City Living in the Winter, Take 1

Ok, so it snowed. And snowed and snowed and snowed and snowed. And that much snow had to go somewhere, so it definitely stuck this time.

This snow taught us a few truths about living in the city during winter.

Truth #1: Like air, food and water-proof winter boots, garage parking is an essential. It doesn't matter what premium they tack on to your rent or mortgage - suck it up and pay it. Totally WORTH EVERY PENNY to not have to dig the Mini out of the 15-foot snowbank.

Now you're saying "hey, I saw the weather - you didn't get 15 feet of snow!" True, but here's truth #2: snowplows. Yes they are awesome. Yes you only want to drive after they've cleared the road for you. But here's something you don't realize until you see it in person - where does all that snow go? Answer: on the side of the road. Creating 15-foot snowbanks. And if you don't have garage parking, guess where you park your car?

We love the Mini, we really do. Even last night, I yet again managed to parallel park into the world's tiniest space. As Jonathan claimed I couldn't possibly fit, I laughed evilly and showed him that the all-powerful Mini can fit ANYWHERE. But we have learned that the Mini is not so good when it comes to the 15-foot snowbanks, even when the spot is, say, the size of our entire block.

Which brings us to truth #3: our neighbor owns a Mini and a Land Rover. This man is a GENIUS. Jonathan has decided that we should open our own dealership for the city with a new kind of lease: a Mini or SmartCar for the summer, and a Hummer for the winter. Best plan ever.