Ok, the above photo was not taken by me. It was also not taken during Thursday's storm. It is, however, a reminder, of what the world looks like without snow.
We have all heard the phrase that "it is not nice to fool Mother Nature." I feel that Mother Nature will usually win. One of the frustrating things about the storm was the fact that you could do absolutely nothing about it. I had sent people home at both locations in time for them to arrive safely at home before the snow. But, idiot that I am, I remained at my other office doing work that, at the time, seemed essential and necessary to do. Then I walked outside to my car, brushed the snow off the car and set out for a 4 and 1/2 hour journey that should have taken 30 minutes.
My initial reaction was more one of curiosity, wondering if this traffic jam on Route 46 in Clifton might be just a temporary thing. It wasn't. I then wondered if the traffic jam on Interstate 80 West might be just a temporary thing. It wasn't. Same with Interstate 287 South. Same with Madison Avenue through Morristown. Same with Main Street in Madison and then Chatham. Same with Fairmount. Same with Southern Boulevard. You get the point. This rather dispassionate portrayal of traffic conditions is totally disconnected from my emotional state during the ride! I had segued from curiosity to irritation to shouting at drivers (they could not hear me!) to finally saying, "Jim, settle down. There is absolutely nothing you can do about this."
When I finally reach that point of realizing that I have no control at all, I usually, but not always, laugh at myself. How nuts to think that I have to be in control. How nuts to think that the world is doing to operate according to Jim's whims. My seeming and ultimate equanimity was not helped by the fact that my rear window defroster was not happy - and I suddenly had a "low tire pressure" light showing. This afternoon, had tires checked, and tires are properly inflated. Defroster check must await the next storm.
That is it for the storm. Any lessons learned? Just one, I have to chill out when I'm not in control. It is an unnatural act for me, but it is essential if I am not going to explode. So, need to chill out, Jim.
TODAY'S GRATITUDE: For the times when I calmly recognize that I am just not in control of everything. It is a peaceful thought, very welcome, and far too rare!