snow days
5 things icy winter days have taught me about life:
1) slow down – I don’t have to go 1000 miles a minute to get things done and for the day to be successful.
2) if I’m not careful I’ll slip – on Saturday Alyson and I spun out (we did a complete 180!) as we got on the highway by our house. The problem was that I didn’t pay attention to the road ahead of me. I was driving how I normally do, but the road ahead had ice on it. If I had adjusted to what was ahead we wouldn’t have had our problem. Like life we need to be focused on what’s ahead and adjust when necessary.
3) days of rest are needed – having a few days off is good for me. It has been so great to have a day or two or three to spend time with Alyson and just rest. The energy that we have gained from resting these past few days is priceless.
4) too many days of rest aren’t good – ever heard of “cabin fever?” It’s not good. Being cooped up anywhere for too long makes me restless, my temper fly, and my over-all mood negative. Doing nothing for a length of time makes me become lazy. Something I despise.
5) fun can be inexpensive – Alyson and I didn’t go sledding, but we have played cards, games, and caught up on the “free” movies on cable. Typically we associate fun with costing us money, but this winter we realized that some of the cheaper things actually end up being the more fun things.
What have you learned over the past several winter days?
*the picture is of me and my parents in the front yard of their old house. we decided to make a snow bear that year. haha.
Well my part of Texas did not get hit with snow, but in February of 2003 when we got hit with an ice storm that coated everything with a solid sheet of ice, I learned Californians have no business driving in ice (I already knew this, but my principal at the jail I was teaching at did not). I felt uncomfortable and tried to tell her I was, but she did not listen and said I should take surface streets (for 10 miles). I at least knew don’t do those because the sand trucks would have ignored them – stick to the freeways. Well, first issue I had was driving up an overpass. A nice guy helped me get up it then things are going fine til I am going slightly downhill and I start to slip. Apparently you should not brake and try to straighten yourself out because you will get rear ended by the Borden Milk Products mechanic truck and then immediately afterward have your right rear view mirror knocked off by a car passing by. Yep that is what happened. Add to this that when I did make it to the jail it was in lockdown and the teachers had nothing to do exceot make sandwiches. Ever since then I do not do ice and will not do ice and my motto is Californians have no business driving in ice
I love the picture. 5 things the icy weather has taught me.
1) Family can be #1 Priority: You are forced to spend some time together. (pic brings back wonderful memories)
2) Quietness is Heaven: I love just listening to the crunch of tires on the ice. Listening to the squirrels dig for acorns in the flower pots. It is so quite I can here things that I often take for granted.
3)More than TV:TV can get BORING real quick. Put two puzzles together. Read almost 2 weeks reading assignments in two days.
4)That I still have some youth in me: Love getting out and playing or walking in the snow
5)God is still in Control: He slows us all down so we can get a breath of air.
I have learned that the first hole at Shelby Park Golf course rocks the free world for sledding!! I am still in pain, but that… was… awesome.
Aarron, i knew i wouldn’t be able to hang with you all.
Patsy (mom), i love the memories of our family.
Kathi, crazy story. i’m beginning to think you are full of those.
I’ve been out of town for work, so I missed the epic snowstorm of 2010 in Nashville.
But, I was in contact with my husband who WAS there, and in that I learned one big thing:
Priorities.
Some friends opted to go into downtown Friday night to work, and they battled the bad roads. Ultimately it made me step back and ask, “Is it worth it?” Was it worth the risk of their lives in guaranteed treacherous conditions for $40 at work?
Everyone is hurting for money right now, but isn’t your life and safety worth more than $40?
i agree denise. hard times and bad weather definitely make me think about priorities.
Well since i live in the great north we are used to the snow…and im actually prett decent driving in the snow. not bragging just confident
but im done with the snow.. im ready for the spring time..warm weather..hmmmm come on spring
adam. you may need to help me and alyson figure it all out. i typically am pretty good at it, although i think i like having too much fun in it which gets me in trouble.