COLD

1 a: having or being a temperature that is uncomfortably low for humans (it is cold outside today) (a cold drafty attic)

The day started off on a rough note. Temperatures were forecast to be considerably lower than normal here (highs in the 20s) , so I told A & B they had to wear long sleeved shirts to school today. This might be a bit surprising to some of you. The highs have recently been in the 30s, so one might assume that my children were already wearing long sleeves regularly. That would be a logical assumption that in this case is woefully wrong. Every day, A & B pull short sleeved polo shirts from the closet and wear them to school. They have long sleeved shirts. They simply refuse to wear them.

But today I decided I had to force the issue. B did not take it well. Tears ensued. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. All over wearing a long sleeved shirt to school. Now, B knows that cold is a relative term. One of the things she was bewailing this morning was that it is cold enough here to feel like Wisconsin (J's home state). At one point in her tearful tirade, she moaned, "I want to live in Alabama. It's never cold in Alabama." (My home state.)

The worst part of listening to all of this drama before I'd even had one cup of coffee was that I agreed with her. I was thinking yesterday (before I knew the temperature was dropping even further) that it was just too cold. I decided that I don't like to wear sweaters. They're a bit bulky and just not my style. In my humble opinion, ideal winter clothing involves layering a long sleeved shirt and a short sleeved shirt, pairing with a skirt and a cute pair of boots and topping it all with a jacket, a scarf and some soft gloves. It's been too cold for me to comfortably dress like this. I've persisted. I've worn thin (but cute, mind you) blouses over another layer and pretty much shivered all day long. I've chosen long skirts with boots and skipped the tights... and paid the price by being cold all day long.

So I understood where B was coming from. Of all of my girls, she is the closest to me in terms of her fashion sense. Not surprisingly, I find this endearing. It took me thirty or so years to figure out my style, so I'm impressed that she's willing to take some fashion risks at the age of 7 and willing to take a stand when suggested clothing doesn't meet her standards. Impressed, but nonetheless frustrated. When it's in the teens outside, even I have to forgo my fashion sense. Today finds me wearing two pairs of socks, tennis shoes, jeans and... a sweater. A bulky, unattractive sweater that is keeping me warm.

In conclusion, the entire Truss family will be glad when warm weather returns. There will be less friction, fewer dramatic scenes and cuter outfits all around!