When in Rome
January 6, 2008 | Filed under: Invierno, The object of my obsession, This side of the Hudson
“There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you…. In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself.” ~Ruth Stout
My piss poor behavior in the presence of snow would lead one to believe that I’ve spent the majority of my life in Maui. Actually if that were true, the snow would be met with a little awe and wonder instead of pure disdain. The snow falls and my mood plummets to the darkest depths of despair while I think about the scraping and the shoveling and my inability to drive 70 mph without slamming into a guardrail. The first time it snowed I hung up on my mother and had to leave work four hours early so that I would have ample time to try and not die on my way home. All the while muttering, “I hate this fucking place and this shit” for 11 miles. I am such a breath of fresh air some days, I know.
At some point over the past weeks though my begrudging attitude towards the fluffy white stuff has abated to a mild dislike. I actually hummed the other day while shoveling my car out and didn’t complain once when it was 4 degrees even though I was sure that once I returned home, I’d be missing my nipples. Still! All was good. I suppose a brief “Come to Jesus” discussion with myself about how whining is unbecoming on a woman in her mid-20’s helped me to accept my fate. I live in Upstate New York where it will snow for five months straight. No amount of yelling or throwing up the middle finger towards drivers, who find turn signal usage superfluous during a snowstorm, will really change my current situation.
My parents are from the deep-south and if they can deal with snow then I surely can go five months without shrill whining about it. Though I think right now they’re debating whether or not to get my DNA tested for I have taken my whole ‘acceptance’ thing to a whole new level: I am OBSESSED with snowshoeing. It’s like when I spent hours trying to find my new camera I am now spending hours a day reading about how to HIKE in the fucking snow. I am so obsessed with the sport that a frown crept upon my face when I learned that it would be 60 degrees on Tuesday because then the snow would melt. The snow cannot melt it must be here and readily available for me to trek through. In fact I’m currently sitting here getting a little giddy (hence the rambling) about the next big snowstorm. Who cares about snow emergencies and digging my vehicle out of three feet of snow when the trails will be covered?? I told my mother all of this with such enthusiasm that she congratulated me and informed me that it would be a cold day in Hell before she ever went out there with me but is quite happy that I’m no longer blaming her for ubiquitous snowstorms and am instead facing them with joy.
What can I say? ‘When in Rome…’ and all that jazz. My new shoes arrive on Friday and I really couldn’t possibly be more thrilled.
Loralee says:
I’ve been skiing since I was a tiny kid (There isn’t much else to do in Utah.).
I attempted snowshoeing ONCE.
Too difficult for my muscletone of head cheese and uncoordinated self.
I am damn impressed.
Kristabella says:
Wow. I’m impressed. I grew up in snow, moved away and then moved back to the snow. And I don’t think I’ve ever loved it as much as you.
Although, in Chicago snow comes with -17 degree wind chills and no amount of snow can help when it feels like your face is being ripped off.
Have fun!
Angella says:
We are in the same boat! It’s snowy here for 5 months of the year as well. Five out of twelve months being grumpy is a poor ratio.
I’m trying to embrace it too.
I’ve yet to try snow shoeing, but it’s on my list of things to do. Good for you, girl!
slynnro says:
I have to say, snow shoeing seems like a more enjoyable alternative to the treadmill at least.
She Likes Purple says:
I am actually quite jealous as it’s a sport (activity?) I’ve always wanted to take up. It ices in Texas roughly twice a year and flurries less than that. No opportunities for snowshoeing, but I will enjoy looking at all the pictures you take while out and about. Have fun!
Katie says:
I, too, hate the snow with a fiery passion, but I don’t think you’ll ever find this girl show shoeing. Mainly because I live in Virginia, but also because any snow activity puts a pout on my face.
Good for you though…I think I would be too clumsy for that!
token says:
So I’m wondering if snow shoes would even work for me. What’s the weight limit on those before they become useless to one (LARGE ONE)?
Maria says:
I’m still waiting burning hatred of the snow to descend to mild dislike.
And I’m impressed with you for snowshoeing. I can’t even fathom doing any activities outside of my home during the winter.
Alicia says:
I just made peace with snow and I’ve lived in Michigan for 11 years. Oh, it’s not like I moved here from California or anything, I came here from South Dakota by way of Utah (before that, Cali). So I should have snow in my veins. But yeah, I’ve decided this year that I’m okay with snow, but that I need to buy a 4WD car.
It sounds like you are having the weather we just had; it was 65 degrees here yeaterday. Don’t worry, it’s supposed to start snowing tonight so you should by snowshoeing by the weekend. :o)
gorillabuns says:
i’ve never been skiing or snowshoeing and i doubt i’ll ever.
with that being said, i’m proud of you doing what the romans did.
Lori says:
I mentioned this in your Flickr stream, but I loved my one experience with snowshoeing when I used to live in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I was drooling over the snowshoe rack in EMS just last week, but alas here in Philadelphia we don’t get much snow to speak of, and the shoes would hang in the garage, unused. I miss Truckee, and snow.
Bone says:
“No amount of yelling or throwing up the middle finger towards drivers, who find turn signal usage superfluous during a snowstorm, will really change my current situation.”
I think the guy who wrote Life’s Little Instruction book stole that quote from you!
Andrea says:
I went to law school in Syracuse and completely understand your pain (although I grew up in Vermont, lived in Utah, and now live in Northwestern PA). Central and Upstate New York get an unbelievable amount of snow plus it is so bitter cold! You are doing the right thing and finding a way to enjoy it. After snowshoeing, maybe skiing is next! Have fun!