Lifesavers

I began refereeing intramural outdoor soccer games this semester to make some extra money. They play indoor in the fall semester and outdoor in the spring because it's SUPPOSED to be warmer in the spring.

Apparently Mother Nature didn't get the memo this semester or she is playing a terribly cruel trick on all of us hardcore soccer aficionados. I have reffed more games in subfreezing temperatures the past month than I have played in my whole life. On my first night, I reffed 5 hours straight from 7 PM to midnight in 30 degrees and then walked a mile to my dorm.

Since then, my wonderful, loving, amazing boyfriend has let me drive his car to games. Even though I feel completely safe and secure on the UF campus, young females walking at night is never really a good idea. By the end of the night, my feet and hands are always white. And upon thawing about 30-60 minutes later, they promptly turn purple and blue. It's not pleasant and highly unfortunate when I need to write, type, or text.

For Christmas, I received these little puppies.


Today, my world was changed forever.

They take about 30 minutes to warm up and then you're good to go for the next 10 hours. I haven't been able to find them until this week when I was doing a little cleaning in my dorm. Needless to say, I am in love.

Today, I prepared for the tundra. I wore at least 6 layers on both top and bottom, feeling a little like the Michelin Man. I slipped one of these bad boys in my pocket and it made all the difference. I was warm and my hands were saved!

Thanks, Santa!