You want your shower to be at a hot—yet safe—temperature. The hotter the shower, the more steam you will generate. Water vapor retains heat well, so the shower steam will keep the surrounding air warm. By creating this small opening, you can let more steam seep into the rest of the bathroom. You may feel a little colder at first, but it will prepare your body for the colder room you're about to enter. Additionally, it helps to warm that room ever so slightly, helping to protect you from the shock of cold air. Don't make the mistake of continuing to dry off with a damp towel. When you towel dry, the side you are using gets wet much faster than the outer side that isn't touching your skin. When you're about half through drying off, just flip the towel around to enjoy the dryer side! The steam will keep you warm longer and will give your body a chance to acclimate gradually. You can use that time in the bathroom to do other things like brush your teeth. By the time you leave the bathroom, you'll be ready to face the winter.

Summary: Use the hottest water that you can tolerate. Open the shower door or curtain a bit towards the end of your shower. Flip your towel around midway through drying off. Stay in the bathroom as long as possible after your shower.


Write down everything you'll need to purchase and maintain your horse.  Include every responsibility you'll have as a result of owning a horse.  Include what expectations you'll have of your parents. Include what expectations your parents should have of you. Look for horses that will meet your personal needs.  Find the best prices on those horses in your area.  Avoid free horses, as they often have medical or behavioral issues. Learn the history of horses you may buy to guarantee their quality. Find out how much it will cost yearly to keep your horse.  Include equipment and medical costs.   Leave room for the unknown.  Include possible setbacks in your budget. Give them a plan for storing your horse. You can cut into the cost of showing your horse by learning to braid professionally for other contestants at shows. Decide how much of your own money you can spend on your horse.  Prove that you'll take horse ownership seriously by putting your own cash towards it.
Summary: Make a proposal. Shop around for horses. Figure stable and grooming expenses. Determine your contribution.