Unless my mind’s gone hazy, today’s been the first day this season that there’s been enough of an accumulation of snow for it to really make a difference on the ground. It’s beautiful stuff. When I left work and walked to the streetcar stop, I saw a long queue of people waiting in line. At that point, despite the wind, despite the falling snow, despite the biting chill, I decided to make the trek to the station on foot.
I’m not sure everyone understands why I’m willing to walk like that in this weather. At lunch when I want to wander around for the sake of wandering I often ask if any of my colleagues want to come along. With the onset of the cold weather, the response is inevitably “it’s too cold to walk!” Bah! Since I tend to overheat, the cold weather keeps me balanced. My jacket it usually undone; my torso can handle it. My fingers are really the only parts that really need to be covered, so as long as I have a pair of gloves I’m good to go.
However, no, the cold weather isn’t the only reason I like walking for a half hour after work. I consider walking where there’s a lot of activity as a good way to reconnect with the city. It’s a reminder to myself that I’m one of many. I’m part of it all. I belong. After stressing out at work, being in open air allows me to unwind.
That’s not to say that I avoid the streetcar all the time; some days I just need to get going. When I walk though, it’s sort of like an act of defiance. I don’t need to be held down by schedules. Weather won’t prevent me from walking. Hell, if I have an umbrella I’m happy enough to walk in the rain. I don’t need to listen to the people that say that normal people would take the streetcar up.
I guess that just makes me eccentric.
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3 comments
wegrit says:
Thu. November 20, 2008 at 12:17 am (UTC -5 )
I *love* walking in the city (except during tourist season when I’m liable to throw elbows) because I love the feel of the city. The traffic, the buildings, the trams and/or busses, the people, etc. Like you, it makes me feel connected to the place where I live.
Tough Girl Kat says:
Thu. November 20, 2008 at 7:46 am (UTC -5 )
There’s nothing wrong with eccentric, now!
BloodRedRoses says:
Thu. November 20, 2008 at 9:21 am (UTC -5 )
Although I am not a big fan of winter (mainly the snow), I do enjoy walking sometimes. I can be very beautiful I agree…
and there’s nothing wrong with being a little eccentric! It makes you unique.