I grew up in Maryland so you would think I’d be used to a little cold weather. You would think I MISSED cold weather since I now live in Jacksonville, Florida. I did miss it a tiny little bit when we first moved down here five years ago. But now I’m so used to living in a warm climate that the cold weather completely throws me for a loop. Sure, even in Florida, we should expect a small stretch of cold days in December and January, but usually it’s never terribly cold here. But the past couple of days (and nights!) have been really cold. Well, really cold meaning low 30’s. And really cold meaning fleece jackets and (gasp!) hats and mittens.
The kids have been having fun with it. They don’t mind it that much. I just wish it was accompanied by snow. It’s hard knowing my kids will never experience a true snowfall. (Aside from the fun soapy one at the local Winter Wonderland.) They will never run out to build a snowman or zoom down a hill on a sled. I know I can take them on a fancy vacation to a ski resort, but it’s not the same. It’s not how I remember it. I remember putting bread bags over my socks before I slid on my boots. I remember making dozens of snow angels all in a row on our front lawn. I remember catching snowflakes on my tongue. I remember the sweet moment when the guy on the radio said school was canceled and I could turn over and go back to sleep.
But, then again, I also remember waiting at the bus stop in zero degree weather with tears running down my cheeks from the wind chill. I remember slumber parties or basketball games getting canceled because the roads were too icy. I remember shoveling the driveway only to do it all again the next day because more snow fell while we slept. I remember the METRO being delayed while I stood on the platform jogging in place willing my body to warm up. So, no, I don’t miss the cold northern weather anymore. And I can always take the kids up north in the winter to experience it all for themselves. In the meantime, we’ll be here complaining about today’s high of 60 and making plans to hit the beach NEXT week.
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