Thursday, June 28, 2012

Reading Can Be Dangerous

It's Summer now. I can tell because everyone has started greeting each other with, "Hot out, huh?" Instead of the customary "Hello."

Due to my family's history of multiple sclerosis (a disease that gets less prevalent the closer you get to the equator), I have been urged to spend more time outside encouraging production of Vitamin D. So about a month ago, I realized I could read manuscripts out at the park just as easily as I could indoors by my computer, with the help of my Kindle.

Twice now, I've gotten sunburn because I was too engrossed in reading to realize how long I had been sitting out. (I'm supposed to go about half an hour before I put on the sunscreen. Doctor's orders.) One of these burns led to a new client. (Hi, Nikki!)

Yesterday I got burned again. It's all on my back due to my hunched over reading position. I've spent the day trying to slather post-sun lotion and aloe on my back. I'm glad no one had a camera for that comedy.

I tell you this, dear reader, so you will know it is actually a compliment if I email you and say that you got me sunburned.

2 comments:

  1. I didn't know that about MS. My grandfather had MS. I guess I should spend more time in the sun - but not too much. My family also has a history with cancer. I hear that soaking your burn in cool tea can help ease the pain and help it heal faster. We've been pretty good about using sunscreen this year so I haven't had a chance to try it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Vinegar will take the heat out of a sunburn, but you end up smelling like salad dressing. Which may or may not be the out come you're looking for.

    Best compliment an author can get- any time a reader has forgotten about their real life because he or she is so engrossed in the work.
    Ex: I missed my subway stop.
    I forgot to go to sleep.
    I forgot to feed and bathe my children. (That one is an example of a bad parent, but a GREAT reader)

    ReplyDelete