For Those of You With Kids in College
Bizarre January 21st, 2009
I work on a college campus. If you have kids in college located in a city where it snows in winter, I’ve got some helpful advice.
Your kids need pants. Particularly the boys.
See, it’s been like 10 degrees for the last week, and yet I’ve seen at least four students walking around campus in shorts.
Any kid smart enough to attend the university where I work is smart enough to know about hypothermia.
So the only reason for this insanity is that you haven’t been sending them enough pants. They need a care package, pronto!
Oh, and send socks, too. I saw a kid yesterday wearing flip flops.
If you want to know what else your kids are doing at college, ask me. I’ve seen everything. Strike that. You don’t want to know.
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Stumble it!
January 21st, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Yes, but are they pantsless by choice? See when I was in college, it was all the rage to wear shorts and heavy duty sweatshirts– in all weathers. Then socks and Birkenstock sandals.
Stylin’!
January 21st, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Luckily Cassidy is taking care of her legs – and feet; but she tells us the horrors of the kids who think we live in a sub-tropical climate. Flip-flops indeed.
Anne’s last blog post..Share Our Strength – Operation No Kid Hungry
January 21st, 2009 at 7:10 pm
They have pants. They just need detergent, and someone to walk down to the washer because they are too busy to spend their time washing clothes. Or they are shooting at a Darwin award.
TheSnackHound’s last blog post..The League of The Suppresion of Celery: Exclusive!
January 21st, 2009 at 7:16 pm
BTW, I remember a few kids in college that lived in a dorm near the english building. They wore pjs to class with either their combat boots over them or flip flops. Especially early classes. I was a theater management major and the worst was going to dance/movement classes when you had to pair off to learn a dance for the upcoming show. I had Mr. Thermal Underwear top for a partner. He looked like he just rolled out of bed…two days ago, as I noted the same long underwear top under an open flannel shirt the day before and more BO.
How do college freshmen guys get girlfriends?? Oh yeah, half of em in our class in the theater dept. were gay or just getting the memo. Half of em clearly were looking for girlfriends or in theater classes as a minor to find girls. Maybe there were equally stinky girls out there for them.
TheSnackHound’s last blog post..The League of The Suppresion of Celery: Exclusive!
January 21st, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Actually, one of my regrets is that in this Internet age I’m no longer on campus at Purdue. With a digital camera and a blog, I could make a handsome living through extortion. You take advantage of the opportunity at hand, Kathy. You could retire early!
Oh! And male college students have pickled so many brain cells in alcohol they can’t even feel the cold any more. The good news is that Natural Selection will help ensure that those mental midgets running around in shorts will not create offspring. They’ll have frozen the equipment necessary to procreate.
Lee’s last blog post..Weather Report and Thank You
January 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Oh they have pants on alright… you probably didn’t see them because they were pulled down off their ass. I don’t know how the hell some of them actually manage to keep them on. One idiot we saw at the mall last Saturday had the lowest pair I have ever seen… then he proceeded to attempt to slide down the escalator hand hold, slipped and fell into the potted plants below. If he hadn’t been surrounded by a gang, I would have LOL’d. And miraculously, his pants stayed on.
Maureen’s last blog post..Mitten Mystery
January 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Maybe they’re on their way to the College Campus Secret Pool that you’re not privy to?
January 21st, 2009 at 7:52 pm
never underestimate the stupidity or laziness of any male. while either is enough to cripple us, their powers combined are a sight to see.
that said i generally shovel the snow from my walk wearing little more than a hoodie and shorts. it’s both quick and comfortable for the 20 minutes or so of work. i do wear shoes though. unless i’m just running out to toss some trash, at that point barefoot is fine.
to pick up on the snack hound’s question…we definitely think wearing less will get us women. we imagine the girls think “oh my god he’s so strong/sexy/cool” when we do something stupid rather than the reality of them just being to polite to acknowledge our stupidity out loud.
chris’s last blog post..all of it…!
January 21st, 2009 at 8:18 pm
My Teen was involved in a competition with his buddies to see who could wear flips flops the longest throughout the winter. He quit after they began to stink to Ann Arbor.
Prefers Her Fantasy Life’s last blog post..A Celebration in True Hippie Fashion
January 21st, 2009 at 8:23 pm
HA HA HA.
Please send pants and socks!
