Tips on acclimating to the winters (Chicago: neighborhood, to live in, restaurants)

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

LOL

Oh man. You better leave. Now.

heh. this isnt even bad...wait til the windchills start dipping below zero. during the dayime.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by via chicago

heh. this isnt even bad...wait til the windchills start dipping below zero. during the dayime.

I actually like those days! I kinda wished there was more of them. Seriously.

OTOH, if that person from FL is already bummed out, theyre in for a bumpy ride!

[scarletneon]

Originally Posted by j33

I guess I should count myself lucky. I loved yesterday and was almost giddy walking home in the snow.

I usually only get cranky about winter in February and March ... oh, and when it snows in April I get a bit annoyed as well. But for the most part, it has never been much of problem. And snow doesn't really bother me that much at all. I have good snow boots, warm clothing (including the most politically incorrect vintage purple fur coat that was given to me last year which I wear when it gets really cold ... given its color, most people think it is fake, which is how I like it) and people, for the most part are pretty good about clearing the sidewalks. I don't have a car, so I don't have to worry about dealing with that. So yes, for the most part, winter here has never been too much of a bother for me.

Now when it gets really cold, I'll moan and kvetch with the best of 'em, but it doesn' go that deep, I never recall dealing with any sort of 'winter depression'.

i was kind of in a crappy mood yesterday, but once i was walking around outside i thought it looked oh so pretty.

i know i was never really a southerner because I love the cold weather.

p.s. I will start looking for a purple fur coat and see if I find you, hah!
I look like a ridiculous bag lady all bundled up, what with my long brown down coat and all, hah.

[MassVt]

..I'll take a nice, frosty day over a humid, uncomfortable day anytime.

As a native Vermonter, long live cold weather!

[amy_cate]

yes, it does feel colder than nyc here. but i was like a giddy little schoolgirl last night when it was snowing. i ran out and played in it and took some photos and loved it. we've been snow deprived in nyc for the most part in recent years. we woudl get a few inches here and there but not usually this soon into the season. i am making the most of it - splurged on a new coat and boots and lots of mittens, hats, long underwear, etc. it's very windy near my office and it reminds me of certain blocks in nyc but for the most part, yeah the buildings are so close together that there are some wind tunnel blocks but you can walk under scaffolding or awnings and sometimes stay pretty protected. i remember my 2 block walk from the subway to work and being under scaffolding for most of it was fantastic. it doesn't feel so awful to me here or so drastic maybe because i expected it and probably because i like it! i'll check back with you later in the season and let you know how i'm feeling then.

[amy_cate]

Originally Posted by j33

I guess I should count myself lucky. I loved yesterday and was almost giddy walking home in the snow.

I usually only get cranky about winter in February and March ... oh, and when it snows in April I get a bit annoyed as well. But for the most part, it has never been much of problem. And snow doesn't really bother me that much at all. I have good snow boots, warm clothing (including the most politically incorrect vintage purple fur coat that was given to me last year which I wear when it gets really cold ... given its color, most people think it is fake, which is how I like it) and people, for the most part are pretty good about clearing the sidewalks. I don't have a car, so I don't have to worry about dealing with that. So yes, for the most part, winter here has never been too much of a bother for me.

Now when it gets really cold, I'll moan and kvetch with the best of 'em, but it doesn' go that deep, I never recall dealing with any sort of 'winter depression'.

yay me too!! you just have to be more creative and make the most of it. i'm going to enjoy catching up on dvds and reading and cooking and stuff. and i've loved photographing this snow. maybe i'll be bold and post some photos of my block...

[rgb123]

I'm glad for you....but temperature wise....we have not seen anything yet this year. When we get snow, it means we are relativley warm. Definitley check back with us in Feb/March

Originally Posted by amy_cate

yes, it does feel colder than nyc here. but i was like a giddy little schoolgirl last night when it was snowing. i ran out and played in it and took some photos and loved it. we've been snow deprived in nyc for the most part in recent years. we woudl get a few inches here and there but not usually this soon into the season. i am making the most of it - splurged on a new coat and boots and lots of mittens, hats, long underwear, etc. it's very windy near my office and it reminds me of certain blocks in nyc but for the most part, yeah the buildings are so close together that there are some wind tunnel blocks but you can walk under scaffolding or awnings and sometimes stay pretty protected. i remember my 2 block walk from the subway to work and being under scaffolding for most of it was fantastic. it doesn't feel so awful to me here or so drastic maybe because i expected it and probably because i like it! i'll check back with you later in the season and let you know how i'm feeling then.

[j33]

Right .... we'll revisit this thread then ... and then I'll post my Guinness lamb stew recipe, guaranteed to get you through the harshest of winters (especially if you drink the reminder of the Guinness while eating the lamb stew ).

[amy_cate]

Originally Posted by j33

Right .... we'll revisit this thread then ... and then I'll post my Guinness lamb stew recipe, guaranteed to get you through the harshest of winters (especially if you drink the reminder of the Guinness while eating the lamb stew ).

well i can drink the guinness but i'm vegetarian. so no lamb for me unless they are walking around and i can pet them. hahah.

but seriously i love the cold. my good friend lives in syracuse and i visited him there a lot and loved it. i can't wait to wear my new coat and gear.

and i always plan a vacation in late jan/early feb. after the holidays and to break up the doldrums. that's my secret.

[amy_cate]

Originally Posted by rgb123

I'm glad for you....but temperature wise....we have not seen anything yet this year. When we get snow, it means we are relativley warm. Definitley check back with us in Feb/March

yeah it does feel warmer when it snows. and the wind isn't as cutting. it looks like a snowglobe outside right now. so pretty.

bring it. i've got my favorite kiehls moisturizers, big down coat, etc etc i can deal. my naivete is probably amusing to you.