Ice Storm 2010 becomes snow-pocalypse

       Last weekend, we saw an onset of panic and fear throughout Murray.
       At the very mention of ice, the entire town went into apocalyptic preparation mode.
   Humans are very interesting animals because of our ability to learn and grow with our experiences.
      The ice storm crisis of 2009 taught us all to fear winter storms and prepare for the worst.
      Anyone who attempted a trip to Walmart or Kroger last week knows exactly what I am talking about.
     These stores were stuffed full of long lines, frustrated customers and weary workers.
      Many supplies arrived to fill store shelves, but we were all ready.
     Each one of us waited, and almost hoped, to see the snow, ice and panic of last January’s storm.
      Yet after all the little squirrels stored their nuts for winter, they only had a three-day snow.
   The weekend turned out to be a winter vacation for many students, teachers and part-time workers.
    The roads were not in a safe driving condition Friday night or the entirety of Saturday, so most people I know stayed home and played in the snow.
    It is amazing how much snow changes people; it is my philosophy it brings out our inner child. Murray State University was transformed into a sledding resort for its students. 
     An overwhelming number of Murray State students chose to sled down the Curris Center hill. It was a sight to see, and if it snows again, be sure to hit the hill. It looked like amazing fun.
  Many sledders did not even buy a sled, though. Almost everyone just grabbed whatever they could sit on and slid down the hill on garbage can lids, plastic containers and pieces of cardboard.
   I must admit, though, the most incredible sight I experienced during the winter weekend was my neighbor’s hand-made igloo. A group of college students actually spent their Saturday building a comfortable-sized igloo. It survived the sun up until Tuesday, I might add.
   The panic and fear felt all over town was immediately relieved by sledding, snowball fights, igloos and snowmen. The weekend seemed to be just what we all needed after last year.
    Maybe we can all learn to love winter with the expectations of beautiful, glitter-covered grounds and crystallized trees, instead of dreading bad roads, black ice and power outages.
    It is good to be prepared for the worst, but do not let the fear consume you.
   Enjoy the season for all it has to offer for the present and the future, not for what it has been in the past.