Maybe they are wearing those as part of a bet? Or challenge?
meleah rebeccah’s last blog post..I Cooked A Meal. And Nobody Died.
January 21st, 2009 at 9:55 pm
As the mom of a college freshman, I bet the boys are not lacking pants, they are lacking the common sense to wear them when appropriate. My son does indeed own many pairs of pants, and even wool socks, but he has a real stubborn streak so I am not entirely convinced he wears them.
maggie’s last blog post..Congratulations Mr. President!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
I think, living in the UK, kids are used to colder, wet weather most of the year. Generally the boys dress OK. The girls however, are regularly seen in the bitter cold, either standing at the bus stop or walking down the road with mini skirts and bare midriffs! I doubt they own a coat or jacket.
Babs – beetle’s last blog post..What’s Your Word?
January 21st, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I was in the WaWa (it’s like a 7-11) the other day and a guy came in wearing shorts. He had to be in his 30’s. I, on the other hand, had on a my big winter coat, hat, and gloves. I was stunned. What possible reason would you purposely wear shorts when it’s 22 degrees outside? I don’t get it.
Preston’s last blog post..Blog Suffers – Blogger Posts Lame Excuses
January 21st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I go to college naked.
Jaffer’s last blog post..Mellow Yellow Monday #2
January 21st, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I go to college after work.
Online.
At home.
Gotcha !
January 21st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I drive through a certain university every day (let’s say it rhymes with ‘Pantsfield University’, given the subject) and I fret because none of the students I see are wearing adequate coats, or hats.
Then I wonder if this is the day I should go to Walmart and buy a sweatshirt with cats on it and some nice slacks to play euchre in. And a snazzy chain for my cheaters.
Shieldmaiden1196’s last blog post..Its a (freakishly small) world after all
January 21st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Hey Kathy,
The first obvious question is if the kids are wearing shorts and flip flops in the snow, are they really smart enough to be going to college?
The second not-so-obvious question is if the kids are going to college where it snows, are they really smart enough to be going to college (think California and Florida)?
~ Steve, aka the fair-weather-Californian trade show guru
PS. Before anyone shoots me, I grew up in the snow, and loved every winter. Of course, that was probably before I knew any better.
Steve | Trade Show Guru’s last blog post..My Wife is Famous
January 21st, 2009 at 10:41 pm
hey Kathy,
Wow… I’m getting moderated for making fun of people that live in snow??? This is tough!
~ Steve, aka the moderated trade show guru
Steve | Trade Show Guru’s last blog post..My Wife is Famous
January 21st, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Maggie is exactly right. They lack the sense to where pants not the cents to afford pants. And the sense to pick a better location
I grew up in Wisconsin but went to school in North Carolina.
John @ Curious Cat Investing Blog’s last blog post..International Development Fair: The Human Factor
January 21st, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Oooooohhhhh! College garb! My niece lives with us and goes to the local school. She has to walk to and from work. Last week we had temps in -20’s, along with the foot of snow already on the ground. She refuses to wear boots. Oh. Wait. She refuses to BUY boots. She has no problem borrowing mine. But is very embarassed to be seen in them. Oh well. At least it’s not flip flops.
Sue’s last blog post..My Mom
January 21st, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I agree that they probably HAVE pants but lack the sense to wear or wash them. Amazing!!
Roxanne Green’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 am
Are you kidding? I’m not even sure I want to know what my kid is doing in Jr. High! Oh yes I do.
Grandy’s last blog post..A New Energy
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:20 am
I don’t even want to know what my daughter’s doing and she’s in high school.
Stephanie Barr’s last blog post..Are you up for semantics?
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
My oldest daughter is in college. She’s been knitting scarves lately, so maybe she can help out those poor kids without pants!
Stephanie, my youngest is in high school and I know what she’s been up to (after the fact) and I wish I didn’t! :S
Anna’s last blog post..Handmadeology
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:31 am
I neverh ad that problem when I was in college. Mainly becuse it doesn’t snow down here in Louisiana. Well, it did a couple of years, but I had plenty of pants, just wasn’t ready for the cold, as you can imagine. Of course, there were those (mostluy frat boys) who were walking around in shorts, flip flops, and wife beaters trying to be all macho or something. Probanly went home and stood in front of theh eater for a good hour or longer, though…lol
Mystery Man’s last blog post..If Chick Flicks Were Re-Written By Guys
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:48 am
i truly have no idea where this crazy fashion trend came from. i dont get it and it drives me nuts. just like those kids that wear their pants down at their knees. send belts too!
