Tuesday, November 6, 2007

It's COLD!!!!!!! (A Jen Post)


I had an epiphany today... I realized that people don't wear scarves because they are cute or because they match your outfit. They where them because it's flipping cold outside and scarves keep you warm!

I can't figure out how to keep my eyelids warm though... that's the one thing I can't cover with an accessory.

Mike tells me that it's going to continue to get colder, like way colder, like 4o degrees colder. That's pretty damn cold! Tonight it was 37 degrees.. Now that's flipping cold and it's supposed to get worse?!?!?

I'm Scared!

In Sacramento, it got to be like in the 30's, but it was only a few times a year and it's not like you went outside in the cold. You got in the car and drove somewhere and then walked inside. You were in the cold for a few minutes max. Now, I have to walk to the subway in the cold and then I have to walk from the subway to work in the cold. That's a lot of time in the cold. It sucks!

I miss California and it's not even half as cold right now as it's supposed to get. This is one thing I didn't really think about with this whole "hey let's move to New York" thing.

Another thing that sucks is when your down waiting for the subway-- its super hot. So then you have to take off your jacket and your scarf and your hat and your gloves while you wait for the train. Then you have to hold all that crap while you ride the train and then you have to put all that crap back on before you come up to the ground before you start walking in the cold again.

Life here is a lot harder!

Having said that, winter clothes are really cute!

So I leave this post with a plea-- please comment and provide suggestions on how to stay warm!

Yours in coldness,


Jen

8 comments:

Michael Langley said...

My advice depends upon one question: Do your feet get colder or your hands get colder?
If feet: Head for Dick's Sporting Goods (I don't think REI is out there.) and get warming shoe inserts. (They are very thin.) You'll have to replace these more often but they work well, especially in snow. Another foot option, silk or Thinsulate socks. Both really keep you happy.
If hands: You can buy gel hand warmers for your pockets. Break and shake and they heat up. Again, you have to replace them every day but they are fairly cheap. Also invest in thin silk glove liners. And for goodness sake get gloves.
Wildcard: Your head might get cold. I had grandma knit me some caps. (Go ahead and call her, she's available.)

Anonymous said...

This is my first time to post a comment but I had to respond to this one (after taking time to chuckle to myself.)
Yes it will get colder - you ain't felt nothing yet.
Boots are needed even if it does not snow - warm boots with fuzzy lining (keep your cute boots for mild days) and carry your shoes in a tote bag to work.
Gloves - a must. Mittens are even warmer than gloves.
Scarves - a must - you can wrap them over your mouth and nose when it gets really cold.
Hats (beanies) a must - fix your hair when you get to work. Try earmuffs - they are cute and keep your ears especially warm.
You will get used to it (sort of)and when it snows it will be beautiful in the parks. When spring arrives - you will be soooooo happy.
Trust me - I know what I am talking about. Remember I spent the first 34 years of my life in the great white north (aka - Canada). During that time I spent many days riding the bus, subway, and streetcar to work in Toronto in the cold winter months.
I figure you will need a good visit to CA about Feb when you are so sick of winter.
The other good news from this blog message is I am thinking you will not be spending a life time in the north east. We will get you back to CA eventually. Yeah!!!!!

Love ya both
MOM Watts

Anonymous said...

Ok. Here is what I did to prepare for the cold:

1) Hat - yes, you will get hat hair but you will need it. Trust me, I know. You will need a few to chose from so shop away my friend. I wouln't mess with earmuffs. With the wind they could possible blow off, especially when you turn corners with the big buildings.

2) Scarf - wear 2 on the REALLY cold and windy days. It gets VERY cold, nothing like when you go to Tahoe cold. I mean bone chilling cold. Try below 30 cold. Yea. Not fun. You will need to wear 2 scarves on days like that.

3) Gloves - a must. With riding the trains you will have to see which kind works best for you but I rely on lined gloves. Try leather ones lined with something warm, but make sure the liner isn't too thick or bulky. Not sure about mittens. They will keep your fingers warmer but they will slow you down. You will need to pull them off to get into your purse for your metro card and whatnot - not only is that scary because it makes you vunerable to be robbed on the subway but it's annoying when people are slowed when dealing with their sh*t ( I know mom's is reading) when commutting. (Mike - hence the f-bomb. New Yorkers can't stand idiots and people who don't have it together and they will let you know with the f-bomb.)

