Geeky Cat Miusings

Snow can be beautiful to look at, particularly when you are inside somewhere cozy and warm and are looking out the window and the snow drifts. But in general it is a nuisance: It takes longer to get ready for work, the unevenness of the snow covered sidewalks hurts my toe, it is messy (especially when vehicles speed through puddles, spraying dirty slush on innocent pedestrians), the coldness is uncomfortable, it causes traffic issues and thereby extending my already very long commute to work, and it does not lend very well to my sitting outside and enjoying a zen-like frame of mind.

However, there are some pleasures to be had by a fresh scattering of snow, and since we have had much snow over the past week, I had the chance to enjoy that pleasure every day. Since I take the same route to work five days a week, I find I get bored with the scenery and have stopped looking out the window on my daily trek. We have had 30cm (1ft) accumulation, of snow and that has dramatically changes the landscape. Where once there was a brown patch of grass on front lawns, there is now a white patch of crystalline snow that is ready for the creation of snow angels, snow men, or snow cats. Where there was once a porch surrounded by empty flower pots, there is now an enchanted type of garden with flower pots sprouting fluffy ice cream balls. Where once cars were parked close to the curb, mini-ski hills have taken hold and now the cars must park near the middle of the road. Where once there were plain black shingles covering the roofs of houses, there is now sparkling white blanket covering the house from side to side with icicles glistening along the eaves to complete the fairy-tale look. Even the ugliest chain fence was made pretty with little triangular piles of snow nestled in the bottom of the diamond shape. The transformation did not end with inanimate objects - even people had snowflake decorations in their hair which melted to white diamonds as the entered the warm bus. So, I am happy to say that the snowfall has redecorated the city, making it once again an interesting and lovely place to look at, even though I have seen it countless times before.

What a spectacular snow storm we had:

Perhaps you remember my ordeal last winter when I suffered very much when I waited a very long time for the bus on the day of the bad snow storm. Fortunately I learned a few things from that ordeal and was able to use my knowledge today. I had heard that there was going to be a bad snow storm today so I made sure I listened to the radio for any special announcements on closures that may have impact on me (e.g. TTC problems or place of work closures). They announced some closures on the radio and television, but not that affected me. So I packed my lunch, snacks, chocolate, hand warmers, book and iPod in my bag and I left for work at my usual time, dressed very warmly from head to foot. I was carefully prepared in case I should be stuck standing outside for any length of time. I think the only thing missing was hot thermos but at least I should not go hungry. The remembrance of that horrid day last winter is still painful on my mind that I shudder to think how I suffered in those thin boots — today I should be able to survive such an ordeal with my warm boots and socks.

So, going to work took a bit more time than my usual commute — it took about 2 hours to get there, but it did not seem overly long compared to the 1.5 hours it usually takes. But when I got there the sign on the door said all campuses are closed! Oh joy!!! I was pretty upset because I wasted all that time getting into work when I could have stayed home and slept a little more plus tackle a few of the things I really need to do. There was a notice posted by e-mail at 8:15 am regarding work being closed for the day. The message came too late for all the people who leave for work early in the morning. After venting my frustration with some co-workers, I commenced my journey home with the firm avowal that I will never leave for work early when there is a snow storm but wait until 9:00 in order to give people enough time to post messages about the work place’s closure. Lesson learned.

I was able to make myself feel a little better by stopping at the library that was on my way home, to pick up a DVD I had on hold for me. I felt that at least I had accomplished something with the time spent commuting which alleviated my frustration a bit. Well, at least I was able finish “House of Mirth” for my book club meeting and I can watch the DVD as well. There are always ways we can make ourselves better if we only look hard enough.

With every experience, there comes a lesson.