There are a few things in this world that make me feel giddy and grin like an idiot, and snow is one of them. Unlike Bob, I love snow. The only thing that makes the cold weather of winter time tolerable for me is the promise of big, fluffy snowflakes. I admit, there are a few drawbacks to the winter wonderland, most notably having to drive in it--but I think it's mostly ice which makes that unpleasant.

I was so excited tonight to look out my window and see that it was snowing; to see the ground and the cars covered by a light dusting of snow. Despite the late hour, I just had to go outside, stand in the snow and watch the flakes come down. I get the most incredible feeling of quiet and peace that I almost can't put it into words. It's at these times that I feel like I'm the only person in the world and the only thing that exists is myself and the snowflakes that are falling.

If you ever are up and get the chance, go outside after midnight (or whichever "late hour" you choose) while it's snowing and just look around. If you're anything like me, your smile will seem to stretch your face out.

When I was little and would get sick, I could always count on a few things. My mom would make up a bed for me on the couch, get me meds when I needed them, and fetch me water or 7up to keep the fluids going. When I would wake up in the middle of the night crying because my head was throbbing, she would eventually hear me and come to my room. She'd get me more Tylenol and rub my back while I tried to fall back asleep.

Those were the days, and those days are gone.

Now when I'm sick, I lay on the couch and try to tolerate my throbbing head because I feel too awful to get up and take medicine. At night, I crawl into bed, shivering, with no hope of my mom being right down the hall to get me something or to just be there for comfort's sake if I were to call out.

But I do have a roommate who, despite being sick herself, will get me water when I ask. And I know I'll eventually end up getting her a beer or something, too. What a cushy set-up.