January 15th, 2008.

January 15th, 2008. We left to visit Buddha when we where both done class. Blizzard was raging outside, but our jackets where keeping us warm; our legs felt like the frozen meat in the freezers. Half-way to our destination, storm picked up. Hard, unrelenting, driving. The sting on our faces was greatly disliked. Upon arrival, the trek that was made was but only a small inconvenience in exchange for the surreal beauty of the annex. In between trees, we found our respite. Jovial and unbothered by the wind, Buddha sat with us as a revelation was made. Amongst the stars, I Quit. The cemented decision, I Quit. The last dart was hacked. Unrelenting, we continued to be pummeled by the limitless little shards of ice. We realized were at its mercy, so we decided to go home. Taking the back way was better, less wind, more picturesque. The back way took us around the fence, through woods, across a desolate field and finally to civilization. The ugliness of the frequently traveled road lay in stark contrast to the white beauty of the wintertime hiding spot that we had discovered. Walking, trudging, we saw the brown. We saw the grey ice transform into slush when it was driven over, and they turn back to it's icy self when no cars frequented the road. It seemed like an eternity in the cold, the slow pace of our snow laden feet. The crunch of the snow under our frozen shoes kept us going; the thought of a hot chocolate also had an effect, as faster walking ensued when the thought of it crossed my mind. Arriving at my small hovel, we sat and enjoyed the fresh pot of hot chocolate that I had made. The swirl of vanilla crème in the frothy chocolate made the day. As we watched the snow continue fall through my window, we cherished the warmth.


Jonathan Hong