It seems that when we turn 10 or so, we begin reminiscing and thinking about how our lives have been and start to consider what our lives could be in the future. (wait, was that just me thinking that?) Then, when we become teenagers and start to compare ourselves to whatever else is in the world, we begin to imagine what our lives would have been like "if." We think, what if I had been like this person or what if I knew about that then. It's then that I feel we begin to decide who we really are—our personality becomes more defined and we start to take "control" of our lives.
I put control in quotes because I feel that though we have our own thoughts and preferences, we have very little control over the things outside of them. For example, though someone may hate cigarette smoke, a person can still be smoking near them. In the end, we can decide that we want something, but we might not always have the means or the method to achieve it.
Yet despite storms and other obstacles, I feel that we all have certain dreams that we cannot deny ourselves. Thing we want to accomplish more than anything—a purpose to achieve. So though for a moment today, I looked out of the window of the bus wondering how the weather might affect me. But I still knew that I had a destination I needed to reach and as we live our lives, we are all heading for our places, our destinies.
The weather is one of the most common starting points for a conversation. How many times do you remember a comment about the weather getting you talking—or getting someone else to talk to you.
The weather can affect people's moods greatly. If it is a mild day with the occasional clouds and cool breezes, people are probably more likely to give you a break and be amiable. You might become more productive so you can enjoy the day—or less productive. Too hot and people can become irritable. Too cold and people might become curt with you.
The weather stops for no (wo)man. Nothing you say or do will change the weather. It is entirely out of human control. Even if you have been planning a gorgeous outdoor event for more than two years, the weather can sporadically rain on your parade. Even if you want summer to last forever, it will change to fall and so on and so forth.
The weather can be tough on your hair and skin. Hot, humid weather can ruin your perfect hairdo or cause you to sweat and break out. Cold, bitter weather can dry out your skin and kill your hair. Make certain that you are always dressed appropriately.
The weather can be deadly. Extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can affect your body. Breathing can become shallow and difficult during times of humidity. Your limbs can rot in freezing temperatures. So even though we have advances for dealing with the weather (like heat and air-conditioning), always be mindful of how you feel.
That was just a quick little note about the weather. Hopefully, you have a favorable breeze and reasonable temperature to allow you to enjoy this weekend to the fullest.
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images 2002
Today's traffic was worse than ever. Not only the clogged streets, but an equally packed metro. Luckily, even when I'm late to work, I arrive earlier than my company actually opens. On the bright side, it's my Friday. Unlike the rest of the world, I work 4 day weeks. No, I'm not bragging or anything, I am part-time. So, even though traffic sucks, it's "Friday."
Lately, the weather has been unpredictable. It switches from sunny to sweltering to torrential rains at the drop of a hat. That makes it difficult to decide what to carry with you, and what one should wear. I have a few tips that I've picked up over the past couple years. How to be prepared for summer weather:
- Check the weather: Even though the weather is often wrong, it's better than going at this blind. People in the past predicted the weather based upon the wind, sun and dew on the ground. It's good to understand what you are up against.
- It's better to be safe than sorry: I know that it's a hassle, but if there is a percentage of rain, bring a light jacket or a mini umbrella. It's a little something for you to carry, but you don't have to worry about being caught without it—like a driver's license.
- Good hygiene is a must: That summer sun will heat things up and the last thing you want is to be the smelly person. Use soap, wear deodorant, apply a conservative amount of perfume/cologne. Be careful about using sweet smelling products as you will attract insects (especially bees).
If you have some additional ideas, please add them in the comments.Image via Photo Moto Blog
The weather outside is so beautiful that I simply had to say something about it—however, nothing really fit the bill. And we all know that when you have nothing to say, you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Hope it is as nice in your neck of the woods.
If you were unaware, a blizzard passed across the northeastern coast of the United States over the past two days. It seemed like it was over-hyped at first, but true to the word of the meteorologist, we ended up with snow that covered your tracks in a matter of moments. Unlike some die-hard folks that walked and ventured into the snow all day (you have heard about the woman in DC who went to Giant to redeem a coupon for a free sandwich, right?), I was happy to stay warm in the house and relax. Of course, if I didn't go outside, I wouldn't have a few images to share with you. Hope you enjoy; hit the jump to see them.
You know, not every country is fortunate to have snow days. In the warmer climates, snow is rarely, if ever, experienced. In areas known for snow, you will be going to school no matter what. They know how to handle the weather and they are not going to give you a day off unless it is truly impossible to open your front door.
However, a true snow day was always something to look forward to. I remember my first epic snow day. It was the winter of 1996 and my oldest sister's bus had already taken her to school. My older sister and I were waiting for our respective buses in the bitter cold with the other neighborhood kids. I can exaggerate and say that my eyelashes were covered in icicles and I was frozen solid like a statue, but I'll just let you all decide how cold it was. Either way, my oldest sister's bus returned and it was announced—because kids always announce things by yelling to the masses—that school was CLOSED. In a very cinematic moment, we all jumped and shouted and slid back to our house (because our house was cool like that) and hung out. We watched TV. Played games. Ate snacks. It was the ultimate snow day.
Snow days are a big deal. There was even a Nickelodeon film called Snow Day made in honor of the exciting and always awaited day. Even though you have to make the day up later on in the year, that single day that you don't have to go to school is so worth it.
Image via randomSpace
You know that winter is one week away when you are greeted by an icy wind when you open your front door. I know that for some, winter is just as hot as summer. However, my winters are usually freezing cold. When I slid for a moment over a patch of ice, I realized that it is time for all the cold weather gear—the coats, gloves, hats, scarves and boots. I always try to keep my ChapStick handy because cold weather will really do a number on your lips.
Yet, in this harsh winter chill, I was surprised to see a flock of geese land in a field near my bus stop. I normally don't see birds this late in the year, and I wonder if they were a bit surprised by the weather too. Hopefully, you also see something a little unexpected today—and keep warm (or cool).
image Flock of Canadian Geese/John Forsythe
Image via flickr/antimethod
For some reason, the rain always makes me think about Bambi. That's right, the old, Disney cartoon with the ridiculously adorable baby deer that loses his mother and is forced to live with his distant (and random) father. You know what I liked about Bambi—I loved this movie, I used to watch it daily—was the simplicity of it all. Learning words, meeting people, being exposed to the world, losing loved ones, growing up, conflicts with others, falling in love and finding your way. Within 70 minutes, the entire path of life is presented through traditional animation.
However, I was talking about why I think of this film during the rain. I apologize, I was sidetracked momentarily. In one scene, they show a random thunderstorm that scares the bejesus out of Bambi. At this point, some high pitch ladies are singing about an April shower. Beautiful sound, beautiful sound.
