Cold but happy

So I know I recently complained about sitting through a freezing track meet, and now several weeks later, I'm complaining again about a freezing cold softball tournament. It's May and from what I can recall, May is usually the perfect month with beautiful weather with green grass, flowers blooming and 60 degree temperatures. Nope not this year! I've been carrying winter coats, gloves, hats and multiple blankets in the back of my truck for months now. If I'd been smart, I would have had a sack of hand warmers too. Not sure if the feeling will ever return in the tip of my left index finger.

Anyway, after sitting in 30 degree weather with 20 mile an hour winds last Saturday morning at the crack of dawn, I noticed something. For hours on end, all of us parents sat huddled together in the cold metal bleachers trying our best to cheer on our frozen children. There wasn't a big enough blanket or enough mugs of coffee to even half way keep us warm but ya know one thing? We were happy. I noticed that there were more laughs, jokes and smiles on that bitter cold morning than anything else. Sure we complained about the cold and the wind and repeatedly griped that we should have dressed warmer or brought more blankets but we never did get irritated at each other or grouchy with the situation.

That evening I was thinking about how if the weather would have been the opposite, 110 degrees with 70 percent humidity, all the laughing and smiles would have been gonzo. Hours of sitting in the smoldering heat can cause the friendliest of humans to lash out at the littlest thing. I've seen it happen. So why is it, when it's 10 below zero, we're all best friends and have a great time? I've come to the conclusion that it must be a survival technique. Subconsciously I think our brains know that we need these other folks to keep warm. The more of us squished together on the bleachers, the better we're protected. Plus, the colder we are, the funnier we all get and the faster time flies.

I've also noticed that the moments I've literally frozen my tail off, were bonding moments with whomever I shared them with and memories I'll never forget. For instance, my oldest daughter and I sat through one of the coldest Husker games in the world, facing the north wind the entire 3 hours and we had the best time. We weren't sure if the skin on our faces would ever not be blue, but we smiled and laughed and still talk about it now and then.

A year or so ago, another mom and I sat through one of the most excruciating little girls softball games you could ever imagine. Not only was the temperature Icelandic low, but there was moisture which just added to the horrible day. I never thought I'd ever be warm again. It crossed my mind that I might just freeze to death, right there on the 2nd row of the bleachers, wrapped up in blankets like a mummy. That mom and I will forever be bonded by that day, as we can remember how we felt and every miserable moment. We still bring it up every now and then when we're at a cold game and compare it, "This is nowhere near as cold as that one day, is it?"

Therefore, as much as I hate being cold, I honestly think, if I had to pick between freezing and sweltering, it's a better situation for the fans, players and all who are involved with a big sporting event to be cold. The heat just brings out the worst in folks, especially parents and coaches, so instead of complaining about the freezing weather, I guess I should be thankful.

I've had a fun time with all the parents and fans in the stands and even made some new friends, despite the miserable situation, so I it's better to be cold and happy, then hot and grouchy!