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 am
What IS it with college kids and flip flops? I live in a college town and bad feet and bad shoes are everywhere. Can you say podiatrist?
peace,
mike
livelife365
Mike Foster’s last blog post..Near-Death? More Life!
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:18 am
And it’s 32degree here. OH Kathy, I hate you.
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:54 am
Kathy, my eleven year old will be just like them I swear. She has all the winter clothing she will ever need and she goes outside in shorts, fli flops and a coat. I don’t get it.
ettarose’s last blog post..Welcome to the new President
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:44 am
Jenn — I’m sure they’re pantless by choice. But what’s funny is they clearly look and ARE freezing. With the cold, it’s not mind over matter. I don’t care what anyone says.
Anne — Yep. I wonder if other students tell them point blank “I know you’re freezing. You know you’re freezing. You’re not fooling anyone.” Glad your daughter has good sense!
TheSnackHound — Yeah, it could be the last clean thing in their closet. Didn’t think of that. The PJ thing kills me, too. That look was more popular the last few years. Cracked me up that girls would wear cartoon pajama pants to class. Funny about Mr. Thermal Underwear Top! PU!
Lee — I often want to take snapshots of the silly things students do, but I haven’t mastered surreptitious photography yet. And, yeah, there’s the whole “I’m too drunk to realize it’s five degrees out” thing. It’s as good an explanation as any.
Maureen — Oh, don’t get me started on the pants-around-your-knees look. It is so off-the-charts ridiculous. I keep waiting for the fad to end already. It cannot be comfortable to wear a belt around your special parts. Ugh. I HATE THAT LOOK!
amber — Or coming from it and they forgot to put on their real pants. The shorts they wear are as thin as underwear!
chris — I’ve run outside briefly, too, in shorts and a winter coat. But spending your whole day in them, going to class, and walking for blocks and blocks in this weather is just plain stupid. And thank you for confirming that it’s a “I’m too cool to be cold” thing. I’m dying to know if the girls really think that. Maybe I should conduct random interviews outside my building. “Do you think he’s so cold he’s hot?”
Prefers Her Fantasy Life — Oh, geez. Doesn’t surprise me they’d come up with a contest like that. Interesting that the smell took him out!
meleah rebeccah — Could be. Or, it’s a chick magnet thing. Hell if I know.
maggie — I’m guessing it’s a way to express their individuality. You know, so they can look more stupid than the warm people.
Babs beetle — Yes, the girls do that too around here, but not as much as the boys. I see a lot of girls wearing stylish boots, which at least keep most of their legs warm. But if they thought flip flops were stylish, I’m sure I’d see them too. Crazy!
Preston — Same here. Saw a guy in shorts and a sweatshirt at the grocery store last week. I was mesmerized because it was even colder then (windchill below zero). I don’t get it either.
Jaffer — Almost had me! So it’s possible you’re naked when you’re Twittering with us? Very interesting…
Shieldmaiden1196 — So are you admitting that you’re an old lady now? Say it ain’t so! Hey, and I do have a snazzy chain for my cheaters. I got over it.
Trade Show Guru Steve — I kind of wonder if the kids I see in shorts aren’t from Florida and are trying to “beat the cold.” Most students who come here are from around here, so hopefully they’re smart enough to understand that 2 degrees really will kill you. Sorry about the moderation again!
John at Curious Cat Investing Blog — Smart man! If I had the chance to move away for college, I would most certainly have picked a place in warmer climes. Frankly, I don’t know why I’m still living in the northeast. I hate winter!
Sue — I remember not wanting to look dorky in boots, but they make such stylish ones these days. I saw a girl yesterday whose boots were tartan. Don’t worry. In a few years, she’ll come to her senses.
Roxanne Green — It is amazing. I’m so tempted to walk right up to one and ask “You can’t feel your legs, right?”
Grandy — Hey, at least your kid is still at home. I think if he or she moves away to college, it’s best not to even consider what goes on. Otherwise, you’d never get a good night’s sleep.
Stephanie Barr — Smart woman. See above. You need your sleep.
Anna — I don’t know how any parent lives through the teen/college years. That’s one reason I’m too afraid to have kids. I remember the stupid stuff I did!
