Airplanes covered in snow in Boston
This is the second time that I’ve attempted to fly out of Boston during the winter, and the second time I’ve had problems getting out due to the weather. One word: Annoying.
The first time I was trying to fly to Houston for Christmas, and had arrangements with friends in Austin that evening. I had a timed plan to fly into Houston, drive to Austin, change and shower, and then meet friends at 8pm. I was supposed to arrive at 2pm, and I would have had plenty of time to do everything with time to spare. If the plane hadn’t been delayed 6 houors! I ended up in Austin exhausted, lackluster, and irritated at 11pm. But I still went out! ;-)
They shovel snow into this machine and it creates steam - very ingenious!
Today I am flying to Orlando and this evening I have scheduled a meeting at 6:30pm. Yesterday when I heard we were having a big snowstorm I diligently called the airlines and made preparations (with US Airways again, YUCK!) to fly earlier in the morning, hoping there would be no problems if I flew out earlier.
I woke up early (putting a cramp on my active social life!) and got a cab to the airport. We boarded right on time and all looked well for an on-time departure. And then we sat there, waiting to deice. And then we deiced. We waited. And then they closed the airport.
Needless to say, I ran up to the gate just in time to watch my connection pull out, so I missed my flight out of DC. So now I sit , aggravated at having to wait here another 3 hours, and possibly (read probably) miss my meeting tonight in Orlando. Which I’m supposed to run.
I’ve never lived in a place where you have to adjust your schedule for the weather. Growing up in Texas, you have to get used to having glorious weather every day. Tough life. In Sydney, same thing. In Amsterdam, you have to decide if you are going to wear a rain suit or not. (In my case, mostly NOT, they are decidedly unfashionable!)
But in Boston I have to think about my hours of scheduled conference calls in the morning and when they are going to start, and what time I will have to leave to make it into the office on time. And now, whenever I have a flight, I have to worry about the snow and if I’ll have problems getting to my destination.
And there are other hazards as well! The other day I went out to dinner and came out and immediately fell straight on my ass, nearly breaking my elbow. It was so icy that I couldn’t walk on the sidewalk or the street, and I ended up walking in the plowed snow leaning up against the cars. It was very dangerous! And this was wearing my awesome new Bog snow boots. (I bought them for 50% off and I am very pleased!!)
While I’m tired of waking up early to account for weather, I love the softness, silence and beauty the snow brings. I wish I wasn’t going to be in Florida this week missing it. Happy Sunday, my friends!