Dear Winter,

It's me, Dakota. Hi, yes how are you? Cold you say.

Yeah I know. I know it very well.

For the past two months, you have made my skin dry, my eyes water, my nose run and my tan fade. I can no longer go outside without three jackets and a scarf. My beloved Rainbow sandals and shorts have been wasting away in my closet for so long. It will be months before they see the light of day, which really makes me sad. Why must you be so harsh and unpredictable? Summer is never this cruel to me.

So winter, please, cut me some slack. I can only like wearing my jacket for a couple of days before I have try hard to pretend it does not bother me. Deep down it really bothers me that I can't walk outside in my cute jacket without having a huge raincoat that covers it up.

Orange County never got as cold as Oregon does. I am still not used to it even though it is my second winter in. I am afraid I will won't ever get used to it. The cold does bother me contrary to popular belief. Yes, I love the rain and snow. But no, I don't like the 25 mile per hour winds and the wind chill.

Yes, I know. I moved to a place where winter is real. That is my fault. Winter in Oregon is not all cute rain boots and flannels. It is wearing a hood because it is raining and having the wind blow it right off. It is practicing your sport and having to pretend that running through the rain and wind doesn't make you run slow.

My hands have never been so cold in my life. Who knew your hands turned red so quickly? (Not me!) Yes I know gloves are a thing but even with gloves my hands still turn cold.

So please winter, cut me, an Orange County girl, some slack.

I really need it.

-Dakota