Screw all you guys....

**jgg85234** · 02-19-2014, 11:18 PM

Out here in AZ, we always complain about the summer temperatures, but rarely gloat about our weather for the bulk of the year.

High 70s or low 80s for daytime highs, and at the moment, low 50s for the overnight lows. No rain.

But, sometimes we have these terrible winter storms that we have to do some serious work to get over.

I grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and never minded winter (hockey) until I had to work for a living. Then, the weather became a burden.

Here's the storm that made me decide to pack my belongings and move to Arizona.

April 2-3, 1975: Biggest snow of the season shocks Chicago 31 years ago - Chicago Tribune

8.5 hours to drive home from downtown Chicago to Mt. Prospect.

Some advice.

If you're young enough to make a break, (i.e. not yet married and/or settled into a job), this is the easiest time of your life to make a change.

When I moved, everyone I knew in Chicago wanted to know why I was "retiring" to Arizona at the age of 24. Most of them thought I'd be back within the year.

Never ever thought about moving back.

Found a job, bought a house, got married, and I'm really glad I didn't get tied down to where I grew up.

The southern half of the U.S. is a lot easier to live your life in, than the cold parts of the country.

Jim

**Coach Steve** · 02-19-2014, 11:50 PM

Originally Posted by jgg85234

But, sometimes we have these terrible winter storms that we have to do some serious work to get over.

Yeah Jim, I remember that one there and I remember exactly where I was at the time. Whew, it's a wonder any of us still have any patio furniture or pool toys left!

Seriously though, evne when the Valley of the Sun is at its hottest and most miserable, it doesn't present dangerous or even fatal driving conditions or most of the other problems that go along with the cold and snow. I'm really bummed for our fellow tradesmen back east who are just having a miserable time of it. If there was a way we could send you some of our extraordinary weather, I know we would.

**jgg85234** · 02-20-2014, 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by Coach Steve

Seriously though, even when the Valley of the Sun is at its hottest and most miserable, it doesn't present dangerous or even fatal driving conditions or most of the other problems that go along with the cold and snow.

I don't know if I can completely agree with that.

I was out in this dust storm (going south on the 101), and got off when I realized I couldn't see the street lights that were directly overhead. Police and fire trucks were set at almost every intersection with their lights on, just to help avoid accidents. Couldn't see a stoplight until you were right at the intersection. Took a long time to get home that night too.

Jim