want some of that." Then take it away. "you gotta work for it this time." You'll feel like you've never been happier in your entire life when she gives you a fluke 57 degree day. Then want to cry at her deception the next day when you are wearing your uggs again. She gives then takes back.. over and over again..
Now, coming from Arizona.. I am not used to my state being so painfully fickle. Arizona is a giver. "HERE SUN! come and GET IT! Want MORE sun SURE!! 75 too cold.. how about 80!" I never felt like Arizona would string me along with promises of warmth every 4 days... I never felt like Arizona would lie to me about the status of spring* I always knew where I stood with Arizona.
But alas, when Chicago does give us spring.. then summer... the street fest having, beer drinking, beach laying, sport playing summer... You almost forget she strung you along for the last 3 painful months.
Yes yes... the spring tease has begun. Luckily, I am going to see my first love, Arizona in 13 days ... for a few days of uninterupted sun lovin!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
it was only a matter of time....
The wind was brutal and last nights snow fall was pelting me in the face. I had to lean forward to push my way through the wind. My eyes were stinging, my nose running and my cheeks were on fire with the cold. I was approaching my apartment building and was hurrying to make it in doors. Another resident of my apartment building, an older gentleman, was in front of me. He held the door open for me and said "Beautiful day isn't it" I cheerily responded, "oh yes! its beautiful!!! I think I'm going to read at the park later." We both chuckled and went our separate ways.
And then .. it hit me. OH MY GOD. I am turning into a Midwesterner...
And now that I sit here and think about it there have been small signs for a while. Unzipping my jacket when its sunny and 38 because "isn't it nice out?" Holding onto the fact that when I leave work the sun is out again.. which MUST mean summer is coming back.. sometime.. eventually. Arguing that the 5lbs I have recently packed on will "keep me warmer." Being the happiest I think I have ever been in my ENTIRE life the one fluke day the temps are mid 50's in January and believing winters really aren't even that bad at all! And today.. the most obvious sign of all... starting a conversation with a perfect stranger about the weather.
Yes, its all coming together now.. I no longer think the "caution falling ice" signs are the most terrifying/amusing things I have ever seen. I no longer revere the science of meteorology because as far as I can tell its a guessing game and here in Chicago they always guess wrong. Last month when I went home to Arizona.. I was practically melting in mid 70 degree temps! And I have actually heard myself use the phrase "The summers are so great it makes the winters worth while!"
Next thing you know.. I am going to start calling soda pop, arguing that lakes are in fact better than oceans and believing that there is something naturally beautiful about pasty white skin.
its only a matter of time!
And then .. it hit me. OH MY GOD. I am turning into a Midwesterner...
And now that I sit here and think about it there have been small signs for a while. Unzipping my jacket when its sunny and 38 because "isn't it nice out?" Holding onto the fact that when I leave work the sun is out again.. which MUST mean summer is coming back.. sometime.. eventually. Arguing that the 5lbs I have recently packed on will "keep me warmer." Being the happiest I think I have ever been in my ENTIRE life the one fluke day the temps are mid 50's in January and believing winters really aren't even that bad at all! And today.. the most obvious sign of all... starting a conversation with a perfect stranger about the weather.
Yes, its all coming together now.. I no longer think the "caution falling ice" signs are the most terrifying/amusing things I have ever seen. I no longer revere the science of meteorology because as far as I can tell its a guessing game and here in Chicago they always guess wrong. Last month when I went home to Arizona.. I was practically melting in mid 70 degree temps! And I have actually heard myself use the phrase "The summers are so great it makes the winters worth while!"
Next thing you know.. I am going to start calling soda pop, arguing that lakes are in fact better than oceans and believing that there is something naturally beautiful about pasty white skin.
its only a matter of time!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Lessons in Bus Riding
It was a day like any other... Woke up, got ready for work and ventured off to my bus stop bundled up in my jacket, boots, scarf, mittens and hat. I stood for about 5 minutes waiting for my usual bus the 134 express bus. As it approached, I noticed it was quite full, but not nearly enough that it couldn't squeeze in at least 10 more people. I climbed in and got cozy with my new companions that I would be getting close with over the next 15 or so minutes... If only I had known exactly how close we'd be getting.
