In high school, I could roll out of bed in the morning and throw on a sweatshirt as outerwear, reasonably sure that although I may face my mother's wrath I would not freeze to death before I returned to my bed.
I took it for granted that for five days a week from 7:30AM to about 4:00PM I would find myself safely cocooned within the cement walls of my learning establishment, moving from place to place without ever facing the elements. Five inches of snow could fall from the sky on a given day and I likely wouldn't notice until that final bell rang and I burst forth from the double glass doors, ran twenty feet across a parking lot and once again became ensconced in the warmth of my mom's waiting car.
No longer is this the case. As a college student, I wake up in the morning fully aware that whatever the weather brings today - be it rain or snow or sleet or hail, blazing inferno or arctic tundra (predicted low of three degrees Tuesday night, anyone?) - I will spend at least an hour of my time walking somewhere in it.
Nothing tests one's professed love of winter more profoundly than living through one in Loretto, PA. Many people say they love snow and cold weather, but just today I witnessed countless individuals sigh in frustration from under their mountain of blankets as they drained yet another mug of hot cocoa and implored, "Can spring just come now?"
Ah, winter weather - one of the many situations we encounter in life about which we can control nothing but our reaction (unless you're these people, apparently). So why should you laugh in the face of this frigid week?
Well for starters, it can't last forever. No matter how interminable the cold weather seems right now it will eventually come to an end, and before you know it you'll find yourself lying on the floor in front a fan, panting and wishing for December's cold again. So you might as well embrace winter while it lasts.
"But it's snowing, I can't do anything!" you might whine. This is not true. The snow creates a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with hobbies new and old. There's plenty to do outside in the snow, from beginning activities such as sled-riding, making snowmen, and having snowball fights to more advanced ones such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Photography is also a great option for those who like the outdoors but aren't so keen on high levels of activity.
If you're more of an indoors person, being snowed in can create the perfect excuse to rediscover an old hobby. Curl up under a blanket with a good book or a craft project and enjoy the beauty of the snow from the warmth and comfort of your couch.
No matter what you fancy, winter does offer something for you. You just need to look on the bright side to see it. So keep your chin up, your drinks warm, and enjoy this opportunity to wear all those cute sweaters you received for Christmas - at the same time! Happy Winter!
 | |
| Snow is good! |
No comments:
Post a Comment