By Laughs by Teresa
The thrill of a new pursuit! Untapped potential! The certainty this is the one—or, you know, maybe not. For instance, I’ve crowned my latest obsession “Maybe”—a low-stakes plunge into personal fun, perfect for someone like me who loves commitment’s idea but dodges its chokehold. As a result, that initial lesson sparked absolute chaos and, frankly, a total blast. Moreover, diving into the chaotic adventure of a new hobby sparks a special kind of thrill. The rules? Pick an activity, test it, and bail if it flops—no guilt, no fuss. Meanwhile, Sansa, my red-sunglassed critic, tilts her head like I’ve lost my marbles, which might be true.
My First Ice Skating Adventure
Kicking off with ice skating as my latest “Maybe.” That initial lesson? Absolute chaos and a blast.
Although I’m in my mid-50s, I’m often told I look early 40s—until my bones spill the truth. **Determined to conquer the ice, I went all-in—knee pads, helmet, tush pads, and hand gear—turning me into a clunky alien wobbling onto the rink. For example, picture a sci-fi extra with too many gadgets, clinging to the wall I named Wall-ee, while kids zipped by, stifling giggles. Initially, we learned to fall safely, and falling? Easy. However, getting up with my creaky mid-50s bones was a saga—groaning, wincing, and wondering if I’d need a crane. In fact, I flailed like a startled penguin, nearly clipping a stranger’s shin, and eventually ditched the gear after slipping and falling more times than I’d admit, even missing work once with a bruised ego (and tush). Ultimately, no crisis, just a hilarious detour—though Sansa’s stare screamed disbelief.
Joining the Adult Learn-to-Skate Class
Spurred by my alien flop, I joined an “adult” learn-to-skate class—quotes intentional. My teen classmates glided like caffeinated squirrels; I, in my mid-50s, hugged Wall-ee like a lifeline. Some teens, maybe feeling bad for me, tried to cheer or help, their kindness a sweet contrast to my wobbles. By session two, they spun backward; I earned the instructor’s “persistence” praise—a polite “you tried.” No certificate, but a spark ignited. I’d glide—on my terms, sans teen judgment.
Solo Sessions and Small Victories
Solo sessions became my personal slapstick circus. Propelled by sheer stubbornness and a playlist so peppy it could wake a coma patient, I waddled back onto the ice. Predictably, I slipped, flopped, and cackled through a bruise rainbow—more wipeouts than a blooper reel. Take, for example, that glorious missed workday, when I limped into the office, spinning a yarn of ice-bound heroics that earned me eye-rolls and a secret badge of honor.
The $50 gear haul? Promptly yeeted after lesson one—a clunky torture suit my creaky bones vetoed with a vengeance. Instead, I embraced the falls, letting them school me in balance while my joints screamed, “We’re too old for this nonsense!” Then, lo and behold, weeks later, it happened—I glided! Wobbly, brief, mostly not a total disaster, with a 99% chance of eating ice, but it’s my masterpiece. And now? A pint-sized fan club of five-year-olds hollers “Go, crazy skate lady!” with every teetering inch, their squeaky cheers thawing my heart as I shuffle past, bones grumbling like grumpy old men but spirit doing cartwheels. Still, Wall-ee remains my trusty panic pal, catching me when I inevitably audition for the penguin flop sequel!
The “Maybe” Mindset
“Maybe” has morphed into “Okay, maybe more.” The quest for wall-free grace continues, and I’m hooked on this low-pressure thrill. What’s next? Competitive napping, where my mid-50s dozing could dominate? Or synchronized swimming, flailing with fellow “Maybe” fans? Maybe not—but the options are endless. My tip: Skip the $50 gear splurge. Borrow or rent, and test your “Maybe” with free community skates (check local listings) for under $10. It’s a frugal fling that spares your bones and keeps the fun.
Your Turn to Try “Maybe”
If, like me, you’re hooked on fleeting adventures and expertly dodge obligations—especially with a body that creaks like a haunted house begging for mercy—then give “Maybe” a whirl!
What’s your next quirky quest? Spill below—Sansa and I are all ears, ready to cheer (or judge) your chaos!
The Fun Doesn’t Stop Here
Your daily dose of digital delight continues below!
Want to set more boundaries? Check out my post on avoiding emotional baggage for tips on finding peace amidst chaos!
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Laughs by Teresa
Skating for the first time feels weird but fun. You stumble, maybe fall, but it’s all part of the experience. It’s scary at first, but once you try, it gets better and even exciting!
Totally! You nailed it – that awkward-yet-exhilarating feeling is spot on. And you’re so right, getting past that initial fear is what makes it truly rewarding. So, what kind of skating did you try? Ice skating, roller skating, or something else?