A month of love

Mike took me on the best Valentine's Date ever. Yes, we actually got a babysitter and left the house on a date. And yes, we actually went on Valentine's-weekend. I know some of you who think "best date" start thinking about a cool concert or night at the theater, a fabulous restaurant, or a night out dancing, complete with chocolate and roses. That's all great. But then you wouldn't be thinking of Mike (or me for that matter).

He did much better.

He took me cross country skiing.

"What?!"

"Who calls spending 2 hours out in the cold a date?
Who calls learning a new sport (which means you'll look ridiculous trying to figure out the coordination of it all) an awesome date?"

I do. And, yes, I do.

We grew up where the state slogan is "Greatest Snow on Earth." We've had our share of snow days. We've "bundled up" when we thought it was cold outside. We've definitely enjoyed the warmth of a fireplace on a cold night.

But then we moved to Minnesota. And, now, we're learning what a real winter is like. Blizzards? Check. Sub-zero temperatures for an extended period of time? Check. Arctic wind chill? Check. Learning that you NEVER leave the house (or let the kids leave the house) without boots, coat, gloves, and hat? Check.

And even with all of the elements, Mike was spending his free time outside. For fun.

I have to admit. I was a tad curious.

He must have caught my curiosity. Or, maybe he noticed that I felt a bit like a caged animal, having not spent time outdoors during the whole month of January. Granted, I went places indoors and had fun, but my extended period of time outside consisted of transport from the garage to the parking lot to the location I was headed and back. Or shoveling, but that's just not on the top of anyone's "fun" list.

And, it was a beautiful day to ski. The mid-20 degree temperature couldn't have been better (I actually got HOT!). The beautiful sun was shining, and we did an awesome trail at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, only a short 10 minute drive from our pad.

And then I fell in love.

With winter.

Oh, and I was reminded how awesome my hubby is. I fell in love with him all over again. (Sorry, I couldn't resist sounding like a cheesy jewelry commercial).

Seriously though, thanks Mike. For showing me the beauty of a Minnesota winter. For getting me out of my comfort zone and teaching me something new. For being patient with how slow we must have been going. And, for giving me the chance to enjoy some big kid time, complete with uninterrupted adult conversation as we stopped and enjoyed the scenery.

Then it was over. The very next day, the "winter thaw" came. While part of me was happy to see grass for the first time since November, a bigger part of me was actually bummed. Every day spent in the 40s meant that we'd have that much less snow to ski on. And, a whole week in the 40s meant that I had missed out on the rest of the ski season.

So, I moved on. "There is always next year." I said. And was satisfied to enjoy the warmth. Max rode his bike, I ran errands without a jacket, and Alexis stopped saying "cold!" every time we went outside. Kermit started walking all over the backyard again to find his perfect spot to poop. We were ready to dig out the swimsuits.

But then Sunday came. And boom! Just like that, we were reminded that winter is definitely not over.

Blizzard #2. Snowed in? Check. Church canceled? Check (actually everyone was sent home early, but close enough). Mike leaving the house at 4am to make it to the airport in time for his 7 am flight? Check (thank goodness the snow plows cleared our road in time! FYI - typical travel time to the airport is about 30 minutes).

I'm trying my best to sympathize for the sick-of-winter folks. I hear ya. I'm ready to head to the outside pool as much as the next person. But inside, I'm just giddy with excitement that I have more time to ski.

Love the chapter you're in. Enjoy every breath. Sometimes it's the only thing you know for sure.

Oops. Now I'm starting to sound like I'm teaching a yoga class.

But, you get the picture. Can't beat it? Join it!


A couple pics of Max helping me shovel yesterday. He's the blob on top of the snow pile.
p.s. I'll try to get pics of the places we ski. It's Mike's assignment since I'm still trying to figure out the coordination of one foot and pole in front of the other.