As the bus stopped at its last stop and packed in another 10 people or so, I began to notice how toasty the bus was. Surely, with all these people in there coats about to burst like clowns out of a clown car we didn't need the heat on? I removed my hat and tried to cool down. But it was no use. This bus was slowly turning into a sauna. So, then I removed my scarf. Perhaps that would give me the breeze that was greatly needed. Again, my efforts were with out reward. At this point, I decided that despite the close quarters I was going to need to remove my jacket. Awkwardly I took it off.. hitting random people while i did so. At this point I had just about removed all I could while still maintaining the law and my decency. But, alas, the sauna bus just kept torturing me. And then it hit me... Oh. my. gosh.... I am going to faint. I tried talking myself out of it "Amy come on man... pull yourself together" Again, no use. My eyes became blurry and there became an echo in my ear. Yup, I was going down. On crowded bus in downtown Chicago. Super.
SO, being the polite person I am, I kindly looked at (or towards.. since I had no vision at this point) the person next to me and informed her "excuse me I think I am going to faint"
What happened after that I don't know. When I awoke, I was sitting/laying on a seat in the front of the bus. The man who had been sitting there was standing listening to his ipod... seemingly unfazed by the recent commotion. I had one woman and one man looking at me with concern. Another women stood near by also looking at me. The others either did not notice my drama or simply chose to give me the illusion that I had not been the mornings show and did not look at me.
There was a cold sweat running down my back and I had finally gotten the cool down that I needed. I sat there, confused and embarrassed, for the duration of the ride. Occasionally answering questions like "do you need water" "i have a banana" "will you be able to walk to your office ok" At last the bus stopped at my office. Slowly I got off as a sea of concerned eyes followed me. Stepped out into the cold morning air and proceeded with my morning, still feeling a little bit off and out of sorts.
So, in the end I learned.... It may be -10 outside... but its probably at least 70 on a bus.. and in a down jacket that can be down right sweltering!!
As the bus stopped at its last stop and packed in another 10 people or so, I began to notice how toasty the bus was. Surely, with all these people in there coats about to burst like clowns out of a clown car we didn't need the heat on? I removed my hat and tried to cool down. But it was no use. This bus was slowly turning into a sauna. So, then I removed my scarf. Perhaps that would give me the breeze that was greatly needed. Again, my efforts were with out reward. At this point, I decided that despite the close quarters I was going to need to remove my jacket. Awkwardly I took it off.. hitting random people while i did so. At this point I had just about removed all I could while still maintaining the law and my decency. But, alas, the sauna bus just kept torturing me. And then it hit me... Oh. my. gosh.... I am going to faint. I tried talking myself out of it "Amy come on man... pull yourself together" Again, no use. My eyes became blurry and there became an echo in my ear. Yup, I was going down. On crowded bus in downtown Chicago. Super.
SO, being the polite person I am, I kindly looked at (or towards.. since I had no vision at this point) the person next to me and informed her "excuse me I think I am going to faint"
What happened after that I don't know. When I awoke, I was sitting/laying on a seat in the front of the bus. The man who had been sitting there was standing listening to his ipod... seemingly unfazed by the recent commotion. I had one woman and one man looking at me with concern. Another women stood near by also looking at me. The others either did not notice my drama or simply chose to give me the illusion that I had not been the mornings show and did not look at me.
There was a cold sweat running down my back and I had finally gotten the cool down that I needed. I sat there, confused and embarrassed, for the duration of the ride. Occasionally answering questions like "do you need water" "i have a banana" "will you be able to walk to your office ok" At last the bus stopped at my office. Slowly I got off as a sea of concerned eyes followed me. Stepped out into the cold morning air and proceeded with my morning, still feeling a little bit off and out of sorts.
