Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Serious Skiing





Ollie and Si with one of their good friends from school


We're a skiing family now. Got the skis for everyone (or a snowboard in Ashton's case). Got the early-bird good deal on season passes. Got the goggles, helmets, snowpants, hats, mittens, and all that (Wow, there's a lot of expensive gear involved! We've found some great deals on everything but it all adds up . . .). Got some kids who are becoming really quite good at this sport they were only introduced to 3 years ago. Got a husband who's great at skiing and snowboarding and has the patience and stamina to teach these kids what they need to know and ski with them for hours on end.


And then we've got me. I don't ski. I did ski a bit when we moved to Salt Lake City from England and I was 9 and 10 years old. But then we moved to Virginia where there weren't any ski resorts and when we moved back to Utah when I was 12, I was so far behind all my friends that skiing was embarrassing. And expensive. Then I lived in places with no ski resorts for a whole lot of years. And now I just really don't feel the inclination to take up skiing. I don't think I'd be very good at it. I don't like feeling out of control. I hate falling. And I'd rather spend the money on other things.

But I do love going with the Jared and the kids up to the ski resort and being their "home base" at the lodge when they're looking for each other or need a snack or lunch. I read and get Power of Moms work done or chat with another non-skiing mom. I watch skiers come down the mountain. I take photos. I enjoy the beautiful scenery and do some good people-watching as well.

Last time we went up, I loved riding up the gondola with everyone, seeing the gorgeous scenery and watching the kids do the terrain park and show me their latest abilities. They're good! I ran down the hill part way with them and got some pictures, then had myself some great exercise hiking back up to catch the gondola down. Some people looked at me funny as I hiked up the side of the hill but I didn't care. I'm fine being a non-skier amongst skiers. I'm fine being the cheerleader and the home base. I love the scenery. I love being right there to hear about their adventures and misadventures on the slopes. And I love being part of it all.

Here we are on the gondola

gorgeous view from the gondola
The twins saw these sleds that ski patrol uses to take injured people down the hill. Silas pointed them out and said, "Hey mom, how about if you ride on one of those sleds and we just pull you along?" Sweet of him to be thinking of more ways to include me!



Am I a wimp? Maybe. But I don't care. I used to feel like I needed to push myself to do every hard thing that was put in my path and never be a wimp about anything. But lately, I've come to terms with myself a bit more and I'm OK saying no to things I really don't want to do, things that have bigger drawbacks that rewards when I think them through. And if I come off as wimpy, so be it.

6 comments:

charity eyre wright said...

oh man the whole time i thought you were going to say that you went for it one day! i think you'd be surprised by how much you like skiing! nonetheless, you're the coolest sar! love you!

chercard said...

We just moved back to the salt lake valley and I am trying to figure out how to afford to have our family ski. I can't believe how expensive it it! I have skied (sp?) all my life but not so much in the past ten years. I am hoping to get into good enough shape to go and win the lottery so I can take my kids! Any money saving tips?

Unknown said...

Luckily (or not?) none of us are skiiers. I guess we save some money but we sure are missing out on creating some fun memories like your family.

Good for your for going up and being there even though you don't ski! I would probably stay home and do laundry but think how much I'd miss out on. You're a wise woman.

anna said...

I'm with you, Saren! Tried skiing once when I was at Ricks College. My roommate had a free lift ticket/equipment pass thingy from their ski class so I skipped my ballroom team dance practice (yes, not good) to give it a try. I didn't have the right clothing to ski but just had to make do with jeans, winter jacket and fluffy mittens. I had to fall to get off the lift, the guy trying to teach me bent his ski pole and then I ended up at the rope tow on the bunny hill, tearing up my mittens trying to just snowplow. Grrrr. The lodge and a hot chocolate was a much better venue for me. LOL!!

L3 said...

I used to love to ski. Now, I think if I had that kind of energy, I'd paint a bathroom or something.

Linda said...

You are your mother's daughter! I'm so glad I hurt my knee so my skiing days are over and I loved learning to slalome on a water ski and then calling it quits and deciding that i"d rather raise my family than die trying. I like my electric bike though!!!

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