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April 14, 2009

April???

Posted by Kelly

A few weeks ago when I heard the Iowa complaints of snow storms at the end of March and early April, I had to smile. I was basking in warm spring breezes, smelling the cherry blossoms, and taking in the 70 degree sunshine! That was until today. I woke up to the hollowing wind and bleak clouds. It wasn’t until I pulled back my curtains that I realized what had happened. Yes, Dalian’s weather failed me. Today the forecast has brought a nasty snow/rain mixture complete with a strong wind and even colder temperatures.

As an Iowan I know how to handle these situations, but was I ready for it? NO! I pulled out my winter jacket, scarf, and mittens that had already been tucked away in my suitcase thinking that they wouldn’t see China anymore.

When I got to the first floor of my apartment building, the regularly empty lobby area was full of spectators sadly looking out the windows. I stopped for a moment to pull out my umbrella (in attempt to keep my hair somewhat dry) and my mittens before I opened the door. I got a few encouraging head nods from the apartment neighbors as I braced myself for what was to come.

As soon as I got outside I realized why no one was eager to go outside: the snow/sleet mix had already formed 3 inches of deep slush on the ground. There had been no attempts shovel, I quickly found out the reason I should have packed boots. There was no way to avoid getting my pants, shoes, and socks completely drenched.

Have you ever seen in movies or cartoons how they have the innocent character standing on the street corner in the rain and a bus drives by and completely sprays the person with the puddle it just went through?? Well, I experienced the same situation, but sadly, I was the one on the corner and it wasn’t just rain, but a cold freezing rain and I was wearing a white coat…

I slowly made my way to my office building, only after my umbrella failed me a few times along the way and reversed itself with the strong wind. By the time I made it to work, I was a little late and soaked. I emptied the water in my shoes in the bathroom and asked my coworker, Evian, “I thought it was April?” She nodded, “Tomorrow it will be April.”