The Heat Is On

I sat at my computer today for four hours straight, conducting my job search and applying for jobs.  I was so focused on what I was doing, that when I finally looked at the clock, I was shocked that four hours had passed.  Then, I realized that my fingers where icey cold, and the tip of my nose was not only drippy but was also completely frozen.  (Sorry about the drippy part -- TMI, I know.)   So, I went to the thermostat to check the temperature, and it read a frigid 63 degrees inside the house.  Now, 63 degrees may not seem very low, but a 63 degree indoor temperature makes for a very chilly house, especially on a gray, cloudy day like today.  So, even though the calendar still says "September", I decided to bite the bullet and turn on the heat.

Turning on the heat is a big deal for me.  See, I try to wait until the latest day possible, because somehow, having the heat on at home makes me feel that my house has been sealed up for the winter, and I am NEVER ready for winter.  Winter in Chicago means blustery winds, layers of clothing, cold cheeks, hats, gloves, scarfs, snow, ice, and boots.  Definitely not ready for that.  Having the heat on means no more sunny and warm days, no more soft breezes coming through the windows and fresh air flowing throughout the house, no more sitting outside on the patio watching the birds and listening to the trees sway, no more driving with the car windows down. 

Now that the heat is on, I'm beginning to thaw.  And while I sit here and think about winter, I also remember one of the sayings Chicagoans have here -- if you don't like the weather, give it an hour, as it will surely change.  So maybe in an hour, the sun will come out, warm things up a bit, and I'll turn the heat off and open the windows!