So, in the end I learned.... It may be -10 outside... but its probably at least 70 on a bus.. and in a down jacket that can be down right sweltering!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
What was I thinking. Vol 1
Todays high: 16
Current temp: 8
This mornings commute with wind chill: -16
Minutes I waited for the bus in said temps: 15
Minutes I sat at work with boots, scarf, jacket & gloves on in hopes of defrosting: 45
Days until I go home to AZ for christmas: 8
Chances i'll come back to Chicago instead of staying there for winter: Slim
Current temp: 8
This mornings commute with wind chill: -16
Minutes I waited for the bus in said temps: 15
Minutes I sat at work with boots, scarf, jacket & gloves on in hopes of defrosting: 45
Days until I go home to AZ for christmas: 8
Chances i'll come back to Chicago instead of staying there for winter: Slim
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sweet Naivety
We've all done it... looked back at pictures of ourselves from when we were much younger and think how easy life was! I can look back at pictures of myself from years ago and think... aw, sweet naive Amy.. what is she wearing?! What is she doing.. OH, life was so much easier when her biggest worry was which toy she'd play with at break. Or what if her mom packed a dog bone instead of a twinkie (true story)..... ah, sweet innocent little grade school Amy...
That is how I feel about the Oct. 26th Amy who blogged "At first I was afraid.. I was petrified" ..
Look at her, whining about a high of 44. Nice, warm, tolerable 44... She cries about the terrors of a low in the 30's and wonders if she will make it through the day.. Awww, Yes, Oct 26th Amy... You have no clue how wonderful you have it. The sun still shines at normal hours.. You can still get away with commuting in work shoes. Your life is so easy. SO nice... Oh, sweet innocent Oct 26th Amy.. Yes, you survive that "oh so chilly" 44 degree day...
You survived when the temps drop to highs in the 3o's... you survived purchasing winter boots and your first snow... But tomorrow.. that Amy.. and this Amy... AMY ARIZONA .. is facing a 26 degree high.... Lets see if I survive this!!!
The sad thing is I know one day in Jan/Feb I will look back at this post and think.. Man, what would I give for a day w/ highs in the 20s!! Sweet naive December 3rd Amy... If she only knew............
That is how I feel about the Oct. 26th Amy who blogged "At first I was afraid.. I was petrified" ..
Look at her, whining about a high of 44. Nice, warm, tolerable 44... She cries about the terrors of a low in the 30's and wonders if she will make it through the day.. Awww, Yes, Oct 26th Amy... You have no clue how wonderful you have it. The sun still shines at normal hours.. You can still get away with commuting in work shoes. Your life is so easy. SO nice... Oh, sweet innocent Oct 26th Amy.. Yes, you survive that "oh so chilly" 44 degree day...
You survived when the temps drop to highs in the 3o's... you survived purchasing winter boots and your first snow... But tomorrow.. that Amy.. and this Amy... AMY ARIZONA .. is facing a 26 degree high.... Lets see if I survive this!!!
The sad thing is I know one day in Jan/Feb I will look back at this post and think.. Man, what would I give for a day w/ highs in the 20s!! Sweet naive December 3rd Amy... If she only knew............
Sunday, November 30, 2008
I didn't know that I didn't know... until I knew! vol. 1
As I begin to experience this winter thing... everyday things I used to think I knew, understood or enjoyed are getting new meaning. SO, I have decided to chronicle those as I have "ah ha" moments about them!
the hooded sweatshirt (aka the hoodie)- now I have always understood the concept of a hoodie. its cute.. throw it on with some jeans ... great for hiding winter time flub. They are great... I am a big fan! But, it wasn't until i wore one under my jacket the other day that I realized the full beauty of these. The wind was howling, my ears were freezing and my cheeks felt like they were on fire with the cold (if that makes sense).. I was at a loss how was I.. little Arizona Amy... to compete with these winds of fury?! then it hit me.. AMY! you are wearing a hoodie... those have HOODS. Quickly i threw the hood on and pulled it tight! ah, relief.... AND that is when it clicked.... hoods are to be warn for warmth. B.E.A.utiful!
the fast walk - I have always considered myself a fast walker... I get greatly annoyed when I am stuck behind slow people, and I occasionally consider body checking couples holding hands and therefore, walking slower... Unless you have some reason why you can't walk fast... then walk fast is my motto. Now, my father and boyfriend may disagree with the fact that I consider myself a fast walker as they get from point A to point B at a trot... But, as far as I'm concerned I walk briskly. In the winter time, however, I have realized this "fast walk" is not only a lifestyle... but a means of survival. Walking fast not only gets you out of the cold sooner, but it also warms you up! Brilliant. From now on I plan on walking 2x faster and 10x faster if it is windy... that is until I fall on my bum from slipping on ice... (that will be a good blog!)
