音频下载[点击右键另存为][00:00.88]Passage 39. Rain of Seattle II

[00:08.76]It’s a sin around here to not thoroughly enjoy every moment of every golden day.

[00:14.78]It’s embarrassing to answer,

[00:16.53]“Did you get out and enjoy the sunshine this weekend?” with “No, I stayed inside.”

[00:22.22]Co-workers frown and exchange suspicious looks;

[00:25.94]apparently I’m one of those rain-loving slugs.

[00:29.66]I tried lying, but my pale complexion gave me away.

[00:33.37]Another mark in rain’s favor is that my body doesn’t betray me when it’s cold and damp outside.

[00:40.05]Throughout the winter,people wear several layers,

[00:43.33]with perhaps several extra pounds here and there.

[00:46.83]In June I dig out my shorts to discover my thighs resemble cottage cheese.

[00:52.64]I dread buying a swimsuit,

[00:55.15]as consecutive horror and humiliation make me cringe in the dressing room.

[01:00.51]Even my tastebuds prefer the rain.

[01:03.36]When it storms outside, it’s time for steamy hot chocolate or even a soothing toddy.

[01:09.59]People devour hot, hearty meals, with lots of potatoes and savory sauces.

[01:15.72]This type of eating evaporates when the sun comes out;

[01:19.33]suddenly everyone offers salads and ice water and expects it to be satisfying.

[01:25.02]It’s time to publicly acknowledge that I love the rain.

[01:29.62]How it transforms my house into a cozy cave where I can spend the afternoon cooking and dreaming.

[01:36.39]It seems nobody else will admit to a love affair with the rain,

[01:40.99]nobody else will groan when it’s hot outside and join me in a rain dance.

[01:46.14]When the sun comes out I do greet it with a smile,

[01:49.53]slipping sunglasses to my purse and pulling a tank top out of my closet.

[01:55.43]Yet my comfortable sweaters and warm slippers beckon,

[01:59.15]making me wish for another wet, chilly afternoon.

[02:02.88]When the rain returns, I will grin even more.

[02:06.16]Am I the only one?