By the time many of you read this, I will be back home in New York City.*
Yes, I was one of the thousands stranded by Snowmageddon 2010.
In my case, I was snowed out of NYC; my flight home Monday was canceled and today — four days later — is my first opportunity to wing my way back home.
It’s my longest layover to date.
But I was one of the lucky ones. I didn’t sit in an airport for days, waiting for the next available flight. I didn’t have to bed down in some cheap airport hotel and watch snowy basic cable. I didn’t even go to the airport the day my flight was nixed.
I simply kept on driving and started Christmas Vacation Part Deux.
Thanks to my sister Lou and brother-in-law Chuck, I was able to hitch a ride to Kansas City and spend a few days visiting my old stomping grounds.
I ate at favorite restaurants. Did some shopping. Saw some movies. In other words, I wasn’t productive at all. No office organization, tax preparation, or housecleaning could be completed from afar. Instead, I took a real vacation following the hustle-and-bustle of my initial trip home for Christmas.
On Facebook, I reported this turn of events as ‘making lemonade.’ While some mistook this as new code for ‘using the bathroom,’ I was turning a trip FAIL into a big trip bonus.
As usual, the fates knew what I really needed. See? There can be a silver lining to the wollop of Snowmageddon 2010!
Now, to tackle mailmageddon waiting for me at home…
* It is sleeting/snowing this morning in Kansas City. Crossed fingers…
Glad you were safe, and warm! I heard some outrageous stories about those who were stuck. Congratulations on being freshly pressed!
Thanks! It was a great surprise when I got home.
i think you should repost this next holiday time for all the stranded travelers as an inspirational piece!
http://dearexgirlfriend.com/
That’s a great idea! Will give me a day off, too.
We were stranded in the most beautiful countryside in Rhineland-Palatinate…snowy winyards, forrst behind the house. Ah!
“Zug faellt aus.” – Train cancelled sais the small announcement on top of the sign where our train should have been announced…
We had a great time, like you. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for saying hi!
Kudos on making the best of the situation and having several days of relaxation…something we probably all need after the chaos of the holiday season!
http://humanitarikim.wordpress.com/
This is how we keep busy in the snow!
http://www.creationartist.com/
sounds like planes, trains and automobiles!
Great movie!
Sounds like fun? Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you!
Delightful post about unexpected benefits of plans interupted– It’s amazing how you can REALLY relax when least expect it!
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed–happened to me a month or so ago. Thank God you got to relax for a few days–you’ll now need all that energy you reserved to tackle these comments, comments, comments!
Kathy
I love all the comments — it’s the best part! (Well, that and the fame..) Happy New Year!
At least you had a “Snowmageddon”, in the UK all we got was an inch or so and the entire infrastructure collapsed. I was delayed for about 3 hours on a train ride home because of this Snowpocalypse crap.
You Americans always have to out-do us don’t you? Ahaha.
It’s the American way — bigger and better (and we whine a lot more, too). I love England! Thanks for saying hi.
Here’s a funny list of things to do when you are snowed in:
http://www.bofads.com/stories/snow.htm
Hooray for going back home! I am from a super-snowy place so it makes me giggle that what would be a routine snowstorm in my town is called “Snowmageddon” elsewhere, but it makes sense, because where can they even put all that snow in New York City?!? Craziness. Anyway, good luck getting home, and stay warm!
Oh, and congrats on being FP!
I’ve lived in NYC five years, and this is the first time I’ve seen snow get the better of the city. But I made it back (and it doesn’t look that bad after five days). Thanks for writing!
Every adversity is an opportunity….gave you a chance to explore old haunts and enjoy some more of the off-times. Getting to hear some feel-good stuff after all the negative news about Mike and NY….
http://www.cynicseyeview.wordpress.com
I feel you. The snow here in the Boston area was pretty crazy. Glad to hear it went well for you.
-Sun-Ui
http://miscellaneousunited.wordpress.com
Hi,
From Romania have a big hub!!! We are used with this kind of weather and you see, those “small” events like yours were “normal” for us.
The funniest travel with a boat in an area that is covered only by boats. I was going during the winter in Danube Delta, at Sulina where there was a project for supervision.So, in the middle of the winter I had to go in Danube Delta, eight years ago, and my mobile phone was not covered there, and was frozen, and was snowing, and I knew when I was going but never sure when I would come back. Therefore I was phoning my colleques telling them: ” I am on the boat and in about 1 hour I will be in Sulina. Normally I will come back to office after two days, but if I would not arrive please ask if there is ice on the Danube and this may delay my coming back. Thanks!”
Now, hope that you are OK and sent your New Year with your family!
