One of the unexpected results of losing over 100 lbs in the past year is that I now always feel cold in air conditioned environs, and I feel comfortable outside even if the temperature is in the low 90’s. Sherry often comes outside while I’m smoking my pipe on the patio and asks me, “Don’t you feel hot out here?” So far, the answer every time has been, “No. It actually feels quite nice out here.”

When I go to the grocery store, I always pack a hoodie to put on once I walk in the door. Heck, sometimes I just wear the hoodie out of the house since I don’t start sweating so quickly anymore; I can walk from car to cold building without breaking a sweat. As for going to the movies, I now take a blanket with me. Granted, it’s a light blanket, but I couldn’t make it through a movie without one now. For this reason, I keep a hoodie and blankets in my car. In Texas.

This morning, I was speaking with a co-worker who asked me why I always wear a jacket to which I replied that it’s because I’m always cold. She said, “Well, I always feel warm.” I used to always feel warm as well when I weighed over 230 lbs. I noticed the “Always hot” sensation going away when my weight dipped below 230 lbs, but that turned to always cold when my weight went below 190 lbs. As much as I’m not a fan of feeling cold, I prefer it to always feeling hot. Feeling cold also allows me to dress in a way I prefer: jackets, long sleeve shirts, and trousers. Most people in Houston in the summertime wear shorts, and if I’m going to spend a lot of time outside, I sometimes do as well, but I almost exclusively wear trousers now.

Of all the changes that I’ve experienced since losing all this weight, this one caught me off-guard. I can’t say it’s horrible. Actually, whenever I get a chill, it’s a reminder to me of how far I’ve come. That nugget of knowledge warms me a little bit inside.