Fly Me North For The Summer
I think summertime is beautiful from inside my air conditioned house or car and behind my tinted windows or sunglasses. That is the only time I enjoy summer. The bright sun gives me a headache and I sweat profusely if exposed to temperatures above 75-degrees for longer than 15 seconds. I avoid sun exposure to my skin as if it were delivering the plague. I wish I were exaggerating.The South is my home. I was born in Louisiana, raised in Louisiana, went to college in Arkansas and now live and work in Arkansas. I am no stranger to hot and humid summers. But that doesn't make me any more tolerant of the heat.When I get hot and start sweating, my mood degrades rapidly. I don't want anything or anyone near me. I fret about my appearance as sweat runs down my face, back, stomach and legs. My shoes get tight. I literally can think of nothing else but how hot and uncomfortable I am.To be perfectly clear: I hate summertime.I would be completely happy spending my entire summer inside my house, working from my computer and accepting deliveries for all necessities, a la Sandra Bullock in The Net.Why do so many people not understand my misery in the heat? No one really likes to be hot, but it seems everyone I know LOVES the summer for outdoor activities, water activities and long sunshiny days. I want overcast skies and cool, breezy temperatures.Don't get me wrong; I am not all "emo:"
"Emo has been associated with a stereotype that includes being particularly emotional, sensitive, shy, introverted, or angst-ridden." - Wikipedia
I am a generally happy person. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, and the summer typically provides more opportunity for these gatherings. As a result, I work hard to tolerate and be tolerable when the days are torturously hot. That means no makeup, lightweight and quick-drying clothes, and a lot of alcohol.
So, there is proof that I am not a complete wretch when I am hot. But I can assure you, I am much happier in cooler temperatures. Forgive today's rant, but 100-degrees outside today I can think of nothing but how miserably hot it is outside my air conditioned home right now.