Since we’re currently enjoying our first real Chinook of the year, you’ve probably already forgotten that, only a few days ago, Calgary was wrapped in a frozen layer of bone-chilling wind and snow.

If nothing else, it seemed like an Al Gore-esque reminder that winter is definitely on its way.

Yet, as always, that warning fell on deaf ears, because every year Calgarians act like we’re experiencing the cold for the first time.

For a city that once hosted the Winter Olympics, why are Calgarians so terrible at living through winter?

If you have a vehicle with at least four tires, you probably spent much of last week bemoaning the pedestrians and cyclists who whizzed by you while you were stuck in a never-ending line of cars.

It always surprises me that Calgarians seem to turn into terrible drivers as soon as the first flakes fall.

Winter tires or not, a place so famous for its long winter months should not be crippled by a few centimetres of snow, should we? 

It’s easy to say that Calgarians don’t know how to drive in the snow, but what I want to know is who exactly are these people?

Who are the ones shutting down major roadways because of a light dusting of snow?

Surely, it can’t be a whole city of a million people, can it?

And, if it is just a small percentage of drivers who end up slipping and sliding down 14 Street, is it safe to assume that maybe those people shouldn’t be driving at all?

Then again, this is the city that continues to put gravel on our roads and when you can’t see through your cracked windshields, then who’s to blame for bad driving?

But you know what? Calgary’s pedestrians are often no better at dealing with winter.

On our coldest days of the year, you all walk around with your jackets open and even more ridiculous, many people refuse to wear hats and gloves.

Now, I am at an advantage in this department because I don’t have to worry about hat hair. But I’d like to think that even if I had the thick locks of John Mar, I would still choose staying warm over having nice hair.

Ever since I was that kid who wore snow pants in high school, I’ve never understood why people would purposely choose to be cold.

Let last week’s cold snap be a warning, winter is coming. So, for the sake of my sanity, please get ready for it.