Happy Valentine's and Galentine's Day!

I know I have been winter-hatin' it up a snow-storm, but there is some stuff that I love about winter, and so on Valentine's Day, I will tell you about it.

1. I love my new skis!

Ski-love

I finally bit the bullet and bought a set of cross country skis. They were used, but I got new bindings, new boots, and new poles from Play-it-Again Sports in Urbandale. Cody, who is awesome, helped me get set up and I was skiing by the afternoon. 

So far I have only taken them out in Wittmer Park, and I have only gone down tiny hills, but I haven't fallen at all! And, actually, they kind of make me want more snow and cold days. 

2. I love my parka.

Sadly, it's broken

I have been wearing the crap out of my Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero down parka. And, alas, it broke. Half of the zipper came off, and I broke some of the teeth. If I can get it clean, I might be able to convince MHW to fix it for me, and while they are at it, they might even replace the baffle that is now "fixed" with a massive duct tape patch.

If not, I might have to retire the coat. First, I was like, "geez, it is not even that old." Then, I remembered, I bought it during my hurrication in 2005, so it is 9-years old. Not super old in the lives of well made jackets, but it is no spring chicken. I love all my nice gear that keeps me warm and happy, and I am reminded of that even more when I don't have it anymore. 

That being said, I did get my Chacoas re-chacoed. They have new soles, new straps, and look fabulous. Getting this done was one of my punishments last month, because I hate the drudgery of filling out websites, going to the post office, blah blah blah, but I am glad I got it done!

3. I love Wild Hockey and my awesome friends.

Great seats!

Emily S and I had been talking about going to a Wild hockey game this year, and then she got free tickets! We went last weekend, and it was great. The Wild beat the Chicago Wolves in a very exciting over-time, and we had corn dogs and beer and a long walk in the cold.

It also reminded me of how lucky I am to have such great friends. I have so many fun, smart, just delightful people to share my life and winter with. 

I was especially reminded of this last night when I introduced Emily S to Chris at her Galentine's Day Party. It was just a bunch of ladies, drinking wine and hanging out and eating snacks, but it was so fun! I love my friends and I love that my friends love my friends.  (No pictures from Galentine's because no technology was allowed, sorry!).

4. Dogs, and heat lamps.

This will work.

I stayed home a couple days last week because the roads were in rough shape. Holiday enjoyed having a couple non-kennel days. It got a bit chilly, so I cranked up the heat lamp while I graded papers. Holiday found a cozy spot to relax with me. I just love that darn dog. She is just the best. 

5. I love working out with Goldie!

Car, plow, car, car

Goldie and I have been doing strength training Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, and it has been great! She picks me up and we head down to the YMCA. We alternate routines and try to throw some "cardio bursts" into the work out. 

We even saw a tall, handsome triathlete do a bad-ass handstand, and I did the rowing machine.

Wednesday marked six weeks into 2014, and six weeks into my getting-back-into-regular-exercise-and-not-die-on-the-mountains, and it's been great. The things that hurt when I don't work out no longer hurt and the things that hurt when I do workout are starting to hurt again, so that's a good sign. And, I am feeling good, so that's good. 

And, as a romantic Valentine's Day treat, I give you the cutest video ever: people proposing and getting married in the National Parks. Awwhhh.