… move to Alaska, or Maine, or Canada. The temperature hit 99 today. Ugh. And it’s supposed to be in the 90s all week. Given that I’m not all that fond of double-digit snowfalls and below-zero temperatures either, I’m thinking that moving north would not improve my discontent with the weather.
I don’t tolerate heat well, and I think my children are following somewhat. Whenever the temperature is high and the humidity likewise, our house seems less of a happy home. We’re more tired and less patient, eager to be outside but unwilling to roast our pale complexions in the sun. I’m the most guilty. I determined this morning to not turn the air conditioner on until it was absolutely necessary and by 3 p.m., it was. The damage to my mood was done by then. Isabelle wanted to go outside and do chalk, which I finally consented to at 5:45 p.m. The temperature at that point was at its highest, but my husband kindly withheld that information. Nobody wanted to eat much dinner, especially if it was warm in any way.
Does this happen in anyone else’s house?
And today’s only Monday. Anticipating that the heat/mood problem will likely worsen as the week goes on, I’m trying to think of ways to stay cool. Here’s my list so far:
Head to the mall. Isabelle can run free in A/C while I push Corban in the stroller. Downside: I’d be tempted to buy something with money we don’t have.
Phone a friend, especially one with a pool, wading or otherwise, or even a sprinkler. Our otherwise mostly perfect rental home has no outside hose hookup. I’m told sprinklers make just about anything better.
Liquid diet. Popsicles, milkshakes, smoothies … a brain freeze sounds pretty good right about now. Downside: Extra calories and sugar. Although maybe I’ll sweat enough to counteract it.
Indoor picnic. Lunch on a blanket in the living room, the coolest room in the house because the window air conditioner lives there.
Any other ideas? We’re talking inexpensive (free if possible), creative and fun ways to beat the heat with a 2-year-old and a 7-month-old, with or without leaving the house.
Help, please! Before I pack up our stuff and head north!