Let it Snow. Let it Snow. Let it...MAKE IT STOP PLEASE!!!

(It's Wednesday, February 2, 2011. Guess what day it is???)

(Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" plays as the radio alarm clock turns on at 6:00 AM).

D.J. #1: Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.
D.J. #2: It's coooold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?
D.J. #1: Not hardly. And you know, you can expect hazardous travel later today with that, you know, that, uh, that blizzard thing.
D.J. #2: [mockingly] That blizzard - thing. That blizzard - thing. Oh, well, here's the report! The National Weather Service is calling for a "big blizzard thing!"
D.J. #1: Yessss, they are. But you know, there's another reason why today is especially exciting.
D.J. #2: Especially cold!
D.J. #1: Especially cold, okay, but the big question on everybody's lips...
D.J. #2: - On their chapped lips...
D.J. #1: - On their chapped lips, right: Do ya think Phil is gonna come out and see his shadow?
D.J. #2: Punxsutawney Phil!
D.J. #1: That's right, woodchuck-chuckers - it's...
D.J. #1, D.J. #2: [in unison] GROUNDHOG DAY!


Here in the Chicagoland area, we received at least 2 feet of snow, survived 50 MPH winds, pure whiteout conditions, and we can't even see across the street. This is probably the worst snowstorm I've ever experienced in my lifetime.

The last time it snowed this much was in 1999. But it was fun then. It happened on a weekend, New Year's weekend no less. And my wife and I entertained ourselves in our THIRD STORY APARTMENT watching people try and drive in 18-20 inches of snow.

So Phil, are we stuck for six more weeks of winter? The groundhog in Chicago didn't see his shadow (or is it a her...I didn't quite catch that part) yesterday (the Brookfield Zoo ran their Groundhog Day ceremony a day early because of the impending blizzard).

Knowing that the 2011 Topps cards were already at Target, I was tempted to make a run for the store before heading home...DURING THE STORM. If I was about 12 years younger, I would have taken my chances. But the adult in me (Yikes!!!) told me to hold off and head home. "The cards can wait," my conscience said. And I agreed. It took twice as long as it normally does, but I made it safely home from work.

Most likely, I won't be at work today...well, maybe after the snow breaks and I can shovel my way out of the driveway. For those who are experiencing this blizzard (not just in IL, but from Oklahoma through Michigan, then on to the east coast), please be careful when heading out, whether it's to work, school, or even your local card shop or big box store. Make sure you thank the brave souls who were out last night driving through treacherous conditions to salt and shovel the snow off the roads. I know I will.

I'm just hoping for a slow thaw. That way the river doesn't flood over.

Sincerely,

JayBee Anama