So Sue Me, I’m Loving The Cold

The giant parka was pulled out of the basement this week because it’s beyond cold in Toronto. Minus 25 with the windchill and you’re bundled up with boots, a scarf, a hat, mittens, a giant coat, and people are upset about strollers on the TTC? Winter gear is so much more oppressive than a poor mom trying to get her day accomplished while a) being kind to the environment and b) suffering from the humiliation of having to rely on the kindness of strangers and/or the grumpy bus driver when navigating your child and public transportation. How about banning giant knapsacks on teenagers who never move and refuse to take them off? How about fining the people who listen to their music so loud that I can sing along and I’m standing an entire car length away? Oh, no, let’s punish the parents–because it’s the strollers that are the problem with the TTC, not the ineffective management, the poor service or the ridiculous discussions about subways and this or that that never get solved.

Whatevs. It’s cold and I’m loving it.

My kid, not so much–he hates getting into the snowsuit, hates wearing mittens, has succumbed to a hat because we’ve been relentless in forcing one on his head regardless of the weather, and don’t even get me started on the battle for boots. But when we do get outside, even when he’s picking up rock salt and putting it in his mouth, even when he’s shoving a pile of disgusting snow into his mug, even when he’s slipping for the hundredth time, it’s still really nice to be outside and enjoying the weather. There’s a magic to the winter that I know is overstated when people are miserable and late for work because but I don’t mind the wind chill because I’ve got a good coat and even better boots, and I love living in Canada.

Plus, it’s good for my garden. And it’s good for my soul–to have all four seasons. It makes me think that we could still have an earth for future generations, but maybe that’s just too optimistic.