natasha's corner

There’s nothing quite like a commute home from work in the snow.

It started off with me slipping and sliding along the barely-cleaned sidewalks of Cambridge to get to my T stop. It’s really quite an adrenaline rush as you feel your legs slip in odd directions, anticipating the fall that is sure to follow, only to remain standing a moment later, with a false sense of security at having beaten the ice this time.

Later, having safely arrived at West Natick on the Commuter Rail, I was greeted with the beautiful sight of even more snow than in Cambridge. As I climbed over the mounds of snow piled up by the plows who don’t care about pedestrians, and as I tried (unsuccessfully) to avoid stepping in the deeper puddles of slush that accumulate on the sides of the road, I thought to myself, “Isn’t it great living in New England?”

When I finally waddled over to my car, I found that it was covered in a nice thick layer of pure white snow, waiting for me, challenging me, taunting me. After clearing most of the snow off the car and onto my clothes, I got into the warm car and started the final leg of my journey home.

Although I passed at least six plows along the way, the road was mostly still covered in snow. That’s understandable, of course, since it was only about 1-2″ on the ground and everyone knows that’s child’s play for your average Massachusetts driver. My Honda Accord took full advantage of the situation, sliding to the left and right on a whim, bouncing off of snow banks. What fun!

Finally, I arrived at home. Although I knew it was futile to begin with, I tried to drive up our long, fairly steep, unplowed driveway. I made it about half-way before the car started sliding backwards. Without being in Reverse. I accepted defeat, parked the car at the bottom of the driveway, and walked up the hill toward the house. I’m happy to report that I only almost fell twice. I consider that an accomplishment.

New England winter, I <3 you.