So the semester has started and I’ve relearned what the word “busy” means. No more books read yet, though I’ve started a few. Running going well. Averaging about 15-20 miles per week. It’s somewhere around the 1 hour and 15 minute that my knees start to hurt- oh boy, could be a long spring to prep for my June Half-Marathon. No new hobbies…yet but I think it will involve something with my hands- building or making something. Haven’t gone anywhere new yet…well haven’t gone anywhere yet but it’s barely February so I’ve got plenty of time. Cooking? Well, not quite. I’m afraid to attempt pulla again and looking for something easier at the moment.
February in Minnesota is quite depressing- it’s cold, it’s snowy and wet and cloudy, there’s lots of ice, it’s windy, it’s dark when you wake up, dark when you head home. There are no holidays to shorten the work week. All we have to celebrate is the upcoming Super Bowl that begins in just under half an hour so I better get to it. Hope wherever you’re reading this the weather is a bit more pleasant (and you too might be watching or watched the Super Bowl last night)- I know a few Finns are about to wake up to their 1:30 am alarm clocks- that’s what I call fans! 
Book #2 Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Author: Christopher McDougall
Okay, wow, all I can say about this book is wow. You must go get this book now and read it, especially if you’re a runner. Wow! It’s amazing. This is a book about ultrarunning to the extreme. Rocky start- you know those books that take a few pages to get into their groove to the point you contemplate whether or not it’s worth your time? In this book’s case that’s exactly how I started. The reviews were incredible and I’m a runner so it just seemed to fit but I had a hard time reading through the back story of the Tarahumara people and the history of this tribe- though fascinating, I was ready to jump into the running and racing. BUT, once you get into it and get going, the book feels like you’re on a run as the author brings you along his journey. Holy cow, it’s a page turner. I was completely immersed in this book for four days and couldn’t put it down. And wouldn’t you know, during the days of reading this book I fit in two 7 mile workouts and felt awesome (I’ve never run 7 miles in my life so that was significant for me- and I can’t wait to get back going)
The message of the book is just so clear and something we forget- running is fun and it’s the most natural thing we do- we are in fact born to run. As kids, we ran, we ran everywhere. What happens between childhood and adulthood that makes us forget that? I ran track in high school and remember hating it. I hated practice. I hated the hills, the repetitive intervals (I was a sprinter). It was painful. The meets were fun but running…I didn’t really enjoy it. But now, 10 years later, running has become a very core element of my life because I’ve accepted it as part of who I am and my identity. I’ve given myself over to the process and the state of mind that let’s this thing be apart of me and everything I do from how I eat, sleep, and take care of myself. Somehow, everything is getting shaped by having this core center and being at peace with myself- that’s what running does for me (and I know that sounds CRAZY to a lot of people and it probably should- it sure did to me a couple years ago). Maybe there’s something in the air here in Minnesota, I don’t know but I like it and I’ll breath it in all day. This book really provides some great insights about why people hate running, how we get caught up in the “right” way of running and the “right” clothes to wear or “right” shoes to buy and just tells you to run and enjoy it however you do it, everything else works itself out naturally- kind of like life when you think about it. Amazing! Seriously amazing book.
My favorite excerpt from the book:
Quote from Joe Vigil, legendary running coach: “There are two goddesses in your heart…the Goddess of Wisdom and the Goddess of Wealth. Everyone thinks they need to get wealth first, and wisdom will come. So they concern themselves with chasing money. But they have it backwards. You have to give your heart to the Goddess of Wisdom, give her all your love and attention, and the Goddess of Wealth will become jealous, and follow you.” Ask nothing from your running, in other words, and you’ll get more than you ever imagined.” p. 94 from the book. I think this speaks volumes and applicable to any profession, career or personal pursuit. Do what you love first and foremost and expect nothing. Do it because you love it…the rest will come when you’re ready to receive it I think and by then it will feel like icing on the cake that you’re already enjoying (if you like icing of course- maybe gravy on the mashed potatoes is a better analogy for people . Seriously, go read this book now.
This is one of the funniest things I’ve read this year and had to share.
