Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

I don't think I ever thought I'd say that, but yes, please do! It's no secret that I live in a place of snow, and let me tell you, Aomori doesn't mess around. From what I've been told, this area is also the coldest area in the entire prefecture (despite being on the south end). Sannohe (the next town over) has the record lows and highs for this ken, and being right next door to it means that Takko shares in this wonderful weather.

That being said, after nearly a week of being back, I'm still waking up every morning, opening my window, and being amazed at the blinding white light that is shining back at me. I lay in my bed for an extra 15 minutes every morning to wait for the heater to take the chill off of my room. I also have to add three minutes to my get-out-of-the-house-on-time routine to account for putting on boots, a sufficiently warm jacket, earmuffs or hat, and gloves. It's more time consuming than you think. I was anticipating that I'd be dressed like that kid from A Christmas Story and I wouldn't be able to put my arms down. Such is not the case...yet.

The paths and roads I use to walk to work are not plowed...ever. My way to work is usually completely covered and on my first day back, I had a crash course lesson in how to walk in the snow. Fact: Never ever step in snow that is uncharted. I decided to take my shortcut through the park and ignore the already carved out path that was a bit out of the way; I found myself in knee-deep snow with only one way out. Nice. I've learned to always work where others before you already have in order to avoid that fate. It's been working out nicely. But, I continue to go out of my way to step in snow that has yet to be touched, just like the 24-year-old that I am.

The crew at 229 Skiland
Takko's leading premier ski resort :)

But aside from the promise of sledding, snowman building and snowball fights with the kindergarteners, I also look forward to the weekends of boarding. Like I've mentioned before, I have made it my prerogative to improve my skills from akachan (baby) snowboarder to professional! Okay, maybe not professional, but to the point where I'm not freaked out by trees. I bought a new board and bindings in hopes that this will help the progress...first test run of the new board is tonight. Will let you know how that goes!


Granted, I know my opinion of this weather may change over time (the winter here lasts until April, after all), I am welcoming the snow with open arms until then!