The shoulder shrug - I have done it before when indicating things to people.. for example if someone asks a question.. instead of saying meh.. you can shrug and get the same point across. However, when held for a long period of time the shoulder shrug can be a great tool for warmth. Yes! this brilliant everyday gesture of disinterest has now become my new found warming device. Its almost like I'm saying to winter "meh, this is all you got?!" The pigeons also do this to stay warm.... it was when I saw that that i realize I was onto something great....
For now those are the only revelations I have had.. But I am sure more ah-ha moments will come from this winter wonderland!! :) stay tuned for vol. 2
the hooded sweatshirt (aka the hoodie)- now I have always understood the concept of a hoodie. its cute.. throw it on with some jeans ... great for hiding winter time flub. They are great... I am a big fan! But, it wasn't until i wore one under my jacket the other day that I realized the full beauty of these. The wind was howling, my ears were freezing and my cheeks felt like they were on fire with the cold (if that makes sense).. I was at a loss how was I.. little Arizona Amy... to compete with these winds of fury?! then it hit me.. AMY! you are wearing a hoodie... those have HOODS. Quickly i threw the hood on and pulled it tight! ah, relief.... AND that is when it clicked.... hoods are to be warn for warmth. B.E.A.utiful!
the fast walk - I have always considered myself a fast walker... I get greatly annoyed when I am stuck behind slow people, and I occasionally consider body checking couples holding hands and therefore, walking slower... Unless you have some reason why you can't walk fast... then walk fast is my motto. Now, my father and boyfriend may disagree with the fact that I consider myself a fast walker as they get from point A to point B at a trot... But, as far as I'm concerned I walk briskly. In the winter time, however, I have realized this "fast walk" is not only a lifestyle... but a means of survival. Walking fast not only gets you out of the cold sooner, but it also warms you up! Brilliant. From now on I plan on walking 2x faster and 10x faster if it is windy... that is until I fall on my bum from slipping on ice... (that will be a good blog!)
The shoulder shrug - I have done it before when indicating things to people.. for example if someone asks a question.. instead of saying meh.. you can shrug and get the same point across. However, when held for a long period of time the shoulder shrug can be a great tool for warmth. Yes! this brilliant everyday gesture of disinterest has now become my new found warming device. Its almost like I'm saying to winter "meh, this is all you got?!" The pigeons also do this to stay warm.... it was when I saw that that i realize I was onto something great....
For now those are the only revelations I have had.. But I am sure more ah-ha moments will come from this winter wonderland!! :) stay tuned for vol. 2
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Daylight Stealings.
It wasn't so long ago that I don't remember. Only about a week or so ago. I'd leave work. Step out into the fading sunshine of the day.. soaking it in. I would hop on my bus and hope to catch a seat on the right side so I would be able to see the view of Lake Michigan to the east. Many days there would be a gorgeous sunset over the water reminding me of all things happy and wonderful. I would get off the bus and walk home in the twinkling last moments of the days light. It was a much loved part of my day and aided in lessening the monotony of my daily commute.
Last Monday, but a week ago tomorrow, I had a very unpleasant surprise. As I passed by one of the many large windows that surround my 12th floor office I noticed that it was very very dark outside for 430. In Fact it was almost as dark as it is at night. Now, I have always disliked daylight "savings". The idea that we think we can tell the sun what time it is by "springing forward" or "falling back" has always angered me. And for a person who does NOT like change.. deliberately switching the clock on the world simply to add another element for our already confused bodies to adjust to and our overly taxed minds to reconcile with has been a source of great frustration. Luckily, being an Arizona resident for the majority of my life I haven't been directly burdened with this idiotic idea that the rest of America is forced to accept.
So that day, nearly one week ago, when i realized that daylight "saving" not only messed with the time my clock said, but with a beloved and joyous time of my day... I became angry.
One co-worker mentioned the darkness outside and I jumped on the opportunity to voice my own passionate opinion.
"Don't even get me started on daylight savings! I mean I think it is so stupid! Who are you saving daylight for!? not me! not the average working joe 9-5er. I mean, I used to have sunlight and now I don't! It got stolen.. Daylight savings?! SAVINGS! who are they saving it for? Farmers back in the 1900's? Um, hello, why can't they just wake up at a different time then they can just do their work when they want and not bother me. It just makes no sense! The sun doesn't set in the summer until 9pm and then we switch it up in the winter so it sets at 4pm? No wonder so many people get seasonal depression! Goodness, its not a wonder the ENTIRE STATE isn't on suicide watch during the months of Jan. & Feb! daylight savings, i mean, really, who are we kidding."