Minnesota tourism agency tracks quirkiest queries
USA Today Online (Jan. 5th, 2010)
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2010-01-04-minnesota-quirkiest-queries_N.htm?csp=usat.me
ST. PAUL (AP) — If you’re planning a vacation in Minnesota and you call one of their travel counselors for help, try not to ask about things that only happen in other parts of the country.
Otherwise you might end up with your question on the state’s “Quirkiest Queries” list, compiled by Chuck Lennon, who handles media relations for Explore Minnesota Tourism.
The list came about because Lennon was looking for something fun to add to his annual year-in-review report at the office. He decided to ask counselors from the state’s call-in lines and 11 travel information centers to send him details about the “corniest calls” they received in the past year.
And how do tourism workers deal with queries that range from amusing to ignorant? Lennon said they are given this training: “Don’t laugh in their faces. Calm yourself and just deal with it.”
Some of these are anecdotes from Explore Minnesota Tourism travel information centers, which tourists visit in person; others are compiled from phone or mail queries.
• “I’m coming in July and I want snowmobile rental information.”
• “Where do we go to do the whale-watching?”
• “Is there such a thing as an easy fishing lake? Something without having to hunt and work real hard?”
• “We want to tour the Edmund Fitzgerald.” (The ship sank in a storm off of Whitefish Bay, Wis., in 1975, in Lake Superior.)
• A traveler asking to see a bridge in Minnesota with arches was shown various photos, none of which seemed right to her. She finally identified a picture of the St. Louis Gateway Arch as the right attraction, and was given directions to Missouri.
• “Does one need a travel permit or visa to visit Minnesota?”
• “Is it always foggy in Duluth? What time will the fog lift?” (It is often foggy in Duluth but the fog does not lift on a prearranged schedule.)
• A New Yorker who stopped by the Thompson Hill travel information center in Duluth mentioned that he’d gotten a speeding ticket on the way there. He said that when he told the officer he was headed to Northeastern Minnesota to see owls, the cop didn’t just give him a citation; he also directed him to good places for owl-watching.
• “I want an adult-only resort, no kids! I also want a beach, but there has to be a swimming pool, I’m not swimming in that filthy lake!”
• “Congratulations to the Minnesota Legislature for being willing to include money to support this type of visitor center and keep important the little towns, which could be regarded as dead or dying.”
For more information: 888-868-7476 orexploreminnesota.com
It’s official, I have registered for the Team Ortho Minneapolis Half-Marathon! I have 151 days (and counting) to get ready. Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into?!? I see weeks of ice pads, heating pads, icy hot, pasta and lots of stretching in my future. But I’ll be on the starting line on June 6th, 2010 (and hopefully I’ll cross the finish line!)
Book #1: The Lost Symbol
Author: Dan Brown
Date Finished Reading: January 2nd, 2010
I read the Davinci Code and Angels and Demons and loved them both so this was an obvious choice. Without giving away any sort of review, I’ll just say this- I read it in 3 days so apparantly it was good enough to keep my interest. Though I wouldn’t call it the next Angels and Demons (I liked that better than Davinci Code) a good majority of it is a page turner.
The thing about dressing for cold weather and maintaining an active lifestyle (i.e. walking and biking as you commute to where you’re going) is all about the layers. For optimal warmth you want to be thinking about a base layer, mid layer an insulating layer and a shell- though not all worn at the same time. Often you can bypass some of these layers by wearing a very thick outer insulating layer. Those interested in shopping around will be happy to know that these reviews include options for both men and women. Also please know that I am in no way endorsing any of these products or work for any of these companies (boy would that be nice though for the employee discount. ) This is just stuff I like to wear. Also, please note that a lot of this stuff looks pricey (especially when you see advertisements for $10 coats at Old Navy). Please keep in mind that 1) these have accumulated over the past 8 years for me and never all bought at once as most people would also say. And 2) it’s an investment. These coats and gear will last a LONG time and I will not be cold. It has all really become apart of me and I trust that I’ll be warm and dry anywhere. It took me a really long time (and many freezing experiences) to get it. It’s really more like adopting a lifestyle which if you’re moving to or living someplace cold- you just have to. If you have questions you’re always welcome to contact me anytime and I’ll respond (or find someone who knows better than me )
WOMEN: take into consideration that I am a 5′10, 145lbs., athletic build and I’m very active.
