I was so happy, until…
A few weeks ago, I slipped on black ice and thought that was the end of my era in Boston. I sat on the top step and had a semi-midlife crisis as I reflected on the words I’d told my colleagues: “If I ever fall, I will have to go home.” I’d successfully convinced myself that I would not be able to live here if I fell. Why did I feel that way? Well, I assumed the absolute worst. Broken or fractured bones and absolute embarrassment.
I fell, and it hurt. But— it was not the end of the world. It was painful. I screamed at the top of my lungs, which was somehow more embarrassing than the fall itself. Yet, life moved on, although I remain ultra alert now.
Not too long after this, the weather started heating up, and the snow started disappearing. I’d peep outside my bedroom windows daily for an update, smiling at the sight of less and less snow. “Yes!” I’d exclaim.
Before I knew it, I felt safe going outside again. No snow. No black ice. And I could finally throw my parka into the back of my wardrobe for the next few months or so. “Maybe I can fall in love with Boston after all,” I thought to myself.
I texted one of my friends and told her that I am simply elated that the snow is finally melting. She’d been updating me about how the weather would be heating up soon. But after my fall, I’d lost faith. I needed to see it to believe it.
I was so happy.
Until suddenly, the weather plummets, and it’s back to freezing temperatures. I stomp to my closet and yank my navy blue parka back out to go outside. Thankfully, the snow we had during this time did not accumulate. But did that matter to me? Not in the slightest. Okay, maybe a little bit— but still! The snow will always be the weather I squint my eyes at since it’s to blame for my fall.
Now, the weather fluctuates between the 30s and 60s most days, which is far better than the below freezing days. This weather is far more pleasant. When I was in Mississippi, I longed for winters filled with snow. As you know, the state rarely gets snow. After being here for roughly six months, I now realize that perhaps I enjoyed the novelty of snow. Snow days in Mississippi, as rare as they are, are always fun and exciting. Areas shut down until the snow has cleared. Here, unless there is a major blizzard, life generally goes on.
While it looks like the snow is done for now, I can’t help but reflect on snow days in Mississippi where there was little to no risk of falling on black ice. Mississippians, consider yourselves lucky.
