This summer has opened me up to new experiences. I'm living in a different state, I'm working with people who have worked on Broadway, I'm living in a dorm with no air conditioning... That last one isn't as fun, obviously. I think I've spent way too many days and nights circling around the campus parking lot just so I can savor my car's AC to call it acceptable. However, the most shocking experience that I've had thus far is quite possibly one that I hope won't carry on with me when I move back home.
Taking a cold shower.
Now, I know what you're thinking: I live in Florida, I'm stupid for not liking cold showers. Totally valid, I get it. However, for me, if the water is not making you want to rip your skin off because it's so hot, it's too cold. Cold showers make me squirm. I can never understand why people swear by taking cold showers. It's like jumping into a cold swimming pool, jarring. You would think the words "and refreshing" would follow that, but unlike a swimming pool, I don't think cold showers are ever refreshing.
Fast forward to this summer where I'm working long days and nights, sometimes in the heat and come home to no relief, but from a few fans that are blowing warm air. A shower is my only getaway, however, in order to bear the heat from my floor and my room, I have to bite the bullet and take a cold shower. Granted, I never go "fully cold" but it's cold enough to where I can bear it for an entire shower. I have to say, it's kind of nice. There's nothing like working all day and coming home to a semi-cold shower. It's also kind of terrifying because I hope I don't go home still continuing to take cold showers. It's just weird for me because I'm so against them.
Who knows? Maybe this tradition will carry on and I'll just have to deal with it. In the meantime, I'll take my cold showers to get some relief and pretend my 800-degree room is the warm shower I'll never have until the winter.