Baby, it’s (almost) cold outside
By
Eric Cox |
IDS
POSTED AT
09:09 PM ON Nov. 17, 2009
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When living at IU, it can be near impossible to anticipate what the weather has in store for us as each new day approaches.
Whether we’ll be granted an afternoon of sparkling clear brilliance or a fresh hell of precipitation is all up in the air (pun definitely intended) until the time actually comes.
This can be said of anywhere, of course, as meteorology has only advanced so far in its methods, but the problem is compounded in Indiana, the crossroads of America’s weather patterns.
The only thing that gives us a notice about weather trends is the steady march toward the end of the year. It’s mid-November now, people, and the weather won’t be getting any warmer. You won’t be seeing any more temperatures in the 70s. They’re gone.
They’ve been toe-tagged and the doctors have signed the death certificate. The 60s are living on borrowed time.
This steady decline means only one thing – winter isn’t far off. And I, for one, couldn’t be more excited.
No more days of perspiring just walking from class to class. No more sore throats from breathing dry, cold air from the AC. No more Beach Boys tunes.
We all have several months of biting cold and shorter days to which to look forward.
Why does the winter get such a bad reputation? It could only be the weather, but even that has its upsides. When the first real snowfall settles, how many of you can say you won’t be grabbing some kind of improvised sled and hunting for a halfway-decent hill? And for the upperclassmen out there, I’m sure all of you recall the surprise snow day off from classes last year.
Winter is not a season of death, as the naysayers and thermophiles might lead you to believe. It’s a season of rest and camaraderie, not to mention the perfect conditions for getting cozy under the covers and staying in bed all day.
The cold temperatures outside lead to more time spent inside, which means closer contact with your friends and neighbors. Friendships can develop quickly and even lead to more intimate relations.
Why wouldn’t you want that to come as quickly as possible?
I haven’t even mentioned the holiday landmarks in every winter season. Regardless of your religious or celebratory customs, how many of you can honestly say that you don’t appreciate the three-week break between semesters?
So to all you heat-seekers out there, quit your whining about the plummeting mercury. You’ve had your hot fun in the summertime, and now it’s time to go gentle into that good night.
The winter of your discontent is looming, and you might want to buy a coat.
As for the rest of us, we’re going to curl up with a mug of cocoa next to a crackling fire and read our favorite books as we bask in the glow.
Let’s hope the fireplace in the Union isn’t too crowded ...