Hot

Here we are on the last day of August. Temps are finally cooling off and comfortable with a high of 85 today. In Changsha it's not a realistic goal to 'beat the heat' but you can 'compete with the heat'. So here's how we avoided heatstroke and dehydration without AC summer 2011.

First, cut off all your winter hair.

Second, wear short skirts.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the guys who have to wear knee-length thick shorts with another pair of boxer shorts / briefs underneath.

If you are a baby, forget that awful diaper and wear split pants!

Fourth, get yourself in water. Pool, beach, bathtub, sprinkler. You'll feel so much better.

Fifth, invest in a bamboo sleeping mat. Before bed take a cold shower and get onto your bamboo mat wet, turn on the fan and try to fall asleep while you still feel cool. If you wake up sweating and so hot you can't sleep, go rinse with cold water again and get back on the mat. (Did this many times this summer.) You can also put your sleeping garment or pillowcase in the freezer, and pull it out for hot night use.

Hot Romance Tip: Since it's impossible to snuggle with your spouse in this heat, touch just one toe with his toe to let him know you still love him.

(Here we have a manchild demonstrating improper use of the bamboo mat and sweating all over my pillows.)

Finally, eat ice cream novelties once or twice per day. Or make something a little more nutritious by chopping up a variety of very ripe fruits and stuffing the mix into popsicle molds. It tastes delish and it's so simple: 100% fruit!