2/3/11:THE 2011 BLIZZARD; A PERSPECTIVE

1.View from 2nd flr Hotel Rm. 2. Block away from Lakeshore Dr. 3.A road in Downers Grove, IL
4.Same road, next day.

Living in Chicago, winter time means 2 things, ONE- adhering to the recommended ‘Winter Checks’ 1-top off all fluids, 2. Tire rotaion, 3. Replace wipers/failing lights. 4. Oil Change, Just to name the most important. TWO, ignoring the Meteorologists and their ‘ So, in this case, this ‘blizzard’ they spoke of, merely meant ‘Snow-for sure!’. I figured, heck, I’ll be at work, what’s the worst that can happen if it does happen?! A few hours later, all the stations were talking of the pending storm that was on the horizon! I had just walked in a few hours earlier (no snow), getting ready for work, when I looked out my window! Already, there was sufficient accumulation that prompted me to go and shovel my mother’s home. During the time I shoveled, the wind was noticeable, and the snow gathered on my shoulders and bill of my cap! I looked over to see what I had done thus far, only to see it all lightly covered over with white! As quick as I shoveled, it was snowing just as fast! On my way into my job, the snow fall was very prevalent, making it a little hard to see further ahead! So everyone slowed down! The distance to the expressway usually would take 15 mins, this time it doubled! The lane markings in the highway were not visible, and cars were driving everywhere, creating their own lanes! From time to time, the wind would blow so hard, it would cause a temporary ‘white out’-where all traffic slows down, to a crawl-and the ‘red glare’ from the break/tail lights cause a chain reaction, where everyone follows suit! –these are the unwritten rules of winter driving! Sitting up, grasping the steering wheel tightly, I carefully maneuver my vehicle, to avoid swerving, as with any RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) vehicle, they are prone to ‘fish tail’. I quickly turn off the radio, and begin to manually command the windshield wiping and every so often, spraying the windshield! During a slight clearing of the weather, you can see a blur of tail lights, hazard lights, cars in ditches, and on the shoulder, people scrambling along the sides, some people assisting with jumper cables, pure tension! Just when I thought I could thank my lucky stars for covering all my bases per the winter checklist that came in handy during this adventure, my gas light came on! I have a habit of filling up in the burbs, so I can pretty much gage my usage, but when you don’t account for hazardous, slow driving, you get burned! I barely make it to a gas station, when I realize I had forgotten my wallet in my other jacket that was soaked when I was shoveling!

After I had settled in at work, I borrowed some money and then I set out to get some gas! BIG MISTAKE! In one hour, the entire landscape was a sea of white! I made the attempt to go for it, because the news claimed it would only get worst! I didn’t even get a block down the road, when I got stuck! I realized there was oncoming traffic behind me so I gun it! My car goes in a frenzy, with my RPM’s reaching high numbers and the back end of my car spraying snow! I was getting nowhere! I stopped, and hit the brakes, flashed my lights so the truck behind me could proceed safely knowing that I had seen it! I tried to rock the car, back and forth, back and forth, to no avail! I was stuck on a major road out in Downers Grove! I got into a position where I thought I could probably spring free! I gun it once more, and my car swerves completely blocking traffic, perpendicular to the road! You can’t even imagine my frustration, as I turn on the hazards! The ensuing truck is coming right at me, but quickly veers onto the opposite side of the road-locked on the horn, on the other side of the cement median! I am panicking big time now! Wondering why I decided to leave! I finally step out, into the deep snow, wetting my gym shoes, socks, and pants! That horrible feeling of snow creeping into the inner portion of my ankles and feet and up my shin!! UGH! I reach into my trunk to pull out a mini shovel and begin to frantically shovel in the midst of cold blustering wind that shoots snow into my neck and chest, causing me to temporarily choke, unable to breathe! Between waving off vehicles and getting in and out of my car, shovel in hand, the interior of my car (something I take great care of!) is completely soaked, with snow gathering on the dash and console! I’m not ashamed to admit, at this point, while baring another gust of swirling wind and snow I let out a primal scream! Feeling completely defeated, this truck is coming right at me! It pulls over, turns on the blinkers and its 3 people, 1 guy and 2 girls, helping me push as the girls, divert traffic. A state trooper comes along assists! Needless to say, 1.5 hours later, I barely make it back into my job’s parking garage! Lucky not to have run out of gas, having further complicated the matter! Case in point, listen to your local Meteorologist! No matter how many times you have been deceived!

me@ericmartinez.net

773-573-3295