Looking Ahead to the Winter

Yesterday a meteorologist announced that Chicago's winter this year will be even colder and snowier than last year.  That's got to be pretty awesome considering I was stuck on a bus on Lake Shore Drive for 3 1/2 hours during last year's blizzard.  But the good news about that winter was the one-two punch of excessive snow immediately followed by temperatures 30 below allegedly eliminated much of the squirrel population (seemingly, I'm happy to say, including those that destroyed my garden). 

I hope that my brother in Austin is reading this and relishing his choice of residence.  Personally, I'll take a snowstorm over painfully hot any day.  Cheers to that, Evan.

Back by Popular Demand

Back by popular demand is...SUMMER.  Fortunately this time around we aren't slapped with humidity, but one can only hope that happens by the time the weekend rolls around. 

My guess is that we'll have more rain.  Last week ended what I believe was an 8 day rain streak.  But it only rained at rush hour, both morning and night (no exaggeration).  The rest of the day was dry, which is helpful for us enclosed in dry offices during the day.  Those rush hour storms really added to my commuting enjoyment, with someone's wet shoulder against me or umbrella dripping all over my book.  (Fortunately it was a library book, so it was already damaged beyond repair.) 

For now I won't complain, though, but rather just anticipate the complaining I'll do about the weekend.

It's Humid, but No Rain Comes.

Humidity, period.  It is very humid in Chicago today.  And yet everyone has already broken out fall coats, which are too warm.  Once you break out a coat, it's rare that you put it away because you're already in that fall coat-type of mindset.  You feel like you need to at least carry it with you because it's fall, and you've already needed it this year. 

In addition, a friend of mine (who is usually cold, by the way) told me that it was too hot on the commuter rail this morning.  She complained to the conducter, and he turned the heater off.  It makes me happy to know I am not alone in this matter and that I am now regarded as sort of the office expert in the area of weather-related shortcomings.

I'm back, and it sucks

Sorry for the blackout in posts, friends.  I was in the Bahamas for a few days, and while I appreciated that a hurricane didn't come take me away, it was a little humid for my own personal taste.  Plus the sun was in my eyes.

I've realized today that I sweat more in this crisp fall weather than perhaps I do during the spring.  You see, on a cold humid day (the only thing worse is a hot humid day), the heaters are still blasting everywhere (including, again, my CTA bus this morning).  How does one avoid sweating in this situation?  I welcome an honest and open discussion - I am willing to test-drive your tips.

It's Too Early for Winter Coats and Hats

Update from yesterday:  the CTA must have read my post, because the heat on the bus was off today.  It was the perfect fall morning.  (Obviously we already knew how useful blogs are - it's where business is done.)

What I DIDN'T care for this morning were the two people in North Face fleeces (Really?  At 63 degrees?  You live in CHICAGO, jackass).  Also, I saw a guy in a knit cap, which I found pretty offensive.  However, he was also wearing a Breathe-Right strip in public, so maybe something deeper was going on there. 

Other than that, I have to say I have no complaints about the weather today.

Inappropriate Responses

Today was 60 degrees in Chicago, and it is amazing.  The perfect crisp fall day.  Until I got on the bus for work.

The problem with the changing of the seasons is that no one really knows how to properly use the heater in the fall.  The bus had the heater blasting FOR NO GOOD REASON.  At 60 degrees it is unnecessary to have the heat on at all, as anyone who is particularly chilly can put on a light jacket or even a cashmere wrap.  (I also don't like it when people wear gloves when they are not warranted.)

I sincerely hope that the CTA adjusts its temperature response systems soon, because it is inappropriate to ruin a perfect day with a bus heater.