Mystery Man — Ha! Yeah, I can imagine them shivering back in their rooms, toasting themselves over a heater, wondering how much longer they can put up the charade of warmth.
erin — At least when I was a teen, I was warm. That was in the 80’s and I’m not proud of what I wore then, but at least it wasn’t shorts in winter! The crotch-at-your-knees look must die. I keep waiting for it to go out of style.
Mike Foster — Flip flops can barely even be called shoes, really. Even worse, have you ever seen these strapless flip flops? They stick to your feet! Crazy!
Turnips — You want it should be colder??? We’re so happy. It’s going up to 40 tomorrow. A heat wave!
ettarose — And I’m sure all her friends do, too. When in Rome…
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:53 am
Oh this is a good one. My two sons have finished school and now have wives to make sure they dress, but I can relate. They still live down in Atlanta near Georgia Tech and I often drive by and see how the kids are dressing. I can’t help thinking what a fit their mothers would have! Its been coooold down here in the balmy south this week.
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:37 am
Okay, as probably the lone Ohio State University alum visiting the comments today, I can attest to playing touch football in the snow, in sweats, and sometimes shorts…. with girls! And we ALL Liked it!
So please do not disparage only the male sex!
BTW, the girls liked to “tackle” by pulling down our pants, so I hope that answers a question for you!
Chris Casey’s last blog post..Happiness is a Heated Mattress Pad
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:14 am
I work at a college in Ontario. Snow up to your eyeballs and yes, students in shorts. I guess I can’t complain too loudly, I never wear socks, even in my boots and I like to pretend that the falling snowflakes are apple blossoms gently blowing in the breeze. Some of us just hate to give in and let winter win.
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:20 am
The whole idea behind taking the pictures is to not be sneaky about it. For the right “monetary consideration” you could be compelled to hit the delete button…on one of the three pictures you capture of each instance of stupidity. (Catch the hint? Always snap multiple shots.)
Lee’s last blog post..In The Spirit of Sharing
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:25 am
If my high schooler didn’t wear a uniform to school, I think he would wear shorts all winter. It’s no different than girls wearing skirts in the cold weather, I guess. He also won’t wear a winter coat. Ever. Only a hoodie from his favorite university.
January 22nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
By what I can tell…the boys in high school and middle school wear their pants like they are falling off. Once in college…they make the change..(most do)..and wear the pants higher.
When I go to a high school boys basketball game…I even see the boys trying to pull their uniform shorts down as low as the rules will allow. You would “think” that wearing them to be comfortable would be more important.
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:48 am
I have two kids in High School and my son wearing shorts is the LEAST of my concerns, although I’ve questioned him many a morning when he walks out the door in shorts and it’s snowing outside??!! The only time he seems to wear pants is when all his shorts are in the laundry. Like I said before I have two teenagers about to get a drivers license and hopefully get good grades in school and make good choices about dating, etc. so I guess I have to pick my battles!!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:52 am
As a mom with college age kids, I testify they have pants, socks and underwear. I know I purchased and packed said items last fall. Why it is macho to were shorts I just don’t know. Even grown up men do this from time to time. Case in point, even President Obama didn’t where a hat at his swearing in and it was cold.
carol at A Second Cup’s last blog post..Aging with Grace: A Perfect Day
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
Ahhh … delightful, sexy, frozen kneecap syndrome! Youth is wasted on the young.
Jenny’s last blog post..What I Really Meant To Say
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I am going to quote DrowseyMonkey here, “@maniar LOL, well we’re all commando under our clothes. Think about it. That’s as philosophical as I’m getting tonight.”
Jaffer’s last blog post..I be spied on !
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I too work on a college campus and it’s amazing to me as well what they will come in wearing. I’ve seen girls actually wearing a scarf with a tank top. They are half right. Did they think that just their neck needed to be kept warm?
lenoxknits’s last blog post..What’s New Wednesday: Neutrals
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Where I live in So. California, college kids suffer from a different, perplexing problem: whether it’s hot, cold or pouring rain, they wear flip-flops on their feet. Granted, they won’t get hypothermia, but perpetually wet feet?
Keli’s last blog post..Stupidity at Seminars
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I used to work at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and although we had no snow, students still wore weather-inappropriate clothing all the time. I had one student who always came to class barefoot. He could afford footwear, he just didn’t like it.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
“TheSnackHound — Yeah, it could be the last clean thing in their closet.”
