Hitting the ice
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009
The kids are off school all week so, for something completely different, I took them ice skating. Neither of them has ever been on any type of skates before, so it was an bound to be an “interesting” experience to say the least.
Many years ago, when I worked for a college with its own ice rink, I used to skate a couple of times a week and I really enjoyed it and managed to learn a few things. But that was about fifteen years ago and I haven’t been on skates since.
Considering where we were starting from, I think we did pretty well! Both kids fell quite a lot, but both got back up and kept trying. I expected the older one to have a good go, but the six year old surprised me by hanging in there and really have a good try. She only gave up when she got really cold…her gloves were soaked through and I couldn’t fault her for giving up at that point.
The older one (ten) has more confidence than skill and will insist on bashing away at it until he falls quite spectacularly. He ended up with more than a few bruises and also three blisters. The little one has more skill than confidence at this point and prefers to just hold on to me with two hands and squeal. She nearly took us both down many times and once or twice I was worried one of us might get hurt by flying blades.
But we managed. And both are willing (maybe not quite eager) to have another go later in the week. As for me, I’m dying to get back to skating regularly…if I can find the time and a quiet session for people who used to skate and are now getting old!
Here’s a tip for all you sports fans who will be stuck for something to watch once the Superbowl is over…the Rugby Six Nations Championship starts on 7th February. It only runs for a few weeks, but it will help keep you going until the next ‘football’ season.
The demonstration team practiced late yesterday and were there early this morning for last minute practice. I’m told they were very good (I was on taxi duty with the 5-year old) but I can’t help feeling that far too much effort went into the demonstration routine and not enough into preparing the students for the competition itself.