Earlier this week I was out walking when the temperature was about 5 degrees. My body felt warm enough but boy, did my face sting. Apparently my blood has gotten thin after six years of living in Seattle, aka “the tropics.”
While I was living in Anchorage, the features reporters had to collaborate on an annual “Christmas lights” story. Acting on tips from readers, we fanned out across the city in search of the best-decorated homes in the city.
“Best” sometimes meant elegant and tasteful. Most of the time it meant “so bright you could get a tan while standing nearby.”
And stand we did, notebooks and pencils (pens freeze in the cold) in hands, while interviewing proud, frost-nipped homeowners. I don’t remember my face feeling as cold then as it did the other day.
If any Fairbanksans are reading (hey there, Leah in the Interior!), they’re probably snorting with laughter right now. Maybe I’ll toughen up in time to go out on Christmas Eve and watch for Santa’s sleigh. My nose will be as red as his. Or Rudolph’s.
Stay indoors where it’s warm and read:
Living in a material world? at I Pick Up Pennies
The god of cake at Hyperbole and a Half (hilarious!)
15 sites to help you find amazing holiday deals at Kiplinger
On the care and maintenance of straight friendships at Tiger Beatdown
Why airlines should charge for carry-ons at Ask Liz Weston
The death of the old-fashioned holiday card – maybe at Notes For My Next Life
5 haggling tips to help you get a better prize at Moolanomy
Why you’re not thankful at CBS Moneywatch
4 ways healthcare reform will affect your FSA at Manisha Thakor
Seems like we are having temps in metro Chicago much like yours. I am already ready for the END of winter and its barely started.
I have one area nearby that many homes do MASSIVE displays. I need to get there before schools let out for the winter break (most this Fri).
I keep saying that here in the metro-Detroit area. I am already sick of winter and it isn’t even officially winter yet!