It was a snowy day in Tokyo.

Most people here carry umbrellas when it snows, but my proud Minnesotan roots won’t allow it. I love when the snow hits my eyelashes.

But today’s snow was wet and thick, and 10 minutes after I left the house I was soaked. So I gave in and pulled out my flimsy pocket umbrella.

Two blocks later, a giant ice bomb fell from a nearby building and landed on my umbrella, destroying it.

I cursed the umbrella for its usefulness.

I still feel a little smug in my snow boots. You can’t beat me there, Japan.