Forecast: things will get much, much worse
Recently, I strongly considered moving back to Seattle. I was presented with a really great opportunity – one that was incredibly tempting. A job, a chance to be with my old friends, a wide open road straight back to my Emerald City.
But I said no. I’m going to stick around Nashville, at least through the end of 2008. I just have to see. I don’t know what I’m hoping for or looking for or waiting for, but I just have to see what might present itself during this time. I’ve been loving the city more and more, and making friends, and settling into a routine – I can’t pack it all up and leave now.
Still, it was a really big deal for me to say no to Seattle. It was so enticing – I could almost smell the ocean. It would have been so easy to say yes – to pick up right where I left off, and re-enter my beautiful life of comfort and, in many ways, what I now see as luxury. But I chose Nashville.
And so as a result, you want to know what I chose?
Humidity so ubiquitous that the toilet paper separates on the roll. Heat so oppressively constant that I lie in bed at night thinking, “This must be what it feels like to die.” A steady coat of sweat, making makeup senseless. More cockroaches in the kitchen. A waning opportunity to spend any time outside, for fear of a heat stroke. An astronomical utility bill from running my mediocre AC window unit. Towels that never fully dry. Relentless sticky discomfort.
And I hear that this is just the beginning. So far, June has made me think, “I am so hot and cranky, I cannot go on.” But the locals tell me that July turns Nashville into an absolute sauna, and just when you think it cannot get any worse, August descends downright demonically.
Lord help me. Literally. GOD, SAVE ME FROM THIS HEAT.
But I chose this. Over salt water and bright blue sky and clear, glorious Seattle days, I chose to walk outside every morning straight into the hot, smelly breath of Satan. So I should stop complaining. I should.
But you know I won’t. It’s just not my style.
share:
ugh. You are singing my song of a humid demise. Probably my most difficult adjustment when moving from my constantly sunny Southern California.
I had such better hair in CA… but the silver lining? My skin has never been better… all this constant moisture has taken years off my real age. ;o)
So… once again, I will attempt to combat humidity and embrace a summer ponytail and dewy skin. And clothes that cling like second flesh.
Viva Las NashVegas. I for one, am giddy over your choice.
ok weather.com is telling me it’s about 58% humidity. Would you say today is more or less humid than normal? Dallas appears to be resting in the same conditions. I think i can do this. I think i can, i think i can, i think i can…
but can my hair?
haha. loved this post. we feel your pain with the humidity and I love your accurate description of it being the breath of satan.. bahahaahaha.
love you. oh, and we spent a long time last night trying to get your myspace music page to load the music player, but to no avail. I want to hear these new songs!!!!!!
hot, smelly breath of Satan? Could you get any funnier?! brilliant.
p.s. someone came to my blog from yours this morning from Senegal! Holler for west Africa, it will be the first west Africa dot on my little map:) Way to represent new regions AP
Yeah..the hot and smelly breath of Satan?
Wow. You did this weather justice with those words.
If I can encourage you in any way: I’m glad you chose here over there. And…this is my sixth summer in Nashville–with no A/C in my car. None. Think of Satan’s breath hanging heavy in a car all day until I get in.
It’s so hot that my eyelashes heat up and burn my eyelids. I seriously laugh so hard at myself every summer–you would, too, if you saw my car struggle.
So I’m here to be the “it could be worse” voice. :)
Allie, you definitely win with this one. Because while your little Metro is QUITE a happy little car… I think that no AC would be a deal breaker for me.
You are welcome to ride in Sparky the Annie-Bo-Bannie-Mobile anytime you’d like. :)
Annie, I could not be happier that you chose to stay. Thank you.
well it’s good to know the parsons sisters are such complainers. humidity is my complaint too. but you probably already knew that.
the word verification today says ‘fanbe’. i be your fan.
I say in my most Southern drawl, “Honey, now you know why we invented sweeeeet tea.”
Here’s to drinking cold beer while the breath of Satan descends. Mwa ha ha ha ha!
Yea! Annie Vs. Nashville. Annie 10 points.
I am proud of you.
And though your hair will suck, in the end, I think your heart will be glad.
Besides, it has been raining here for two days straight. Sucks.
Love you,
Carin
Boston is pretty terrible about the heat/humid as well (I think I wrote a whiny blog about it last summer, too). But after the summer I lived in Tennessee, I can say that it IS worse in the South – for sure. Not by much, but I’ll take any improvement. God speed, frizzy-haired summer-soldier!
Christina, I remember that blog of yours because you mentioned “sweaty nether-regions,” and I still laugh every time I think of that. Because I’m 12?
Haha – NETHER-REGIONS!!! HAHAHA!!!!!
oh my, you have obviously never been to Louisiana in August. I mean, Nashville, is hot. But LA is steeeeamy.
However, I am super happy you are choosing to stay here a bit longer. And to celebrate we should drink lots of cold beers (the best way to combat the heat).
From me, to you…
–Empathy–
Hope it helps.
I’m relating even though I’m just a few hours from my home-sweet-home of Seaside. I’ve been to the South, though, and could have stayed there long-term. I would have always longed to be back on the Oregon Coast. Not that I’m encouraging you to go back to Seattle, no. It’s an amazing thing. It’s a difficult thing. Pursuing something different. Following your dreams. Anyone doing that should be commended and encouraged to see where the road takes them. I, too, am excited for you and I hope I have the courage to do the same, one day. (Not travel to Nashville to sing, but pursue the things I’m truly passionate about.)
I can relate–I’m pretty sure “Kuwait” and “The Surface of the Sun” are synonymous.