Summary

The author expresses a strong dislike for winter storms, particularly while living in a van, and emphasizes the emotional and practical challenges of preparing for a blizzard in March.

Abstract

The author begins by unequivocally stating their hatred for winter storms, despite trying to avoid using the word 'hate.' Living in a van, the author emphasizes the importance of checking the weather daily for survival and safety. The anticipation of a blizzard disrupts an otherwise productive and socially engaging week, which included participating in a writing challenge, attending an accountability group, and catching up with family. The news of an impending snowstorm in March brings disbelief and a sense of urgency to prepare, leading to a mix of emotions from dislike to outright hatred for van life in cold weather. The author admits to occasionally splurging on hotels or Airbnbs to escape the cold but laments the financial strain it causes. The piece concludes with the author inviting readers to share their feelings about snow and to join them on Medium for more insightful writings.

Opinions

The author has a strong aversion to winter storms, considering them emotionally taxing.
Weather conditions are crucial for the author's daily life, especially when living in a van.
The author values productivity and community, as evidenced by their participation in a writing challenge and an accountability group.
Family is important to the author, and they make an effort to stay connected despite a busy schedule.
The author experiences seasonal depression, which is exacerbated by cold weather and living conditions in the van.
Despite trying to avoid negative emotions, the author admits to hating the experience of living in a van during a snow blizzard.
The author is affected by global warming both practically and emotionally, as it contributes to unexpected weather patterns.
The author seeks engagement with readers, inviting them to share their own experiences with snow and to follow their work on Medium.

Winter storm warnings Make Me Cry Living in a Van

Winter storms Make Me Cry

I hate winter storms. I really really do. I try not to use the word hate.

I try not to attach the word hate to any person or thing.

Hate is a bad word because it eats up too much emotional currency. I check the weather every single morning because it is crucial to know the weather living and traveling in my van.

When I hear that a blizzard is coming, I stop everything to prepare for the winter storm.

I was having a good fucking Friday morning coming off a productive Thursday in which I participated in WriteHere. Medium’s writing prompt challenge.

Thursday evening, I spent two hours on Zoom in an accountability group. Graciously hosted by @LeadLikeAQueen.

We use the Pomodoro method in our accountability group.

The Pomodoro method is when you pick one project to focus on. You set a timer for 25–30 minutes and you get to work.

We work for 25 minutes, and then we rest and chat for 5 or 10 minutes.

Since I completed my writing goal, I decided to spend the first 25 minutes freestyling, meaning writing and reading.

In the next session, I read a book chapter and used about 5 minutes of the challenge time to speak to my son on his lunch break.

I like that we can use our 25 minutes to do whatever we want.

It had been a minute since I talked to my oldest son. When he told me he had some availability at 8 pm, I jumped at the chance to chat.

I marked checking in with family off my to-do list. I get so busy trying to stay afloat as a solopreneur and trying to survive van life over 50 that as long as I can take a peek on social media and see that family and friends are good — I’m good!

Sometimes.

Everyone in our group has a love for travel — during our breaks, we chatted it up on places around the world to visit. I shared a little about traveling in my van and hating the cold.

Friday morning, I went in to get my morning coffee, and the chatty cashier asked if I had heard?

Heard what?

It’s coming!

What’s coming?

Snow.

I gave the side-eye.

It was too early for someone to joke with me before morning coffee.

And besides, I check the temperatures- Every. Single. Day.

I saw that it would be cold and rainy but I didn’t see anything about no snow (said the way Grandma would have).

Is it a watch or a warning?

A warning!

No way. No effing way there is going to be a snow warning in March.

I grabbed my coffee and rushed to my van. I had one thing to do, well two. Cry and prepare for a winter storm.

I hate living in my van in cold weather.

I hate it.

I do not like living in my van in the cold and I hate saying that I hate anything. However, living in a van during a snow blizzard is something to dislike.

Occasionally I will dip in my savings and get a hotel or an Airbnb but dammit I‘d done too much dipping this year.

I cried like a baby as I dug my mummy sleeping bag from my van’s garage AKA the trunk.

Global warming is real and so is my seasonal depression.

Do you dislike being in the snow (not looking at it) as much as I do? Do tell in the comments.

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