It's a sin around here to not thoroughly¹ enjoy every moment of every golden day. It's embarrassing to answer, "Did you get out and enjoy the sunshine this weekend?" with "No, I stayed inside." Co-workers frown and exchange suspicious looks; apparently² I'm one of those rain-loving slugs（懒汉） . 

I tried lying, but my pale complexion³ gave me away. 

Another mark in rain's favor is that my body doesn't betray me when it's cold and damp outside. Throughout the winter, people wear several layers, with perhaps several extra pounds here and there. In June I dig out my shorts to discover my thighs⁴ resemble cottage cheese. I dread⁵ buying a swimsuit, as consecutive⁶（连贯的） horror and humiliation⁷ make me cringe（畏缩，奉承） in the dressing⁸ room.

Even my tastebuds（味蕾） prefer the rain. When it storms outside, it's time for steamy hot chocolate or even a soothing⁹（抚慰的） toddy. People devour¹⁰ hot, hearty¹¹ meals, with lots of potatoes and savory¹²（可口的） sauces. This type of eating evaporates when the sun comes out; suddenly everyone offers salads and ice water and expects it to be satisfying.

It's time to publicly acknowledge that I love the rain, how it transforms my house into a cozy¹³（舒适的） caves where I can spend the afternoon cooking and dreaming. It seems nobody else will admit to a love affair with the rain, nobody else will groan¹⁴ when it's hot outside and join me in a rain dance.

When the sun comes out I do greet it with a smile, slipping sunglasses to my purse and pulling a tank top out of my closet. Yet my comfortable sweaters and warm slippers¹⁵ beckon¹⁶, making me wish for another wet, chilly¹⁷ afternoon. When the rain returns, I will grin even more. Am I the only one?