If you're still living in the Northeast or Midwest... (home, layoffs)

[Sunshinecc]

your calendar year goes something like this:

April: a glimmer of hope, the temps are rising. Don't get too excited, it has been known to get slammed with a big storm but you dare open some windows if only to get some fresh air for a few hours, you hear the birds, see some green against the bare brown scenery. You've had enough and you take out a few shorts and t's so you're ready at a moment's notice if the weather hits 50. And it's time for baseball season.

May: You made it. The first official month where the hell that is snow is gone. Windows are open, heat is off, and everything starts to look better, feel better, taste better. The doom and depression is finally letting go of its grasp on you. Time to remove the tarp from the grill.

June: A preview of the giddyness you know you are going to soon feel, a few summer days in the lingering spring, everyone is outdoors, and the daylight lasts well into the night as you take advantage of the most of every day.

July: every day is a good day...day trips to the beach, picnics, walking, biking, recreational sports, windows open, music sounds better, you eat more fruits, veggies and salads, the grill is always fired up, camping, fishing, etc.

August: just as good as July, you ramp up on taking your vacation days, you've worked on your tan nicely, you have flip flop lines, you're in a great mood, better shape, and you're loving life.

September: you're still riding the summer buzz, still possibly a few beach days, no jackets yet, it's just good to still enjoy the outdoors

October: there is an occasional chill in the air, but you're greatful for no jackets quite yet, in fact you're enjoying the crisp fall air, the colorful leaves, baseball playoffs, beginning of football, and you take advantage of the Indian summer days, maybe squeeze in a day or two at the beach.

November: no chance of a beach day, cold has set in, shorts, t's and flip flops are packed away, jackets are slowly taking up your closet space, temperature drops at night but you refuse to put the heat on, add an extra blanket, quilt is gone and replaced with a comforter and that familiar doom is making it's way to your conscious. Football is getting you through.

December: Doom and depression has set in, you're forced to crank the heat, sweaters and jackets are in full force, no chance of ever opening a window, it's dark when you get up and dark when you drive home, first snowfall of the year has occurred and the novelty is gone, no more fresh summer fruit and your iced coffee has been replaced with hot tea or cocoa. This sux. And your tan is gone, you're white as a ghost.

January: big deal, new year, it's still cold, you've seen below freezing temps, you've shoveled, de-iced and salted your driveway, you've dealt with increased traffic jams due to the storms, late for work, your vocabulary is full of expletives as you ask yourself if you can take much more of this

February: youre heating bill is at its peak, you've most likely broken a shovel, replaced your wiper blades, all you want are hot meals, your winter weight has snuck its way on, and in your hibernation, you sit at home bundled up in heavy sox, fleece pants, and a sweatshirt wondering why you're still cold when the heat has been on for hours. Is this hell?

March: You've endured, the winter has been so long you're ecstatic when it's 30 and sunny. You actually spend time outside when it's over 40. Anything higher and jackets are off and you just might dare to take BP. But it's not over, mornings in their 20's, more surprise storms, winter is not done with you yet. More expletives. Spring training has eased your pain, but the calendar as we know it is wrong. It is not spring.

[Ken E]

You dont have to remind me. Thats exactly why i moved back to N.H. after living in Florida for ten years.

[mateo384]

i'm from Wisconsin originally.

you forgot to add this to June/July/August:

"a lovely drive thru the countryside will bring out a nice cow crap smell"

[kbrkr]

What, exactly, does this have to do with Tampa??

Call me clueless.. :-(

[vaughanwilliams]

Sounds good to me.

[Sunshinecc]

Originally Posted by mateo384

i'm from Wisconsin originally.

you forgot to add this to June/July/August:

"a lovely drive thru the countryside will bring out a nice cow crap smell"

LOL

Originally Posted by kbrkr

What, exactly, does this have to do with Tampa??

Call me clueless.. :-(

I have been reading and posting here now for 2-3 months while I begin my journey of my plan to move to the Tampa area. I have grown quite fond of this forum and have enjoyed the camaraderie, banter (and jibes, lol), and simply "getting to know" some folks better...as good as you can get to know someone in this manner.

One of the running jokes seems to be how common it is for us northerners to complain about how miserable it is up here while everyone else is enjoying the paradise in sunny Florida.

So from that, I thought I'd add a little humor to my Tampa CD pals as the talk lately has been about Spring, a great thread started by Priush8r. Certainly no harm was intended. Just having a little fun.

[kbrkr]

Thanks for putting this thread in context...we get bombed with non relevant posts a lot on this forum.

[Sunshinecc]

Originally Posted by kbrkr

Thanks for putting this thread in context...we get bombed with non relevant posts a lot on this forum.

I completely understand! But your previous post is also a good reminder, at least for me, to keep ON TOPIC. I will be happy when I'm finally down there and able to *really* contribute as a Tampa resident.

And I appreciate the follow-up comment.

[michigan83]

your calendar year goes something like this:

I enjoyed your post and a lot of it was accurate. But, in my opinion, you started talking gloom and doom WAY too early for the following fall/winter. November is increasingly gloomy, but temperatures are still fairly moderate and there is enough sunshine to keep the soul happy. December is not a depressing month. Snow is hit or miss in December, and news of looming snowfall is generally new and exciting in December. Everyone generally hopes for a white Christmas. It's the holiday season and there's a lot going on. Friends and family from out of state are in town visiting. It's one of my favorite times of year.

January... it's a new year, so resolutions, bowl games, the Super Bowl, new workout routines and gym memberships keep people entertained. Snow and crisp, cold weather have not quite worn out their welcome yet. Probably the best time of year to go skiing or snowshoeing. January provides slightly more sunshine than December, and while it is really just a tease, it is nice to see the days grow slightly longer each day now that the first day of Winter is in the rearview.

February... the weather becomes a little more monotonous. After checking the forecast religiously in December and January, the pending snow events are a little less interesting. It's COLD. It's important to force yourself outside to enjoy the beauty of winter or risk developing a bad case of cabin fever.

March... the daylight is increasing rapidly. It's still cold and snow still lingers, but when the sun comes out it is much stronger and things melt much more quickly. March Madness rolls around. Next thing you know, it's sunny and 40 degrees, and dang it, it feels pretty good! The weather is a roller coaster ride, but everyone knows the end is near. Spring fever is definitely setting in.

April... continue with what the OP said.

[Broadrippleguy]

this is the most laughable and stupid/pointless thread i have ever seen in this forum.
Really if you dont like the cold move south thats sure to help. Then when it gets cold down south move a little further south again.