Remember clean is relative. They were probably worn 20 times before washing, but hadn’t jumped into “so dirty I look like circa 1891 train hopping hobo” category. So they work.
January 22nd, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Oh I have one of those boys! Quick story, one morning it was extremely cold here and my son decided that he was going to actually wear his winter coat. So off to school he heads, a few minutes later my phone rings and it is my gf, now my son used to walk to school on the path behind her house, so she say SoccerMom it’s me, I just say The boy, and I immediately gasp, oh my gosh is he okay, she says yes I am just calling to let you know he had a coat on! I just about died laughing! My son is famous for shorts in the winter, no coat etc… And remmeber we are in Canada where the temps can get into the minus 40s.
This is a funny commercial that is currently running on the TV from a local station. I’s sure it will support your fight to get pants to those young men!
http://mynews.ctv.ca/mediadetailmti/553917?collection=498&offset=0&siteT=myToronto
The Mind of a Mom’s last blog post..It’s a need to know basis
January 22nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Good luck with the sending of pants and socks. These items were long auctioned off to some senior with blue toes for beer money. More items from home would just contribute to the weekly Saturday (or Thursday, depending on the quickness of the seniors snapping them up..) bacchanal planned in the dorm. They’re keeping warm – on barley and hops!
Elle’s last blog post..He’s Better! He’s Better!!
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Yeah, they do that too out here in SLC. Mostly in High School tho. I will agree that their parents need to intervine. I mean really. duh ! wear pants people!
Chris’s last blog post..Stress Sucks
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
So you’re saying the girls don’t need pants? Is that what I’m hearing? I like that idea.
Tell us more stories. It could be a regular feature here, don’t you think?
Unfinished Rambler’s last blog post..25 Things About You, Interwebs, The Train Obama Rode In On
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
You’re right. They won’t want to know.
Joe’s last blog post..Catching up on Stuff
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I too work at a college… where it is -26*C with the windchill today and some guy came into my office wearing flip-flops. I secretly wish his toes will fall off to teach him a lesson.
Carmen’s last blog post..Tap, tap, tap…
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I’m so with Maureen on this one. I completely don’t understand how and why kids wear their pants down off their asses so they have to spread their legs while they walk just to keep them up around their thighs. Are there some girls out there going… “Oh baby, the way you waddle like a duck really turns me on. Lower! LOWER! See if you can walk with them around your ankles baby!”
Jeff’s last blog post..naethaune
January 22nd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Hahah nice article.
Unemployed Asshole’s last blog post..Breaking News From The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
My husband walks around in shorts in this weather. I will have three layers on and he’ll be wearing shorts. As you can imagine, there is some disagreement over the thermostat setting.
Momo Fali’s last blog post..They Played Me Like a Fiddle
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I worked at a University until recently and I saw the same thing. All I could do was hope that my sons who were away at school were not doing the same thing. I doubt they are that bad, but I’m sure they don’t wear warm enough jackets.
Connect with your Teens’s last blog post..Lost: 20 observations on Because you Left and The Lie
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:29 am
I was one of those kids! Just last year I was going to film school in Regina, Saskatchewan which is a deep freeze 8 months of the year. Although, I have an excuse, I lived in the dorms which were directly attached to the campus. I could easily go a week without having to go outside so took full advantage by sporting a t-shirt, shorts and flip flops. It was a lot easier for me to get through the halls than those waddling around in snow gear. But, come one, I think we all know the real people we should be complaining about here: those who are going to class in pajama pants!
Luke’s last blog post..2009 Oscar Nominations
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:47 am
LOL. Didn’t think anyone would run around in their shorts in that kind of weather.
choopixie’s last blog post..A Warning Sign From Antarctica
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:57 am
they want to look cool and pretend to b strong
miss those college life
cheethai’s last blog post..Patch 3.08 is Live Now
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:07 am
Data Entry Services — I think ignorance is bliss. Same with not being able to access their kids’ Facebook accounts. Best not to go there.
Chris Casey — You’re right. The girls don’t know how to dress either. But I’ll save that rant for summer, when we see girls showing up to class half naked. I’m quite sure there are no complaints from the men, though.
