It's summertime. The sun is shining. The birds are singing. And, of course, it's warm. This, I have been told, is quite enjoyable. Now, don’t get me wrong...sunshine and birdsong are lovely. Admittedly, I do love the rain and sometimes detest the little birds that wake me up before my alarm. However, my real problem is the temperature. Summer is not “warm." Summer is downright hot, and you may not have been aware of this but “hot” is synonymous with “horrible." Alright, maybe that isn’t true, but they do both start with “h,” which is close enough for me, particularly in this case.
I absolutely loathe the heat and, while I do think everyone is entitled to their opinions, in this case, I think I am right. The first and foremost reason that heat is horrid is sweat. Sweat may be a natural, healthy bodily function, but it is also extremely unpleasant. Smelling your neighbors on public transportation is never pleasant and there is nothing worse than feeling nice and put-together when you leave the house in the morning only to feel that you need a shower by the time you arrive at your destination. Then there is the problem of humidity, which often accompanies heat, so that stepping outside feels like being suddenly suffocated. Lethargy is another problem heat engenders. When it is hot outside, even lifting a hand to wipe the sweat off your forehead becomes a chore.
Cold, on the other hand, is a wonderful thing. You never have to worry about sweat. The air is crisp, fresh, and breathable. Heat’s lethargy disappears with the cold. Instead, the air feels electric and alive. What’s more, people tend to stay indoors when it's cold, so if you go for a walk that whole living, breathing, electric world belongs to you, if only for a little while. Moreover, I would be remiss if I did not mention the incandescent joy of drinking a cup of coffee while reading a book when it is cold outside. Coffee just tastes better and characters come alive in the cold. It’s a fact. Dante’s decision to make his ninth circle of hell freezing is simply inconceivable. The cold is marvelous and maybe we aren’t quite ready for winter, but colorful leaves and crisp breezes are certainly welcome anytime.
