Do you know what today is? It’s summer, finally and officially — glorious, golden, sun-splashed summer. It’s the day I put away the Cream of Wheat and bring out the Rice Krispies. It’s the season of flip flops and picnics and sunburns, oh my. These, ladies and gentlemen, are the days I live for.
But just as you’d expect, there’s a fly in the ointment; it’s called air conditioning. Have you gone to a movie or a restaurant or shopping lately? I have and I worried about hypothermia. Seriously. You’d have thought you were in an igloo it was so cold.
My question is: how can you enjoy yourself when you’re shivering in your shorts? I just sat there wishing for a thermos of cocoa. Or a parka. Or hot flashes. The air conditioning was going full blast and I, of course, was seated directly below a vent. My lips spent the time turning blue, while the rest of me sprouted goose bumps.
When the movie was blessedly over I fled into the warm, humid night. As soon as I stepped out the door my glasses fogged over. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face, but the feeling began returning to my fingers. The shivering stopped. And frostbite was averted. It was wonderful.
In retrospect, I realize my mistake: I should have dressed for ice fishing, not tennis. I know better. Still and all, it’s nearly impossible to know what to wear in the summer. Should you prepare for the arctic-like atmosphere of public buildings or the sweltering heat of the day? The best way to answer is to ask yourself: would you rather be over- or under-dressed for the occasion? Then dress accordingly.
In the meantime, please, I’m begging you, go easy on the air conditioning.
Copyright © Publikworks 2012
the whirly girl 
20 responses to “: the big chill :”
I take a knitted shawl to the movies, the library and grocery store. And I keep one in my car, just in case.
What’s your favorite color? I’ll knit you one. Or better yet, send you one from my collection. Wool, alpaca, or mohair?
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Aww, you’re too kind, Susan, but I couldn’t. I need something heavy, about the weight of a coat, in air conditioning like this. By about mid-July I’ll start seeing my breath!
That was awfully sweet of you, though, my thoughtful little friend. Thanks : )
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We don’t really have this problem in Britain. The only reason we don’t know what to wear is because the weather is so damn ridiculous. Our summer today consists of gail force winds and torrential rain. This coming after a day of 20 degrees (hot for us!). It makes no sense and I hate British summers haha.
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We had those winds the first part of the week, but really high temperatures. Opening the door to go outside was like opening the oven — to a hot, dry blast of air.
I think the weather everywhere has gone kind of crazy. Yours is just in time for Wimbledon — isn’t that kind of typical?
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I know, it’s basically the rules that Wimbledon has to be rubbish weather haha. Still excited though :)
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Me, too, suzy! Will you get to go to any of the matches?
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No, unfortunately not! We meant to apply for tickets (it’s like a lottery to get them you see) but we forgot all about it! Hopefully one year though, I’d love to go :)
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I would, too. I love Djokovic ( I hope I spelled that right) — not to mention the strawberries! Maybe one day we’ll run into each other there, wouldn’t that be a hoot?
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Oh how I hate missuse of the AC. When I worked at a mall it used to be sooooo insanely hot in the winter that you had to dress as if you were in summer just to not melt away. Said mall still has a crappy AC and it almost prevents me from going there. Outside your blood freezes in your veins but inside you could be running around in a bikini its that hot. But WHY!!!??
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What’s the name of that mall, Liezel? I want to move there : )
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And my husband thought I was crazy for having “summer sweaters” :)
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Men just don’t understand. I know a guy who wears shorts and a tie to work 12-months a year! Winter or summer, And he lives in Illinois where wind chills and air temperatures are often below zero! I’m not exaggerating. Now that’s crazy.
I think you’re brilliant, nicole!
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This is so me. My office building is freezing. I step out of my car in a sweater when it’s 90 degrees so I can survive the cold.
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Hey, Angie! People used to avoid my office in the summer because I used a space heater (that was an unexpected bonus). That was the coldest place I ever worked, but they all had the cozy feel of a meat locker.
So how the heck are you, kiddo? Still worrying your way along?
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It’s easy to go over the edge with the A/C… Turned it down at home just yesterday… Just seems so wrong as we run the heat all winter to keep from the deep freeze. Warmer environs year ’round would be better…
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It’s been in the high 80s, low 90s for a week or more, but I’m perfectly comfortable without a/c. I leave the windows open and run the ceiling fan on low, it’s wonderful. I’m with you, John, I vote for warmer interiors, too.
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I sit here – at my boss’ house – shivering due to their over-efficient A/C. When I leave their house, I will step outside to temps in the low 90s. Next week, I’m wearing my turtle neck and knee socks.
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I’d be lost without turtlenecks, LD. I’m wearing one now — pale green with narrow ivory pinstripes. It looks very lovely on me and it’s 85º today. People look at me like I don’t have good sense, but I’m used to it.
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I am with you, sister: I carry one of my grandmother’s zigzag afghan blankets with me all summer – keeps me warm and makes a stylish shawl as well.
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You must have a hipness factor of + 12, home tome. Seriously, you always have a fashionable solution. How do you do it?
And thanks for cluing me in : )
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