About the first week of February every year, regardless of what our favorite groundhog's shadow says, we all start getting sick of the cold...and the wet...and the snow... and the grey skies... and all the yucky parts of winter. Sure, there are still some nice things, like being able to wear warm sweaters and drink hot cocoa, but for the most part, we're all sick of it. Even if you think you're not quite there yet, here are 11 ways you know you definitely are.
1. Your nose is raw.
Even if you're one of the lucky ones that hasn't gotten sick yet this winter, the cold and the wind makes your nose run every time you come outside. And since we don't live in the early part of the 20th century and we don't carry handkerchiefs anymore, you're rubbing it away over and over with the back of your hand. Everyone wants to look like Rudolph, right?
2. It's still got two months (at least).
Sure, winter technically ends on March 21. But we all know that it doesn't really start warming up until closer to May, especially when April brings its inevitable showers.
3. You've spent more than you want to admit on hot drinks.
At Starbucks, your school's cafe, everywhere -- anything to have something to hold and keep your hands warm. Thank goodness for the campus organizations handing out free hot chocolate.
4. You haven't shaved in more than a week.
Girls are just as guilty of this as guys are. Anything to keep yourself warm, right?
5. Your shoes have permanent salt stains.
Even in the areas that don't get much snow or ice, there seems to be an excessive amount of salt on the roads by this point of winter, and most of it is on your favorite pair of shoes.
6. You still have to warm up your car or risk your fingers falling off as you drive.
It may not be cold enough for your windshield to freeze over every night anymore, but it's definitely cold enough that if you don't have a cover on your steering wheel, your hands will be painfully numb in about three seconds.
7. You're putting off the "get fit" resolution to preserve a thin layer of fat for warmth.
The gym will still be there when it's warmer, right?
8. You never know exactly how cold it's going to be.
Is it truly cold so I have to wear a proper coat with a scarf and maybe a hat? Or will I be OK with just a North Face? Guess I'll find out when I walk outside.
9. You're excessively tired.
Ben Franklin, daylight savings time was a terrible idea. When the sun goes down at 5 p.m., I'm done for the day. I'm in college, I can't afford that!
10. You're running out of warm clothes.
Getting ready in the morning consists of channeling your inner Duchess of Cambridge, trying to present the sweater or flannel you wore two days ago as something totally different because you spent all your money on swimsuits on shorts this summer instead of investing in warm things.
11. You just really need it to be summer.
No school work, no excessive amounts of clothing, no clouds, and no cold. Life as it should be.
