New Year, New Adventures, New Failures

Most of the past week has been spent relaxing, in one way or another.

Jeff and our colleague's son timing how long they can hold themselves off the ground in this way

On New Year's Eve, I managed to stay up until midnight at a party,

The ghost in the background is actually one of our colleagues

but Jeff wanted to stay later, so he planned alternative transportation:

In his cold-weather running gear (and lights) at 2 AM

On Friday, we decided to brave the cold and snow and attempt a cross-country ski adventure in a park about a mile from our house. I thought that perhaps since I would have poles to help keep me upright, I might be able to do it. Although I didn't fall, I was completely unable to make the smooth motions or the complete weight shifts that are necessary to move forward on skis. It took probably 30 minutes to go a distance that I am able to go in about 3 minutes while walking (and I don't walk fast these days). We determined that skiing is not on the agenda for the foreseeable future, but it might be reasonable to attempt snowshoeing at some point.

This picture is deceiving

The last couple of days we have been preparing for the start of the new semester. I have not left the house all weekend, and although that might sound like it would drive a person stir crazy, I have had no desire to even make the trip to the car – it is currently -34°C/-23°F, and -46°C/-51°F with the wind chill, and that is today's high temperature. This evening we made plans to visit friends who live about a mile away, but part of me thinks it's a bit insane to leave our snug house. However, Jeff has been out and says although it's bad, we will not die getting to the car.

Ice buildup on the inside of our double-paned, energy efficient windows

I'm not entirely sure I believe him.