There are two things being pounded into Americans right now from the corporate media: first, a (supposed) change in national leadership and second, some cold weather that seems to have jumped through hyperspace straight from the ice planet Hoth. There is a breathless agitation over both but I’ll only address one.
I like cold weather. My reasons:
Practically: you can always add more clothes for comfort vs. taking them off for hot weather until you bump against social norms
Situationally: its a down-selection criteria and identifies those who talk tough vs. those who are tough (and typically don’t talk)
Experientially: you can test gear, test your mettle and even help others
To wit: my years in Colorado saw me some cold. I tested an Army Modular Sleep System (3 part sleeping bag) on the deck one night when it was supposed to dip to -20F. I was in a tent and wasn’t comfortable at 2AM but I survived. How else would I know if I could trust the rating on the tag when it really mattered?
Here is a photo of my Jeep’s external thermometer leaving for the Consumer Electronics Show one morning in 2014. And yes I could tell it was that cold because the heavy oil in the differentials was thick and the car didn’t coast well.
Fast forward 11 years to those breathless news reports. Here is one from Fox News:
“…a widespread arctic air outbreak will send nearly every American east of the Rockies into a deep freeze.”No state is spared from certain death!
At least, that is what we keep hearing. Someone named Britta (above) had the following unsolicited advice to offer:
“Perfect time to hop on a plane and go somewhere south,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin said. “Like, really, really far south.”Ha ha. Like, OK Britta. And, like, if we follow your advice then who stays around to help the less fortunate? Who fixes the furnaces that suddenly don’t work? Delivers food to shut-ins at Meals on Wheels? Keeps the red stuff in when people slide off the icy roads and bonk their heads? Scoops the guac at Chipotle? Or to hit home Britta, mixes your 3rd Grey Goose martini at lunch?
How about this instead
Gear up, turn your face into the wind, step forward and execute. Stop reacting and start acting. I assert that one of the reasons our country is in such a sad shape is that men have not stepped up.1 Will it be uncomfortable? Likely. Should that matter? Your turn to answer.
St. Angela Merici wrote:
Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family.I would extend that to say it is the result of a lack of order in our own minds. And perhaps that lack of order stems from a lack of discipline.
Take this weather-based event to develop yourself in a new way. Leave early for errands so if you encounter someone in need, stopping to help won’t impact your to-the-minute schedule. And as Dean Kamen suggested: dress like you’re ready to work.
Step up, step in and be strong. The discomfort only lasts minutes but the reward is akin to a great harvest that will feed you for months.
Dan D.
One's comforts must be suited to one's business in life. – Tamil proverb #1191
I include myself.