Winter musings

So it's supposed to snow 5-9 inches by tomorrow morning and one would think the storm of the century is moving in if I paid any attention to my email. My University of Michigan inbox is flooded with announcements that several extra-curricular events have been rescheduled in anticipation of the storm.

After some tought on what appears to be (from my perspective) an over-reaction, I have some reflections:

1) This is definitely not the UP 5"-9" of white stuff would harly slow down the UP and students at Tech and Northern would curse as they cleaned their car off for the 5th day in a row. That's about it. People would still attend events and they would be on time. I distinctly remember attending a presentation at Tech where the presenter was 15 minutes late due to snow. His first statement was "I don't know how you do it, but everyone here can drive in the snow!" Somewhere in the crowd, I heard one of my Yooper buddies ask "Doesn't everyone?"

2) Adults like to whine and children are honest. I was watching a lady at Meijer walk out of the store towards her car. As soon as she stepped out of the store, an awful scowl fell on her face and she looked miserable despite being tucked deep in her parka. She also had two 6 year old boys with her. They were wearing coats halfway unzipped and no hats, yet they were still as happy outside as they had been inside. No change of expression and no visible discomfort. Perhaps the lady was miserable because she expected to be miserable and her boys were happy because they were reacting to the wonders of the world. That is some food for thought.

3) My tires are terrible in sloppy conditions. Yes the roads were not in good shape today. However, when a van with nearly bald tires can get through an intersection before my car in the snow, I think I might have some traction problems.

4) Snow is better than sunshine. Yes I may be consoderd crazy for that statement, but I have been smiling all day. Snowing since 7:00 am and I can't seem to stop smiling.... Good thing I've got clothing for that "massive" amount of snow I'll be trudging through tomorrow... I can hardly wait.