Winter 2012 has been one of the first winters I haven't been miserable, largely because it is the first winter which has not actually been like a typical one. As a Marylander turned Virginian, I have never lived in a state, which does not experience all four seasons. As a person who abhors the cold, I have never experienced a winter in which the brisk air and potential for snow did not make me wish human beings hibernated.
As a child, the weather could not be too warm for me. I would wear leggings under my jeans and long-sleeved shirts under my sweaters. I would wear two pairs of socks on relatively warm winter days. I could go from perfectly content to childishly cranky in two seconds flat just by entering the cold air. Snow was only fun for a few minutes, and during those minutes I would be layered in three pairs of pants and four sweaters, gloves and a scarf. It baffled my friends who wanted to sled and snowball fight. But on a snowy day, I prefer to be inside.
So when this winter came along, with its unseasonable fifty-degree days just daring me to wear some spring dresses, I was overjoyed. I would bring a light jacket in the morning and bask in the sunshine as I walked from class to class. I took care to avoid the cold spots created by the shadows. I won't deny I got some strange looks as I hopped from sunny spot to sunny spot, but hey, you have to do what you can to stay comfortable. The heat makes me a little nervous about global warming, but I relish the chance to wear a dress and cardigan again.
Unfortunately, rumors of snow crushed my dream of an incredibly warm winter. Snow had been whispered for days by my teammates who adored the prospect of fluffy snow under their feet as we trekked from
class to class. The image of sledding down O'Hill and pitching snowballs at each other in Mad Bowl created overwhelming amounts of joy. I, however, had my fingers crossed that this Indian summer would continue until June, when real summer begins.
But all the wishing in the world did not save me, and snow arrived in flurries. Cars were covered, walkways were slick and snow boots were coming out. I hesitated to go outside, wanting only to curl up in my bed and drink hot chocolate. Alas, I had basketball practice, and the library was calling my name. I began layering. I put on a pair of leggings under jeans, and two pairs of socks. Next, a tank top, long sleeve shirt, and a huge, warm, grandpa sweater I had gotten from the thrift store. I followed with a peacoat and a scarf. I was prepared to tackle the snow.
First I had to uncover my car. Usually, when I have nowhere particular to go, I just sit in my car until it warms and the snow has melted off for good. All it takes is a lazy hour with a good book. Seriously - try it, but only if you're not in a rush. But this time I had to be brave and sweep the snow off with my arms. Feat accomplished, and sleeves slightly damp. I began to drive.
It was a slow, painful crawl uphill to get from my place to Rugby Road. Several times, I feared I would begin backsliding. My tires rotated, but I seemed to be getting nowhere. Driving at the totally safe, totally reasonable pace of 5 miles per hour, I eventually made it to John Paul Jones Arena for practice. And here it seems I may stay, until this wretched snow decides to stop torturing me. For those of you out there, I am still alive, but it would be grateful if you could manage to bring me some snacks.
Simone's column runs biweekly Tuesdays. She can be reached at s.egwu@cavalierdaily.com.
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