Snowboard Lessons

So, as I am telling stories of skiing and snowboarding last year, I would be remiss to mention the fact that it was the FIRST time ever for me to be on a snowboard. I had heard that it could be a bit difficult to learn, to take things slow, to be patient and not to plan on really knowing how to snowboard on the first try.

So my friend talked me into joining her at a ski resort not far from Denver. I had borrowed equipment from another friend. I had studied YouTube videos the night before "Beginning Snowboarding," "Learn to Snowboard" and "Snowboarding 101". Perhaps there was even one called, "Snowboarding for Dummies." But what they each should have said is, "There is absolutely, positively NO WAY you will learn how to snowboard using our videos." I honestly don't recommend teaching yourself to snowboard using YouTube videos.

I crashed and burned on the kiddie slope all day long. My friend was trying to be patient, but when mid-afternoon rolled around and I honestly could not figure out how to steer or stop the board. She got a bit concerned and called ski patrol to take me to the bottom of the mountain. For those of you who have never skied (or boarded), being taken to the bottom of the mountain by patrol is a pretty embarrassing proposition or means you got hurt. I will say I have still not been able to silence her on her advice to get a helmet. (I thought I was good with my matching beanie - it looked good).

I hate it when people say I can't do something (even if in this case the "people" I'm talking about were the muscles I didn't know I had). It drives me even more to do what some might think impossible. And at that point, I did kinda think that the possibility of me snowboarding was mission impossible but, I was not about to give up. I figured that I had heard that it takes a couple times to "get it" so this was just the first time. And then miraculously, went back for more!

This time I was smart enough to get lessons (for those of you who know how to ski - snowboarding is sooooo NOT the same thing). After my second day on the slopes, I was beginning to see improvement. I could actually stand up and go more than a few feet. I could stop it and to some extent steer.

I even go so enthused about the sport, I can't wait to get back. Keep following my blog to find out more about my adventures on the slopes, my son continuing to learn and then this year - I get to add my daughter who will likely 'board' circles around me by the first day.

Trying it another way

I have been divorced now for just over 2 years. I must say that for the most part this has been a good move for me and (hopefully) I have not scarred my children for life. I find that I am seeking all kinds of different things to do and to fill my time when the kids are not with me (I have a really messed up schedule with them, me and the ex). I also look for fun and exciting things to do with them when they are here.

I live in the greatest state (I think) for fun stuff to do. I am a proud native of Colorado! There are so many things to do here - many of which do not cost a lot. We can hike - or when I am tricking the kids into going along - it is just a "nature walk" or go sledding down at hill (in some parts of the country they might call them mountains).

I am finally settling into the single life with the kids with me every other weekend. I get to go out with friends and fill my time with part time jobs, volunteer opportunities (Ok, so I am volunteering at the beer festival - it doesn't sounds so impressive when I tell you the truth!) I am trying life another way. I am trying to take advantage of every moment I have!