First Snow

What time is it? It’s a dose of positive booster time! And who does not need one every now and then? To survive in the contemporary world of constant bombardment with a variety of social, economical, political, and cultural issues, one needs to find a refuge in the little things that make life worth it.

One such event for me has always been the first snow of the winter. I don’t know what it is, but it doesn’t matter how old I get, the first snow always brings back memories of happiness and excitement that lift my spirits. The best moment is when the snow falls during the night and before people start moving in the morning, the scene outside looks as if it came out of a fairytale. Regardless of what the area resembles under normal circumstances, covered in a thick layer of snow, it just looks amazing.

Then, of course, students start moving about and the snow fights begin. The winter wonderland has now turned into a snow war zone! 

For those of you who do not have the luxury of experiencing such a profound moment, here are some pictures to make you feel jealous... or happy:). I am sure there will be more coming up soon. I have to post at least one of a snowman: the ideal product of team work, creative minds, and frozen hands...

         - Krasi

Texas Panic

Texans do not like cold. Nor are we ready for it. So when the temperature drops below 50 and there is a freeze/snow warning, there ensues a quiet panic. Home Depots across the city are being visited to ensure that pipes are properly insulated; drivers are staying at home to avoid these hazardous conditions (which is ok by me...makes my commute muuuuuuuch faster!); those of us who venture out into this harsh, unknown world can't stop complaining how cold it is (while we walk around in our thin sweaters, coats {what we know as coats you Northerners would call a light Fall jacket}, no hats, no gloves). Aye we Texans (and I would say a lot of Southerners) are a strange bunch. Don't judge. It is all we know.

Oh look, one of those Texans I was talking about. Posing for pictures in 20 degree weather with two thin layers on presented quite the predicament so in lieu of pretty outdoor shots, indoor (aka warm) shots will have to do.

We had better get some snow! If I have to deal with this cold weather, only snow can make it worthwhile!

What is the matter with the overuse of air conditioners in Houston?

Ok, I admit it, the major reason I moved to Houston is because I was seriously fed up with the asperity of West Virginian winters. Yes, I have heard the saying that there is no bad weather, there is only inappropriate clothing. But I don’t care what people wear, the freezing Appalachian winds will have an easy task turning them, with the speed of light at that, into nice, cold, and grumpy icicles.

Having been in Houston for four and a half years, though, a disturbing habit is making me reconsider the decision to move down south for a warmer and more pleasant climate. Anyone who’s ever been to Houston is aware that winters are usually mild while summers are hot, unbearably humid, and last about eight to nine months of the year (or at least it seems as if they do…). However, if you are like the majority of Houston residents and spend most of your time at work or in school, you will find a use for your winter clothes any day of summer. Courtesy: the mighty air conditioner. So glad I kept some of my sweaters and jackets when I made that move from East Coast! 

Currently, it is winter and I hear many people state (Should I write exclaim?), as they watch the news about severe weather in the northern and East Coast states, that they are so happy they live in Houston where severe weather is when the temperature falls below freezing for a little longer than 5 minutes. Yet, in summer, those same people accept freezing in the office/classroom/car/store/bus as a normal, if not a required, occurrence.   

Call me particular, but I prefer to be cold in the winter and warm in the summer. Or at least, to not have to wear two sets of clothes at all times to help me survive the heat and humidity of  the outside and the frigid air of the indoors. 

- K