Tanning 101

Noting the idea that a vacation may be on the horizon next month, it occurs to yours truly that anywhere you go in the summertime, its a given to sport some semblance of a tan. For the life of me I will never figure out why it is that when I go catch a Ranger game in April, even with all the proper SPF protection, I will still fry like a lobster. Yet when I try to do the same poolside, I can still determine a farmer's tan from prior to laying down.

This marks the first time I have attempted to actually lay down and tan at poolside. Yes, summer is on full throttle and you can expect rug rats everyday through mid August. More so now with Independence Day right around the corner. There's a rule that I have always followed...

Day one you make sure to only tan both sides for roughly 15-20 minutes. Apply extra lotion around the shoulders, elbows, feet, and knees as they will darken the quickest...

Day two go ahead and add about five more minutes to your double side routine. I also recommend that you tan after the peak hours of 10A-2P. Based on years of practice I also know that it usually takes a solid two months to develop a deep dark tan-if that is what you are seeking.

By Day three if you are bored with sitting still and you can't handle 95 degree heat, I'll recommend a cold beverage, a huge water bottle, a cassette player with transistor or I should say an Ipod with the I-tunes to pass the time.

It takes a week, like with anything else, if you don't over exert yourself, you'll begin to see results. Tanning is an excellent source of Vitamin D! It also is good at eliminating waterweight or that bloating sensation.

In closing, when you tan try to keep using the same bathing suit so you can maintain the tanline that you want.

It has been a looong time since last I tried to tan on a daily basis, circa 1981. Ironic in that there was a song that came out that year called 'Working On My Tan'. Had a Jamaican riff to it and Tim Curry sang it. Tim Curry BTW is a distant cousin to Mick Jagger. That's enough minutiae for one day, especially the day that signifies the halfway point of 2006.

Have a happy and safe holiday. Texas two-stepping this weekend with the Rangers and Astros for the Silver Boot. That's where I'll be!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will