Base layer
Under Armour Cold Gear and Halti Active Dry material are my favorites if I’m intentionally dressing for cold. Otherwise any regular shirt will do (i.e. if going to work, etc.). What you want in a base layer is material that keeps seat off your body and retains the heat at the same time giving it a breathability feel to it. I wear small sizes in Halti though for having such long legs (and Finnish women not typically being as tall as American women) the pants run a bit short for my frame but the medium is far too large in the waist and leg. Long socks are best to wear over to the bottom of the legs stay in place. For Under Armour cold gear I’ll wear small as well. They are supposed to fit snug but should be comfortable and move with your body.
WHERE TO BUY:
Under Armour Cold Gear Mock: $49.99 @ underarmour.com
Halti Active Dry Kylie Set 59.90€ – halti.com
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Mid Layer
I call the mid layer the fleece layer. I utilize a mid layer during early spring and almost all of fall either solo or underneath a shell. Just something warm. This is most often my Haglöfs fleece. I’m unsure of what the model was originally called but it’s apart of their Polartec Micro line. I LOVE it. I like medium because they are European fit and a little snugger than a U.S. small. And I like to feel comfortable in them. I have two and add more whenever I can afford them. Another GREAT option is the First Ascent fleece which you can read about in my future review of many First Ascent products.
WHERE TO BUY
In the United States you can buy Haglöfs fleece jackets online at Sierra Trading Post for about $40-$75
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Insulating layer
An insulating layer will vary depending on the temperature. For milder weather, insulating layers often are the outer layer. In really cold temperatures they sit inside the shell. Or, in really cold temperatures, large insulating jackets are used. I have found the world’s best insulating layer this winter (also known as my Christmas present from my boyfriend.) I tried on every single thing insulating jacket I could get my hands on over the past three months and have found the Women’s North Face Thunder Down Jacket to be the best jacket on the plant! I LOVE it. The arms are the perfect length (always a struggle for us tall, long leg, long arm girls) and it fits perfect all around. I got the medium because the small was too tight in my shoulders. And it’s absolutely perfect. Not to mention it looks great!
WHERE TO BUY
Search Google for the best price. Available anywhere.
When it’s REALLY cold, you’ll see me walking around in my Haglöfs Down coat. Won’t feel an ounce of cold here, it speaks for itself! Big and puffy down (yes you will look like a marshmallow but you will not care when it’s 17 degrees below zero). What I like about this jacket is the large Haglofs logo on the back. Just something kind of different. I have it in black though you’ll see it below in a pink color. The length is great, size medium and I’m always warm no matter the temperature.
WHERE TO BUY
Finland or other places in Europe- sorry locals! But you can find down coats of this caliber pretty much anywhere. I also really like the First Ascent down coat that’s really cool!! [Review pending on men's model in future blog post]
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Shell Jacket
This was the longest search for me (we’re talking years) and I still might change my mind as I have with many jackets before. But for now I’ve fallen in love with the Patagonia Ascensionist Soft Shell jacket. Just used it for a week in Washington DC, 30 degrees, damp and windy and it was GREAT. It’s a soft shell and waterproof and windproof. VERY lightweight. The size is PERFECT though be aware that it runs really big. I got an XS and based on reviews from others of my size, weight and build, this seems to be the size to go with. If you’re tall like me you’ll LOVE the length of the arms! I tried on and wore the small for a day with my Haglöf’s fleece underneath and it was baggy.
WHERE TO BUY
You can buy this jacket many places, including from Patagonia.com – $250 (as of Jan 3, 2010 it’s 50% off for $125)
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Accessories
Socks, hats, gloves, all very important. You can’t go wrong with anything that has fleece around the ears and thinsulate lining especially for gloves. The one thing I’ll highlight here is my new favorite brand- SMARTWOOL. I have five pairs of Smartwool socks and counting. They are a wool blend sock, breathable, warm, your feet retain heat and release any moisture so they’re always dry. Buy one pair and wear it everywhere and you’ll be hooked. Best to talk with someone at REI and discuss your typical uses and they’ll suggest the right kind- there are so many different sizes and types for me to tell you which one is best. For outdoor running in winter I swear by the light cushion hiking socks because they are high enough to cover my ankles from the cold. Indoors, I run in the PhD light cushion socks. Day to day I wear any of the hiking sock models- varying from light cushion to medium cushion (this week with the cold it’s been medium cushion everyday!)
