First, let me start out with this: A couple of years ago, I’d never have thought that drinking hot water would grow on me. But I guess, living in China has marked me some way or another. Now, on a cold winter day, I couldn’t even imagine downing a cold cup of water that would make me shiver all over. And that’s my problem now.

Like today, when I was getting ready for class, and wanted to fill my water bottle with warm water from the water dispenser. (I have to add, though, that our classrooms here can be as cold as outside, so I use the hot water from my bottle not only for warming up my insides, but also to warm up my outsides!)

But alas!

Problem #1: One of the two water coolers on our floor was completely out of water by the time I had to leave for class today, and

Problem #2: The second of the two dispensers was turned off, which means: Cold water only for class today. Brrrr!

So, I guess I had my lesson for today: Always make sure the water machines are turned on so the water is hot before you have to leave for class, and then you’ll never have to worry about cold hands and cold insides!

Note to self: Lesson learned. Check.