the id, the ego, & the single misfiring brain cell

We're currently in the big middle of the worst snowstorm I've seen in years (in Colorado Springs), with scads of snow, underlying ice, and blizzard conditions. I can't get out of my garage (no, I didn't even try, because I wouldn't be able to find the driveway, and if I could do that, I certainly wouldn't survive Hodgen Road, which is known for steep, icy hills, deep ditches, snow drifts, and stupid drivers). 

I was supposed to teach today, but checked the snow when I got up to see if I should go ahead and start inching toward the Academy and decided that I'd be certifiable to even try it. I commenced checking school and business closures, etc. 

The Academy was on a 2-hour delay for "non-mission essential personel only." When the Academy has a 2-hour delay like this, it's a 1.5 hour delay for the first period teachers, see. This means I was to be there and teaching as of 45 minutes ago. 

But here's my question: What does "mission essential" mean?

Back when I was enlisted (during the Cold War), I was a programmer* at Falcon...erm...Shriever AFB. We'd occasionally get 2-hour delays then for "mission-essential" personel and snow days for the rest of us. That's right: I wasn't considered mission essential. Back then, that meant cops and firefighters and the handful of people flying the satellites. You know...the people you absolutely, positively have to have there, even if the people trapped on base have to rotate out and sleep on cots until the rest of us can get there (which is what it came to from time to time).  

* "What kind of programmer?" Computers. Is there another kind? 

Not at the Academy. "Mission essential" means faculty, because "teaching is our mission." 

The meaning of the phrase has somehow changed over time, see. And it's nucking futs. There's no reason for it. 

Particularly today. We've had flawless weather all semester until yesterday, so there have been no cancelled days. There are 8 teaching days (counting today) left in the 40-teaching day semester. There are closed roads and businesses and day cares and car crashes all over this part of the state. 

So...when they talk to us about "Safety First!" what does that mean, exactly? 

Turns out, the Academy just switched to a 4-hour delay. 

They just aren't getting it.

Here endeth the rant. I'm going to go enjoy the fire now. 

d