A warm New Year’s morning, a long‑delayed reunion, and the simple joy of getting outside together.
The first walk of the year couldn’t have started on a better note. Bryan and I managed to meet up just before noon, grabbing a quick lunch before heading out. He treated me to a Thanksgiving Stack, and honestly, it hit the spot—exactly the kind of hearty, comforting food that sets the tone for a good day. With the dog trotting happily off leash, we made our way along the power lines on the north end, settling into that familiar pace that comes so naturally when you’re walking with someone you enjoy spending time with.
The weather surprised me in the best way. I’d only thrown on a vest and a long‑sleeve undershirt, expecting to feel the chill, but it turned out to be warmer than I thought. I did have a moment where I wished I’d grabbed my gloves—funny enough, I actually brought a pair but left them in the vehicle without thinking. Even so, the fresh air and steady movement kept me comfortable, and the whole walk felt like a gentle reset for the new year.
What made the morning even more meaningful was knowing how long Bryan’s night had been. He’d flown in on New Year’s Eve, and his plane was delayed by quite a bit, so he arrived much later than planned. Despite the long travel day, he still made the effort to meet up, and that made the walk feel like a small celebration of friendship, routine, and starting the year off right. It was simply a delight to get out together, catch up, and ease into January with good company and a good meal.
π€️ Spring Vibes in January, Steps, Snaps, and a Surprise Leap
Walking with Joe today felt like an early gift from spring, even though it’s only January 1. I strapped on my 14 kg pack—despite promising myself I’d wait until the warmer months—and the weather made it feel like the perfect day to break that rule. Joe, as always, was an awesome friend and walking partner, and by the time I remembered to start tracking, we’d already covered about 1.5–2 km. The best part was noticing how easy my heart rate stayed the whole time, a clear sign that all the effort I’ve been putting in is paying off. I’m really glad we got out there together.
I snapped two nice photos on our walk and racked up a solid number of steps, but the real adventure came courtesy of my “working dog”—at least according to a passerby. I laughed it off and later told Joe that while she looks the part in her harness, she’s far too jumpy to actually hold the job. Sure enough, when we crossed paths with the same people again, she was a little loose on the leash and suddenly jumped up, causing a moment of pure panic and pandemonium. I honestly didn’t expect that slip, and my brother would definitely have a few choice words about my dog‑training skills. I was so focused on keeping other people out of the camera frame for privacy that juggling both the dog and the camera became a bit of a circus act. Next time, I’ll have Joe hold one or the other so I’m not trying to do everything at once.



Great happy first day of January ππ
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