Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Snow, Snow Go Away....

Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it. ~Henry S. Haskins

It's still snowing. I am so utterly demoralized by this weather... *sigh*.

I don't like to drive in the snow. I'm nervous, and that makes me unsafe. You see -- I didn't used to be that way, until my mom and I made a trip from Colorado to California one December for a friend's wedding. We drove I-80, thinking it would be a nice, easy highway trip. They'd keep highways clear, right?

Well, folks, I-80 is a truck route. Lots and lots and lots of semis travel this highway, and it made my life hell. I was in a Toyota pickup with nothing in the bed, the highway was solidly packed with snow and ice, and every time a big truck blew past me (going 60 or 70 MPH), my truck would wobble from the powerful gust of wind.

Finally, once it did more than wobble. The butt end swung back and forth, back and forth until I was doing 360s across the highway and there was nothing I could do but hold on for the ride and pray.

Thankfully, I didn't hit anyone on my trip to the side of the road. I did, however, slide right down the embankment, a drop of a few feet. Thankfully, the truck stayed upright. Thankfully, too, this hadn't happened earlier or further down the road where the drop-offs were FAR more severe.

It was, without a doubt, the scariest thing that had every happened to me. Once we managed to get back on the road (we loaded the bed with snow for weight and then -- yahoo, praise God for four wheel drive -- drove back onto the highway), my mom drove for a while because I was such a wreck.

We hit California (Tahoe area) at night. The roads were shiny, and though they were only wet, I was so certain they were icy that I stopped every couple of miles, pulled over, got out and touched the ground to see. I lost all confidence in driving the snow after that.

As a side note, we went home via I-70. The roads weren't any better, but at least there weren't crazy truck drivers blowing past us as we crept along.

So, I've been housebound since Sunday morning. And I'm losing my mind. Not to mention I have a book due at the library that I can't renew, I'm out of orange juice and fresh fruit, the dog has agility class tonight ...

If it would just STOP SNOWING.

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I posted on Healthful & Homemade this morning, if you're interested.

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You Are a Giraffe



You are down to earth and realistic. You are able to see far off into the horizon.

You bring a lot of perspective to other's lives. You are never too myopic.



You are honest to a fault. You tend to tell it how it is, even if someone isn't ready to hear it.

You are very down to earth and practical. You prioritize what matters in your life, and you don't waste your time.



Hmmm.... pretty close!

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7 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

I guess I shouldn't mention that it was 70 degrees here yesterday.

--sorry. Hope the snows let up soon.

You did give me a great idea for a new blog post though. Better jot it down before I forget.

How is your cold doing? Are you feeling better?

MomJane said...

I don't miss the snow. I would love to miss the wind. I am not as housebound, but it is really dangerous out on the roads here right now. Power lines down, flooding, and crazy drivers.


You Are an Elephant

You are strong and wise. You have a lot of power and a lot of endurance.
You are an affectionate and sensitive person. It's important that you take care of those you love.

You have a soft spot in your heart for anyone or anything that's helpless. You are very compassionate.
You try to live a good life and be a good person. You believe that it's important to be able to live with your decisions.

Diane Craver said...

I'm glad you and your mom weren't hurt - that had to be terrifying. I don't blame you after that experince for not wanting to drive in the snow. I had a bad experience driving in freezing rain last winter and my nerves were shot.

Hope you can get out soon and it quits snowing.

Andrea Allison said...

After receiving like 12 feet of snow in the last month or so, it has finally all melted here.

My mom doesn't like driving in that mess either. I'm glad you and your mom are okay.

Tori Lennox said...

That would make me never want to drive in winter weather again, too!

Brandy said...

I don't like driving in snow, either. I let Chris do it. He gets a kick out of it. I think it's a guy thing.
I hope you're able to get out of the house soon.

You Are a Zebra: You are unique and flexible. There's no denying your individuality.
And while you are very original, you're also good at blending in. You strike a fine balance.
You are a fast thinker and you move with agility. You don't hesitate when action is required.
You put the needs of your clan or group first. You are attentive to your family and friends.

I like it. *G*

I hope your day improves and you have a good day.

Dru said...

I'm not going to say it, okay I will, I wish that was us getting that snow. I hope it ends soon for you.

re quiz: I'm a giraffe and it is pretty accurate.

I'm scared to drive period and I know it would freak me out to drive in the snow.

I hope you had a good day.