Crystal Graham: My birthday curse

There’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.