If you’re new to the New England winter experience, here are ten signs that you might be in over your head:
- Since January, your time spent at home has greatly surpassed your time spent at work or school. Between snow days and those unexpected sick days from the flu you caught, your home has become your primary residence. Your supply of tissues has vanished, leaving your nose sore from using pages ripped from an old magazine.
- You’ve encountered some kind of vehicle mishap related to the weather. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious. Maybe you’ve found yourself stuck in a snowdrift, suffered a flat tire from a hidden pothole, or developed carpal tunnel from gesturing at other drivers who clearly lack winter driving skills.
- Personal hygiene has taken a backseat. Your vehicle is buried under a fresh layer of snow, and venturing outside feels impossible. So why bother changing out of your pajamas or brushing your teeth? You convince yourself that this extra odor keeps your body warm. Spoiler: It doesn’t, and you definitely smell.
- Alcohol consumption has increased. With little else to do, you’ve binge-watched every show on Netflix, your eyes are bloodshot from staring at screens, and you feel too gross (and sore from shoveling) to engage with your partner. You’ve gone through your wine and beer, and now you’re down to that neglected bottle of crème de menthe, which you might even use as mouthwash.
- Your eating habits have spiraled. Don’t worry about your clothes fitting a bit snug; lately, you’ve been living in a sweatshirt covered in pet hair and loose pajama bottoms. All you crave is to cook and indulge, because food is warm and comforting—much like standing in front of the oven.
- A trip to the hardware store has ended in disappointment. Even if you manage to dig your car out and navigate the treacherous roads, good luck finding a space heater, generator, or roof rake. If it’s not available through Amazon Prime, it’s not worth the trouble.
- Trash management has turned into a challenge. Your trash pickup is sporadic, and when it does occur, getting the bins through the snow banks to the curb feels impossible. As a result, your porch is cluttered with bags of garbage, mostly filled with empty liquor bottles and discarded Amazon boxes.
- You’ve become a less-than-stellar parent. You’ve exhausted every creative indoor activity for your kids. Recently, your toddler’s main source of entertainment has been a few popcorn kernels rattling inside a sealed Tupperware. In a moment of desperation, you might even find yourself curled up in a ball, allowing your child to watch endless episodes of their favorite show.
- You’ve forgotten how to socialize. Any appointments or events that don’t offer convenient parking have been canceled. When you finally see someone you know, you might greet them with a hug and tears. The delivery drivers now seem to keep their distance from you.
- You don’t mind when the flooding begins. As the snow starts to melt, you realize the water isn’t just in your basement; it’s seeping through your windows due to ice dams on your roof. You reassure yourself that your house is just shedding tears of joy, much like you.
For more insights on navigating challenges like these, check out other posts, such as the one on the at-home insemination kit. If you’re looking for support during difficult times, how Make a Mom supported our journey after failed IUIs provides valuable resources. For comprehensive information about pregnancy and home insemination, visit Hopkins Medicine’s Fertility Center.
In summary, surviving extreme snow in New England involves navigating a series of challenges that can test your patience, creativity, and even your relationships. Whether it’s dealing with cabin fever or managing unexpected household issues, it’s all part of the unique experience of living in this winter wonderland.