Happy New Year! and congrats!
Great story! And great to hear from someone in Romania!
Love yourway of making lemonade out of lemons. I would have tried to do the same thing if I was in your shoes.
That snow is simply outrageous. Luckily, Seattle’s been spared for the most part…for now.
Uh oh, Vincent — you just jinxed Seattle.
Good post!
I always like how people freak out in the snow. Living up here in Alaska we drive about a million miles a year and half of those are in the snow! I am glad you had a good time on your vacation. To all those other frenzied, harried travelers– just relax and make the best of it!
I would love to see Alaska!
As a Detroiter (where the winter usually brings little snow then lots of slush and depressing grey skies), I had despised the winter. After becoming a snowboarder and living in the U.P. for five years, I learned to love snow; in abundance. I just wish this part of the midwest (SE Michigan) had more of it …this season especially!
I bet Mayor Bloomberg will send ya some…
This picture is awesome!
I’m loving your positive attitude; so many would be angry or discouraged.
I travel for my job, so I’m kinda used to delays. This was a big one! Thanks much.
Nice piece! And good job making the lemonade! Had to chuckle over the bathroom misinterpretation. Congratulations on Freshly Pressed!
I was surprised by the confusion, too. But, then again, they are friends of mine. Thanks for saying hi!
Nice wordpress
Thanks! It’s a nice way to start the New Year.
I gotta tell you–it’s great to see that someone making the best of a bad situation. I am so tired of people complaining about the snow in New York. Only a few people were in life-and-death situations; for them I truly feel sorry. The others need to take one step back from the ledge and have another drink.
Again, I like the way you handled the situation.
-gw-
Thanks much! I appreciate that.
Sometimes if we don’t take time for ourselves life finds a way to make sure we take it. Our bodies and souls need a break. Yours was especially nice because you were able to be around people you loved in a familiar place. What a blessing!
Sometimes you just really need to take a break, even if you don’t notice it. Mother Nature sometimes knows best. I wish she would know best here in Vancouver…
<3 Milieu
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed! it was a good one,,,
Thanks much! It was a nice surprise to see when my plane landed in NYC.
Way to manage your timing fluke with an adventure! …something all of us should learn to do.
I was lucky my sis and bro-in-law were with me — saved the day!
I was just in NYC yesterday and the snow removal was atrocious! My friend and I had to walk in the slushy streets at some points, then when the street was unwalkable, try the sidewalk again. Garbage stacked on the mounds of snow. Cars that haven’t moved since that day. And most streets, if you can get down them, were only one car width wide. This is not acceptable. Maybe in Britain they can get away with it, but with the work force and available plows, this was embarrassing! The mayor should be ashamed of himself. Some say the Sanitation dept. did it deliberately to protest the layoffs they suffered this year. But why take it out on the residents. They’re the ones that suffered.
Glad the impact wasn’t too bad for you and you enjoyed your holiday!
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year to you! See you in 2011.
And congrats on being Freshly Pressed!!
Great story! This being a La Nina year, the East Coast is supposed to warmer, and we the West Coasters are supposed to be locked in a frigid grip. I suppose things have worked the opposite way and we are wet and balmy as usual. Sigh.
Nice picture! : )
http://www.mysteriousmystic.wordpress.com
Nice! Many of us can relate to the traveling. My silver lining to the snow was that I didn’t have to be anywhere, but here at home, shoveling, shoveling, shoveling! Happy New Year.
I love the years I don’t have to travel at the holidays — glad you had a happy one!
It’s great you turned something negative into something positive. Unlike the others who waited, when you look back on your decision you’ll probably be happy that you took this path.
Congrats on FP
Thanks so much! Happy New Year…
Wasn’t there a tornado in Kansas last night. Hope you were safe.
We had hail and thunderstorms last night in KC and woke up to 28 degree weather — freakish! But everyone is okay. Thanks for asking.
Enjoyed your blog and congrats on getting freshly pressed. Great attitude to have considering the circumstances.
Thanks Jennifer! Have a happy new year.
Well it’s good to hear you had a great time, instead of being miserably stuck in the snow or some cheap hotel. Happy New Year! I know I’m gonna be swamped with mail once I get back to work too. LOL!
Happy New Year Mark!
I live in Kansas City! Actually, Blue Springs. Glad to stumble upon someone that was in the area….
Yes, I used to live in KC and have been to Blue Springs, home of AI Champion David Cook!
Wow, I guess I am lucky of living in Texas. Less snow lol Have a happy new year!!
