Balancing on the only safe surface for hundreds of metres I try to retell the story of how I snapped two ligaments in my left knee. As I tell this 18 year old tale, the magic carpet, as it is called, slowly but surely edges me closer to the top of the slope where I will need to act my age and be .. well … brave; a hard task when you are a chicken poop like me. Although currently in my mid 30’s, I can easily regress into the 14 year old girl that I never was … scared.
While ignoring the task ahead of me I continue to tell the tale and feel relieved to hear how brave I am, that I should return after the experience of my last visit. Such positivity from a young man balancing on the magic carpet behind me as my instructor, is a reminder that I am stuck in the middle between what are his expectations and what will eventuate when I slide off the carpet onto the snow. Would now be a good time to mention I have had issues with my inner ear?
So easy to talk to, he is obviously very good at his job, I am already starting to feel at ease, so much so, that if I should fall and hold up the line of fellow snowboarders or skiers edging to the top of this carved section of snow, that it won’t be the end of mankind. Actually, shouldn’t this school area be larger? We are beginners after all. As I ponder this possible miscalucation I soak in the comforting sight of beginners creeping their way down the slope at a similar speed to our travelling up and begin to understand the unnecessary waste of mountain space if the square were any larger.
Back to hearing how brave I am to even be here, oh that’s right, the conversation has moved on to something else…. Oh dear, the top is getting closer … what else can I talk about, my knees are shaking and it’s not because I am cold. “Oh, I have a 6 year old over there in the snowboarding class and a 4 year old over there learning how to ski” I blurt out suddenly …. What? I have children? That’s right, I have 3 young boys which means I am a mother and most likely an adult… oh my goodness, get a grip, I am travelling at 2 metres per hour and if I fall, then I have the inner ear problem to redeem myself. 
Charcoalblue 
You sound just like me, but I did that before I had kids. I think the worst part is the ski-lift! But aren’t they proud of their mom! (I inconveniently tore a few things in my right knee the last day skiing and had to hang up the old ski-pass. For life. Doctor’s orders. hmmm.)
Hmmm … I went on the ski lift too and I wasn’t quick enough to get on the same chair as my husband who agreed to help me off at the top so I was stuck on a chair with experienced skiers. I explained my predicament and they all reassured me they would be long gone before I even found my balance. I was on a snowboard and I seriously contemplated jumping off the lift before getting to the top to avoid humiliation. Turns out, humiliation doesn’t feel so bad. I might go see your Dr though.
Hmm…found falling down isn’t humiliating. Not being able to get up and going down the mountain on a rescue sled – that qualifies.
You would like this doctor. Recommends kids go to classes and participate while you stay off slopes to get therapeutic massage, sit in sun or by fire – to read or sip a medicinal tonic. All per written orders. No insurance reimbursement though.
yeeessss, I had forgotten all about the sled thing. I pretended I was unconscious by keeping my mouth half open. Still had my goggles on so I could keep my eyes slightly open to watch the reactions of fellow onlookers. Small things …
Hey Simone, yes, when I heard that you were going to the snow I was quietly worried about you but held back from saying anything. Better falling onto snow than falling onto concrete in a scooter park, like I did recently. It was captured on my camera video so last mothers day at church they decided to play it repeatedly for some light entertainment!
I’m just relieved you didn’t end up on the evening news.
Row
Hardly light entertainment I’m sure. Yes, I’m glad I didn’t make the headlines, almost did, if I followed through with wanting to jump off the chair lift to avoid falling off at the top. Read my other comment and it will make sense.
I have never been skiing, snow skiing that is. Being from Florida, I have given water-skiing a shot, only to find out that I am in no way adept or even close to talented (functional) at that sport. After one too many times of smacking my head on the water and never actually standing up, I’m happy to say it’t not for me. Snow skiing… it’s on my bucket list, and I accept the fact that there will mostly likely be toddlers who will manage to look more graceful than I. 🙂
Wow, water skiing is hard, it requires balance after all but the unfortunate thing is you have to go fast to stay upright, not so with snowboarding, although I wouldn’t know much about staying upright. Toddlers in ski gear are soooo cute, they look like mini sumo wrestlers with beanies and they still managed to look far more graceful than I.
Cute kids! I am thinking how good they are and might teach their mother for a great shredding moves! : )
Lets’s hope so, I need all the help I can get. Funny thing is, it was still loads of fun!