Ode to snow

Has anyone else noticed that some of the things we love most in life can also be our greatest annoyance.  I have been feeling that way a lot lately.  While this may shock some of you who know about my love of winter I have recently developed a real hatred for snow.  There I said it, it's out...now I can move on.

As I say this I am having an insane vision of Frosty frowning at me but I can't help it.  As a child I would wait for winter all year.  I loved the first snow fall, I loved making snow angels, and throwing snowballs.  And let's not forget the ever popular childhood past time of eating snow.  However, some very crucial things have changed since those carefree days.  Now I have to drive in the mess.  Without fail I always get stuck in front of a huge SUV or truck that is trying to eat my poor little Ford Focus for lunch.  For those of you with big cars...just remember, economy sized vehicles typically don't have four wheel drive nor are we as heavy as you are.  Yes, its true I laughed at you not so long ago when gas prices were high and I could fill my car for half what you spent on your gas guzzler.  When I saw Hummers go by I would nearly go into hysterics I was laughing so hard.  But now I suppose its payback time.  What I wouldn't give to be driving a hummer.  I'm sick of pushing my car out of snowdrifts, sliding all over the roads, and the maniacs who still want to go 80 miles an hour.

Another important factor in my recent change of heart has to do with the difference between Washington and Utah.  Where I grew up in Washington state people liked work a whole lot less than they do here.  It was an unspoken agreement.  Kids didn't like school and the teacher's weren't all that crazy about it either.  So, if we had a little snow and it was "unsafe" school was canceled.  Oh how I loved those days.  Listening to the radio and hearing those beautiful words, "School is canceled for Sunnyside School District".  There is no joy in my childhood that even compares with snow days except for Christmas morning.  I can only compare it now to how I feel when someone cooks for me and cleans up the dishes afterwards.  Everything tastes better, the light seems brighter, and your pants seem to fit better.  All because of this wonderful unexpected gift that came your way.  Well, apparently people in Utah love to work, work, work!  5,000 car pile up on the freeway---GET TO WORK!!  Children lost in the snow drift---NO WORRIES THERE ARE PLENTLY MORE OF THEN SO GET TO WORK!  School is never canceled.  What is wrong with people here?

Am I exaggerating...perhaps!  But my feet are still completely frozen and wet and there is nothing I hate more than wet socks.  It also took me a full hour to get to work during which time I was almost eaten by the vicious GMC truck behind me.  Perhaps tomorrow I will be calmer and able to repair my fragile relationship with snow but for now I'm just grateful to be inside where it can't get me.