Sounds like getting snowed out of NYC might have been just what the doctor ordered, although I’m sure there are plenty of travelers out there who feel that fate hasn’t been as considerate to their needs. I was once stranded in an airport for 12 hours (but my reason was because of fog). So I can relate to the less fortunate, unmentioned travelers in this story.
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Did you make it back for New Year’s Eve? I watched from bed thsi morning as the count down took place. Everyone looked freezing……but oh how i would love to be there. Just once.
I have a friend who got stuck at Heathrow, waiting for a flight to Canada. She could not move out of the airport, as she had no Visa. So basically sat and sat and sat. Think she made some awesome friends though.
She arrived a few days later then planned, but her bags only arrived literally 5 days later. Shame! But she is happy…. and now she has a story!
Have an awesome New Year, and congrats on being Freshly Pressed.
x
I did make it back to NYC for NYE and watched it from my couch, just like you. I was so tired after all my adventures. But as you said, I had a story. Happy New Year!
Incredible amount of snow, great photo of that car buried under snow! Happy New Year!
Good for you that you created something good out of what was a bad situation for most. Congrats on getting Freshly Pressed–and Happy New Year!
Thanks much — Happy New Year to you!
Great to know you had a nice holiday – can definitely learn from how you turned something bad into something fabulous!
Love your banner too. Congratulations on being freshly pressed, and Happy New Year!
Thanks for all the positivity — Happy New Year!
Oh
u so luke guys
there is no snow in my country
i hope i can see it n feel it one day
Snow is beautiful, but big loads of it can be problematic. You will see it someday, I’m sure!
Way to turn something so negative into something positive! Happy New Year!
Thanks for your comments — Happy New Year to you!
I don’t know what I’d do if I had a long layover someplace. I guess I’d be like you and kinda make a mini little vacation out of it. Check out the sights, do some shopping, etc. I’d only be freaking out if I didn’t take enough time from work, they’d murder me if I didn’t show up.
Luckily, I freelance so I am able to work from wherever.
Nice post and blog… Snow eggs new year by Vivaldi Music with NotitiAE link:
http://notitiae.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/concerto-di-natale-dellaccademia-spoletina/
New RV811
Good New Year eve 2011
good post and great story thanks for the read!
http://enjoibeing.wordpress.com/
Glad your ok. We don’t have snow here but heard news bout snowstorm, people was stranded, etc. Its like we’re stranded in a storm.
happy New Year eve
good post and great story thanks for the read!
I’m still shocked that NYC has gotten more snow than Colorado (at least the flat lands) this year. We just got our first snow storm 2 days ago! Glad to hear you had a real vacation. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for the story and Happy New Year:
I pretended like I couldn’t get out of my apt in NYC! Good for you- you are so lucky you were also spared sleeping on the LIRR, snowed-in-penn station. You deserve the vacation-because (with all due respect) going home for the holidays can be like work too-and you still need a vacation! You were blessed.
This IS WHAT I LOVE, a positive person being positive. I’ll continue to read your post.
Fun idea for a blog persona! I’m the afterthought, I mean youngest of 4 that came from 2 older parents. I spent my elementary years thinking my parents would never live to see me graduate high school! Thankfully, they’re both still alive. You’re right though, us “sticky eggs” don’t fit any of the psych books. We’re half youngest/half only child, one minute dependent and whiny, the next fearless and driven. Eh, the world is our party to crash! lol.
Jess, I like your summation of us sticky folk — nice work!
Haha, I feel bad for those people that didn’t have a good vacation in the cheap hotels, maybe they will read your story and have a vacation next time.
I know. I enjoyed reading your post though. I am a victim too of the NY Snowmageddon.
I wish there was snow where i live D:
That picture looks like my vehical, only it’s up in Canada @ The airport Park & Fly. Left it there 3 weeks ago . Sure hope I can get it going.
Hawaii called & I left. Now I ‘m going to pay the piper !
oh nyc, how i miss thee, let me count the ways: amazing food, blunt people, motivation for decades, life, luminosity, oh the list goes on…
things i don’t miss and couldn’t live without: snow-free days & the beach (nature in general).
since you’re in the heart, please do tell your favorite restaurants so i may a) live vicariously and/or b) dine in the local spots on a visit.
Best to you and your continued sharing,
Shanna
Hey Shanna! One of my fav’s is Citrus on the UWS — unique and yummy. Also Fred’s and Good Enough to Eat, also both on the UWS. Come visit soon!
Great post, thank you!
Staying at home, and travelling in the sourroundings (If I have well understood your article) may be, sometimes, much more pleasant than traveling to the other side of the world. Snow is beautiful even if you stay at home, and it is very poetic and amusing to see
the cars covered by a thik cover of white.
