Hey Nerds,
Today is a really special day for us in the DFW metro area. It’s snowing!
That may not seem like a big deal for a significant portion of the United States. Hell, the ten snowiest places in the United States see an average snowfall between 214 and 645.5 inches! That’s a lot of snow. If we’re lucky, our snow will stick and we might see an inch. That is what we average per year, though I haven’t personally seen snow since moving into this house almost 3 years ago. <shrug> We’ll take what we can get.
You’re probably still wondering why it’s such a big deal. Personally, I’ve almost exclusively lived in areas that aren’t known for their snow. I grew up, mostly, in El Paso and, after school, moved to the Phoenix area for seven years. We’re talking areas where if it starts to snow everything shuts down. No one went out and about and we definitely didn’t go to school. That’s just crazy talk. Our snowmen were a foot tall, if we were lucky, decorated with rocks from our yard for eyes and a chili nose.
Arizona was even worse. One year, we had a “big winter storm” drop graupel during the work day. The drive home after work took HOURS because Phoenicians didn’t know what do. With a mix of resident desert dwellers and snowbirds from Canada, you would think SOME of the drivers would know what to do. I guess, maybe, the snowbirds had enough sense to stay off the roads.
All is calm…
What is it about snow days that makes us want to curl up in a warm blanket, turn on the space heater in the bricked up fireplace, sip on hot chocolate and read a book? I think it’s the nature of snow. When it falls, it’s the epitome of peacefulness. The flakes floating slowly and carelessly towards the earth, not rushed. Our landscape, be it rolling hills or your neighbors’ homes, blanketed with powder that accumulates with time. And, ordinarily, it’s quiet. Snow drives people indoors.
Well, except for my neighborhood. I’m fairly certain everyone in our vicinity is out driving around, tires squealing as they attempt to drive like they normally would without the wintery mix on the roads. I say that because I can hear it while I sit here curled up in my chair, going absolutely nowhere. The rumble of the truck across the street as they start it up and let it idle will hopefully drown out all the jackwagons who absolutely must get where they are going and with reckless abandon. Until they too join the throngs out on the road.
A little snowy reflection
I was going to use this weekend to take down our Christmas lights on the house. Unfortunately, I didn’t get around to it yesterday and completely forgot today was a “snow storm” as the woman at the brewery called it until we were out making a beer run. By then, it was late enough I didn’t want to get out on my step stool and pull down all the lights. Fortunately, I think the icicle lights will look beautiful with the snow falling. This is forecasted to go on well until midnight.
But that’s the beauty of a snow day. Plans go out the door on snow days. Best intentions swept under the rug as we stop for just a day to take in the peace and the calm. And I’m using this day to think about something I’ve never done before: my star word.
What’s a star word?
Star words are a new thing to me. My amazing sister is a minister. The pandemic has forced her worships online, so my Nerd Partner 4 Life and I attend her service online, casting it to our TV so we can watch from our living room. (In fact, we’re watching it as I type.) For epiphany, she offered up star words to her congregation. You ask for a word and she provides a single word for you to reflect on for the year. This blog post from RevGalBlogPals does a way better job of explaining it than I ever could.
The premise is this: the magi followed the star to find baby Jesus, bringing their gifts. We are also seeking Jesus, trusting God can/does use many signs (or stars) to guide us closer to the Divine presence.
My star word for 2021 is “mission”. Supposedly the word picks you and what a perfect word for me this year. Having tasted working from home, I’m fairly certain I never want to go back to an office full-time. From the time lost commuting to the inefficiencies brought forth by working in an office, I just don’t see myself doing this long term in the future.
So this year is a time for focusing on my mission. My mission to make my life the life I truly want to live. I don’t want to continue to bear the shackles of a tradition job. There are better ways I can spend my time and focus my life than around the status quo. I’m putting it here, in “print”, for accountability and motivation: in 2021, I’m changing my life to break away from a traditional office job and am going to find something that suits ME.
Fun fact: In a recent survey conduct by Flexjobs.com, 65% of respondents report wanting to be full-time remote employees post-pandemic. I’m not alone in my want to switch fully to remote!
There’s SO much more
This is the beginning of my reflection on my star word, “mission.” I know that my most immediate reflection is important, but not the only facet for contemplation. As 2021 continues, I’ll continue to mull this word over inside my head and finds ways for it to continue to reveal itself in my life.
I leave all of you with this, my dear nerds. What are you reflecting on your “snow day”? What is your star word? 2021 is off to a really dicey start, but we absolutely have the power to make it the year we NEED it to be. Have faith.
Cheers,
Head Nerd