At this point my face is flushed and my two co-workers are staring at me in an awed disbelief probably thinking that their normal docile coworker has already lost it. Poor Arizona Amy... cracked and its only the first week of November. One co-worker finally squeaks out, "wow, Amy... I've never seen you get so worked up about something. I mean you're all red! I don't think I've ever seen you so passionate about something." I let out another low huff like a horse that just bucked off its rider. Then my other coworker perks up and says with devious smile, "I like this Amy!" I sat there for a moment letting my rage slowly slip away. occasionally muttering things about stupid farmers, and "what about MY sunlight" until finally 5pm rolls around and it is time to go.
I pack up. Go downstairs and wait for my bus on the lamp lit streets. When my bus comes I hop on. Sit in any seat. Ride home and try to figure out where I am..being completely thrown off with out having light outside to help me. Climb off the bus at my stop. Walk home in the dark and reminisce about the days when the sun danced over the waters of lake Michigan and when winter's icy hand hadn't stolen my daylight.
Nearly a week later I have come to the one small but promising silver lining to this daylight stealings crap.... commuting home when the Christmas lights on Michigan Ave (magnificent mile) get turned on. :) because that just sounds fabulous!
Last Monday, but a week ago tomorrow, I had a very unpleasant surprise. As I passed by one of the many large windows that surround my 12th floor office I noticed that it was very very dark outside for 430. In Fact it was almost as dark as it is at night. Now, I have always disliked daylight "savings". The idea that we think we can tell the sun what time it is by "springing forward" or "falling back" has always angered me. And for a person who does NOT like change.. deliberately switching the clock on the world simply to add another element for our already confused bodies to adjust to and our overly taxed minds to reconcile with has been a source of great frustration. Luckily, being an Arizona resident for the majority of my life I haven't been directly burdened with this idiotic idea that the rest of America is forced to accept.
So that day, nearly one week ago, when i realized that daylight "saving" not only messed with the time my clock said, but with a beloved and joyous time of my day... I became angry.
One co-worker mentioned the darkness outside and I jumped on the opportunity to voice my own passionate opinion.
"Don't even get me started on daylight savings! I mean I think it is so stupid! Who are you saving daylight for!? not me! not the average working joe 9-5er. I mean, I used to have sunlight and now I don't! It got stolen.. Daylight savings?! SAVINGS! who are they saving it for? Farmers back in the 1900's? Um, hello, why can't they just wake up at a different time then they can just do their work when they want and not bother me. It just makes no sense! The sun doesn't set in the summer until 9pm and then we switch it up in the winter so it sets at 4pm? No wonder so many people get seasonal depression! Goodness, its not a wonder the ENTIRE STATE isn't on suicide watch during the months of Jan. & Feb! daylight savings, i mean, really, who are we kidding."
At this point my face is flushed and my two co-workers are staring at me in an awed disbelief probably thinking that their normal docile coworker has already lost it. Poor Arizona Amy... cracked and its only the first week of November. One co-worker finally squeaks out, "wow, Amy... I've never seen you get so worked up about something. I mean you're all red! I don't think I've ever seen you so passionate about something." I let out another low huff like a horse that just bucked off its rider. Then my other coworker perks up and says with devious smile, "I like this Amy!" I sat there for a moment letting my rage slowly slip away. occasionally muttering things about stupid farmers, and "what about MY sunlight" until finally 5pm rolls around and it is time to go.
I pack up. Go downstairs and wait for my bus on the lamp lit streets. When my bus comes I hop on. Sit in any seat. Ride home and try to figure out where I am..being completely thrown off with out having light outside to help me. Climb off the bus at my stop. Walk home in the dark and reminisce about the days when the sun danced over the waters of lake Michigan and when winter's icy hand hadn't stolen my daylight.
Nearly a week later I have come to the one small but promising silver lining to this daylight stealings crap.... commuting home when the Christmas lights on Michigan Ave (magnificent mile) get turned on. :) because that just sounds fabulous!
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