Some like it hot, but most of us do not

None of us here on these blogs have any business reminding metro Atlanta residents and visitors alike that it’s hot in this city. Yes, we are “Paging Captain Obvious.” I’ll just skip the descriptions as to how we swelter out there as the sun keeps beaming upon us during these summer months.

Speaking of summer, did anyone notice that it actually started a few days ago as I write these lines in late June? As I have written here before at this time of the year, psychologically, we are one month into summer in the Southeastern United States. A school teacher social network friend of mine just finished her school year in mid/late June in the Northeastern U.S. They go back to their new school year the day after Labor Day. Sorry, but that’s a foreign concept to us in the South. 

I’ll also repeat here that it’s a welcome relief to get those afternoon showers from daytime heating. I love seeing those temps tumble. I write it again that I’m sure we could all do without the heavy downpours, flooding and lightning. Indeed that lightning is pretty when viewing in the distance, but not so fun for those on the receiving end of one of those streaky, freaky blue bolts which not only can zap us, our electronics and wallets. I’m sure our hero first-responders aren’t thrilled when a lightning-heavy storm hits thus getting them out on the road to respond to car accidents and to put out fires.

What’s far from fun is the heat hitting overseas in India and Pakistan. In Karachi, Pakistan, grave diggers are having a hard time finding places to bury heat wave victims’ bodies. At this point, millions are most likely praying for a massive monsoon to cool them down. Just like us, we could do without the flooding and subsequent damage.

Some folks like to run to the beach during the summers to catch the breezes and spend a lot of time in the water. I’m not terribly into that scene. I would rather go to the mountains during these hot months. Certainly both the beach areas and mountains experience their high temps, but they sure beat the heat and humidity of the city, suburbs and exurbs.

The point here is that to get through these ultra-hot summers one must detach from the mind – “trick it out” so to speak. I think there might be some type of pain management tool to re-train your mind into forgetting just how terribly hot it is out there. This is all about “perspective,” right? Still, it doesn’t hurt to have good air conditioning around.