(no subject)
One of the most fabulous things about New Zealand culture is that they have certain objects still in use in everyday life that Americans have forsaken. My favorite of these has to be the "hottie", or hot water bottle. You know, that red, rectangular rubber thing that you fill with hot water. They have to be one of the strangest concepts ever; hey, take that rubbery blob, fill it with boiling liquid, and then get into bed with it. But no, the Kiwis are correct on this one; there is nothing better on a cold dreary day than coming home and boiling a pot of water for a nice cup of Milo and a hottie on the couch in front of the telly.
Sadly, there are both pros and cons to my new favorite object:
GOOD:
1. The hottie can be used to pre-warm your bed. Just stick it between the sheets and pull up the covers about ten minutes before you get in. Mmmm.
2. It's rubber, so it can be toted around the house in a sweatshirt pocket (I suspect that's part of the reason they make them that big) or kicked out of bed onto the floor in your sleep and it won't break.
3. They stay hot for ages. Like, at least an hour. And by then you're usually asleep.
4. They are wicked cheap. You can get one for about fifteen bucks and it will last for years, and all you need is a kettle and a tap to warm it up. Better than a space heater for those cold evenings!
NOT-SO-GOOD:
1. They are kind of addictive. I used one for the first time about a week ago and now I can't put it down. You may find yourself putting the kettle on as soon as you walk in the door, or becoming reluctant to part from your hottie when you have to leave the house on a cold day.
2. After a couple of years of use, you have to start keeping an eye on the rubber of your hottie because eventually it WILL break down. You should be able to detect weaknesses in the rubber long before it actually ruptures and begins leaking
And finally, the only downright bad thing about a hottie:
1. If you get overzealous with the pouring-in of the boiling water, it will all explode back out at you and burn your hand quite badly. I found this out this evening, but cannot be mad at the hottie for burning me because it was a result of my own stupidity.
I'm off to cuddle my hottie and nurse my wounds.
Sadly, there are both pros and cons to my new favorite object:
GOOD:
1. The hottie can be used to pre-warm your bed. Just stick it between the sheets and pull up the covers about ten minutes before you get in. Mmmm.
2. It's rubber, so it can be toted around the house in a sweatshirt pocket (I suspect that's part of the reason they make them that big) or kicked out of bed onto the floor in your sleep and it won't break.
3. They stay hot for ages. Like, at least an hour. And by then you're usually asleep.
4. They are wicked cheap. You can get one for about fifteen bucks and it will last for years, and all you need is a kettle and a tap to warm it up. Better than a space heater for those cold evenings!
NOT-SO-GOOD:
1. They are kind of addictive. I used one for the first time about a week ago and now I can't put it down. You may find yourself putting the kettle on as soon as you walk in the door, or becoming reluctant to part from your hottie when you have to leave the house on a cold day.
2. After a couple of years of use, you have to start keeping an eye on the rubber of your hottie because eventually it WILL break down. You should be able to detect weaknesses in the rubber long before it actually ruptures and begins leaking
And finally, the only downright bad thing about a hottie:
1. If you get overzealous with the pouring-in of the boiling water, it will all explode back out at you and burn your hand quite badly. I found this out this evening, but cannot be mad at the hottie for burning me because it was a result of my own stupidity.
I'm off to cuddle my hottie and nurse my wounds.