staying warm

a quick and easy guide to staying warm in Chicago:

1. read a bunch of articles and news reports that say the temperature is going to be -17 in the morning, and the wind chill -35.
2. remember that the last time you were outside, and the wind chill was in the -30s, it felt like your entire face was going to freeze off within seconds--even under a scarf.
   
3. spend the entire evening bracing to face that kind of cold again.
4. step outside.
5. wait a minute.
6. notice that your face is not freezing off.
7. bask in the tropical glow.