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a list of snowstorm essentials

ok, well, maybe these things aren't all essential. but some of them are.
here in baltimore we had a pretty massive snowstorm hit us -- more snow than this ga girl has ever seen in her life before. and we're bracing for another round tonight and into tomorrow.
i love snow. truly. and it may be because i grew up in a place where rain was prevalent, but snow was not.
and where i grew up, the mere mention of snow sent everyone to the store to stock up.
as i've learned, snow does that here too.
safeway has been jam packed full for the last week or so with everyone gearing up for these blizzards.
i'm proud to say that i only had to join them once.
but in the midst of these storms, i've discovered there are a few things one should have when you're snowed in.

1. baking supplies. yes, this includes the obligatory milk and eggs. there's something about snow that makes you want warm baked goodies.

2. frozen pizza. or pizza making ingredients. because you're inevitably not going to want to cook anything for every meal, and you'll could be hard pressed to find a restaurant that's delivering.

3. good walking shoes and/or rain/snow boots. the amount of hiking i've done in the last few days is absolutely incredible. however, when the snow has started to turn to slush, your feet are going to get wet if they aren't adequately attired. and when it's cold and icy, that's the last thing you want to think about while you're trying to navigate your way through semi-shoveled paths.

4. movies. or a favorite show on dvd. have a marathon! you're probably not going anywhere for a little while at least, especially if you don't live somewhere where most everything is accessible by foot. so curl up and catch up on all those missed episodes of that show. or watch a lot of movies. old ones make really good snow day watching.

5. chips and salsa. or popcorn. for that marathon you're going to have. or because you don't want to cook a real meal anymore, so you've decided to snack your way through the day. i would say that nutella and something to dip in the nutella also fall in this category.

6. books. or a puzzle. or games, provided you have someone to play them with.

7. patience. because you might be stuck for a while. and plans may have to change.

8. camera. to take pictures of all that fun snow!

9. warm drinks. hot chocolate, coffee or cider will warm you right up when you return if you've decided to brave the elements

10. fun breakfast foods. cinnamon rolls. waffles. pancakes. muffins. all are wonderful snowed in breakfast foods.

11. friends. to play with. to walk around with. to have that marathon with. to have a good meal with. or to sit around and light up fireworks in the middle of the street like my neighbors did :)

12. a sense of wonder. snow makes everything calm. quiet. everyone becomes playful and neighborly and like kids again. you're forced to slow down. it's beautiful. magical. as frustrating as snow can be, what with interfering with plans and work schedules and such, take a couple of deep breaths and enjoy it. embrace it.

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