With all of our children on the same holiday break, our family escaped to the warm beaches of Waikiki for a little sunshine this Christmas.  Imagine our surprise when we returned to all of this snow! Brrr! We looked a little silly exiting SeaTac in our flip-flops and shorts in 20-degree weather.  This immediately made me dread the severity of the impending Polar Plunge 'cleansing' that typically takes place on January 1st each year in Marina Park.  Hundreds of crazy locals rush towards the frigid waters of Lake Washington to shock their systems into a reset for the new year.  This has always been an unsanctioned event that has taken on a life of its own, an unwritten yet beloved tradition of Kirklanders.   But then I found this!

Kirkland Patch has reported that Kirkland Parks & Community Services will host a "January Jump" on Jan 22nd at Houghton Beach Park, complete with trivia, prizes, games, contests, food trucks, and free clam chowder courtesy of Ivar's.  Despite the New Year's tardiness (as we've become generally accustomed to during this pandemic), it sounds like we are really elevating our game.   If you want in on the action, you will have to register online in advance for $5 or pay $10 on the event day,  and you can also receive a t-shirt ($15 advanced reg) to recognize your insanity bravery. Proceeds benefit the Recreation Scholarship Fund.  And in true 2020/2021/2022 (!!?) fashion, there will also be a virtual option ($10) that sounds cozy, albeit symbolically unfulfilling. Registration link is on the Kirkland Parks Website or you can call 425-587-3336.  

Can I get this body bathing suit ready by the 22nd? That's a tall order. Will the sun come out and warm up the lake so I don't have a heart attack that day?  Also doubtful.  But I could use a shock to the system.  A little wake up call of sorts.  Whichever day you decide (or not) to take the LEAP, let's make this a great, well ok I'd setttle for just 'better', 2022.  Love you Kirkland. xo