The Big One of '07

Being from a geographical location that sees bizarre weather at least twice a year, I was completely skeptical when all I kept hearing repeated was, "looks like we're in for some nasty weather." I mean, come on. Everytime it looks cloudy, the consensus runs the gamut from F5 tornado to a blizzard depending on the season. So when Friday morning dawned an ugly grey and it started sprinkling during the 30 minute drive to OU, I started wondering just how bad it might get, never truly believing the possibility of an ice storm.

Orientation was slated for 10:00 to 5:00 p.m., and at 10:40, just as the lecture really got started, the Dean popped her head in and announced the campus would be closing at noon. What? Due to rain?? I was still in disbelief until I hit the steps of the library exit and saw the chunks of ice falling as if some huge Icee machine from 7-Eleven were spewing from the depths of hell.

Much to my surprise (and dismay) those who had believed the weather reports as apocalyptic, ran out and drained the stores of produce and meat (click on each picture to get a better idea.) I was taken aback by this because the roads, though treacherous to those with little or no driving skills, were not impossible to navigate as long as one is not in a hurry. I admit however, that driving on solid ice is not for the faint of heart, however, if we stop and think about it, the Northeastern U.S. sees much worse every winter and they do just fine. So, on our outtings, when people remarked on our adventurous nature, we politely reminded them that this wasn't entirely terrible weather*. In fact, I truly enjoy being out when the world is unusually slow and quiet. I also enjoyed shopping stores that grudginly stayed open, browsing at a leisurely pace without being jostled by others.

Perhaps I am selfish because instead of appreciating and reflecting on the beautiful, sun-filled days of summer during a storm like this, I enjoy having a day or two like this that keeps everyone else in so as to have something to remember during one-hundred degree summers when I'm sitting in traffic, overheating or pushing my way through crowded stores among grouchy, sweaty shoppers. And although I may be crazy enough to hit the streets when everyone is safe at home, like anyone else, I also LOVE coming in out of the weather and sitting in front of a blazing fire, playing board games, and drinking cappucino with the family. Yay! Bring on the snow and sleet, I'm game!






*Unfortunately, the death toll for the midwest due to this string of storms has reached the dozens, many due to car accidents on rural highways. While I feel terrible for the families of those involved, I myself was fortunate enough that I didn't have to drive on highways, freeways, or anywhere else that required more than 30 miles an hour.