We all need to re-descover the poetry in litlle things.
(Excuse me fot my bad english)
Stare a casa e viaggiare nei dintorni (se ho ben capito) può essere, qualche volta, molto più piacevole che viaggiare fino all’altro capo del mondo. La neve è bella anche se vista da casa ed è molto poetico e divertente vedere le macchine ricoperte da uno spesso strato bianco. Noi tutti dobbiamo riscoprire l’importanza nelle piccole cose. (Scasami per il mio cattivo inglese)
Paolo Campidori
http://www.culturamugellana.wordpress.com
http://www.paolocampidori.eu
What a great way to invest in your memory bank account! Instead of being crabby and frustrated, you had a ball! This year Minnesota has had the most snow it’s ever had in a December! We are with you in spirit (at least I am!).
Beth
hey
Hey there Neil.
Happy New Year Everyone!!!
http://bofadeez.blogspot.com/2010/12/new-years-resolution.html
Nice job for having fun, hmm, weird thing to say, but hey, balance is crucial
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nice post!
Great blog!!!!!
I loved…very very good!!!
A ‘snow day’ holiday. Makes me want one – careful what you wish for though.
I enjoyed reading this as I experience my own snowmageddon.
Glad you are ok. It is definitely the winter of snowmageddon. This year we got 23 inches in one night, broke our lovely metradome *tear* .. other than that it is winter as usual..aka A FRICKEN TON OF SNOW… we just got some rain to melt down the banks.. now you can see over them, helps when you are pulling out into traffic.
Congrats on being freshly pressed. Hope you continue to enjoy the winter fun!
lucky u experienced it.
seemed u had great time there
Awesome Man!
Great story and nice picture.
Snowmageddon 2010?
I like it! I’m glad to see that someone is able to look on the brightside nowadays. We all seem to forget when we get wholed in my the snow that perhaps it’s the best remedy, a little time without all the hustle and bustle
well, at least you didn’t have to dream for a white christmas, no?
Glad to hear you are one of the lucky ones.
I hope everyone is fine.
Thanks for sharing.
It is incredibly hard for me to let go and have an actual vacation, free of worry and the need to do something productive. Even when I’m at home, trying to relax on the couch, I always have to have my laptop open, to feel like I’m actually getting something done.
So, this holiday, I did a whole lot of nothing, and tried to make myself enjoy it! For the first time in years, I haven’t had any deadlines to take care of, and it was a really weird feeling to not have to worry about work.
Sounds like you definitely made a frustrating situation into a spontaneous jar of lemonade!
Kudos on being FP!
http://miracleon32ndstreet.wordpress.com
Wow, I loved this! Sometimes taking a break (even if it’s an accidental one) can be so refreshing. Maybe I’ll “accidentally” get stuck somewhere.
http://www.cassiecares.com
Nice post :3
http://ninjawiththeorangetshirt.wordpress.com/
great i like it!
nice post! i too had a hectic…but fun snow week last week!!! lol
I love the premise of this blog! Hilarious. In contrast, I was the first born and a mistake. Not sure what you would call that. The Eager Egg?
Love it!!
What a great twist that life threw at you. How wonderful that you could make some lemonade! Ironic how experiences like this can be viewed so differently depending on who you ask. Certainly, you benefited by having the time to enjoy your adventure. Thanks for seeing the cup half full and writing about it.
Happy New Year!
Paul Helm
http://www.lifeatthehelm.com
You did the best thing! Remained positive and had a vacation. Kudos to you for taking the time to relax and refresh. Happy New Year!
Deb Verville
before I read you FB-ed “making Lemonade” I thought, “way to make lemonade”
awesome! glad you got to have a break after the “break” of christmas and have some fun while stranded!
Wow, what a turn…
I wish I can be as creative as you were if something like that happens to me…
well was it your sisters fault or was it your idea as well?
When I couldn’t get through to the airline by phone or web, we both decided that it would be better to hang at my sister’s house than an airport hotel. Great minds…
Sounds like the movie “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”
It felt a bit like that movie, Zach.
very good
I can relate, I live in South Wales and we were snowed in for almost a week it was so bad!
I’ve never been to South Wales…would love to see it some day. Happy New Year!
Amazing!
Well it’s hard man ,since many have never headed south…but I’ll be watching you…as for me 2011 is marked by my new web site:
http://www.hellochichaoua.com/.
I’m not yet sure it’s famous enough as your blog.
Happy new year.
Cheers,
Aziz
Snow!!
I liked your comment about people thinking it was a code for….something else. *snicker*
I like your information.Thanks a lot …