Winter Thoughts

Hi everyone. We are back from another mini ski trip. We may even try another one in March. We had one really warm day skiing and the snow felt like cream cheese to ski on (not ideal) and one very cold day in which the skiing was fun, but fingers and cheeks were frozen. I am learning to accept this about skiing- like life, you have to curb your expectations and take what the day has to offer.
Now here is what our three year old does on these trips: watches way more TV than should be allowed by good parents and takes lots of baths (our tub at home is not nearly so fun). But at least she looks forward to these trips as much as we do (even if she doesn't get out much).


On another note, I wanted to talk about this documentary we watched last night. It is called "180 degrees South", about a man who spends 6 months traveling to Patagonia- sailing, surfing and hiking. Although the trip is meant to be a personal adventure he ends up learning a lot about the conservation effort in Patagonia and the surrounding area. The title comes from the idea that the way we are living is not sustainable, but as a culture, we don't want to go backwards. Unfortunately, what if the next step forward is off a cliff? We need to turn 180 degrees and then take a step forward. As one person interviewed in the film says: its hard to simplify, its much easier to get caught up in the complexity of living in a modern world. It does feel like a fight, doesn't it, to take a step back from the complexity of life? 

Freshly Back from Skiing

(for those of you who don't know me, this is exactly what I look like)

I must confess, sometimes in life I can be quite an Eeyore ("oh bother"). So thank heavens I married an adventurous spirit. Thanks to him we took a lovely ski trip this week. The days before we go on these trips I always think- "oh bother, all the packing, all the ski clothes and equipment required, all the food shopping..." And I will also admit the first day on the slopes as I was suiting up and sweating over impossible buckles to close and unwieldy skis I thought again- "oh bother".  My legs felt shaky and new on this first day back to the slopes and I was a little cranky about the freezing winds.

Day two is when I had my breakthrough. I got into the spirit. At the summit I was rewarded with a God's eye view of the world. Also a stop at the "Summit Cafe" for some warm hot chocolate was a treat. Half the skiers warming up along side me at the cafe appeared to be over 70, rosy cheeked and elated to be out on the mountain. (one older woman even appeared to have scoleosis and I'm not sure how she could ski, but she was full of joy to be up here). This is why you bother- its life. Also how often does at (now) 41 year old mother of a toddler get to experience the exhilaration of speed? What fun!