The holidays were over and the streets of New York City went back to its usual level of noise and bustle. As I bundled myself in boots, mittens, earmuffs, and my navy blue ski parka, I glanced out the window. It was a lazy winter day. The morning sky was dotted with patches of greyish-white clouds, and to the east the sun peeked out from behind one of them. The rays of light that shown through reflected off the blanket of white that covered my balcony, making the scene much brighter. In a little while, I would be meeting with my "other half," and would spend the rest of the day taking part in some of our favorite winter activities.

Closing the door behind me, I stepped out into the frosty air. Dragging my sled, skates, and other gear behind me, I made my way to Central Park. I strolled through the streets, splashing and sloshing through puddles of sleet and slush, as if I were twelve years old again. Around me, passerby were pointing and staring, but I didn't care. I grinned childishly at them all and continued on my way. Finally, I reached my destination and stopped at the top of a hill. The scene that greeted me was like something out of a movie.

Below me, a swarm of skaters glided (or stumbled!) across the river which had solidified over the past few days. Snow forts were nestled along the banks of snow, and kids of various ages were ducking behind them in hopes of dodging an arsenal of incoming snowballs. I could hear them calling, laughing, squealing in delight as the mounds of snow sailed over their heads. To my right, a little boy, probably seven years of age, was building his version of Frosty the Snowman with his big sister. To my left, a middle-aged (yes, middle-age) couple were making snow angels. On the bridge, I noticed couples walking hand in hand, silently enjoying the day and each other's company. Then I remembered about my own significant other. I scanned the crowd and after a few moments recognized his sunny yellow coat. Hmmm, I thought. Instead of walking all the way around and down the hill, it would be faster if I sledded down instead.

Bearing the cold, I listened to the snow crunch beneath my boots as I made my way to a spot where the slope was clear. An icy breeze rustled through the leafless trees, sending chills down my spine. I shivered and inhaled deeply, the cold temperatures making my breath look like tiny puffs of smoke. I sat on the sled and secured my skates in my lap so that they would not fall out. Taking another deep breath, I pushed off.

Wind in my face, I soared down the hill. Sledding was my favorite winter activity. There is nothing (except maybe skiing) that gives you the sensation that you're flying through the air, when you're really just coasting down a snowy incline. I screamed as I felt that rush through my body. I came to a halt and was surprised to see Lance standing there with that goofy grin on his face. Despite the cold, I felt myself melting inside. His smile, and the way he looked at me with those deep green eyes, always made me feel warm and special. "What took you so long?" he asked.

I smiled and replied, "Hey, I got here as fast as I could!"

He chuckled and helped me to my feet. We plopped ourselves down on a nearby bench and put on our ice skates. Together, we then made our way to the river and carefully stepped onto the ice. Saying it was slippery would ben an understatement. It took the both of us a couple of minutes to steady ourselves. "Ready?" he asked.

"Giddy up!" I answered. Holding hands, we skated off, just as a light snow began to shower down on us.

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