Did Somebody Say “Snow Day”?

I absolutely despise talking on the phone. It probably ranks up there on my Top Ten List of Least Favorite Things: liver and onions, hair on the floor (even if it’s mine), jello, opposums, and talking on the phone rank at the top. Those who know me best (Katie and probably my sisters) assume that hell has frozen over if I’m calling them. I just don’t like it. At all.

As the warnings for this winter weather started to unfold, everybody crafted plans. Going to the store for extra toilet paper (because apparently we poop more during a storm?), making sure the gas tank is full, and finding the snow shovel are common practices. Trying a new recipe or making our most-loved pies, cakes, cookies, or brownies is also popular. I didn’t need toilet paper, Costco filled up my tank, and Kenny was responsible for putting the blade on the front of the tractor.

But just as my plan was unfolding, the text thread with my sisters, nieces, and mom started rapid firing. It was innocent enough at first. A picture of a sweatshirt on a store clothing rack from one sister followed by one niece stating that she was going to pee her pants if they didn’t hurry up. We progressed quickly to electrolytes, creatine, and mushroom powder. And then it happened. The words, “Anyone want to Zoom this weekend” came out of nowhere.

Now listen. I know to many of you this sounds harsh and uncaring. I assure you, it isn’t. I absolutely adore these people and would fight Satan with my bare hands for each of them. But remember, I despise talking on the phone. My general response is, “I’ll have to play it by ear”. Sometimes that’s legit. My schedule is just as chaotic as anyone else’s. Other times, I’m just not sure I have the bandwidth for that interaction. The older I get, the more I pay attention to how I’m feeling and what I should say yes or no to. It wouldn’t be fair to say that any of them are as high-strung as I am. But as a group, we’re A LOT.

The snow started on Saturday evening and everyone hunkered in. Church was canceled (some without even a live-feed option), extra large sweatshirts and fuzzy socks came on the scene, and the kitchen became ground zero.

Sunday morning I pulled out my new apron and got the party started. Chili had already been perfected. Meatloaf and roasted veggies, potato soup, banana snack cake, and chocolate chip bar cookies were next. I glanced at the clock and remembered the Zoom had been set for 3 pm. I propped my laptop on the recipe book holder and logged in.

We always exceed the time limits; so we always have a second round. Our topics ranged from pranks at Christmas still being discovered to, “Meredith, what are you wearing” and everything in between. There were a few “I can’t believe you said that” moments and a ton of laughter. I never regret logging in for those calls; they are some of my favorite moments. But rest assured, the next time, I’ll still grumble a little. Maybe we’ll even plan another one soon on another snow day.

The bottom line: Make the most of snow days. Go out and make a snow angel. Curl up and read a book front to back. Binge watch classic movies. Just sit quietly in front of the fireplace. Or plan a Zoom call with your favorite people.

Hebrews 10:24-25 ~ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.