At Winter Park, in -15 degree temps
I love to ski. I also live my life in various states of freezing.
At first glance, you would think that these two statements are very contradictory. Skiing happens in cold and often wet places where the more the temperature plummets, the better the snow quality. Indeed, my lack of circulation has led to many a lunchtime in the lodge almost crying as I wait for my appendages to re-warm themselves.
Barkernews has put up with my whining for 12 winter seasons and counting. He has tried to sympathize with my constantly freezing fingers and toes in 40 degree weather. He rolled his eyes when I chose our new vehicle based solely on the fact that it had seat warmers (which I use any time the temperature is below 65 degrees, thank you very much).
And then he took action. A man can only put up with the complaining for so long, even a man as patient as he. First, he bought me these, the mitten to end all mittens. And, indeed, they were quite warm. But the rest of me was still cold.
"Put on more layers," he said. I did and I looked (and felt) just like Randy. It's impossible to ski well with that many clothes on, much less use the bathroom. Regardless, I was still cold.
Yes, I am aware that I need to live somewhere where the thermometer regularly reads 95 degrees. Maybe at that temperature I could give up my wool socks.
Then, last Christmas, Barkernews gave me the diamond ring of coats: this beautiful baby. In my years of outdoor adventure, I have never worn an insulated coat. The theory was always that layering was better. Not to mention, uh...insulated coats kinda make you look fat.
This coat? It's insanely warm, form-fitting and allows me to move. And I am never, ever cold when I wear it. Going with the theory that if your core is warm, your appendages are warm, my fingers stay toasty, my toes are happy and me? I am done complaining. Now, I am constantly saying, "I love this coat so much I want to marry it."
Last year, I wore it on a 40 degree day in the rain. I wore it in -15 degrees at Winter Park (and that was pre-wind chill). One day, this coat might wear out and I will go in to withdrawal, I love it that much.
And Barkernews? Well, he hit a home run for Christmas 2009. Some girls want jewelry. Some girls want spa packages. I just want to be warm so I can spend less time in the lodge and more time shredding the powder with my best friend (whose own internal temperature must be set to 115 degrees).
Breckenridge. The temperature might be in the teens?
