The snowstorm is underway here in Madison. So, in an effort to show my resilience against the snow and its oppressive ways, I went for a walk through the snowy grayness of my town earlier this morning.
Before I went out, I layered up — putting on gloves, a hat, a long-sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, double socks, a warm coat, and, most importantly, boots. After I suited up I felt pretty good about my chances of staying warm and dry…but mostly warm. The only thing which troubled me a bit was my boots were a little small — size 9 to be exact. (I wear size 10.5)
So, off I went, into the wonderful winter-land. However, it wasn’t wonderful. It was gray. Very gray. The sun was no where to be seen. And not even 100 feet from my house I realized I looked like a bafoon. I’m sure everyone who drove by me thought I was clinically insane. But now that I was already out there I decided there was no turning back, and I continued on.
I took a few pictures here and there along the road…nothing particularly amazing. I walked for probably a mile before I spotted a path leading to something that could possibly be interesting.
It wasn’t. It was only an empty, lifeless, gray, cornfield. And now I was trudging through snow 2 feet deep instead of walking on a slushy road. But I thought conditions would improve and I would find a picture somewhere along the way.
I continued walking.
An hour went by. I was still walking through woods. I’d crossed a stream a while back but I hadn’t crossed anything interesting. I guess my surprising optimism kept me walking. My feet started hurting because of the small boots.
After another half-hour went by I decided it was time to turn back. When I turned around however, I realized I had wandered into someone’s backyard.
Awkward. Especially because the family was gathered at their back window, peering through the glass and looking at me like I was some sort of wildlife creature.
I pretended like I didn’t notice they were there, or that the house was there, or that I was on anyone’s property. I just made sure that my camera was visible so they could conclude that I meant no harm and would let me be.
They eventually left the window and I walked back up a hill and out of their backyard.
My feet really started to hurt now. It felt like they were tightly packed inside metal cans because the boots had no cushioning whatsoever. Also, my jeans were wet and cold from the snow which had come up to my knees in various places. This photoshoot was really starting to suck and I still had about 2 more miles to walk before I got back to the road. Blah.
I got back on the road and looked like an idiot again. Every car that went by splashed my with slush. A few of them slowed down and appeared like they were going to ask me if I needed a ride, but, after getting a good look at me, they sped off.
Long story short, I reached my house and loaded my pictures onto my computer. I laughed. They sucked. I had just wasted 3 hours…
