Keeping Warm – Blanket Time
The weather is getting a little colder here now as we have truly hit the heart of winter. Temperatures are still well above what we were accustomed to in Chicago, but the lack of central heating and insulation really makes managing a little different.
However, by watching people around us we have found so many ways to adapt – one of my best strategies is having a permanent layer of long underwear which is only shed when I take a shower or bath. It really does help.
I love what most of the students and teachers do around school though. Almost every woman has a blanket. They carry these blankets everywhere and wrap them around themselves to beat the chill. It is necessary for the girls who are not allowed to wear stockings or leggings with their school uniforms, and just sort of nice for the rest of us.
Yep, I also have a blanket. It has the mascot of the local donut shop on it. And, as I am writing this, it is resting on my lap, keeping me warm, despite the otherwise chilly temperatures.
Whoah, what’s the reasoning for no stockings/leggings?
You know. I wish I knew. At first I thought the students weren’t wearing them because it wasn’t the “cool” thing to do. But then I asked around. Turns out stockings/leggings aren’t part of the dress code for young ladies, only knee socks. The boys on the other hand are warm and toasty in their uniforms – black slacks, white shirts, and suit coats that go all the way up to their necks – most of them wear long underwear underneath as well. But, in the summer those boys roast and the girls stay comfy in their short skirts. I guess it is a trade off.
I too don’t understand the idea that stockings/leggings is less acceptable than wandering around with a blanket all day? My sister went to a parochial high school and she had to wear stockings with her knee length pleated skirt. I guess it was considered more modest?
A few weeks ago we had a real cold snap in the NYC area: A high of 20 degrees with the sun shining! I pulled out an old pair of leg warmers and was happily reminded that they actually do what they are supposed to do: Keep your legs warm! And less bulky than long underware. I kept them on for about a week.