4) Long, down, coat - yes, they are really not flattering but they will keep you warm. It's basically a robe made of down. You will be seeing them all over town very shortly. I got mine at Nordstrom. You can get a well made one for under $150. A hood isn't necessary but good if it's well made. Just make sure the hood is secure. It gets windy in the city! Also be sure you try it on wearing many layers. Because that is how you will need to wear it to stay warm!

5) Eye Cream and heavy moisturizer - I already told you about this but it is super important. Our delicate California skin is not used to this kind of cold. Throw in all the pollution and wham! Yuck central. So invest in some really good night cream and eye treatment too.

6) Boots - yes you have rain boots but you will need snow boots as well. Yay! They need to be somewhat waterproof since we will be walking. Be sure they are comfortable too. Not just by looking, really work it when you are trying them on. Looks can be deceiving! Like Like said, New Yorkers walk fast and just because there is snow on the ground doesn't mean they slow down! And sometimes, when it is death cold outside, I wear 2 pairs of socks to keep me toes warm. Works very well.

When we do get the first snow it is quite beautiful. You will see just how quiet it gets when snow is falling on the city. Very peaceful.

The Tomaszewski's said...

Jen you can make it!!! I'm sorry to say but when it is freezing throw looking cute out the window!!
Hint #1: A long down coat...the length will make the difference plus they are very warm.
Hint#2: if your hands are freezing get the hand warmers where you shake them and they put heat out. Theya re pretty cheap and on those really cold days they will make a difference.
Hint#3: ditch the cute boots and go with warm snow boots...bring the cute ones in your bag. I would also look for ones that have good traction on the bottom- that ice can be damn slippery (and we know your history :)
Hint#4: a good hat- dont worry about hat head. Bring a travel size blowdryer and leave it at your desk to re-fresh your hair.
Hint #5: the best long underwear ever- Hot Chili's. If you can layer some clothes and when you get to work take some off.

And when all else fails...just daydream you are back in CA on a warm, sandy beach drinking margaritas with all of your friends.

We love you and you will SURVIVE!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry but I don't have any wonderful inspiring advice. I think I'll definitely visit in the spring or fall after reading this entry. =) However, as I am reading your entry I can't help but try to recall if Carrie Bradshaw ever wore snow boots...I don't remember any winter episodes. Don't worry about cute, you are adorable no matter what you wear. Miss you! -Ryn

Dr. Dorie Weiss said...

In college in Boston I had the same experience. I kept saying to my east coast friends "I'm freezing." They said this is nothing...wait until it gets really cold. So from then on I would ask them is this considered really cold? No...just wait. Finally one day after thanksgiving they said - yep this is really cold. I said omg I don't think I'm going to make it through my freshman year. But I managed to live for 7 years in Boston. And this is how....down coat is a must. Dress in tons of layers. I even put thermal underwear underneath my jeans. thin socks underneath wool socks. Thick wool sweaters. turtle necks underneath. wool slacks with thermals underneath. NO SKIRTS!! NO DRESSES!! Forget the cute shoes. You'll need boots. Maybe you can get away with Uggs...but don't know if they'll be warm enough. And definitely get those heated packs to wear in your gloves and shoes. Wool scarves...sometimes they itch....but they are warmest. I refused to wear a a hat for a while - but after a while I didn't care what it looked like - it definitely helps. and pull that hat over your ears -then you don't have to wear the earmuffs. My eyeballs would get cold! It was painful...still haven't figured that one out yet.
So that's my advice...if I think of anything else I'll let you know. Oh one more thing - I figured out why everyone in NY and Boston walks so fast!...they're freezing their asses off . So I too learned to walk fast - it really helps if you're wearing comfortable shoes - make sure they have good traction so you don't fall when there's a lot of snow. And the BEST way to stay warm - was moving back to California!

Anonymous said...

I must admit, I chuckled a bit when I read this one. Now you know why I would say "Buck up" in the newsroom when people complained about California being cold during the winter. It sounds like you're getting a lot of good advice. Growing up in Chicago, when the "Windshield effect" ...wink... was bad, it wasn't unusual to see people walking backwards against the wind so it wasn't hitting them in the face. However, I doubt you could do that in NYC without bumping into a lot of people. Bundle up! --Corey

suz said...

I have no advice. After reading your post I'm gonna stay in Cali forever. Now I understand why Dave has no desire to move back to Chi-town.