In today’s installment of Five Quirky Things We’ve Taught Each Other, I’ll be sharing what Beth has taught me about keeping warm after you shower while Beth will be sharing what I’ve taught her about taking naps:
2. Michael’s List: Keep warm by toweling off in the shower.
I was brushing my teeth one morning while Beth was showering. As I swished water around my mouth, the shower cut off and I saw Beth’s hand reach from between the curtain, grab a towel and disappear from whence it came.
At least a minute passed and still no Beth. “Beth, what are you doing in there?” I asked.
“I’m drying off,” she said.
“Why?”
“So, I don’t get cold.”
“But doesn’t that make you feel icky. Like you’re going to get soap scum on your towel or something?” I asked.
“Nope. It just keeps me cozy warm,” she said as she stepped out wrapped in her towel.
“Ehew, that gives me the hebbie gibbies. I would be too afraid I would brush up against the wet curtain or the wall.”
“Well, it’s a lot better than getting cold,” she said.
“I don’t think so,” were my words then and on many occasions afterward. However, on a particularly cold morning this winter, I was ready to try Beth’s technique. Summoning my courage, I shot my hand out from behind the curtain and swiped my towel. It wasn’t too hard to towel off without brushing up against the curtain or the wall. Afterwards, I emerged from the shower dry, warm and untouched by soap scum. Beth had once again converted me to her ways.
2. Beth’s List: Naps are the perfect solution to a sleepy day.
Envy and jealousy used to come to mind whenever I thought of Michael’s nap taking ability. He could set his alarm for twenty minutes, lie down and wake up rested and refreshed.
When I asked Michael how he does it, he said, “When it’s time to sleep, I concentrate on sleeping.” I try to do the same and end up balancing the checkbook in my head or brooding over what I need to get done at work the next day.
I would have never gotten beyond this stalemate were it not for Michael’s insistence and instructions one afternoon when I got home from a busy day. Walking in while I was setting my stuff on the kitchen counter, he said, “You look like you need a nap.” I was too tired to protest as he lead me back to the bedroom. “We’re going to get you past your napping issues. The key to this is getting cozy. Lie down.”
As I lie on the bed, he covered me with our pink fleece blanket tucking it in on the sides. “Be sure to tuck in my feet,” I said.
“Relax, honey. I’m in charge. Don’t say another word,” he said as he wrapped our blue afghan around my feet. Next, he left the bedroom only to return seconds later with the plaid comforter we keep next to the couch. Finally, he piled our decorative pillows along my legs and back.
“Ummmm. . .this is cozy,” I said.
“Right honey, I know how to take a nap.”
Twenty minutes later, I awoke refreshed and ready for the evening. And, thanks to my husband’s expertise, I now know that naps are the perfect solution to a sleepy day.
Read the next post in this series: Five Quirky Things: Part III
If I hadn’t just had a nap, I would go take one after reading that!