Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I Did Not Have To Go Out

The weather forecasters around Atlanta starting predicting snow on Tuesday for a storm that was expected to hit 5 days later on Sunday evening. The TV stations dusted off their storm centers and went in to full blown alarmist panic mode for nearly a week. Schools closed before the first flake fell in classic Atlanta fashion. Stores were sold out of the basics – milk, bread, and toilet paper by early Saturday. To their credit the forecasters got it right. We received about 6 inches of snow at my house on Sunday evening. See the photo below.

By Monday morning the city was a blanket of white. The airways were filled with the doomsayers. Everyone said the same thing. “It is bad”. The roads are “treacherous”. “If you do not have to go out, don’t”. After watching this for a few hours Monday morning, I reached an important decision. I did not have to go out, but I did!

I am not sure exactly why I decided to ignore the advice of the experts. My wife called me an idiot, imagine that, and decided to stay in. Perhaps it was that odd human characteristic of weird curiosity, like looking at a car wreck, or being drawn to the site of destruction.

In previous years I may have attempted this adventure without the proper equipment. I would have gone out without a cold weather survival kit in a vehicle that was not equipped to handle the snow. But, I have matured. I think. Nowadays, I have a Toyota 4 Runner complete with 4 wheel drive, traction control, antilock brakes, and a sunroof for an escape hatch. This was everything I needed to be successful.

I waved goodbye to Lovie and headed out. I live near the bottom of a fairly steep hill. I knew early on that my fate would be determined quickly. Everything went as planned. My truck plowed through the snow like a “snowcat” on the slopes. No slipping, sliding, fishtailing, or skidding. I made my way past scores of closed businesses, a few abandoned cars, and some people out for a walk.

I happened upon only two open businesses. Both of which are necessities in life. First was the gas station, and secondly was the liquor store. Both lots were filled with people that, “did not have to go out”, but did. My decision was validated. There are other people like me after all. A sense of calm fell over me. I was relieved.

I returned home safely with a renewed sense of accomplishment and purpose. After some thought, I came to this conclusion. There was no purpose and I accomplished nothing. What else can I say about my decision during the Great Atlanta Snow Storm of 2011?