Extremes

So, let’s just get something straight. I’m pretty much your typical Canadian. I’m polite, hold doors open, apologize way too often and use the word (yes it’s a word) “eh” more often than I would care to admit. Another typical Canadian trait I have is my obsession with the weather – I love to talk about it and I love to complain about it. It’s rare to find a Canadian that is completely satisfied with the weather on any given day. It’s often too hot, too cold, too much snow, not enough snow, etc. We live in a country of extremes – and it can sometimes cause you to do things that other people (non-Canadians) might think are crazy. Things like wearing shorts in a snowstorm or shoveling in a t-shirt.

However, this post isn’t really about the weather. Well maybe a bit. Since my last “Snow Day” post we have had two more major snowstorms. It hasn’t escaped my attention that winter hasn’t even started yet. That alone is surprising as these days it seems that most things escape my attention. It leaves me shaking in my Sorel snow boots to think of what might happen when winter really starts. But once again in typical Canadian fashion, I’m getting thrown off topic by my distraction with the weather.

This morning I was getting Bennett ready to go to daycare. I layered him in thermal underwear, lined wind pants and a fleece sweater. Next, were boots, coat, hat and mitts. I didn’t bother with snow pants as he has a pair at daycare already. By the time I was done I was sweating and cursing winter under my breath. I was so hot that I was seriously considering stripping and throwing myself into the snow pile in my front yard to make naked snow angels. The only things preventing this from happening is that we were already running late and my father was standing there waiting for me.

As I started to layer on my own clothing I was thinking of how it could be worse. I started thinking of a couple years from now, getting Bennett ready to go out in the snow and how just as I snap the last button into place, he’ll look up at me with those beautiful blue eyes and say, “Mommy, I have to pee.”

Ahhh…winter.