Sometimes I Amaze Even Myself

That fateful time rolled around again today- family skating. The family had gone on Friday and didn't mention anything about me coming so I thought I was in the clear. Alas, today as the family discussed their plans for skating in the afternoon my slightly sarcastic 'Oh how fun!' was misinterpreted and an invitation to come along was extended my way. I sat there with my heart pounding and mind racing (yes I know this is  an intense reaction for a skating invitation, don't judge me) and as images of me flailing, crashing, and walking away from the skate path dejected flashed through my mind, I told them I would come along and give it a try. I did make sure to tell them that I was extremely nervous, would crash many many times, and that if I just was not getting the hang of it I would show myself off the path and wait for them to finish.

We parked a little ways off the path and I laced up my skates watching the bikes and skaters fly by- it did not help the sinking sensation in my stomach. After being helped up off the curb and almost taking out a couple kids in the process, I was forced to take the first steps. And  steps they were. I'm sure people were staring as I practically high stepped my way up the hill towards to path- actually skating was too terrifying to attempt at that point.Then off went the family and I had no choice to try and transform my steps into skating., After some pointers and repeated instructions to not try and walk in the skates, I was able to keep up with the kids that were still getting a hang of it (yay for me!). I was in no way comfortable skating, but for the 3 mile skate trip I did not fall a single time (my flailing saved me more times than I can count). I know, I was amazed at the lack of crashing. The last half of the trip I kept thinking 'oh my gosh, I'm going to make it back and not even fall!' and then this song started playing on repeat in my head. Too bad  I didn't have a group of people waiting for me by the car to serenade me. That would have been fantastic.

Now I just have to get enough practice in over the next couple months so I am prepared for the 10 mile skate trip we are going to do near their cottage in the mountains. I am not ready for hills...