From the Observation Deck

I grew up in Pennsylvania where during the winter it snowed. Not only that but it snowed on back country roads and the schools didn’t shut down for a mere couple of inches. But here in northern Virginia, the massive traffic, lack of resources, and crazy people make for a dangerous mix when snow comes. There’s always a panic—which I think comes from the mind-set of the type of people who live here. It’s fast-paced, high-drama, and with all the politicians, things tend to be exaggerated in general.

So with two storms topping a couple feet each, we are talking about snowpocalypse. Snowmegeddin. The blizzard of 2010. I don’t know what they’re going to call the storms coming later this week, but we’re becoming pros at this.

All this snow brings about a change in our routines. Some good and some not so good. My back is killing me but the exercise is good. Grendel and his buddies love to play in it. So do the kids and my neighbors John and Bob, and well okay, me, too. I went over to the guys’ houses this weekend to ask their wives if they could come out and play. Bob ended up with a big bruise on his arm from snowboarding and John got the dogs riled up.

I wanted to build a big, creative snowman but my muscles were aching and so the snow artist in me settled for a smaller one with some of the items lying about in my house. I love, love, love, love snow. It’s beautiful. You can play in it. When it’s falling it feels so peaceful. So I don’t even mind the crap that comes along with it.

These big snows have a way of forcing us outside where we end up talking to neighbors. During shoveling breaks we catch up, joke, and complain about the snowplow guy who just pushed five feet of snow in front of our cars and the mailbox. Then we make bets on how fast it will take “certain neighbors” to steal our spots. We pull together and take care of each other. I actually got to fulfill a cliché by asking my neighbor for some sugar. It wasn’t a cup and it was brown sugar, but still. And my other neighbor gave me some brownie mix and cookies. If you’re going to be stuck with people for a few days, it’s good to have nice neighbors who like to have fun. And who help you shovel.

Happy snow day!

Superbowl Snowman

Wahooooo!

John and Grendel

Cat watches and tries to catch (from behind the door) icicles falling from roof.

So I’m going to maybe offend some people here so let me preface this by saying that I know most of the individuals of Chinese descent are not involved in the development of products—this tirade is directed solely to those responsible. And since I can’t name names I’m just going to generalize. Are we okay? Okay.

So what is with the Chinese? Their products stink. I have a conspiracy theory that they are trying to get rid of us not through the conventional terrorist type ways but slowly by poisoning the products they make for us or causing toys or other such products to be hazardous to our health.

Shame on you China. Your ancestors would not be proud. You remember those people who built a wall so long, so big, and so strong it has lasted thousands of years and can be seen from space? Good thing they didn’t make it with your drywall.

So why are we putting up with this? They are sneaking in while we focus all our attention on religious zealots. Let’s stop worrying about taking our shoes off in the security line and concentrate on the threat from way over the big mountains.

But come to think about it, maybe we won’t have to worry too much. Turns out their backward practice of killing baby girls is—wait for it—causing a shortage of women! Maybe they’ll spend more time thinking about how they can solve the single guy problem and less time making crappy products.

Just a thought.

So this past week I was reading some headlines on an Internet site and thought it would be funny to talk about these current events. Or at least the splashy way these stories were announced to the public. In case you haven’t heard, here are six must-read stories for your reading pleasure (and naturally my take on them).

Want to Buy a Space Shuttle? NASA Slashes Price to $29 Million
Daaaaaddeeeee! I want, I want, I want one! Get me one for my birthday! All the other kids are getting them! If you love me you’ll buy me a space rocket. Seriously, I dream of the day when I can see the Earth from outer space. How cool would that be?

Cookie Dough Shortage in our Future?
Say it ain’t so! Every once and awhile I hear about produce shortages when it gets cold in Florida, but cookie dough? Bummer.

French Minister Criticizes US Over Haiti Aid
Is this really news? Is there anyone on the planet that is surprised that a French person is criticizing an American? I say let them in. Something tells me the French version of an MRE (meal ready to eat) resembles buttered crepes and wine. Yum.

 Most Americans Back Medical Marijuana—Americans are firmly divided on health care reform. But a surprisingly large majority agrees that if you’re sick, you should be allowed to smoke dope.
And these people vote. What more can I say?

A Trailer Park In The Sky
It’s hard to reconcile the terms trailer park and luxury. I guess it’s the old, “don’t judge a book by its cover” cliché.

‘Star Trek’ Star Chris Pine, Olivia Munn Call It Quits
This caught my eye because it’s so sad when relationships don’t work out. Okay, I’m lying. Chris Pine is so cute I can’t help but be happy he’s back on the market. As unrealistic as a future with him is, a gal has to dream.

And aside from what’s really important, those are the things occupying the time of Americans everywhere. I’m Dawn and this has been an original post. Goodnight and keep reading!