Climate Control

I'm worried about the frigid weather in Washington. 

Daniel isn't worried.   He's used to frigid weather-- he goes to college in Wisconsin.  My nephew Aaron isn't worried, either.  He also went to college in Wisconsin.

I went to college in cold weather, too.  I survived Ithaca, New York and several years in New England.  But since my mid-twenties, I've become a wuss. 

V says when it comes to temperature, I have a very narrow comfort range.  Kind of like a climate- controlled Goldilocks.  I don't like it too hot; I don't like it too cold; and most of all, I need to be dressed JUST RIGHT for the actual temperature.   

Even though my son and my nephew urged me to relax, I couldn't just "chill out" this time.  The inauguration sounds like too much "chill" and too much "out".

So I took myself to REI today and put myself in their hands. 

The manager set me up with the most knowledgable salesperson on arctic weather.  "She'll be really qualified to help you, " he told me.  "She's climbed Mount Kilimanjaro."  

If I ever decide to climb it myself, I now own a good portion of the gear.  Joan set me up from head (fleece headband with wool hat on top) to toe (liners, wool socks, and toe-warmers under my Uggs.)  

I'm all set for the inauguration.  Or the North Pole.

When I got home I checked the weather and they're predicting high temperatures in the 20's on Tuesday.  Suddenly that sounds almost tropical. 

So now I'm worried again.  I could potentially be outside my comfort range of JUST RIGHT for the weather.  Which means that everyone else will be hailing to the chief while I'll be inside my polar bear outfit having hot flashes.

Comments

[Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky]

With the perennial Washington wind (at least in the winter) factored in, you should be fine in the great outdoors. Chicago deserves its reputation as "the windy city," but the District, especially in the vicinity of the Mall, is a serious contender for that title. Of course, layering is an essential strategy for comfort in all climes at all times, although it does make responding to the "call of nature" a race against time!

[Trudy]

Darryle,
You lucky lucky girl! Well, partly, that is - the best part might be looking back on this whole experience from the warmth of California but seriously I am loving going on this journey with you everyday - I could have offered you my ski clothes if your ego could have handled it!
Thanks for taking me with you as you experience a once in a lifetime! Can't wait to see a picture of you and Barack together all bundled up!

[Darryle]

Thanks to you both for the moral support. Per Mark: I hear they're recommending bringing a roll of toilet paper--so even if "unlayering" is a challenge, it should be handy to mop up the tears.
And I wish I'd called you yesterday, Trudy--even though your size 0 clothes would be a lost cause, I think I could fit into your hats. LOL.

[Jody]

I wore my RED MINK COAT in D.C. last night. Mine was the only red one, but not the only
mink. Let's just say: It's f---ing freezing
here! Wear it all!

[Darryle]

I've been hearing warnings like yours from my sister in DC all week---which is why I got all this stuff and plan to wear every last thing. Thanks!