Colleen on Ice

For one reason or another, I never got around to ice skating in my life. I know this is somewhat odd because I grew up in Erie where it is winter like 10 months of the year. I have two cousins that play on hockey teams, and friends who like ice skating. But I never got to the rink myself. This fact shocks most of my students. They cannot believe that I had gone before and they ask me why I did not learn how to do this is physical education. My lack of skating experience was also a shock to Sarah. Therefore part of my Christmas present from her was to teach me how to skate!

I was terrified. I told several students about my plans for the weekend and told them that if I was in crutches on Monday that they would know why. Sarah and another one of our missionary friends headed to the rink on Saturday afternoon, ready for an adventure! The rink was super nice. We paid for one hour, and then were given an ID card type this on a lanyard. We went to another window to get skates, and when we tried to speak Polish to the man at the window he angrily told us to just speak in English. Whoops! The next room we entered was a locker room of sorts. The ID card that we had been given at the first counter turned out to be a key to the lock that we each were assigned. It was really cool!

After adjusting the skates like ten times until I was satisfied with the fit, we headed out to the ice. I WAS SO NERVOUS. I was not sure if I was going to like it our not and I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to stop myself. Natalie and Sarah were brave and were patient with me as a slowly made my way onto the ice. I held on to the side for a minute, but then took a deep breath and let go.

I slowly stumbled/skated/hobbled/glided on the ice very awkwardly for the first few laps, but as time went on I became a lot more comfortable and really started to have fun! They were playing great American Top 40 music, so I felt right at home. There were a few scary moments when I thought that I was going to run over a small child or fall, but I was able to slow myself and avoid any catastrophes. The worst moment was when the announcer man said something in Polish, and we had no idea what we said. Then suddenly, everyone started skating in the opposite directions, RIGHT AT US. I felt like Simba in "The Lion King." I thought I was going to die. Somehow I was able to turn around and avoid the stampede.

Overall, I had a great time and am thinking of going back for some more this weekend! And the best news of all: I DID NOT FALL ONCE!!! Apparently 16 years of ballet training are worth something these days. I think I will probably join the Olympic Speed Skating Team for the 2016 Olympics. I can now officially say that I have been ice skating. . .just never in America!

Blessings,
Colleen