November 9, 2006

FROZEN


I almost froze to death last night.

No, I'm not kidding. Well, maybe exaggerating a bit about the "death" part but other than that, last night was the coldest I've felt in my entire life.

The fluorescent light in the kitchen ended its life Monday evening so Ruther asked me to bring the busted bulb last night and meet him at the station so we could buy the right replacement. So, after I got Ruther's call that he was in the train and on his way home, Nikki, Ethan and I got dressed and headed for the station. It was around 7pm and the sky was somewhat cloudy, although some stars were visible and the moon was playing peek-a-boo from time to time behind floating clouds. Barely 10 meters from home, I was already thinking, “Damn! It’s a cold night.” The night was already chilly but the wind... my goodness!... I could feel my body temperature literally plummet with every step I took. After 5 minutes of walking, my hands were white and I zipped my jacket to my neck. After 10 minutes, I had goose bumps on my arms and legs (yes, I could feel them all right!) and my nostrils felt like I was inhaling ice. After 15 minutes, my hands were numb and seemed frozen on the stroller handles and I felt like I was in a freezer. I started to jog just to warm myself up. After 20 minutes, I was telling myself, “Think sun! Hot water bottle! Sauna! Chili pepper!” Little good that did me.

I was glad when we reached the station and waited for Ruther. I felt myself thaw little by little. But when Ruther arrived and we headed out to open air, the blast of cold air seemed worse and it was even harder to breathe. After buying the fluorescent light, I used the small blanket on the stroller to cover my chest and arms. It helped a little and I didn’t care if people thought I looked weird pushing a stroller with a Mickey and Minnie fleece blanket around me. I was just SO glad to be home. And to be warm once again.

Last night sure was an eye-opener for me. Now, I make sure that I am prepared for the worst and try to dress as warmly as I can. Well, while it’s still autumn at least. Winter might be an entirely new ballgame.