And I thought I was used to East Coast winters after my seventeen years in LA. I'd forgotten how these late-winter storms can sap your will to live (or at least go outside). Making matters harder, Chet is in a howling phase. At least once a day he throws a fit about something. This morning I was a cruel monster and his worst enemy and he wasn't making me a Valentine's Day card because I made him wear his snow boots in the slush. He insisted that his sneakers would actually keep his feet drier. Not exactly the way I like to wake up but I tried to remain calm and dump him off at school. Of course ten minutes later he's holding my hand and calm as can be. I wish I could scream and yell and then just let it pass again as easily as he does. His fury is like a storm in the tropics, intense but brief and soon the sun is shining hot again. He and I are also big Star Wars fans so I think the next time he flips out I will pretend to be an evil Sith Lord urging Annikin or Luke to feed on his anger and join the dark side. Let's see if it helps control his rage.