Chicago got hit with a fairly bad snowstorm yesterday. It wasn't the worst storm or even horrible by Chicago standards, but it dumped anywhere from 4 to 12 inches on you, depending on where you live. Here in the city (I live in the Roscoe Village neighborhood on the north side), we got about 6 inches. The biggest problem, for me at least, was that O'Hare was basically closed down. I was scheduled to fly out yesterday morning to Phoenix so I could participate in the White Coat Ceremony on the Glendale Campus. My first flight was cancelled, my second flight was cancelled; so I ended up going home and heading to the movie theatre. I saw "For Your Consideration," since I'm a fan of Christopher Guest and his very funny movies (Best in Show, Mighty Wind, Waiting for Guffman). I had high expectations for this one, and it was only OK. Today, I'm headed back to O'Hare to try to make my escape from the cold and get out to Phoenix.

Phoenix, meanwhile, has had some "cold" weather of its own. The storm front went across the country, so they got the first part of the storm that eventually hit Chicago. I'm told it was very windy and in the 50s this week. My poor Arizona dogs have never had the thrill of running wild in a Midwest snow storm. The White Coat ceremony in Glendale was held outside and I heard the event went very well. I'm sorry I missed it, as it is always one of my favorite events on campus. It is very inspiring to see all the first-year students gathered in their white coats and reciting the "Oath of Commitment." It's a special moment.

People often ask me if I get tired of traveling between and living in both Chicago and Phoenix. The answer is that I truly love this arrangement. I get the best of both worlds. I can take a day or two of snow in Chicago, and now I'm off to a few days of sunshine and 70 degrees. I actually hate the Phoenix summers more than the Chicago winters. Most people are the opposite. I really haven't gotten used to the 115 degree heat after 10 years. But, I have no complaints about winter in the Southwest. And, the snow here in the Midwest builds character. Until you have driven home during rush hour in a blizzard, "reserved" a parking space in the city with your old lawn chairs, or fallen on an icy sidewalk, you just aren't a Chicagoan.

Wherever you are, I hope you are staying warm or enjoying the warmth. Wish me luck as I head now to O'Hare and hope that all the flights are on time today...!