layers

Like an onion, my husband is a man of many layers, of clothing, that is. He has been known to wear up to 5 shirts, one on top of another. Among friends, his layering has become something of a legend, earning him the moniker "Layer Guy", a name bestowed upon him by a stand-up comic who once spotted David and his many shirts in the audience one evening and generously pointed him out to the crowd. 

I have enjoyed gently mocking my Layer Guy, until this winter, when insane oil bills helped us to set the thermostat at a ridiculously cold 60% in the house. Right now, I am wearing 2 long-sleeved shirts under a sweatshirt, and yoga pants under snow pants as I sit next to the space heater in my cold little office, blogging with icy fingers. I'm typing quickly so as to generate more heat. The handy thing is, I don't have to put on anything extra to go outside.

This week, our daughter, Annika, has taken layering to thrilling new heights. As I kissed her goodnight on Sunday evening, with a sparkle in the corner of her eye, she lifted the corner of her flannel pajamas, proudly displaying the outfit she was planning to wear the next day. All she would have to do in the morning is take off the jammies and, voila! Ready for school. I deeply admire this most innovative, time-saving, extra warm idea--please feel free to try it out yourself.