Home Crystal Graham: My birthday curse
News and Views

Crystal Graham: My birthday curse

Crystal Graham

crystal grahamThere’s one thing I can predict better than any weatherman.

I don’t have to look at maps, radars, thermometers or any other instruments a meteorologist might use.

I can predict without any doubt that it will snow Jan. 18.

How can I make such a prediction?

Well, it’s my birthday.

And as sure as I will get a cake to celebrate the occasion, we’ll also get a white dusting courtesy of Mother Nature.

I know what you are thinking …

The weather has been way too warm to justify snow next week.

And if it were any other time of the year, I’d agree with you.

But over the years, I’ve learned that snow on Jan. 18 has nothing to do with logic.

Or making me miserable – although for a long time that was my assumption.

It’s just the way things are.

My birthday equals snow, plain and simple.

My niece, Kayla will be elated to hear the news.

She’s been waiting for snow for weeks now.

She’s been waiting to miss a day of school is probably more accurate.

But here’s the thing.

Even though I loved school, I never minded a snow day.

I was just like any other kid out there … a day off to enjoy the outdoors was tops on my list.

With one exception.

My birthday.

When you miss school on your birthday, you miss the party, the well-wishes, all the things that make the day special.

Trust me, I know.

It might be OK to miss school on your birthday one year, and I’ll admit as much.

But overwhelmingly, I missed school every year on my birthday.

As an adult, it doesn’t matter as much anymore.

I don’t have parties on my birthday anymore anyway.

And most family affairs are the weekend before or after.

But Mother Nature hasn’t adjusted her schedule one bit.

My birthday is the one day of the year that I can predict the weather better than any seasoned weatherperson.

And I’m betting that this year will be no exception.

My bet is snow on Jan. 18.

Still think I’m crazy?

Even I thought it might be farfetched this year.

Since we haven’t had as much as 10 snow flurries fall so far this winter.

But AccuWeather.com agrees with me.

I just looked up the extended forecast on the on-line weather service, and guess what … the first chance of snow is none other than … Jan. 18.

Well, to be exact, the night of Jan.17.

But it would have the same effect if I were still a schoolgirl.

So, for Kayla, and all the boys and girls out there, I think it’s a safe bet … Jan. 18 will be the first day this year for snow.

And I’d put money on it that you might find yourself out of school that day.

You can thank me later.

As usual, I’ll be at home eating my cake.

Maybe I’ll even build a snowman this year.

 
 




Featured Video

 

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

Latest News

uva football tony elliott
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: Still trying to figure out the Tony Elliott buyout terms, if, you know

uva football
Football, Go 'Hoos

UVA Football: First look at Wake Forest, which wants the ‘Hoos in all-orange

Wake Forest and Virginia reportedly had an agreement in the summer to go black (Wake) and orange (Virginia) with their uniform color schemes for their scheduled Saturday, Oct. 31 game.

police court law
Local

How we got here: Summary of U.S. v. Valerie Hayes, the ‘Mennonite kidnapping’ case

In the late hours of July 29, 2018, a young Old Order Mennonite couple were getting ready for bed. The government says that’s when a long, drawn-out plan to kidnap five Old Order children from two respective families and execute their parents came to end.

Staunton fire department house
Local

Staunton: Fire department relocating temporarily due to renovations

tv
Football, Politics

Fox Sports runs America Next TV ad ‘Full of Hate’ on weekend football broadcasts

kymora johnson chance mallory uva basketball
Basketball, Go 'Hoos

UVA Basketball: Kymora Johnson, Chance Mallory named to preseason watch lists

Politics, Sports

MAGA group wants to force VHSL to let homeschool kids try out for high school teams