(no subject)
The low, low highs for this weekend (and the fact Mr. Z is in Utah skiing and thus will not be driving me anywhere) have reminded me of my Winter in Chicago Public Transit Tolerability Index, which I didn't have to use last winter.
What is the WICPTT, you ask? Well, if you're determined to go out on a chilly winter night, and will be taking the CTA, you begin with one shot of your hard liquor of choice (mine is good vodka).
For each transfer you'll need to get to your destination: +1 shot. For example, when I went to the Hideout from my old apartment, I'd take two shots (base shot plus one for the bus transfer from the Red Line station). From my new place, I have two transfers, so three shots (though you could argue that the brown line to red line transfer keeps you on the same platform, making the additional shot unnecessary).
Active precipitation at time of exit: +1 shot.
Uncleared snow on streets: +1 shot.
Walk of more than 1/2 mile required after CTA to get to destination: +1 shot.
Below 20 degrees: +as many shots as you think you'll need.
If the number of shots needed to get to the location would make you black out, you must stay in or call a cab to get there.
I do not consider this pre-partying. I consider it the basic amount of alcohol necessary to keep myself from realizing what folly I've entered into by going outside when it's ridiculously cold. This system also presumes you will consume alcohol during the course of the evening to keep yourself warmed on the trip home (which was always the case for me).
Estimated amount to get me to La Holst's party this weekend: 2 or 3. Damn, and we just ran out of vodka at the apartment recently.
What is the WICPTT, you ask? Well, if you're determined to go out on a chilly winter night, and will be taking the CTA, you begin with one shot of your hard liquor of choice (mine is good vodka).
For each transfer you'll need to get to your destination: +1 shot. For example, when I went to the Hideout from my old apartment, I'd take two shots (base shot plus one for the bus transfer from the Red Line station). From my new place, I have two transfers, so three shots (though you could argue that the brown line to red line transfer keeps you on the same platform, making the additional shot unnecessary).
Active precipitation at time of exit: +1 shot.
Uncleared snow on streets: +1 shot.
Walk of more than 1/2 mile required after CTA to get to destination: +1 shot.
Below 20 degrees: +as many shots as you think you'll need.
If the number of shots needed to get to the location would make you black out, you must stay in or call a cab to get there.
I do not consider this pre-partying. I consider it the basic amount of alcohol necessary to keep myself from realizing what folly I've entered into by going outside when it's ridiculously cold. This system also presumes you will consume alcohol during the course of the evening to keep yourself warmed on the trip home (which was always the case for me).
Estimated amount to get me to La Holst's party this weekend: 2 or 3. Damn, and we just ran out of vodka at the apartment recently.