Prices: $12-$30
WHERE TO BUY: REI and Sierra Trading Post has them on sale often
So, it’s cold, no scratch that, it’s freezing. No seriously, it’s well BELOW freezing by MANY degrees up here in Minneapolis this week. On Saturday, the temperature was -17F (-27C) and made it to -4F for the high (-20C)!! It was COLD. This morning at 8am, it’s -14F (-25C) but we’re looking forward to a heat wave when the high hits close to +4F! Yes, I know I’m in Minneapolis, MN, and yes, this is normal. But boy can it shock your system. The good thing is, this kind of cold only lasts for about a week or two and then it goes back to the teens and 20s. And the darkness, geez! Locals can probably sympathize as well. You wake up at 7am and it looks like 4am outside. All I can say is I’m glad it’s winter break and I’m not having to wake up for anything. The snooze button never felt so good!
In light of this really, really frigid weather that marks winter #3 for me in Minneapolis I thought this would be a good time to post reviews of some of the clothes I use to stay warm and brands that are becoming some of my favorites when I need to bundle up. I’ve had the luxury of receiving a really good education from my boyfriend (a Finn from the Arctic Circle) on the importance of layers and what the different types of materials mean. Today I’m going to make a series of posts to feed the minds of those interested in dressing warm and staying warm in any kind of weather.
First, I’ll highlight the places I shop.
In the next post I’ll review some of the classic gears and brands I’ve been wearing and learning about over the past six years including The North Face, Under Armour, haglöfs, and Halti.
And the final post I’ll highlight some newcomers to my wardrobe this year. One known to many, one new to all as it just came out this year. These include Smartwool and the newcomer on the block- First Ascent by Eddie Bauer
So, for the places I shop, here you go (all great to find anything you need for winter weather)- I’ll get more specific about where the products I’ll review above can be found when I review them later.
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REI: http://www.rei.com/: Probably the best store for people who know NOTHING about what to wear for cold weather because the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. And the selection is so great! Join their membership for $20 (lifetime membership) and receive close to a 10% dividend at the end of each year and gain access to multi 20% sales each year. This is our first go to store for gear! LOCATION: physical stores all over the country and online
MidWest Mountaineering: http://www.midwestmtn.com/: Local just to Minneapolis I believe and more expensive than REI (their selection often includes brands that are more expensive). This is a place we try things on and rarely buy (or can afford) in store (the life of a graduate student doesn’t pay enough ). Midwest Mountaineering combined with backcountry.com though- awesome combo for those wanting great gear but on a budget! They have their own “outlet” store upstairs in their shop that has some great finds just after the end of each season which I love. LOCATION: Minneapolis, MN
backcountry.com: Their outlet store is often a great place to find stuff that is just about to sell out and sales on things that are about to release new models. Also a great place to find things in general cheaper than you can find in most specialty stores. LOCATION: online only
Sierra Trading Post: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ I love this store for stocking up on things like socks and shirts and boots. You can find some great things that are a season old and are still great. The prices are GREAT and the selection is HUGE. Best to have some idea what you’re looking for before entering such as a brand and knowledge of material and your size in certain brands because one can easily get lost in the quantities and varieties. LOCATION: online only
Hello and Happy New Year Frozen-Reindeer readers! As we enter a new decade in 2010 I’ve spent some time thinking about the journey my blog has taken and where I see it going. I appreciate and have loved all the comments to my posts, photos and videos and countless emails from people all over the world. I could never have imagined this blog would reach the places and people it has thus far so I appreciate you continuing to read. In moving forward, in addition to redesigning the site (almost complete) I think this blog has worked the best by being filled with written reviews, photos, and videos of places, food, events and numerous toys and gadgets I come into contact with, both Finnish and American. So, I’m going to continue doing much of the same, though I’m hopeful to do it better and more frequently. I figure, if it ain’t broke, why fix it (common American phrase for those of you reading outside the country).
