fun

One of the best, most satisfying things in the world is a deep belly laugh, or those uncontrollable chuckles when you just can't pull it together. But why does laughing make us feel so good?

This week in Toronto, the temperature has consistently been in the 30s — and, once you factor in the humidex, the 40s. While that level of heat might sound like misery to some, I'm having a pretty great time. So why is the heat wave making me so happy?

I recently had an interesting experience with a naturopath, when she asked me how many alcoholic beverages I consume in the average week. “Five?” I asked. “No, wait. Maybe eight. Or 12?” I paused, trying to count as her pencil hovered above the form. “What is the threshold for binge drinking again? I’m pretty sure I’m just under that.” (Later that day, I found out the threshold for binge drinking – four or more drinks in a single sitting – and told my friend, Jamie. “What, is that from the 50s?” he asked, incredulously.)

In honour of tomorrow being the first day of summer, I have compiled a list of things that I love but usually only have access to during the summer months — just in case we're not all excited enough about the impending heat.

The other day, I finally made it to a much-needed appointment with a naturopath. After months of constant travel, periodic bouts with insomnia and an inconsistent diet that has relied far too heavily on pork products, my body was battling yet another lingering cold and was crying out for some TLC.