Yesterday, as the weather got worse I was working at one of the library’s branches on a special project.  Next to me were a couple of library employees worried about their drive home later that evening.  I was just finishing around 5, but they were working till 9 and were very worried about their drive back to their homes in the hills of Ann Arbor.  As I was packing up they asked me how far I had to drive, and I said “North Oakland County.”  They looked shocked and scurried away.

The drive out to the freeway was similar to my drive into AA in the morning, cars inching along, driving sleet.  I thought that if I just made it to the freeway it would be OK to go home.  But the freeway was worse, I got on at Arborland, and inched my way to Geddes Road, the next exit, got off and crept along Dixboro Road to my aunt’s house.  Having left my cell phone at home (of all days!) I arrived unannounced on her doorstep seeking shelter.  And dinner.  What a wonderful thing to have an ever available room that comes with a hot meal!

Today the roads are little better and I slid into the park and ride lot, clambored on my bus and we slowly made our way into town.  The 30 minute trip took almost an hour.  The sidewalks are slippery, I am carrying everything I own (for the moment) on my back.  Throughly stressed, thinking about my day and feeling late, I find myself muttering  as I work my way up the sidewalk toward class, listing the things I need to get done prior to my presentation today at 1:00. 

Suddenly I realize that I am talking to myself.  Out loud.   I am hunched over from the weight of all my possessions in a backpack, and I almost laugh out loud to realize the picture I make.  I think the stress of this winter commuting is turning me into a bag lady.  I realize how easy it would be to slide into that sort of semi-depravity.  I am grateful for the anchors in my life that will pull me back out of this dark, damp, weary world; my home, my husband, my dog…all of which I hope to get to tonight!