The Jeep

John always wanted a Jeep before his days of a beat down, 1999, Honda Civic that could fit nothing more than two people and maybe a few more tiny people. Why a Jeep? I don’t know… It’s a Long Beach thing, we all love them deep down. John and I discussed at great lengths all of the wonderful trips we could take if only we both had bigger cars, but alas, neither of us wanted to pay or part with our beasts. Following Hurricane Sandy, John and I both lost our cars, drowned to their wheels in sewage water. I was furious, my beautiful, young friend had perished at the hands of Sandy, that good for nothing, lousy, not even a real hurricane, storm. John lost his old reliable friend, the Civic, but I knew there was a shred of excitement as he acknowledged that there was no better time to invest in the car of his fantasies, The Jeep.

Fast forward a year and we haven’t gotten too much out of our SUVs. The camping, the off-roading, the 4 wheel driving, all things we wanted to do were rarely taken advantage of, and to be honest, I didn’t think it was fair to the car. I mean, what was it’s purpose if we weren’t using it for what it was made for?! Which brings me to this past week as we decided to embark on a Vermont adventure for a few day getaway with friends. 

We packed her to the gills and prepared the Jeep for windy, (and windy- get it?) AND snowy, backroad, roads. 

The drive was calm, we spoke occasionally, I love when silence loses discomfort and instead becomes familiar. Conversation becomes chosen words of value, or used to sing old favorites from the 90s station. On the drive North I allowed my mind to wander and eventually I drifted off. The car has always lulled me to sleep- a method frequented by my young and tired mother when she had exhausted all other options of easing a colicky infant.

Tal, Tal, when do you want to stop for food?

I woke up disoriented and groggy, but food has a way of making me alert real fast. We pulled off at the next rest stop and were thrilled to see a Chipotle. It was Johns first time so I was excited for his experience- we really, really love food. We bonded over our love for burrito bowls, guac, and chips and salsa, and then hit the road for the final haul. 

When we arrived in Vermont I was silenced by its beauty, and though I’ve visited the state before I was still awestruck. The cascading mountains, the dense snow, the smell of firewood burning in the fireplaces of nearly every home, and the evergreen trees are nothing like my beach town. It was nice to shakeup the regularity that I am so accustomed to. When we pulled into our home for the next few days I was thrilled to see the chimney smoking.

That night we stayed in for board games, puzzle making, laughs, and homemade chicken parm. We tucked in early- we had a few days of snowboarding ahead of us.

Packing Neurosis

____ Two pairs of thick socks
____ snowboarding pants / jacket
____ 2 pairs of long johns
____ 2 pairs of long running spandex
____ white snowboarding boots
____ BOX of hand warmers
____ white hat, polar bear hat
____ long sleeve plain shirt(s) (3)
____ under tanks
____ sweatpants
____ sweatshirt (polar bear)
____ ugg slippers
____ undies, don’t forget them… Don’t.
____ regular socks
____ makeup bag. The small one with the essentials.
____ toiletries – the regular stuff. Wrap toothbrush in tinfoil.
____ iPad and charger
____ phone charger
____ yummy snacks

Ride up wearing: skinny jeans, gap tee with hoodie, and brown boots.

Things I never picked up but said I would days ago: random toiletries, good brews, snacks.

Things already in the car so don’t panic looking for them: snowboard, boots, mittens (because gloves suck, I’ll say it!), funky helmet courtesy of a friend who doesn’t want me to die.

Does anyone else do this before going away?! And still… I always leave something. Not sure if it’s lupus fog, the blonde in me, or I’m just that forgetful.

John’s ready!

After a great week of running (Hello five miles! And yay! Jumping for joy! Hello six!) I’m going to do a quick 5k, gather my belongings, and it’s off to Vermont for a few days.

The last time I went snowboarding was in 2008. I have a feeling it’s going to be like riding a bike for me… please see: Not good. On the other hand, somehow through blogging and running, I’ve become a more adventurous person. I allow myself to be challenged and I enjoy throwing myself into new adventures. Maybe it’s because I know either way, there’s always a story!

That was from Killington in 2008- we stayed in a house with over 20 high school friends. This time it’s a road trip to Stratton- 4 of us. How you know you’re getting old? You’re thrilled it’s low key and you will have a bed to sleep in. Beds were things for kings and queens when I was 20.

I’m looking forward to real maple syrup, sitting around with friends, hot chocolate, fresh air that’s safe to breath, and hopefully some powdery snow. And only one bruise. That’s it.

Where’s a spot you would love to get away to?! Seriously- give me a suggestion!

Reynauds, Snowboarding, and My Fridge

Winter holds no purpose of existence in my life. This is coming from a New Yorker. The only reason I started snowboarding was due to my extreme hatred of this time of the year- yes I realize how ridiculous that sounds, but I needed to make myself look forward to the season in some way. For years I would get a season pass, or go to Killington, Vermont for a few days to get my fix.

Then my mom stopped paying for things.

Snowboarding, and I’m sure skiing too, but I was too cool for skiing when I was sixteen, is very costly. Board, bindings, boots, jacket, pants, goggles, helmet, and other gear and you’re totaling up pretty high- that was like five separate Hanukkahs right there. One lift ticket back in 2007 was $65, and currently it’s $90. And like I said, my mom stopped paying for things- she was like, you are 26 and have a job.

It has been six seasons since the last time I went snowboarding. Many people say “it’s just like riding a bike.” The last time I had to relearn how to ride my bike I crashed into a bush and an old man asked me if it was my first time. So I’m calling bull on this one. Unless it is like riding a bike and I’m going to crash into a bush- that’s a more likely scenario.

Last night after an impromptu friend gathering we got to talking about a February ski trip. If you have been following my blog for a while or you know me personally, you know I act on impulse. If it sounds exciting then and there, I am in, and just like that, check made out and signed. We are going to Vermont! I was so excited that I broke out the old gear. And by breaking out I mean trying on. And spinning around in my living room… as everyone else was normal and sitting on the couch.

There she is. Making a guest appearance with my fridge. Which is giving all of my friends a guest appearance. And the Mets- that’s not my doing, it’s John’s fault.

And while I’m super excited to hit the slopes, I’m also slightly apprehensive. Lupus people or anyone with Reynauds understands how complex a relationship can be with cold weather. And just like that, an exciting hobby can be scary- Reynauds causes me to lose circulation and feeling in my extremities. But it’s because of lupus that I’ve given up so much in my life, and while I take it seriously I can’t allow it to take away the things that make me happy anymore. So lupus, screw you, I’m going snowboarding!

Any suggestions as to how to deal with the cold weather to protect my fingers and toes?!
Runners, I’m sure you have some tricks.