Thursday, July 31, 2008

A little help. . .

I am blessed by God with remarkable health - the last doctor I saw with any regularity was a pediatrician (Doctor Mahalahti!). Thank you Lord!!!

I have had one minor affliction that has been my constant companion however - cold hands. My hands are often ice-cold in even the hottest of weather. Now, this has never bothered me much mind you - I mean - who cares right? But given the frequency with which pastors are called upon to shake hands - I have had to endure this a z-zillion times upon shaking the hand of silver-haired and helmet-haired alike: "Whoah! You're hands are freezing John!"

I need some help - I'm running out of things to say in response. The last couple times I got it I just said "thank you" - which elicited only tilted heads and looks of concern. So, help me out here - what would you suggest I say?

11 comments:

lisa d said...

when someone throws something like that at me i say: "it's rough, but extraordinary mental giftedness is often coupled with slight physical defect" - too hubristic for the genteel, southern pastor set?

MomZup said...

You could say, "yes, I am praying for a girl with nice warm hands to hold." Simple, and to the point and the silver haired prayer warrior would no doubt pray with you for this outcome!

Unknown said...

I don't know what you could say, but you might have something called Reynold's Syndrome. Not serious or contagious. webmd or google it and see if you are a match to the symptoms listed.

Hope that helps.

Joel Tom Tate said...

The next time someone tells you "Your hands are ice cold," reply, "and minty fresh."

barefootkangaroo said...

"Yeah, it's my super power."

"Your Mom has cold hands!!!"

"Your hands are too hot!!!" (pull away quickly and feign being burned)

"The better to caress you with."

"What can I say? I'm cool."

"It's a result of good breeding. Everyone knows that only the most common of peasants have warmish hands." (and then mutter under your breath..."filthy peasant")

lisa d said...

air conditioned pockets.

Rocket Surgeon, Phd said...

cold is as cold does

john tate said...

I hope I get the chance to use the "air-conditioned pockets" line this Sunday - that's perfect. If I'm feeling kinda cagey I'm dropping "filthy peasants" on miss Gladys.

Thanks for all the help - I'm again flush with defense mechanisms!

Courtney W. said...

Love Josh's response! And would love to see their faces when you threw those lines to them haha. I usually have really cold hands too, but my mom always said "cold hands, warm heart!" Its the southern way of looking at it i suppose. Previous post by Holly- I think she is referring to "Raynaud's Syndrome" with symptoms known as "red, white, blue" fingers (due to decreased blood flow to fingers.) If this is what you have, it is still not a big deal.
But if you have any funky symptoms.. just call my husband i guess? thats what he does... he studies funky stuff ya know? haha :)

Courtney W. said...

wait- let me add- if your fingers turn white, and you lose feeling in them- please seek medical help!

Have you ever thought of getting a "Cool Hand Luke" poster- change the name to John of course...And attaching a picture of your face on it? (i really don't even know who cool hand luke is?) But thats a thought..

Unknown said...

Thanks Courtney for the typo correction. I work with a Dr. Reynolds; perhaps that's why that particular misspelling made it to my typing synapses? I think there actually might be a Reynold's disease. But I think it's not circulation-related, and it might be a big deal.....