So, in order to do this blog better, and write about more things I experience I’ve realized that I need to experience more things!!! So, I’m going to add things to my life to have more to blog about and in turn have more for you to read and (hopefully) enjoy. So, I start this year of blogging with my list of 2010 goals and aspirations. NOTE- this is not a list of resolutions. I find new years resolutions pointless because they seem to be temporary and not actual lifestyle changes (anyone else at any point in your life make a resolution to give something up like coffee or chocolate?- yeah, you had a Hershey Bar last night and started your morning with a large cup of coffee didn’t you? I like resolutions that add more than they take away.
So, in an attempt to add more to my life, this is my list of five goals for 2010. BUT, if December 31 rolls around and I haven’t achieved everything (though I’m hopeful that won’t be the case) but should that happen- 2011’s list will be that much longer!
Goal #1: Run a Half-Marathon. I originally told myself that I would run a marathon immediately following defending my dissertation in a few years. I think I’m ready to start prepping and have really gotten into running over the past year- those familiar with Minneapolis know the trails just can’t be beat! So, I think the Minneapolis Half-Marathon has my name on it this summer!
Goal #2: Read 30 non-school assigned books. I think this number could be higher but I’m also aware of how much TV I watch. I think 30 is a good goal considering my spare time for reading involves winter break (in the middle of book number 1 for the year) and three months in the summer. Why read more? I love to read and I love to write. One does both of these better by reading a lot of different things.
Goal #3: Learn to cook TWO new FINNISH recipes. I don’t just mean make either- I’ve made many attempts at homemade pulla and I really have some issues with consistency. To qualify as completing this goal, the dishes must be edible and enjoyable- my boyfriend will hold me to this one- his standards and taste buds are primed for review! I’m realizing now I should just make a goal for one but I’ve got all year. And two makes it a real challenge!
Goal #4: Learn a new hobby. Haven’t decided what this will be yet. I really want to take up photography a notch above my amateur level because that is something I could really share with others (and it can make my blog photos better). I just know I need to find another active activity to engage in.
Goal #5: Visit TWO new cities I’ve never been before. By visit I must stay at least one night and send a post card to someone, not just a stopover. My motivation for this one is really just to learn and absorb the world around me outside of what’s familiar.
I think five goals is plenty for now. I would make a goal to blog more frequently but I would never set myself up for failure. But my guess is that in working towards my goals, I’ll have more to write about so there should be no worries. I’m hopeful 2010 is an enjoyable year for everyone. 2009 had many ups and downs for myself and many others I know but overall I was happy. If you have a goal for nothing else, I hope aspiring for happiness is on everyone’s list of daily goals.
I’ll continue posting photos on my Flickr page and videos on YouTube so you can check those out at any time (most are posted on the blog so you’ll most likely see them all following the blog).
AND, last but not least, another trip to Finland is planned for Summer 2010!!!
Happy 2010 everyone- I hope it’s a good one! Keep reading and writing and commenting!
Hyvää uuttavuotta kaikille ja toivottavasti 2010 on parempi entä edellinen. Jatkakaa blogini lukemista ja kommenttien lähettämistä.
-Angela
Just wanted to take a little time to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and let you know that Frozen-Reindeer is going through some design changes to prep for 2010 (so don’t be alarmed if you see things move around from day to day over the next week! Everything should be setup by the start of the year but in the meantime feel free to take a look at the new Frozen-Reindeer in progress. Some subtle changes but just enough to spice things up as I plan future directions for the site! Frozen-Reindeer has also been readied for mobil web browsing so you can view posts and updates easily on your mobile devices such as the iPhone.
I hope everyone had a great holiday and has a happy and safe new year!
From my friend Wikipedia:
Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in Canada and the United States. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general. While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday. [1]
The date and location of the first Thanksgiving celebration is a topic of modest contention. The traditional “first Thanksgiving” is the celebration that occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621. The Plymouth celebration occurred early in the history of what would become one of the original thirteen colonies that became the United States. The celebration became an important part of the American myth by the 1800s. This Thanksgiving, modeled after celebrations that were commonplace in contemporary Europe, is generally regarded as America’s first. Elementary school teacher Robyn Gioia has argued that the earliest attested “thanksgiving” celebration in what is now the United States was celebrated by the Spanish on September 8, 1565 in what is now Saint Augustine, Florida. Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Thanksgiving dinner is held on this day, usually as a gathering of family members and friends.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
