Here at the University of North Georgia, we have just had our first two snow days of the year. Granted, the second one was more of a rain day. Having spent half my life in northern Virginia (aka NoVA) as well as a few years in Washington and New Jersey, I have seen my fair share of harsh winters. I have had rowing practice when frost forms on our boat. My neighbors and family have had snow day and power-loss "parties." People cope with snow and ice in many different ways. If you dare venture out into the cold, here are a few people you might observe in the frosty winds.
1. The Hermit.
It's cold, windy, and potentially dark out. These people won't step outside of their homes, let alone their rooms. So you wouldn't see them outside, rather you would see their silhouettes cast on their curtains by dim computer lighting.
2. The hot cocoa enthusiast.
I'm not going to deny it, I love hot chocolate, but these people seem to be in an intimate relationship with it. Staying hydrated is important, but hot cocoa seems to be the lifeblood of these people. The will have it anyway they want it, whether it be Swiss Miss or gourmet. Luckily, if you see one around, that means a hot drink for you may be close by.
3. Over-excited elementary school student.
We all remember being in the single digits, praying for frozen water crystals to fall from the sky. Once we heard those magic words, we went nuts. From snow forts and snowballs fights to snow angels and sledding, we certainly did not waste a single minute of that precious day off of school. It doesn't look like times have changed too much today.
4. The snow selfie.
These millennials are out and about trying to find the best background for their winter selfie. You may find them talking to themselves, saying phrases such as: "Is a snowman selfie cool enough?" or, "Check out my cool ski gear!" and possibly, "Does this blistering cold give me a natural blush tone?" #frostbyte.
5. The fire fuel finder.
These poor suckers, mostly men, are sent outside by their significant others to gather more firewood. More often than not, they could have avoided this fate had they brought in more wood in the first place. Given that they are outside already, they might shovel some snow too.
6. College students letting out their inner child.
A snow day is a snow day no matter who it is for. We always need an unexpected break from studying and note taking. We want to go out and let out our pent up energy. We will be outside goofing around, scouting out the best sledding location on campus, and having the occasional snowball ambush.
7. The student who has a test after the snow days.
Chances are these poor souls do not even know that snow has fallen outside. They can be most easily identified by their shocked reactions when they open the front door. The door will most likely be slammed shut after a few seconds when the student realizes he has more time to study.
8. The other student who has a test after the snow days.
These are one of the first people to dash out into the snow. Once they hear the word cancelled they throw their notes into the air and make a beeline for the outdoor adventure. To them, a snow day is not another day to study like those in the previous category, but rather a snow day means an improvised vacation.
9. The snow sculptor.
Whether they are building snowmen or other snow figures, these artists seize the chance they have to make their masterpiece. Armies of snowmen seems to spring up out of nowhere in a matter of hours once flakes begin to fall where ever these Picassos reside. Normally very docile and reserved creatures, if you destroy any of their work, their wrath will hit you like -- well, like a snowball.
10. The unprepared.
They are also known as the snow nay-sayers. The won't believe it will snow until at least two inches are on the ground. Venturing out into the blizzards with only light winter gear on, they will soon regret not listening to those who flushed ice cubes down the toilet to ensure a plentiful snowfall.
11. The snowpocalypse preppers.
These people are the reason there is no more milk or bread in your grocery store. Some water may be left, but the smarter and faster ones have already grabbed most of it. The behavior of these people have left the internet wondering: "Are they making milk sandwiches?"
12. Normal people.
For most of us, snow is snow. We go about our daily lives to the best of our ability.It's nice to look at, but nothing too special. We will enjoy it, maybe have a nice day off or use the time to get something else done. The snow won't affect us, we will just roll with it.