Jennifer — I hate giving into winter myself, mostly because I hate getting all bulked up with coats, scarves and gloves. But I hate being cold, too, so I acquiesce.
Paparazzo Lee — Thanks for the tips. Remind me not to do anything stupid in front of you. Fumbles for wallet.
Susan — We should be glad they wear clothes at all. Gotta pick your battles, right?
Linda — I really don’t get the low-hanging shorts thing. I do understand the desire to be “in” but not when it’s uncomfortable. They must consider comfort the price they pay for coolness. But still!!!
karen — I know every day must bring you some kind of new challenge, raising teens. Which is why I’ve always been terrified to have children. I’d be a mess every time they left the house. I’d have to plant agents everywhere.
carol at A Second Cup — You can lead a child to pants, but you can’t make him wear them.
Jenny — If I bared my legs to 10 degree weather, I’d have to take a bath in hand lotion. Yes, it’s wasted indeed.
Jaffer — LOL. That’s deep. Too deep before coffee.
lenoxknits — I’m guessing the scarf is for decoration only. Crazy kids!
Keli — I can’t even wear flip-flops, as my feet are fairly gnarly. Get ‘em wet? No thanks!
Patricia — I remember seeing a piece on TV about a guy who never wore shoes. Ever. I can’t remember what his reasoning was. It was beyond not liking the feeling of shoes. To each his own, I suppose. But ewww.
TheSnackHound — I keep having to be reminded about a kid’s perspective. I suppose if the clothing doesn’t move across the room on its own energy, it’s clean enough.
The Mind of a Mom — I love that your kid wearing a coat warrants a phone call. Funny! And that video? Priceless! So funny and it’s dead-on! Thanks for the link.
Elle — That’s an accurate assessment, I’m sure. I keep forgetting that beer makes you immune to most discomforts.
Chris — It just seems like such a basic need, doesn’t it? And they’re not fooling anyone. They’re freezing!
Unfinished Rambler — Oh, I toy with the idea of sharing stories about students and other collegiate-related things. But I’d like to keep my job. Kind of a bad economy.
Joe — They especially don’t want to know the conversations I’ve overheard from girls planning their weekends when they think no one’s listening.
Carmen — Good Lord, that’s cold! I think we need a shoe drive for the needy and the stupid.
Jeff — Seriously. They must be uncomfortable every second of the day. And I do see them walking around pulling them up constantly. It couldn’t be a less efficient way to walk. Drives. Me. Insane.
Unemployed Asshole — Thanks.
Momo Fali — My husband would walk around naked if I would let him and it was socially-acceptable. The man just isn’t into clothing. I feel your pain.
Connect with your teens — And I’m sure if you asked if they’re warm enough, they’d say yes. Yes is relative.
Luke — You are right about the PJ pants. I’m embarrassed for people who do that. I do get the whole “gotta be unique” thing, but that look is wrong on so many levels. I’m surprised professors don’t tell those kids they can’t come to class like that. For all I know, maybe they do. A little respect, people!
choopixie — I think it’s because their brains are frozen.
cheethai — Yeah, but they’re not fooling anyone. Ironic.
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:08 am
A care package. Now there’s a business idea. Send us money and we will send you a care package… socks, pants and a big fruit cake.
It could work.
Ken Armstrong’s last blog post..Stumbling Upon Ghosts
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:12 am
OMG! I dropped off somethings for my daughter last night (who happens to be at that very same unnamed campus) and SHE HAD SHORTS ON!Of course there had been a heat wave of 34 yesterday and she had a basketball game but omg.
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:51 am
You would think pants in the winter would be a common sense thing OH WAIT these are the same kids that drink themselves into an alcoholic comas just to be accepted
dizzblnd’s last blog post..Now That we’re married
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:14 am
Bah, they were just probably hung over
Back in my college days I remember I used to wear shorts all the time while indoors and didn’t care enough to change them if the trip outside was short enough.
Probably that’s the case
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 am
Having actually attended that university where you work, I know that being smart enough to know about hypothermia in no way guarantees that they can put that together with the need to wear pants (that assumes a certain leap in logic that may strain an engineer). I have mounds of evidence demonstrating that lack of common sense (often with photos).
College students are dumb. I am embarrassed to have run into someone that was part of the administration when I was in college (that would be you). I have my own stories of dumb things I did and am just hoping that there is no permanent record of them anywhere around. That would just be mortifying.
