I think I finally reached my outdoor winter limit.. Here it goes…

My 10 year old god-daughter received a new sparkly purple and silver bike for Christmas. Now, like any child would, upon receiving this bike, she wanted to go for a ride at every opportunity but due to lack of time she never got a chance. Last weekend she asked could she come over to ride her bike. I reluctantly agreed and prayed Maryland’s bi-polar weather would work in my favor for just ONE day.

Saturday comes and she’s at my house excited and ready to go.. Apparently the sun gods were off work that day and their weather husbands were on vacation IT WAS FREEZING. I was really trying to fathom in my head why she would want to ride her bike in the sunless cold but couldn’t come up with a solution. Now, let me preface by saying, telling her “no, lets wait until spring” was not an option. I have realized the role I play in her life and I also remember being that young and 1. being excited to be with someone I look up to, 2. receiving something new and wanting to try it, use it, and do it all day. Nevertheless I digress.. I grab a hat, scarf, 2 sweaters, coat and gloves and head outside as she eagerly awaits.. We take off down the path and shes beaming with joy.. Was I beaming with joy?? Well, thanks to the wind,  my eyes looked like I cut 1,000 onions and the only thing that prevented my lips from freezing off was the ninja like tying skills I did with my scarf.

I decided to take her the long way on the path so that she felt satisfied, and go figure, she actually got tired along the way and had to take a break.. SCORE!! We finally get back home (after roughly 2.5mi) and watching her toil to get to some water while smiling made me feel better. Did I mention, she was not wearing gloves nor did she once complain about the weather.. It’s funny, when we want something bad enough we either ignore the or overlook the adversity. While I was busy highlighting the setbacks (mentally), she simply worked with what she had.

Soooo.. Despite everything I had a good time and I also learned a few things. As gung ho and lets all run a marathon as I am, temperatures under 40 degrees just don’t agree with me. Will I still do events under these temps?? Of course. I love skiing…but outside of skiing you will not find me volunteering to do ANYTHING outdoors, under 40 degrees, with no sun, and tons of wind. The greatest lesson however was, NEVAAAA EVAAAAA EVAAAA buy a kid a bike during an east coast winter unless you’re prepared to ride with them!! If you do buy them a bike and don’t let them ride it until spring you are cruel Lol.. Hopefully one day i’m not eating my words. If so…to that dreaded can I ride my new bike question I will cheerfully say.. Ask your dad!!