At the end of Thanksgiving break, Illinois was hit by a huge snow storm, the first of the season. The snow and wind were so bad that my roommate was unable to drive back to campus because she couldn't tell if she was on the road or not. In the city, only a couple inches stuck, but it was so windy and cold.
Waking up on Monday morning was amazing. I love looking outside and seeing the snow covering cars. Walking to work was not so fun though, as the rain from the day before had frozen, and my alley hadn't been plowed.
I've always loved the winter and the snow. I have so many amazing memories from my childhood of making snowmen and throwing snowballs for my dog to chase. When I started driving, I liked snow less. I'm a nervous driver on a good day, but when it's snowy or icy, my anxiety heightens to 110%. Braking and accelerating are terrifying, and even driving in a straight line is scary too.
Entering college, I have a complicated relationship with snow. While I no longer have to drive in it, I now have to walk across campus. My campus is full of wind tunnels as we're right on Lake Michigan. There have been multiple times where I've been walking in such strong wind that I have made no forward progress.
Whenever I get excited about snow, I'm met with a lot of groans. I truly feel like one of the only people I know who genuinely enjoys the snow. When I meet a rare person who shares my excitement, we bond over the groans we receive.
I love the cold. I love cuddling under blankets and drinking hot cocoa. I love watching Christmas movies or reading a book with my cat on my lap. It always feels more Christmas-y when it's snowing.
I know I'm in a minority here. I understand why people don't like snow. It's cold and wet and in Chicago, it's around for a long time.
Snow holds so much magic for me though. I feel like Lorelei Gilmore every new winter. The first night I walk home and feel the cold and the briskness in the air that proceeds snow, I become giddy. I put on my fuzziest socks and my slippers and I watch a Christmas movie. I'm not sure why I love the snow so much, I simply do.
Now if you excuse me, there's snow on the ground, and I have a date with my cat and a good book.
