Unlike some people, I don't find the heat so bad. Maybe it's my Montreal roots, but I've been able to sleep like a baby despite the heat wave. Also, I'm not an incredibly active person so the heat isn't disrupting any kind of running or biking schedule. Sure, it's unpleasant to get to work all sweaty after a 20 minute walk at 7:30 in the morning, but it's not worth complaining about.

In some ways, my being not too fazed by the current climatic conditions is ironic. I tend to burn like slivered almonds under the broiler if I spend any significant time in the sun. I've suffered from heat stroke (and can attest that a heat-induced fever of 103° when it is 95° outside is horrible). The sun may be the source of all life on earth, but it is not my friend. Hats and sunscreen and shade are my best pals from May to September.

My issues with the sun are likely rooted in my complexion: pale, very pale (not unlike slivered almonds, untoasted of course). And many birthmarks/moles. Not a good combination for risks related to skin cancer. The recommendation of the dermatologist to monitor my birthmarks and moles for changes is quite an onerous task. Keeping track of them all is stressful. Some have changed and I've had a few removed (not pleasant - I have the scars to prove it). All were found to be benign... I think. Either that or I didn't get the message from the hospital. Is it just me, or is the "we'll call you if we find anything of concern" approach a bit too prone to error for communicating important health-related results? 

Unfortunately, I don't live in a place where being pale is desirable. Chinese immigrants in Vancouver can be spotted with their sun parasols and not-so-attractive face-shields while most people born and raised here seek out the sun and "work" on their tans in an "effort" to transition from creamy to bronze. And when the sun isn't readily available, the tanning salons are the next best alternative. Until yesterday. Time to invest in the spray tan industry? Actually, given the population of China, perhaps face-shield manufacturers are a better investment...