March 2019 SOLC–Day 5
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
I have intense feelings about snow days. Typically, I’m right there with the students considering how to juju them into existence! I obsessively watch the weather sites and e-mail updates to my colleagues. In class, we always do the “Snow Ball Greeting” at morning meeting on the day before a snow day is anticipated. I’ve written many poems about snow days, including a sonnet, and once I even wrote a whole blog post about snowdaycalculator.com.
Today, I really am not hoping for a snow day, but once the call comes in, I am fully prepared to enjoy it. After I hang up (and double check on line to confirm the whole thing), there’s an immediate sense of relaxation, enhanced, no doubt, by the serene scene of snow falling outside my window.
I write a little… then a little more…
…watch the birds visit the feeders.
…laugh at the Squirrel Olympics.
…get another cup of coffee.
The minutes drift by gently, just like snowflakes, as I think idly about all the things I might want to do.
Most of them feature me remaining in my pajamas.
And then I get this e-mail:
What?! My jaw dropped. Is she insane? What kind of person would even suggest such a thing?
A few minutes later, after pulling myself back together, I managed to text back politely. “No, thank you.” With great effort, I restrained myself from using any words that required asterisks.
I’m not sure what this says about me, but now that I’m not going to school AND not going to the dentist, I’m enjoying my day even more.
Nix the comfort zone 
I would have felt guilty and say yes. I love that you hung onto the day for yourself and replied “no thank you.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
To me, there was no effort involved in saying, “No!” lol I had no desire to count on the snow ending as forecast, then dig out from about 6 inches and perhaps more importantly, get out of my PJs and shower! It would have changed the tone of the whole day… and not for the better! Of course, it helps that I don’t have to juggle my schedule around children anymore. Rescheduling isn’t a big deal to me, and losing a relaxing snow day is! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wise choice! You’d made the boundaries for yourself and kept them. It is below freezing here in central TX this morning; which we could call a “snow day” for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey! I’m in central texas! .. I was just remembering the freeze-in we had last year. *I wish, I wish, I wish*!
Have a great day at work – stay warm!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That must be unusual for you! We’re pretty excited when the temperatures are in the high 20s, low 30s –practically balmy! lol
Stay warm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Idyllic.. so fortunate to see snow, we rarely get any, just wet muck.
You’re helping me reflect how it is to carve that time out for ourselves — and our loved ones — because of our work and misc adult “obligations.”
These past few years, I’ve made it a point to start putting my writing at the list of top 3 things I just gotta do.. like me getting my butt on the elliptical or hanging out with the hubby. I need it for me.
Thank you for helping me match your resolve! Hope you have a wonderful snow day!
LikeLike
Good for you- I would have felt guilted into going to the appointment. I hope you enjoyed your bonus day off! While I do not miss snow, I do miss snow days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s definitely something magical about snow days! I’ve been surprised by how many people tell me they would have gone to the appointment. It was such a “no brainer” decision for me. Now I’m starting to feel like a slacker! lol
LikeLike
😂 People. This is a great story. I’m so glad you relished your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I kept thinking…This woman has NEVER been a teacher! lol
LikeLike
Absolutely a double win. Those times that you feel like you etch a little time back for yourself are THE BEST…and so far between. If only it snowed here…
LikeLike
Good for you staying home!
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this and laughed outloud when I got to the text. Your title had me waiting for the punchline from the first words I read. And I too was settling into the peace and calm of your day when boom- there was that text. Glad you said no. Great piece. It felt so good as a reader to be right there with you in this scene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lisa! I was pretty horrified by the text and the idea that I’d head out on a snow day…and to the dentist! I think my husband might have thought I was overreacting. lol
LikeLike
Snow days are exactly what they are…days to stay snowed in. 🙂
Good for you! Enjoy the day and ALL that it has to offer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks!
LikeLike
I’m with you! No dentist on a snow day! Great choice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to have support and I hope my dentist doesn’t read my blog! lol
LikeLike
You crack me up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good for you – enjoy the day off! I loved how you were describing your serene scene before the rude interruption.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. It was a lovely tranquil snowfall and a slow, easy day inside watching the drifts grow.
LikeLike
Good for you! I wouldn’t have gone, either. They are snow days for a reason–stay home!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never experienced a snow day…and you make it sound so magical! And I agree–never agree to go to the dentist on a day when “the minutes drift by, just like snowflakes…”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Snow days are the best! I’m so sorry you’ve never experienced one. That’s pretty inconceivable to me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Only an insane person would suggest this. So glad you declined and enjoyed your day. I am in SoCal and I wish we could get a snow day once in a while!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I treasure my snow days, though I’m hoping we’re done for the year at this point. Our last day is moving later and later into June!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok I guess that makes me feel better about not having snow days….we will still end when we are supposed to end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a positive! Now 2-hour delays are another thing–they make no difference to our ending date 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh that’s nice. Lots of time for coffee and relaxing and you can still go to the beach in early June!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that “being efficient” does not rule your day, especially a gift from the heavens of a snow day! You go to the dentist every six months anyway, don’t you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
6ish..9ish…pretty regularly anyway! lol
LikeLiked by 1 person