PTW
One of my favorite hobbies is something quite trivial yet very enjoyable. It has been around since the dawn of time. It has even gotten knocked off and is now being offered in an artificial form (which I will have NO part of!). I am of course talking about Tanning. Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawn to the art of skin bronzification. The warm feeling of the sun’s rays basking on your body just feels fantastic. Add to that the knowledge that a few hours of laying back can get give you the edge you are seeking. It has gotten to be such a focal point of my Spring/Summer every year, that I even coined a term for when it is applicable: PTW = Perfect Tanning Weather.
When I first mentioned PTW to my friends, they thought I was crazy. But gradually over the past few years, more and more of them have been coming over to the sunny side of things. Now, my weekends are like mini vacations, as we all gather together to lay back, enjoy some tunes, and mix some drinks. Who said Brooklyn can’t be tropical? Kamikazes, snacks, friends and sun? Don’t threaten me with a good time! Lest we forget about the impact a pool can have on this endeavor. It is an awesome way to spend those long summer afternoons.
You may be nodding your head but thinking, what if I just wanted to bask in this glory solo? Well, fear not loser. Get yourself a cabana chair, a cold beer, and your iPod. All of a sudden, you are on your own island in the sun. This method is used mostly by PTW aficionados, such as myself, who like peace and quiet while relaxing. Patience is the biggest key in maintaining an even tan. You need to be able to sit for a few hours at a time. Liike a colon cleansing, it may sound daunting, but it pays off in the end. Be ready at all times, because not having a beach around you, does not exclude you from having fun in the sun.
Once you move up from novice to expert, you will see that your gage for available rays will become heightened. Now, on those decent spring afternoons when most are doing the norm, your PTW radar will alert you that even though it may not be stifling outside, or even if it is a bit cloudy, you will be able to utilize that to your advantage. The haze works as a reflector and strengthens the power of the sun on your body. Motivation is always at the foundation of any ability. That holds true here is as well. Many a time have I been scoffed at by others, only to emerge with a caramel glow due to a little perseverance. Let them laugh, those Casper-looking idiots.
Of course, safety is an issue that must be dealt with too. By no means am I absolving anyone from the use of sunscreen. Use whatever best suits your skin. Your preconceived notion that the sun is harmless unless you are near the equator are completely false. I am an SPF 8 man, my self. Others I know take it to the extreme and use tanning oil rather than lotion. Again, the choice is yours and yours alone. I am passing along my knowledge to you. Do with it what you will. So the next time you find yourself bored on a nice day, with no plans to speak of, whip out a towel and start becoming a member of PTW nation.
