There have been way too many people fired for their blogs

for me to tell you what I really think about the direction my company is taking; hope that doesn't get me into trouble. Although before I get into trouble I bet I'll have to find another job anyway

It's finally cold here. Yeah, yeah, some of you have endured some pretty ridiculous weather (blizzards already!). But for the mercury to dance with the freezing mark here, especially the first week of November, it's big news. People are shopping for winter coats, buying up gallons of water and rationing hot chocolate to brace for the dip. But then we'll all be wearing shorts next week and wondering where we put the sunscreen.

Here are a few reasons why cold weather is good:

� Pulling out the "winter" clothes means it's like getting a whole new wardrobe that you forgot about but already own.

� Everything is crisp and bright.

� With Daylight Savings Time over, it's daylight when I wake up and the cold air is a secondary motivator to face the day with vigor!

� Gives another reason to snuggle up with one's sweetie, although too much closeness has conseqences I'm living now ... a preggo wife who can't get comfortable in the bed prefers the couch. Although if she was next to me you can pretty much guarantee that at this stage the lovin' is on hold.

� Leather gloves can make anyone seem more debonair. Add a scarf and it's the highlight of cool.

� It is finally impossible to accidentally fry an egg on one's forehead. For at least a couple of months.

� It's possible to forget deodorant for a day and not be a total social outcast.

� Hot cider!

� Buying a new coat!

� Heated car seats! I don't feel so dumb about having them this time of year.

� Texans can temporarily forget that we don't really have seasons, despite the fact that when our leaves turn colors it's from green to brown.