We have some unusual weather here in the southern US recently. Our winter storms usually consist of 1 to 2 inches of snow that shut the city roads down for a day or so. This past week we got 8 inches of snow! Once it started coming down, roads were impassable in about an hour. Schools closed – even my evil day job closed (which never happens).

Was I excited? Yes! About the snow? Well, it was pretty, so yes. But I was more excited about the time off.

Now, I know moms and dads in different circumstances weren’t as happy. My hubby, who has days off during the week, wasn’t nearly as thrilled about more time spent with family. Poor thing, he’s born the brunt of bad weather and sick children lately. But to me, the snow days were a gift. Here’s why:

1. First and foremost, I hate driving in bad conditions. Closing everything down removes the worry that I would miss any more work because I was afraid to drive on the snowy roads. Not good, for my nerves, or for surrounding vehicles. (Aside rant: People who complain about Southerners not driving in snow should be thanking their lucky stars instead! Do they really want to be on the icy roads with someone that inexperienced and scared?)

2. I get some unexpected SPACE to play with my writing. Whether it’s catching up on words or just thinking, brainstorming, I can do it. Without guilt. Guilt comes in all forms and from all sources – evil day job, kids, hubby, family, etc. even from a dirty house.

3. It serves as a reminder to do fun things with my kids. We don’t do a lot of “playing”. Most days, I work; they play. But with this unhindered time, I do extra things like take a long walk in the snow with my daughter, or build a horrible rendition of a snowman with my family.

That’s just a few of my southern writerly thoughts on Snow Days. What about you? Yay! Or boo!

Dani