Monday - Mostly sunny, high of 43 degrees F
Tuesday - Sunny, high of 44 degrees F
Wednesday - Sunny, high of 58 degrees F
Thursday - Partly cloudy, high of 67 degrees F
Friday - Showers, high of 59 degrees F
It's hard to believe this is "winter." Just a few days ago, I had to close the shades in my classroom when my students went crazy over snowflakes falling from the sky. Though I knew it would quickly turn to rain and melt before the school day was over, I must admit that the kid inside of me briefly wondered, "Is this it? Our first winter snow day? Will we need to have early dismissal? Wouldn't want those buses to get stuck in the snow!" Despite one student's prediction of 5 inches by lunch time, my initial forecast was correct.
But the snow shower got me thinking ... what would I do with a snow day? The possibilities are endless!
- break out my neglected scrapbooking gear, cover my dining room table with supplies of all kinds, and craft the day away
- sleep in and wake up when my body wants to, rather than to an alarm (enjoy sprawling in the middle of the bed during the early morning hours while my husband is out making money by shoveling!)
- curl up on the couch in my pj's and finish reading the series I started months ago
- watch an unseen Netflix movie with my husband, or an old favorite that we own
- pre-make greeting cards to send out to loved ones throughout the remainder of this year, maybe even write in and mail a few
find my Swiffer duster and actually put it to use- spend time on Pinterest without feeling guilty
- bake something sweet and eat it while it's still warm, share some with our neighbors
Oh, what I would give for a snow day! But all I can do is dream... last year we had snow days in abundance ... this year is another story. Nothing but a rare October snowstorm, and the forecast looks like more of the same.
Yet, I don't want this to come across as complaining. I've never been the girl who can't wait to bundle up in layers and take on the slopes. I'm the girl who likes how pretty the snow looks when it first comes down (especially when it falls on Christmas morn) but doesn't love how the snow feels. I much prefer the warmer temperatures. So, though the teacher-side-of me is a bit disappointed she had to work every day in February, the rest of me could not be more thrilled that the thermometer reads above 40 most days lately.
This warmer, mild winter has not brought snow, but has brought many gifts nonetheless:
- plenty of outdoor recess opportunities
- being able to crack the windows in my classroom and my car
- less "stuff" for them to manage (no snow pants, boots, mittens, and hats lined up in the hallway)
- the regular smell of 7-8 year olds (rather than the soggy, wet smell that comes with playing in the snow)
- no need for scraping the icy windows in the morning
- a husband sleeping soundly next to me (as opposed to being out shoveling at all hours)
- plenty of street parking
- keeping curriculum on track, no need for readjusting due to missed days
- a dry basement, one that often floods due to too much rain or melting snow
- crocuses peeking out early
- motivation to exercise outside
- not having to work hard to keep the bottoms of my pants, shoes, and socks dry
- on time train schedules
- not having to worry about our car losing traction on snow-covered roads
I have come to realize that there are blessings in all seasons, even if they are not the gifts you expect.
All of this to say that I would not be opposed to a snow day, but am equally happy to "skip" winter and enjoy all that spring has to offer!
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