we get it - washington does not do snow removal

here's a preemptive post about what is sure to be tomorrow's topic of conversation across the nation - how can it be that, more than 5 days after the passing of snopocalypse, the streets in and around the district of columbia still are not properly plowed and, as such, the commute was an utter disaster. we've heard it from pundits. we've heard it from policy makers. we've even heard it from the president. truth be told - i used to be one of those people that laughed and laughed at the ineptitude of those tasked with removing the snow in washington. i mean (and this is the same justification that you'll hear from the aforementioned pundits, policy makers and presidents) i come from where they average about 200 inches of snow a year and school was rarely closed.

but then i began to think logically about what happened last week - something that often escapes those within the beltway and those who live in places where winter lasts from september to may. on average, the district receives about 17 inches of snow in an entire season. last week we got close to 40" in a span of five days. so we more than doubled our average in less than a week. that would be like syracuse getting more than 400" of snow in less time than there is between nascar races (had to put it in terms that the average 315'er would understand). i guarantee that school would be closed. okay, maybe only a 2 hour delay, but there would still be an impact!!!

the spawn of snopocalypse - the gift that keeps on giving update

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CLOSED ON MONDAY!!!

this is very exciting - really just because i'm sick sick sick and now i don't have to take a sick day. however, really concerning news was announced right about the same time. the district of columbia public schools, (in an effort to show how tough our kids are?) (revealing that fenty/rhee continue to make really bad decisions?) (clearly not having actually been out in the neighborhoods?), will open 2 hours late tomorrow. let's see, the federal government, the largest employer in the district of ADULTS, has determined that it is not safe for their ADULT employees to come to work; yet, the district of columbia public schools believes that CHILDREN, most of whom will have to walk in the middle of the street because the sidewalks are not clear, will be perfectly fine making it to school between 9:00 and 11:00 am. wonder if they'll have any teachers? never mind that all other major school systems in the area are closed, as are all of the district's independent and charter schools. this decision ranks right up there will the invention and marketing of the flowbee.

the spawn of snopocalypse - can't figure this out update

$100 bucks if you can explain the logic behind the "only plow one side of the major city street" strategy -

the spawn of snopocalypse - the aftermath update

the spawn of snopocalypse is officially over for me. we spent 3 1/2 hours yesterday shoveling out our property and the that of the old ladies across the street. and today it took another 2 hours to dig out our car (pictures at the end). most of the side streets are still completely impassable. i know this because after digging out the subaru i took a spin around the block. most side streets haven't been plowed and the others have big ruts and cars stuck every where. i, on the other hand, looked like a car right out of an advertisement. the snow was no match for me and my outback!

there is one thing though that i haven't been able to conquer - snow on the directv dish! who knew that it was actually a "dish" that would fill with whatever came down?! frustrating.

**oh, and i blew out the back of my $5.99 rain pants - see below

the BEST words to say to a fed - flipflop or otherwise

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CLOSED!!!

(come to think of it, i bet this brings more joy to a lot of non-federal workers!)

i survived snomageddon '09 and i got was this lousy ...

the snow has fallen (about 16" in dc proper) and the clean up begins. it's almost 1:00 in the afternoon and they have yet to plow my side street. we did have a plow drive down the street - i'm sure that counts for something. here's some final parting shots and hoping that the federal government finds it in its heart to close tomorrow ...