Arctic Blast of 2011

And, here's the reason we've been trapped at home for going on three days now -- the ice storm of February 2011. It's been colder than I can ever remember it being since I've lived in Ft. Worth. The temperatures have hovered in the teens, with the highs the last three days being in the high 20's. The roads are covered with ice, especially in the neighborhoods, so getting out would be pretty dangerous. I don't think anyone, even the weathermen, expected that we would be shut down so completely for so many days. The girls have only missed one day of school so far, but I'm wondering if we will be able to go tomorrow. I think there might be snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow.

As of this morning our pool is completely frozen over. The ice goes down about 2 inches, according to Abigail who had to get out and bust a hole in it to see. We've kept busy with watching TV, cleaning house, some homework and I plan to scrapbook today. Facebook has kept everyone entertained. It's also been a chore to keep the rabbits from turning into bunny popsicles. They spent most of the day inside yesterday and just keeping their water switched out from freezing has been a full-time job.

We have plenty of food to last us several more days, but are hoping to venture out tomorrow afternoon or on Saturday. I dread the electric bill next month, but am very thankful for a warm house to keep us sheltered. I even managed to build a fire yesterday, all by myself. Very proud of that, since Scouting was not one of my childhood activities.

Here's a few photos of the last couple days.

Define "busy"

--adjective

1. actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime: busy with her work

2. not at leisure; otherwise engaged: He couldn't see any visitors because he was busy.

3. full of or characterized by activity: a busy life

And I'll take number three for $200, Alex...

I hate being "busy." Detested "busy work" in school. I REALLY hate the "busy-ness" of driving here and there, which leads me to the point of this post: if I hate the forced driving hither and yon that I have to do, why do I despise being forced into the very opposite of that? Let me explain.

Let's take one day last week as an example: (realizing this is probably way more than you ever wanted to know about my schedule)

6:00 a.m. Breakfast/coffee, Bible, made girls' lunches

7:25 a.m. Drove girls to school

8:15 a.m. Return home, various tasks, shower, etc.

10:30 a.m. Drove back to school to get Bec for Dr. appt.

11:30 a.m. Dr. appointment in Ft. Worth

12:15 p.m. Drive thru lunch while heading to school

12:40 p.m. Bec is dropped off at GPA

1:00 p.m. Arrive back in Ft. Worth with one hour at home

2:00 p.m. Back to Arlington to pick up Abigail

2:20 p.m. Arrive home, Abigail dress for basketball

4:00 p.m. Drop off Abigail at school to catch bus

4:30 p.m. Drive to pick up Bec at her practice (ends at 5:30)

5:30 p.m. Drive to Abigail's 6 p.m. game

For some reason, this schedule "drives" (ha, ha) me crazy. I guess it's because I feel like I am not being productive, meaning I didn't get much accomplished at home. I know there was productivity going on because I got the girls, safely in one piece, to their required destinations and appointments. That was progress for that day.

So, here's the question: when forces beyond my control (acts of God/snow/ICE) keep me homebound for going on 3 days now, why do I just want to get out of the house and drive?!? Anywhere! Just let me out. I feel a little bit like the Israelites who whined about wanting to go back to Egypt where they had it so good. And, deep inside, I hear God saying to me, "I am giving you what you asked for. Less busy-ness. Time at home. Quiet. Stillness. NO DRIVING. Now get in that house and enjoy it!"

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

Okay...I get it.