WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1 2014 >>>

1. One glance into their eyes will tell you that winter weirdness has consumed them. While most folks snowshoe the backcountry around Mount Rainier, soak in hot springs or hibernate by the fire with a pile of unfinished books and a cupboard full of cocoa, a few freaks laugh at the Snow Meister's work and jump into icy-cold sea water. Consider this the Ultimate Hardass Competition. at 11:30 a.m., join them and take the plunge into the icy waters of Commencement Bay. Once you emerge  - and you will, though your skin might be slightly blue  - you can warm your bones next to a heater while sipping free hot drinks. Weirdo.

2. In the spirit of the new year, Washingtonians are encouraged to start 2014 with a healthy hike and connect with the diverse natural resources and recreation opportunities found at state parks across Washington today. Fifteen state parks are offering guided hikes ranging from interpretive strolls through military batteries and Puget Sound coastal forests, to snowshoe walks in the Selkirk and Cascade mountains.

3. If you have yet to check out the ice skating adventures in currently being offered in Tollefson Plaza, today might just be your chance to do so. The Franciscan Polar Plaza, located on the corner of Pacific Avenue and South 17th Street, is a covered outdoor rink is about half the size of a hockey rink. It sports real ice and holds about 150 skaters at a time. And it's pretty awesome. Skate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

4. Nursing a hangover? Find your way to The Grand Cinema in Tacoma for a great movie in a dark room. Inside Llewyn Davis, Nebraska, Philomena and Saving Mr. Banks are currently playing. In Olympia, the place to hit is the Capitol Theater, where A Perfect Man and The Fifth Estate are playing.  

5. There's a ton of football on today. New Year's Day is synomous the pigskin. Browse our bar listings and find the perfect place to watch whatever game interests you.

LINK: Wednesday, Jan. 1 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area