Julie Kemp Pick
I'll never forget our first family ski vacation. My husband wanted to start our boys out early by skipping the bunny hills, and heading out to the more challenging runs of Park City, Utah when they were 3 and 6 years old. While they were learning the ropes in ski school, he took me on some beginner runs. That was when I first realized he was a liar. The green "beginner" runs out west were much more difficult than the green runs in the Midwest, and I was petrified!
Rewind to my first ski trip with my best friend, and her brother when I was 17. We had a special weekend package in Michigan that included lessons. My first lesson was an hour long and my instructor ditched me after 22 minutes. He said that I was too dangerous to ski with. I'm not really sure what bothered him most. Was it when I fell on him getting off of the chair lift, causing a domino affect behind us; or was it when I couldn't control my speed forcing others to fall as I miraculously made it down the hill? Later, I fell down so many times that I looked like the Abominable Snowman. People were terrified to ride on the lift with me. Thanks to my blow dryer, I was unrecognizable as I danced the night away.
Back in Park City, my kids weren't as excited about skiing as my husband was. My 3 year old even went sleep skiing in between my husband's legs. We have a video of my older son smoothly skiing off of the chair lift, while I did a graceful belly flop into the snow. My boys were quickly learning, as I was growing more fearful. Though my husband was teaching me how to control my speed by turning,; the minute I felt I was losing control, I would fall down. I don't know how many times my family skied passed me, while I was stranded with one ski in the middle of a snowdrift. I yelled for help so loudly that I was worried I'd start an avalanche. I also yelled out a few unkind words to my husband.
It probably was no accident that he led me to an abandoned run, but they eventually came back for me. When the boys heard my screams, they asked why I was so upset. I told them that I was just practicing yodeling; while I was making an obscene gesture with my ski pole at my husband.
A to Z Challenge
Thoroughly enjoyed your Y word and post, only one more to go.
ReplyDeleteHave a good day.
Yvonne.
Great post. I could see you plopping off the ski lift.
ReplyDeleteWay to yodel! You're braver than me. I've never gone skiing.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I love to yodel whilst skiing -- or sticking a ski pole up in an obscene gesture at my nearest and dearest! :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! Thank you for adding a little laughter to my morning. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're pretty brave to go skiing, never mind yodelling at the same time! Thanks for the visit to my blog. I had to pop back to tell you that I made up the word quadragintal for a blog of exactly 40 words but I've used it so many times that it exists now... cause I said!
ReplyDelete@ Yvonne - What am I going to do when the challenge is over and I don't see you in my #1 comment spot? Thanks for being so supportive!
ReplyDelete@mybabyjohn - I've always been the epitome of grace! Thank you so much for staying true blue throughout the challenge!
@Angela - I've long retired my skis! Thanks for inspiring me, and for your frequent visits!
@Talli - To the blogger with True Grit! Thought I'd thank you now, as this is coming to a close. I really appreciate that in addition to co-hosting the challenge, you always made time to comment on my stories. Good luck with The Hating Game and your new fall book. I look forward to reading them both!
@Jeffrey - As busy as you are promoting your new book, you've still dropped in on my silly blog! I'm still thinking about your heartfelt story from yesterday! Good luck with your book, and I can't wait to see it!
Julie
LOL! I've been too afraid to even attempt skiing. I applaud you for trying again after your first experience at 17.
ReplyDeleteThe title of this post alone is classic! LOL, I really enjoyed reading this. I especially laughed at your abominable snowman look, that would be me too, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteLike Amy I'm afraid to even try skiing, I admire your efforts!
@Rosalind - I love that you created your own word and unique style of blogging! I don't know whether to congratulate you or fear you! Maybe a little of both! Hope to see you again.
ReplyDelete@Amy - I was very lucky that I didn't get hurt. It's been fun doing the challenge with you!
@Julie - I really felt like I had a secret identity on that trip, because people were very friendly to me after I thawed out! Thanks for your wonderful comments, and I can't believe it's almost Z! Julie
LOL - I love your story. I don't ski well either, but my kids are great. So we spend lots of time in the snow. Last year I bought crampons, which attach to my boots so I can walk the slopes.
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