Today it was something like 80 degrees in NYC. The high school kids were waiting for a day like this so they could pull out the shorts and tanks. The adults were waiting for a day like this so they could walk from the gym to their homes without changing into coats an pants. On the other hand I was dreading this day and what it sets the stage for.

Don’t get me wrong, I actually love the spring. The weather is warm, the humidity is low, the barbecuing is great, and there are opportunities to play with the Dev outside in the world instead of being cooped up in the apartment. My problem is that spring in NYC is short and the summer is long. I know that once it starts getting warm we are only moments away from oppressing humidity, an unforgiving sun, relentless mosquitoes, and sweat dripping from places that you didn’t know could sweat. The comfortable, welcoming spring is a prelude to unbearable sleepless summer nights where you stew in your own juices (unless you buy an AC that raises your electric bill from $70 a month to $200 a month instantly) and long for the relief of the fall.

Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I understand that I shouldn’t blame the spring for the blight that is the summer, but I can’t help it. I can’t enjoy the warmth of today knowing that this is the beginning of the hot season. I should be able to take today for the beautiful gift that it was, but all I can think of is the nights ahead where we eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because it’s too darn hot to turn on the stove.

The other day even Dev said “what’s with all this sun?” as he squinted from the glare of our cockiest, closest star. I do plan on purchasing a new AC (or two) this year. But all that means is that you should all prepare for a post about the cost of electricity and keeping cool during the typically ridiculous NYC summer. I can’t win.?