Anne’s last blog post..Go Vote, But Not for Me
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:35 am
I have a feeling that “smarts” has nothing to do with it so much as its easier to throw on shorts and flops when you’re running late to class.
Besides, its more important to keep your chest and head warm then your legs and when running back and forth to class at a hurried pace, you’ll actually warm up to the point where you don’t need pants…
mcangeli’s last blog post..Have you been to…
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
When I was in college, many of the girls would wear boxer shorts to class.
How crazy is that?
PaulsHealthBlog.com’s last blog post..Flu Shot Proven To Be Ineffective. Again.
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
It snowed her on Monday–saw a DAD with shorts and flip flops at the grocery store. Crazy!
The Nester’s last blog post..To Flash or Not to Flash
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
You’re right! I don’t want to know, but tell me anyway!
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
cute blog!
staciesmadness’s last blog post..*hmph*
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Tell me a story of what one of the stupid kids that are “smart” do?
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Sandals really aren’t that bad in the middle of the winter – Up until this past Christmas I’ve worn sandals everyday for 3 years.
. . .I used to go to school up in Oswego which last year had to shut down school for a week because of 10 feet or so of snow.
Justin’s last blog post..Kids these days don’t watch enough ninja movies.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Hmmm… well I hope my mom keeps this in mind when I’m in college. I have enough common sense to wear jeans in the winter, and sweaters. Not long sleeves though. They bother me most of the time. I prefer short sleeves. Until I’m in college, I’ll stick with normal clothes.
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
You made me laugh with that, inparticularly the flipflops.
Thanks!
Kreations’s last blog post..The Worldest Laziest Toddler
January 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Brrrr! That post made me cold! Poor kids without pants.
Maybe we should start a Pants for College Boys fund? LOL
January 24th, 2009 at 1:08 am
My daughter will complain about being cold while wearing shorts, tank top and flip flops, but she has a wool scarf around her neck…go figure.
Carla’s last blog post..Change, we’re doin it right
January 24th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Ken Armstrong — Oh, not the fruit cake. That would probably wind up hidden at the bottom of some poor kid’s closet as a prank. Oh, wait. Those things don’t actually rot, do they? Nevermind.
MT — Did you shake your head, roll your eyes, ask her where she left her brains or all of the above?
dizzblnd — I know. It’s sort of a given.
Setai — I suppose the bigger battle is just getting kids to go to class. If they have some clothing on, it’s a win.
Anne — Silly me! There may not be photos, but you may be the subject of “Remember when we saw…” stories. Close enough.
mcangeli — And there you have it. How to live in the northeast without pants.
PaulsHealthBlog.com — It’s crazy and sounds really unattractive. Did I miss that fad?
The Nester — It amazes me that I see men in shorts at the store. I have a tendency to make myself up before going to the store because I always seem to run into someone I know who wants to catch up with me for the last ten years I haven’t seen them. Oh, I forgot. Men don’t care!
Kirsten — I used to walk the hill on campus with my sister on Saturday mornings, early, like 7AM. The kids are still up from the night before. You can hear them. Through the walls of the fraternities and sororities. We changed our schedule to be a little later. We didn’t want beer cans thrown at us. Or worse.
staciesmadness — Thanks!
brooke — See 2 comments back.
Justin — Really? Oh, my feet are cold just thinking about that!
Regan — You’re a smart kid. Don’t get stupid.
Kreations — Happy to oblige.
Corrina — I know! Me too! Sometimes the school runs a collection drive for needy kids. I think they should sort through the boxes for themselves first.
Carla — I don’t figure it at all. I’m sure you’ve given up the fight, yes? Probably doesn’t pay to argue it.
January 24th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
A friend of mine wore shorts and tee shirts all year long in college. Well, if there was snow on the ground he would put on a coat.
Hell, we all thought we were bullet proof back then.
The Hawg!’s last blog post..It’s about time
January 24th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
The pants around the knee thing just reminds me of all the times I pulled the pants up on my toddlers.
I actually commented that to one young man, he just looked at me like I was nuts.
January 24th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
I am proud to say that my son wears pants and closed shoes!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..The Art of Studying Strangers
January 25th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
The Hawg! — Funny. That look says I’m lazy, but I’m also freezing. He got it half-right.
