While the rest of the population in Pacific Standard Time was welcoming 2011 with countdowns, toasts, kisses, and watching that giant ball drop on TV (which, by the way, is about the most anticlimactic thing I’ve ever seen), I was chasing a wet, nightgown-clad 19 year-old boy through a snow covered trail in 3 degree weather with a video camera.
Allow me to explain.
First, I will begin by saying that yes, I did in fact get permission from my little brother to post this.
It was 11:30 PM, New Years Eve, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We were staying at our friends’ cabin and we had just begun the annual task of trying to convince our friend Eric to jump in the lake, saying things like, “But Eric, you have to. It’s tradition.” Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t, but this night, we were in for a surprise.
He said something like, “I’ll do it if Lance [my dad] does it.” My dad gave a little laugh before telling us he would do it for $10,000 because that is how much it would cost to be worth it. That’s when Tyler’s ears perked up. ‘Money? I’d do it for money!’ he thought. And so, the bidding began.
“I’ll give you $5!” someone shouted.
“I’ll give you $5 too, but you have to run all the way down the little trail with only socks on your feet and you don’t get a towel until you make it back to the cabin.” Ooh, that was tempting.
And then suddenly, the kicker… “I’ll give you $10, BUT” pause for dramatic effect “you have to wear Grandma Joyce’s old nightgown.” Silence.
Tyler’s eyes grew wide, his mouth dropped open, and then, “DEAL!”
And so, the stakes had reached $20, the time was now 11:49, and everyone was getting in on the ordeal. We had towel holders, photographers, videographers, flashlight operators, hot cocoa-makers, and fire kindlers. This event was not your average dip in the lake. Oh no, this was serious business.
As this was all being organized, Tyler emerged from the back room wearing an old, green, flannel nightgown complete with lace and frills. His expression was that of a sad puppy.
Enough with the nonsense though. It was show time. Everyone took their places down the dark little trail to the lake, and Tyler was given the “all’s clear for takeoff.” He burst through the doors of that cabin and flew down the stairs as fast as one can run in a nightgown and socks. Once he hit the snow they turned into short little high steps with, “Who! Haw! Eek! Ah!” coming out of his mouth, but I don’t think anyone could hear that over their laughter.
He rounded the last corner, let out a scream, and plowed straight into the lake. I think he may have reached a high C as he hit the frigid water and then plunged his head under. He practically took flight coming out of that lake and began the trek up to the cabin. I don’t think his screaming stopped the whole way up. As we all ran behind him, we watched ice flick off the hem of his nightgown and his feet stick to the snow.
I took a second to glace at my watch. 12:00. Midnight. Yes, Happy New Year indeed.
Tyler lunged through the cabin door where he was chased by an aforementioned towel holder, but didn’t stop until he was safely in the shower. When he came out a few minutes later, he was awarded the $20, and a cup of toasty cocoa.
Was it worth it, we asked? “Psh, yeah!” he said, like the alternative was not even an option.
Well, 2011, I have a feeling you’re going to be a very good year, or if nothing else, at least entertaining.
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