I counted how long it took one snowflake to fall from the roof of the seven story walk up to the grey abyss beneath.

42 seconds. This is a good sign.

Using one part concept I learned from Poltergeist to count the beats between thunder and lightning and the other part sheer logic, I have determined the wind has slowed its face burning, bone chilling, skin slicing pace.

And with this, I realize if the silly undergrad who forks over $15 for her pack of Newport's can brave smoke inhalation in sub zero temps on her fire escape, I can manage the plod to the laundromat so both my husband and I can have one more layer against our bare bottoms.