Susan K — Must drive you extra insane to see it. You were brave to ask a kid about that. I’m to scared I’ll get punched. So I stare long and hard instead.
Elizabeth — Score one for pants and shoes! You raised him right.
January 25th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
That reminds me…do you have any pictures of the nurse using the makeshift “shelf” at your doctor’s office? Want some?
Lee’s last blog post..Sunday Scenery
January 26th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
They don’t have pants because they have sold them for beer money. Parents do not send your kids more pants you will just be supporting drinking by your child.
pinkrenegade’s last blog post..Living Frugally Doesn’t Mean Living Unhappily
January 27th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Lee — Ah, you remembered the infamous butt shelf! Hey, wait a minute….
pinkrengade — You’re probably right. Beer trumps all.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
[...] Kathy (aka the Countess of Comments) over at the Junk Drawer wrote a post about college kids that wear shorts and flip flops in the snow. [...]
January 28th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
This is one subject I know a little about. My daughter teaches English Lit. and I hear about her students every day.
I am mostly amazed that some of them even made it to college.
Are you still running your guessing games? I love to read all of your post. But, I was always so good at guessing the object correctly that I came here looking for it.
I am back after a long hiatus. and as always I have so enjoyed my visit here today!:-)
Shinade’s last blog post..Rejoice America We Have Hope Again-Give Praise, Shout and Sing-Glory Be To You God
January 28th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
that’s not my last post. I forgot to uncheck the box. Today we have a lovely ice show. I am freezing!!
January 28th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Shinade!!! Good to see you back here. We missed you. Your daughter must shake her head every day. Either that, or she’s laughing inside. Yes, I’m running my What’s That? Wednesday posts yet. I don’t always have one for Wednesday, and sometimes I post one on another day. So always check back. I do 2-3 a month. We got snow and ice today too. Spring, hurry up already!
January 29th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Hey, if you see that kid with flip flops again, can you give him my sister’s number? I think they’re soul mates. My sister wears flip flops year round. If she ever loses her toes to frost bite, I swear she’ll just duct tape the flip flops on.
January 29th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Staci — So she doesn’t live in warmer climes? She’s lucky she still has all her toes (assuming she does!)
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Raging testosterone + pig-headedness = a boy running around in shorts in 20 below weather, and a mom running behind him yelling, “When I’m cold, you put on pants!”
Don’t blame the moms!
The Mother’s last blog post..When You Absolutely, Positively Have to Have More than Six
February 7th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
The Mother — OK, moms are off the hook! It was funny. Yesterday, I was trailing behind two girls walking to my building. Girl 1: Do you know I was standing outside last night in only my t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops? Girl 2: Why?
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Kathy,
Think about this. The parents do not want to ask questions or know about their kids running around in shorts in the 10 degree weather. If they say something to the kid, that same said kid may come back home and take online college courses.
Seriously though – have you tried the shorts and and sweathshirt. It works well enough for short periods outside – such as going from one class to another. The flip flops though – I don’t get that one.
February 24th, 2009 at 7:33 am
too funny! Good idea with the Stumble Upon. You got a thumbs up from me – very handy. And I noticed your BlogHer on the side bar – Sounds like a lot of fun!
storybeader’s last blog post..Etsybloggers Carnival – Feb 27th
February 24th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
online colleges Rick — You’re right. I expect a lot of parents and their kids have a nice “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy going on. I always want to ask the flip-flop kids point blank “You’re toes are falling off, right?” but I always chicken out.
storybeader — Thanks for the stumble! Yea! I’m going to BlogHer, provided I don’t get lost. I’m terrified I’ll wind up in Wisconsin somehow and will have to call my husband to come get me. I have a problem with directions and flying alone.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:29 am
That behavior starts in childhood. It is freezing today, and my kids are ready to go to school in shorts. My wife and I threatened to make them walk to school (about 3mi) if they didn’t start dressing appropriately FOR THE WEATHER. They still would do it. We just don’t understand. When we were pre-teens, shorts were not allowed in public school, except at PE. Is it tied to the bee die-out? Cosmic clouds of dark matter? Perhaps. All I know is that my wife and I are not going to put up with it! So there.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:36 am
REZ — I don’t understand it either. My mother would NEVER let me out of the house half-dressed. NEVER! Laughed about the bee die-out. Yes, let’s say that’s why! Thanks for commenting.