Handling the Heat (or lack thereof)
January 26, 2004
Life is full of decisions. We strive to use our best judgment and often do, but sometimes our senses leave us and the opposite of good judgment takes over: stupidity.
One such occurrence came upon me this past weekend. Dreadfully in need of some food and laundry supplies, I stared out the window of my apartment here in Montréal. Staring right back at me were temperatures in the -20 to -25 degree Fahrenheit range and, more importantly, wind chills closer to -40. All the voices in my head suggested I stay in, while my stomach and growing pile of laundry dared me to brave the elements (although some factions of my stomach hinted at pizza delivery). So I put on my coat, then my other coat, scarf and hat then headed downstairs.
Plan A was to awake "Bessie" my '95 Ford Explorer who, like me, is from the south therefore not accustomed to such temperatures. With a resounding 'click' she voiced her opinion..."Hey, if you wanna be an idiot, knock yourself out. I'll have no part in it." Yet another point of decision. I could have turned back. The enveloping warmth of the lobby of my building was just steps away.
I instead turned the corner onto the main sidewalk. The convenient store (known as a 'dépanneur' here in Québec) next door would not do, no detergent. So I set my sights toward the Uniprix pharmacy a little under a half a mile away. Lunacy. I arrived there some ten minutes later, somewhat resembling an oversized, novelty popsicle. I burst through the doors into the warm oven that is the Uniprix. I stopped short of asking if they had rooms available for the night.
So I made my purchases and began psyching myself up for the walk home. Could it be any worse than the walk here? Of course it can. The addition of a grocery bag to each hand and the fact that I was now walking into the wind made me wonder if I would ever make it back. I could see the headline now: Man found frozen to death clutching box of Tide, pack of Starburst.
I struggled home, passing Bessie as I made my way to the door. She just laughed. Decisions, Decisions...
Filed under Life in General
Comments
sis says:
So this one time at college - I had to BE at work at 630 am - and walk up the hill to my job...anywho not being the morning person I am now I very sluggishly got out of bed dressed as warmly as possible and set out a little after 600. It had snowed abt 6 inches over nite, and I fell. Not a harsh back breaking fall but a soft flop into fresh snow. Now having been taught properly how to bundle up (minus bread bags on my feet) I was quite comfy. I swear I fell asleep for about 2 minutes and scared myself so bad that i would be found frozen!!! I jump up and headed on...Just thought you might enjoy that.
Ace says:
You must have got that from your mothers side of the family! My side would never have let the groceries get that low! Laundry....NO WAY, MAN!
Love, Dad
Jessica says:
I have you all beat....try being iced in with Chelsea and Hannah for 4 days! Oh...the pain of the memories! I would much rather be battling the snow for Brad's box of Tide! At least the snow doesn't talk back. (Comments from an insane mother)
Stephanie says:
All that and you only bought a pack of starburst to eat? I hope it was at least a jumbo size...:D
Comments are closed for this entry
Doy says:
I did the same thing at a hotel in Banff (staff retreat), except it was a little warmer (-5C or so...) and I'd ventured out into the snow without a jacket and short sleeves.
I kept thinking, "It's not that far...I'll just walk briskly and by the time I realize it's cold, I'll be there."
That was just stupid. As I walked, the people passing me said it all with the looks on their faces. They probably thought I was an American trying to be macho or something...