Snow Day (Sort of)

I know, 2 posts in one day! I had to get this post in about the crazy day today. On my way to work, I encountered snow all over the road. It is a main highway, a U.S. Highway, a 5-lane highway. I was so surprised that it hadn't been plowed. I wasn't nervous about driving, as long as all of the crazy drivers (who think just because they have a 4-wheel drive they can go 60+ miles/hour) stayed out of my way. I was, however, nervous about this one little stretch right before the turn-off. It never gets any sun, is a big curve, and has a concrete barrier in the middle. Luckily I was the only one on that stretch of road, and it was no big deal. I made the turn, started to go over the bridge, and had to stop because there were about 10 cars in front of me that had stopped. I knew I was going to be late when I left the house, since I left the house late. (I need to blog in the afternoon when I have more time!) None of the cars are moving, there's a bus behind me, and, lo & behold, there's a bus that has made the next turn to go up the hill to the school.
Now I'm concerned that there's been an accident and the bus filled with kids is involved. Parents are turning their cars around, and I see a couple of coworkers out of their cars. Turns out the hill going to the school is a big sheet of ice. Also turns out that there's yet another bus that made it half-way up the hill before getting stuck. All 3 buses are filled with those sweet kids, ready for a day of learning!
45 minutes later, the salt truck comes and makes a couple of passes up the hill. All during this time, a coworker and I decide that we're really glad we're not on any of those buses with those smiling faces who are now all antsy and having a hard time sitting down. We finally get to drive up the hill. About 30 minutes later, Ms. Principal announces that those who left their cars at the bottom of the hill may want to go get them. So, I volunteer to make a couple of runs so that some of them can get their cars. Very few kids were there; I only saw 1/3 of the students I usually see. It snowed all morning, but by 1:30, the snow was gone. I'm not sure why school wasn't called off; we haven't used up all of our days, so it would've been okay. I'm also not sure why we don't have a plan for 2-hour delays, either. I know the Yankees are probably laughing hysterically at the idea of school being called off for 1/2- 1 1/2 inches of snow, but, y'all, we're just not equipped for bad weather!

Where's the snow?

The meteorologist sounded 'iffy' yesterday. I've learned by living here for 5 years (as an adult) to not pay a whole lot of attention to him when he talks about snow, especially if he uses the word "mountain" in with it. I got up, let the girls out: no snow on the ground. I looked over to the cars: there did appear to be something on the windshields. Looked up to the roof: Aaaahh! There it is! It did snow last night! Then, I get on the computer to check the school closings: we're not on the list, but the next county over (which is in the mountains) is. Okay, time to get my butt in gear and get ready for work. I really, really love my job, but an unexpected day off is heaven! Especially if the school system the boys are in have to go to school!
I have to include the view from one of my workplaces. This was taken last Tues. when there really was snow on the ground! I love the view from this window.


Last night middle son (who is a Senior) came to me at 8:00 and wanted to go meet friends. Uh, no, I don't think so...it's 8:00 and a school night. Could I give him a reason? I thought I just gave him 2. Then, I get the obligatory "I can't wait until I'm out of the house and I can do what I want". HA! I knew I would eventually hear that! He got over it pretty quickly, as he usually does.

P.S. I just wanted to thank everybody that read my post yesterday and left comments! I've visited the blogs, and will be reading on a regular basis. Thanks for welcoming me to the blogging community!

Another PS: I just looked outside, and, yes, it is snowing. Here's the proof:
Still have to go to school: are you serious? Guess it's too late to call it off! It's gonna be an exciting day!

My First Random Dozen

I can do this. Not to be a copy-cat or anything (got the idea from a friend!), but I can do this.

This is the Random Dozen for the week:

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
Yes. I actually took Marksmanship as one of my PE's in undergrad school. I think it's good for everybody to know how to shoot a gun just in case. And, one time, shortly after I got married, my husband took me out shooting. I shot a coke can with a pistol. Husband was very impressed; I was very lucky! I never told him it was pure luck! And that was the last time I shot a gun.

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
As a matter of fact, I do. We're in the middle of planning our 30th High School Reunion and I'm in charge of the contacts. I sure hope the reunion is as much fun as the planning has been!

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
I really, really try to arrive early or on time. The older I get, the later I get.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
Okay, I'm not real sure what this means. I'm pretty laid back, which would be Cali, but I like my 4 seasons, which would be NY. Now that I think about it, I think I'm neither...just a Southern Girl at heart!

5. Do you have a special ring tone?
Right now I have "Fallin' for You" by Colbie Caillett. Such a catchy tune! And, yes, I change it according to the seasons: "Saturday in the Park" (Chicago) in the summer, "Down the Field" (UT Fight Song) for the fall & football season, and "Christmas in Dixie" (Alabama) for Christmas.

6. What is your favorite type of chip?
That's a tough one. Sun Chips are really good, but if I feel like I have to be good, Regular
Baked Lays make the list.

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
Wow. I love comedies. Adam Sandler movies are hysterical, the Goldmember movies are also really funny. It depends on my mood as to how funny I think the movies are. "Zoolander" and "Rat Race" are always good for a laugh.

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
I don't think so. My dad cut our hair when I was little until mom (bless her heart!) stepped in and decided it was time for a professional to get involved!

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
Definitely my house. We live in a house that's almost 50 years old, and we're the 2nd owner. We couldn't beat the price or location, but it's definitely a fixer-upper!

10. Are you allergic to anything?
Thankfully, no. Wait...does housework count?

11. Why is it so hard to change?
For me, I like routine. It's my comfort zone. I don't like being outside of that zone.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
It's so hard to open your heart and yourself to someone. When your emotions are so strong and you put yourself out there, you open yourself up to being vulnerable and hurt. I remember such strong emotions, remember being hurt, but more importantly, remember being so much in love. The memories and experiences are part of what makes me the person I am today!