Quite a different week

Snow..snow..more snow..that is what it was. Schools were closed for two days. Office was closed for 2 days. Finally it ended yesterday night some time.

The difference this time is I dared going outside. For the weekend snow, I was too cold and lazy. Poor B did all the shoveling, nothing new there. This time, I was feeling guilty and wanted to help out at least a little bit. And wow..I really enjoyed it. Do you remember the math problem from school..when 3 men did x amount of work in y days, how many days will 9 men take to complete it..blah blah..What I mean is when both of us did it together, it got over quickly. There was so much snow on the road..that I could sit on it and make a chair for myself. B took pictures of me shoveling. It was fun. We dare not get Nithin outside - he is just recovering from the fever and cold.

In a way, I felt great to be part of history. Mayor Nutter's messages kind of made me feel proud. He said he is proud of citizens of Philadelphia the way they are dealing with these back to back snow storms. We just stayed home and worked remotely..still when you get any compliment, don't you feel great?

It was funny to watch in TV the folks who were driving to grocery stores in the middle of snow storm - they were having different cravings and they set out to make cake/chili etc. It is true that you crave for something that is not there - like, I was missing Instant Coffee since we were out of it. Also, in the cold weather, people do tend to miss their comfort foods and they give in to the cravings. As soon as I saw it, I started craving 'puris' and thanks to B who catered to the wishes of me and kids. We had puris for dinner yesterday.

Isn't that enough update on the snowy week days?

Waiting for Snow

Weather forecast said it will start from 12pm. Schools dismissed at 2 o'clock. I am working from home to avoid the yucky drive in the afternoon. Groceries are done since yesterday. It is supposed to snow all night and tomorrow. I am ready! Where are you, snow?
It feels like you got a nice seat in a cinema theatre and you are waiting for the movie to start. 'Padam eppo aarambippaanga?'
When will the movie start?

My first AAA Call

Yesterday, after cruising in Gear 2 and D alternately, on snow-filled slushy roads for 2 hours, I reached home before it got dark. Thanks to my manager who said I should leave soon before it gets too bad, I started around 3 and reached home by 5.15PM.

Needless to say, I started out nervous, hearing about the accidents everywhere. All through the way, I went slow and when I reached the highway, there was no need of effort to be slow. It was crawling anyway, so one could in no way compromise safety by going fast. Jam started way before usual Jam point! And it took ages to get to my exit. It was too cold , so I had my heat on and then I would sweat and feel suffocated. I would reduce the heat and then very soon, I felt cold again. I called B with my blue tooth device - I had no idea how bad the local roads after my exit would be. Felt like talking to my family! They were getting ready to play in the snow! What is fear for me is fun for my kids! What an irony!

After taking my exit, I remember feeling wierd. It is as if something is dragging the car and not letting it go by easily. Some friction. I thought - oh, this must be what they mean by driving in snow! Reached home safely with a sigh of relief!

I mentioned to B about the funny dragging feeling. I always feel such things, while driving, so it is hard to say when it is real and when it is not. But B pointed to the tire today morning and said - "You have a flat tire!". I feel proud (just kidding!) to think that I was driving with this flat tire on the slick roads for 15 minutes before getting home.

I made the first call to AAA. Today being my work from home day, the car was ready and I also was home. I called them and confirmed that we indeed are members still and when I said "I have a flat tire. Can anyone come and fix this for me?". The lady replied back with full enthusiasm - "Of course, sure!". I felt a great relief and a sense of accomplishment, having initiated the call and using AAA services. After paying the membership fees for years, this is the first time I call them for help - thank God, I was not calling Roadside Assistance yesterday from "roadside", but I was able to call them from home today.

Just now the courteous towing company fellow finished changing the tire and said, "All done"!and left! B, aren't you thankful to me for not having you change the tire in the cold today? This was absolutely free and felt really convenient! Three cheers to AAA!