Perspective

Becoming a parent forced me to become more of a planner and much less spontaneous in my decisions. Actually, I’m not really sure how spontaneous I’ve ever been—I suspect it’s more of a desire than an actual personality trait of mine, but regardless, once I had kids, all traces of that trait went out the window. Planning ahead is the only way I can keep sane and organized.

With that comes knowledge of the weather. Between making sure my kids are wearing somewhat weather-appropriate clothes (honestly, they’re teenagers so my influence is significantly less than it used to be) to answering my husband’s frequent question, “what’s the weather going to be like today,” I’ve become the family meteorologist, with expectations of a much higher track record than properly trained and paid ones.

Luckily, I have a friend on Facebook who is an amateur meteorologist and loves to post weather predictions, backed by his study of a variety of models and maps. His record is much more accurate than local media pundits, so for major storms, I rely on him to tell me what’s going on.

Needless to say, for this snowstorm we just had, I’d known about it for days. As had everyone else. Except unlike almost everyone around me, I wasn’t worried. That’s not to say I shouldn’t have been, but I have a very laissez-faire attitude when it comes to weather. I live in New Jersey. Unless it’s snowing in July or dust storming in January, I don’t worry. That 70-degree weather in December? THAT concerned me. The potential of a blizzard in January? Pfft. It’s supposed to happen.

Will I go to the grocery store? Of course, but that’s because I go to the grocery store every freaking day. Somebody needs something or runs out of something or I just can’t plan my meals far enough in advance to avoid the place (in spite of what I said above about planning). What I don’t do is buy enough French Toast ingredients for a week just because we’re having a storm for a day or two.

Deck pictures? Um, I’d rather see them in the warm, sunny weather, when you’re enjoying their purpose. Actually, I’d rather be invited over to actually enjoy your deck (and hopefully a BBQ or something). Sure, it’s an easy way to show how much snow you’ve gotten, but I have the same amount at my house, give or take a few inches. And if I don’t, I will shortly—remember, I live in New Jersey. It snows here every winter.

I’ll admit to loving the photos of your kids playing in the snow. And your dogs and cats (although seriously, who makes a cat go outside in the snow???). They’re cute, but then again, I love seeing photos of your loved ones regardless of the weather.

Funny stories about snow clearing? Bring it! Comments about how weathermen have the most stable job in the world? Go for it—who else can be wrong every single time and still have a job. Pretty nature photos? Love them! Snow is beautiful, especially if you don’t have to clear it or drive in it.

But really, people, we need perspective. Snow in winter is normal. Stocking up on twelve gallons of milk, five loaves of bread and four dozen eggs is not—and is horrible for your cholesterol.

;)