Cheetahs or Snow - You Can't Have Both

If you live in Indianapolis, or perhaps at a latitude further north, you may have noticed that it's snowing today. There seems to be at least an inch accumulated so far, and I searched the house in vain for a scraper this morning, ending up using a broom to clear the snow from my windshield.

As I accelerated up the street, attempting to use the aerodynamic forces to remove the rest of the snow from the car - I think everyone does this - I thought about my friend Marizka. She's from South Africa.

Now, some people from warmer climates are funny about solid precipitation - I understand Floridians immediately crash their cars into the nearest pole when the first flake touches down - but Marizka loves it.

Last year, when the pathway to our office got covered, she was the first one out there, shoveling the pavement clear. People look at us funny, as if it's unchivalrous to allow a female to handle the office grunt work, but the truth is that you can't talk her out of it.

Before she came here a few years ago, Marizka had never seen snow, except in pictures. And relocating to some "Indianapolis" place, far from the rugged hills and sunny savannahs of South Africa - her class field trips involved cheetahs, for crying out loud - didn't have too many bright sides that she knew of. So she decided to look forward to snow.

It worked perfectly. I don't want to speak for her inaccurately, but I believe what you're seeing out your window right now is Marizka's favorite thing about this city. When I came in this morning I peeked in through her office window, and she was grinning like a diamond magnate.

So if you notice a five-foot-tall woman out clearing the snow off your doorstep, just let her go. Don't try to stop her. She's having a good time, and enjoying her new home. Besides, she's got a shovel.