So many times I've begun writing something for this blog, when soemthing will come up that takes my attention away from finishing it. I have at least three such post as of right now, not including this one.
The problem, I've found, lies in the act of writing itself. The writing experience is an exploration of ideas. I start out with some vague experience or observation and branch out by connecting it with similar experiences or previous similar ideas. The difference between thinking about a subject and writing about it is apparent when I try to form a series of coherent sentences. My thoughts are slowed to the speed of my typing or writing, and I have to spend more time deliberating the connections between each idea. What was once an easy jump for my brain has become a tedious task for my fingers! It's usually about this point that I become distracted and although I always intend to return to the subject, it is left behind in my eagerness for new ideas and pieces of writing.
I hope someday I'll come back to them and finally post them. Depending on how long I've allowed them to sit, though, I may have to rewrite them completely. I may even (heavens forbid) change my mind!
I just finished the second weekend of my ski instructor's level 1 class - the final weekend where judgement was passed on the group. I'm sure you can guess by the post title that I was successful in my pursuits. I am now certified to teach beginners up to intermediate parallel skiers!
It feels weird to have accomplished something I've wanted for so long. I can be - no, I really *am* a part of that group of people who get to wear the tell-tale clothes that identify me as some kind of authority figure. Now that I think about it, it sounds a bit scary, and while I was doing the instructing with my group, I had a really stressful, frustrating experience. I haven't been that stressed for at least three weeks! But like my instructors repeated - get out of your comfort zone and start learning something.
There is so much I could write about the weekend's experiences (and I hope I will eventually), but for now I'll mention the fact that I've just accomplished one of my goals! It's weird that I never really thought about what I would do one I was certified as an instructor. Even if I never teach formally for pay, I'll still be able to help out most people if they ask for it. But I think I would like to work at Snow Valley. I'd like to offer the opportunity that I've had to another person, and there is no way that I won't be learning as I teach. Two of my greatest passions, coming together. Could it get any better? Stay tuned for more about how I'm finally starting to work through my "Life's To-Do List."
I used to ski all the time. One of the best ski hills in Saskatchewan was only a 20 minute drive from my house, and luckily I had parents willing to take me out there and let me have my fun, get me equipment, and - best of all - lessons! I really enjoyed the Nancy Greene program, even though I was usually older than the other kids. It didn't matter because I was learning how to ski better!
I managed to make it out to Snow Valley last Wednesday night for the Instructor Prep course and spent at least 3 hours on the hill. It was fantastic and really got me motivated to try my best for the weekend. I'm hopeful that I'll manage to pass the CSIA Level 1 course, and then potentially work at Snow Valley this winter. The salary may be peanuts, but the experience and the benefits would definitely make it worthwhile. This course will certainly be an asset while I'm travelling and hopefully it won't be too long before I get to the next level!
Being back on the hill and (essentially) back in lessons has been absolutely wonderful. Taking a three year break has definitely hindered my performance, but the basic abilities are all still there - I just need to practice. A lot of the things I learned in lessons are coming back to me - I think I must have had great instructors! All this skiing on a small hill makes me want to go back to Table Mountain. The nostalgia has been strong, especially the longing for more runs and a better hill. I really can't complain though. The fact that *any* runs are open while the rest of the city is surrounded by dead brown grass and leafless trees is enough for me.
It has been many years since I've done drills and skill development. I can't imagine why it's been so long. I hear people complaining about certain exercises, "Oh no! I hate this one!" and I can't think of *any* of the drills that I don't like to do! If I'm not very good at one of them, I just keep practising until I get it. I can *feel* the improvement as I work on it and I know the kind of results it can achieve. That practice and improvement is what makes it so much fun!
Since the weekend, I've barely been able to contain my excitement. I'm a woman possessed, obsessed with getting back on the hill. I fall asleep each night exhausted from the skiing I've done and wake up each morning thinking about getting back on the hill. When I realise I'm supposed to be going to work, I'm saddened by the fact that I won't be on the hill for at least another 9 hours. Maybe this obsession isn't healthy, but that hardly matters! I haven't felt this great in a LONG time - at least seven years... the last time I was out skiing this well.
The only hindrance I have now is my old, straight skis. Everyone else in the course has parabolic skis, but I may be using a pair of demos next Saturday when the course resumes. It'll change the way everything feels, and I'm sure I'll be addicted to them by the end of the day. So if you're looking to buy me an expensive birthday/christmas present... look no further!! ;)
Wow! Writing all this out has just flamed my desire to get back out there and ski RIGHT NOW! I should quit my job and become a ski bum! You should see the way my dad looks at me when I say things like that... he's never sure when I'm serious. In fact, neither am I! I may just be jumping on a plane to ski in New Zealand this summer!
It looks like things have finally started to become settled again. My blog publishes, which is GREAT news, and soon, I'll be back into writing something every day or two (I hope). This is also more likely, now that I have my computer (mostly)working with the new hardware (there's always something to tweak...).
I spent all of Saturday writing that exam... it was about as hard as I expected it to be, but I won't know how I did for another month. It was long. The morning exam was much too long and the afternoon was... well it was also too long, but it was possible to finish that one within the 4 hours alotted. I have absolutely *no* idea of how well I did! I guess only time will tell.
Saturday night I dressed up as Smurfette and went to TJ's keg party with Jesse and Heather. I had SO much fun and laughed SO hard because of these two insane girls that showed up - Nancy Kerrigan and a Geisha! We partied the night away, the beer flowed freely, the dry ice shot vapours all around the house and the fish were traumatized. I'll have pictures (and videos) soon.
