Happy New Year!
So it turns out that two weeks on pain medications put a bit of a hitch in my plans to blog towards twelve posts during my recovery from surgery, but because the spirit of the holidays is still in the air, I am going to continue in that same spirit:) Plus, my winter vacation was extended an extra day by the governor of Minnesota due to predicted cold weather on Monday, so I will take this as an opportunity to write and reflect!
I have to admit, I love a good winter weather event. Or I should say, the build up to a weather event. With the impending "polar vortex" descending upon us this evening, bringing potentially record breaking frigid temps, we are snuggling in for the duration. I made a last minute trip to the library for books. John went to the store for provisions. The boys took advantage of the lingering 16 degree heat of the afternoon for one last sledding adventure.
As teachers, there are undocumented numbers of us that are unofficial meteorologists. In the days before a predicted winter storm, we study the forecast with intense scrutiny for any indication of that great, rare conglomeration of factors which lead to the greatest part of snow, ice and cold: The Snow Day (Or Cold Weather Day). The conditions have to be perfect, the timing has to be precise, and we study the words of the newscasters for those magic words "Snow-Ice Mix."
There are rituals surrounding weather events that teachers employ as well. Some never speak the words, so as not to jinx the forecast. Others deny any possibility while secretly harboring hope deep inside. Some recall in great detail conditions of Snow Days past, remembering a better time with that other superintendent when the alarm was turned off or the extra pot of coffee put on. And the most industrious of us (certainly not me) put an extra set of papers in the bag, just in case.
As Minnesotans, there is a certain point on the thermometer every year where cold loses its number and just becomes cold. Self preservation takes over and all egos are checked somewhere around frumpy as we pile on the layers of underwear, tights, thermal garments, wool and polar fleece. The heavy boots get dusted off, and if you're lucky, you remembered to toss a pair of dress shoes in your bag on the way to work.
In the end there are only a couple things that matter regardless of the event. Stay safe and stay warm friends!
