It is only October, and I am already being frozen by the wind as I walk out of my dorm. But, there is supposed to be warmer weather again ahead, if 50s can be called “warmer weather.” Well, thats Buffalo for you. I am not sure if I have ever had such a love hate relationship with a place like Buffalo. Here are just a few reasons why this city can make you both love and hate it at the same time.
- The Bills. Ok, we all know the struggles that this team has had. For years, they have been mediocre at best. This season, they are finally winning, but they will still make you nervous the whole way along. It is almost too good to watch. We all want them to do well, but we hold our breath because it could suddenly return to an 8 and 8 season in a hurry.
- The Sabres. Similar situation, the Sabres are rebuilding. They are fun to watch, and at times make you believe that they can be good. And then, suddenly, the team suffers massive injuries. You want to believe that they will be successful one day, and we all love to watch them play, but it can be mighty frustrating at times.
- The weather. Ok, this is by and large the most maddening part of living in Buffalo. One day, it will be 80 degrees and sunny. The next day, it is 40 degrees and windy. Or even 30 degrees and snowy. And while on the topic, the wind in Buffalo is not your average, typical wind. The wind literally assaults you. I did not know the definition of “biting wind” until I came to Buffalo.
- Potholes. Yea, somewhat self explanatory. Potholes that your car can disappear into. Destroys car suspensions. Oh well, we all hope that eventually they will be repaved.
- The traffic. With the new 30 mile per hour limit on the 198, traffic is insane basically anytime between 3 and 6. If you don’t feel like sitting in traffic for an hour, do not venture out.
But, for all the bashing of Buffalo that we who live here do, we still love it. It is a city on the rise, trying to regain some of the prominence that it once enjoyed. Most of us love living here. There is always something to do, always something new to discover in the city. It is just large enough that there is always something new to discover, but small enough that it is not overwhelming. I have firmly decided and dedicated myself to living here for quite awhile. I came to this city and fell in love with it, even if it makes me hate it at some times.
