Brain Dump
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
There is something cathartic about the first real snow of the season. Last night (and early this morning) we received about 5 inches. Around 11:00pm, I took the dog out and just stood there marveling at how serene everything was. No sirens, no shouts, no car horns, nothing.

What is it about snow that seems to muffle the world? Sharp edges are rounded as the layers pile up, people slow down to observe and hesitate over patches of black ice, and for once in the year, we have justification to take things at a more relaxed pace. Perhaps this is the reason why the holidays seem so merry - because we have all taken the time to just slow the hell down and enjoy ourselves. Things seem brighter, just like the sunshine as it bounces off the drifts here and there.

The other major thing I'm reminded of when it comes to snow, is food. A true midwesterner, I pack on the pounds during the winter - it's easy when food is everywhere, baggy sweaters are de rigeur, and there are no occasions for a swimsuit to be worn. I'm down a pound and a half as of yesterday - official current weight is 135-point-something-or-other. That's ten pounds. Another reason to relax and enjoy the moment, for sure.

People roll their eyes when I express my love for cold weather - the snow, the slush, the salt, and so one. Mostly I just love the peace it brings (traffic accidents notwithstanding) and how it makes everything quiet...even for a little bit.