Snow Day: Love 'em or Hate 'em?

Written by Joline Atkins. Posted in Carpool Lane

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Early morning text message.

"School.  Cancelled."

Snow Day.

I love them.  I hate them.  I go back and forth between my feelings for them.  They are new to me.  Eighteen years in Chicago hardened me to the very idea of the Snow Day.  We never got them.  Never.  Ok, so yes, the terrain was flat and seriously void of hills, so travel wasn't nearly as precarious as it is here. But it did indeed snow. Often. Plows and salt trucks were out around the clock clearing and making sure the city, schools, etc. could/would run as usual (the joke was on you and your plowed-in car if you didn't park on the correct side of the street during a snow emergency) and Harper would even play outside in the snow during recess.  It snowed and life just went on.  Same 'ole, same 'ole.

No Snow Day required.

My childhood in Northern Virginia saw a different response to snow.  After moving to VA from Albany, New York at the age of 4, my mom was surprised to find her bundled up children returning home after finding the doors to the school locked following a 2 inch snowfall.

Snow Day required.

Thus far, my snow-perience in Pittsburgh has been a combination of these two scenarios.  A happy medium.

Some people LOVE the Snow Day.  Like really LOVE them.  All out "Woot! Woot!"  From other homes you can hear the moaning and groaning the moment the news is announced. 

Here's why I Love 'Em

  • Don't wake Mom up unless you are holding a hot cuppa java in that small palm of yours.  We have a Keurig.  My kids can, and do, hook me up.
  • Family snuggle in bed (complete with dog) until Dad has to leave for work.
  • "Saturday" breakfast (all the hot, yummy stuff) on a Wednesday morning.
  • Pajamas.  Until I feel like changing into clothing worn by a responsible adult.
  • "Mom, we're going out!" At the ages of 10 and 6, my kids can "suit-up" without help from me.  Love it.
  • Hot chocolate, popcorn, and movies for any child that shows up at my door.  Since mine hooked me up with the java earlier, it's nice to return the favor.hot_chocolate_2

Here's why I Hate 'Em

  • Harper still had homework to finish today, so there was all the drama and jazz that goes along with it, only on her "day off" - as she put it.
  • I run a home business.  When I work, I get paid.  If I don't work, I don't get paid.  My kids may be home, but Mommy still needs to put in office hours.
  • Slushy floors all day long no matter what I do to try and contain all the wet snow gear coming back inside. Here I thought I wanted a master bathroom, when what I really need is a mud room.
  • My schedule.  Now where did I put that?
  • Got milk?  Nope.  And I'm not going out for it either.
  • I'm not a snow-playa.  I enjoy the beauty of snow.  I even like winter.  I'm not a hater. I'd  love to try cross-country skiing (no downhill for me), or go tubing (a bit skittish about taking Harper - we're not trying for broken arm number 3).  But as for just running around outside playing?  I'm just not that girl.

So, truly, I play for both teams when it comes to the Snow Day.

What about you?  Are you friends with the Snow Day or on the outs?

 

pittsburgh_momJoline Pinto Atkins is a former actress who now uses the web as her world-wide stage and can also be founding writing at The Cuppa Jo, and Fit With Jo. Joline is wife to one (phew - that's good to know) and mother of two amazing children, aged 10 and 6, who are both named after authors. Addicted to fitness, she sweats out any daily angst by running (not with sharp objects) and P90X'ing, and longs for good books, vats of coffee, and an endless supply of buffalo wings - which she will not share with you. So, please, do not ask.