Tuesday, July 31, 2007

SUNNY SIDE UP

Okay, let me say once more that I don't like summer. I don't like the heat. But in spite of that, articles I've been reading have prompted me to put my dislikes aside, and encouraged me to soak up a bit of sun. These articles are telling us that Americans have become so cautious about getting any sun (loading up on sunscreen, or...like me....just staying out of it) that our bodies are lacking in Vitamin D. "Experts" are now recommending that we get 10-15 minutes of pure, unadulterated sunlight on our bodies 3-4 times a week. So, motivated my wanting better health...and more likely because I think my arms would look better in sleeveless clothing if they had a little color on them...I purchased a lawn chair this past weekend.

Today was a beautiful day to begin getting some rays. The temperature gauge read 72, and there was a light breeze blowing. Even tho it is noon, and a bad time to be sunning, it's not that hot yet. I made myself a cup of cranberry tea, and put on some pjs....shorts and a tank top. I'm hoping that if the Fedex guy pulls into my driveway while I'm out there, he won't KNOW that they are pjs. I have shorts somewhere. Somewhere.

I set up the chair, hoping that it won't collapse while I'm climbing onto it. Mind you, this is not some lovely wooden chaise with big thick padded pillows....we're talking plastic weavings on a metal frame. Cheap. I manage to get situated, stretch out, cup of tea balanced on my stomach. Ahhhhh. Ya know, the sun actually feels kinda good. I can't remember the last time I purposely laid out in the sun. Probably on a trip to Hawaii. It's hot, but not too hot, and I think I can easily manage 10 minutes of this.

I finish my tea and go inside to get a glass of ice water. I am surprised to see that 15 minutes have passed. Why, I haven't even broken a sweat. Even tho my 15 minutes of required time has elapsed, I've got to give some time to the backside of me, or...should I get some color....I would be forced to let folks only see the darker "front" of me...not the pasty white "back" of me.

Fifteen minutes later I have finished exposing my backside. I must say, all in all, it was a rather pleasant experience. Perhaps doing something healthy won't be so painful after all. (Unless, of course, I experience a sunburn.) I can hear at least two of my sisters laughing...they are the ones who LOVE the sun....LOVE the heat....the two who think I am nuts for not glorying in it the way they do. I will never get to that stage, but for now I'm willing to give getting a few rays a chance.

4 comments:

ELIZABETH said...

Well you are one up on me. I can work outside in the yard when it's not overly hot but I can not just sit.

That explains why my arms have a nice colour and so do the tops of my feet thanks to wearing flipflops. Legs get a little colour but not much.

One thing I never leave home without.....sunglasses and a good sunhat. My eyes seem to need more protection then my nose.

Enjoy the sun. I would love some 70 degree days after our run of high 80's , low 90's.

ps...sister always laugh. I have 3

Anonymous said...

Yep, I realy did laugh. Out loud,
and kinda loud too. You are so funny. I could just picture you climbing onto the chair, tea in hand, trying not to spill or fall over. FUNNY!! See, it's nice isn't it? I just love it! I love getting all warm. I've never been one who gets too hot, so I guess that's why I love it so much. See you out there tomorrow, don't get burned.
lab
(tyler's here)

rel said...

Kathleen,
You know, Kathleen, You sound like a nice, down to earth person with a healthy attitude for life.

I'm a farmer tan kinda guy. too many sunburns in my youth. Sunblock is a routine part of my daily hygiene routine during the summer.
rel

strauss said...

I dislike the hot weatehr too, but over here in BC it isn't hot. I think it is rather perfect during the summer. In australia I actaully preferred the winters, they feel more like mid spring or mid fall perhaps. But here, teh lack of sunlight, the extremely short days and the gloom that woudl keep me trapped indoors depressed the life out of me.