From the 808to the 503: Adjusting to Oregon while leaving "one foot on sand"
Commentary by: Tyler Oshiro
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Opinion
Fall arrived this year in a splendor of autumnal hues, the trees alight with the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows of October. For a little boy from Hawaii, the sight was nothing short of spectacular; never before had I witnessed the miracle of the deciduous transition.
Former Washington resident Alissa Nergaard remarks "my family and I would always go and pick pumpkins at the same patch. I loved it; I was really sad when we stopped."
It seems no matter where we are from, Autumn is a time full of wonder and enjoyment.
However, as splendid as this season is, I find one major problem, one that I'm sure we are all beginning to worry about.
It is cold.
The highs are starting to drop below 55 degrees, the rains are starting, and refusing to stop, and the wind is rattling the last of the leaves still clinging to the barren skeletons of trees near the quad.
The worst part? According to Alissa "it's only going to get really stormy, and we're not going to see the sun for a really long time."
For those of us not used to the chilly weather, from Hawaii or otherwise, adjusting is proving fairly difficult. Our wardrobes are simply inadequate; boardshorts and slippers just don't cut it in this cold. Our sweatshirts just aren't thick enough and jackets just don't repel enough water. Personally, I was completely lost as to the proper attire for coping with the weather, so I turned to the wise and adapted for answers.
Christine Nishida, senior art and Japanese major hailing from Kailua, Hawaii, has experienced enough winters here to know exactly what first-time popsicles like me will need to prepare for.
"Buy jackets with fleece," she advises, "they're really warm. Also, saimin tastes 'extra yummy' when it's cold outside and try to keep your room heated so when it's cold you get up instead of staying under the covers."
Youstina, commonly referred to as UC, is from Southern California and is suffering just as much as I am in this climate. Luckily, though, she is in a room with two Oregonians and can rely on them for advice and help.
She notes, "you have to wear layers, I even bought leggings to go under the pants. Back at home, at least the weather is consistent, it's either hot for a long time, or cold for long time; here, the weather changes every five minutes!"
She is slowly adjusting; Alissa notes "UC just bought like 8 jackets."
So, as Jack Frost readies himself to come "nipping at our noses," we must prepare ourselves for the wet and cold winter of Oregon. Just remember, in the words of John Ruskin, "Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather."
Although it might be hard to remain positive, we just need to remember that after the rain-soaked winter, the flora and fauna will bloom beautifully in the spring. We will simply have to wait for the "delicious sunshine" to bless us again.
Former Washington resident Alissa Nergaard remarks "my family and I would always go and pick pumpkins at the same patch. I loved it; I was really sad when we stopped."
It seems no matter where we are from, Autumn is a time full of wonder and enjoyment.
However, as splendid as this season is, I find one major problem, one that I'm sure we are all beginning to worry about.
It is cold.
The highs are starting to drop below 55 degrees, the rains are starting, and refusing to stop, and the wind is rattling the last of the leaves still clinging to the barren skeletons of trees near the quad.
The worst part? According to Alissa "it's only going to get really stormy, and we're not going to see the sun for a really long time."
For those of us not used to the chilly weather, from Hawaii or otherwise, adjusting is proving fairly difficult. Our wardrobes are simply inadequate; boardshorts and slippers just don't cut it in this cold. Our sweatshirts just aren't thick enough and jackets just don't repel enough water. Personally, I was completely lost as to the proper attire for coping with the weather, so I turned to the wise and adapted for answers.
Christine Nishida, senior art and Japanese major hailing from Kailua, Hawaii, has experienced enough winters here to know exactly what first-time popsicles like me will need to prepare for.
"Buy jackets with fleece," she advises, "they're really warm. Also, saimin tastes 'extra yummy' when it's cold outside and try to keep your room heated so when it's cold you get up instead of staying under the covers."
Youstina, commonly referred to as UC, is from Southern California and is suffering just as much as I am in this climate. Luckily, though, she is in a room with two Oregonians and can rely on them for advice and help.
She notes, "you have to wear layers, I even bought leggings to go under the pants. Back at home, at least the weather is consistent, it's either hot for a long time, or cold for long time; here, the weather changes every five minutes!"
She is slowly adjusting; Alissa notes "UC just bought like 8 jackets."
So, as Jack Frost readies himself to come "nipping at our noses," we must prepare ourselves for the wet and cold winter of Oregon. Just remember, in the words of John Ruskin, "Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather."
Although it might be hard to remain positive, we just need to remember that after the rain-soaked winter, the flora and fauna will bloom beautifully in the spring. We will simply have to wait for the "delicious sunshine" to bless us again.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Anita Colbier
Anita Colbier
posted 11/13/09 @ 9:58 PM PST
Tyler,
First of just wanted to thank you for writing this column. You are not only helping yourself and plenty of homesick island kids, but a homesick alum (from the 503 to the 818) as well! Cannot thank you enough. (Continued…)
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