Just because I'm used to it, doesn't mean I like it

[deemoyza]

I spent the first thirty-plus years of my life in southern Arizona, and routinely saw temperatures around 117 or 118 degrees this time of year. (And then there was the day that the thermometer topped out at 124, back in '89 or '90). Sometimes we had air conditioning, at other times just a swamp cooler, which actually made things worse when the monsoonal moisture kicked in.

A few years ago, I moved to southern Nevada, which is still a desert, and still hot, but it really is a dry heat up here, and it usually runs about 8-10 degrees cooler than my hometown. (Except right now. XP)

All of this is to say, I'm used to the heat. I know how to stay safe, and I'm lucky enough to live in an air-conditioned apartment. But somehow, whenever the temperature pokes above 110 degrees, my body just knows it, and I get extremely sluggish.

And all of that is to say that I didn't get much writing done this week. :P

I'm looking forward to the "cooldown" (an extremely relative term) forecast for this weekend, which should approach more normal temperatures, and snap me out of this lethargy that seems to be only a few steps removed from actual hibernation.

(And while I'm fully aware that I could simply leave the desert, I can't bear to. I find enough to love about it to make up for the heat, and I really don't feel at home in any other environment. :) )

Comments

[runicmagitek]

Oh geez, I'm the same way but with the cold D: also my California-native boyfriend can also relate with your dilemma! People complain out here when it hits 80 (it's super humid, but still) and he's just cackling in a corner while not breaking a sweat.

Also super related with not wanting to leave an environment that feels like home. As much as I hate winter, leaving New England would break my heart. I hope you get a break from the heat, though 💕

[deemoyza]

I think the worst is over, for the time being. :D The forecast calls for more seasonable temperatures through the coming week, and I've already noticed my A/C cooling a bit more efficiently and my afternoon energy levels slowly approaching normal again. :)

It's nice to know other people have that same attachment to their environment, where the uncomfortable aspects of it can't override the feeling of being home. Here's hoping you enjoy the rest of the season up where you are! 💕

Ooof

[sapientesgladio]

I hope since this blog post the weather calmed down and you were able to accomplish what you set out to do~!

I don't know how you do it, acclimating to heat like that but man. I know I'd melt. LOL But it helps to deal with dry heat better than humid heat, that's for sure.

Re: Ooof

[deemoyza]

Oh yes, in the last day or two, the weather has gone down to more seasonable temperatures, and it's just made it easier to concentrate, overall. (I think worrying about the possibility of my A/C going out during a heatwave, or the power grid getting overloaded and causing blackouts has a lot to do with my limited productivity during these times).

Being born in a hot place helped a ton with acclimation, but I really wonder how people who move out here for work, or school, or a fresh start, etc. handle it. My father was born in Illinois and raised in Washington state, and he acclimated fairly well, but it was conditional. Running errands or going to work? Unbearably hot. Going fishing? Perfectly acceptable. XD