A big storm is expected to hit the Midwest this week. In years past I would see headlines about Midwestern blizzards and shake my head. "Why would anyone live there?" I'd think. "That's nutty."
I'm a native Californian -- fourth generation on my mother's side. To me, rain is a drag. When it rains, I can't wear ballet flats. I have to carry an umbrella. And there's always the fear that a downspout will plug (although I'm not sure what the consequence of that is since it's never happened).
I know, I know. The drought. Rain is great. We need rain. Blah blah blah.
My daughter Lily is a student at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. At parent orientation in August, it was easy to spot the Californians in the crowd, and not just by the flip-flops.
First, during the security team's presentation, the Californians were the ones who let out a long loud gasp when campus police said they would arrest students caught smoking weed in the dorms. (One Denver mom openly laughed. She may have been high.)
Mostly, you could tell the Californians because during every panel on any subject they asked the presenters where to buy a coat.
It snowed in my hometown once when I was about 2. There are photos of me on this day. I'm not standing in the snow; I'm standing on newspapers spread over the snow. Why? I can only guess my parents were puzzled by the correct procedure to follow regarding children and, like, winter.
Lily, honey, I'm saving the newspapers. Check you mailbox.
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