Getting in the Game

I confess, I drove to hockey tonight with trepidation.

Last time was fun, but I did spend the whole time trying to re-learn how to skate. As much as I know that learning takes time, and as much as I’m ready to do what it takes to build my skills, I worried how many times I’d spend hockey practice trudging back and forth on the ice.

Miracle of miracles. My body remembered what it needed to in order to skate forward. So that meant I got to participate in the drills.

Bad news: The coach ran a ton of partner drills. I kept picturing myself as THAT student – the one who’s always a day late and a dollar short, continually unable to hold up her end of the bargain. The one nobody wants as a partner.

Good news: The guys out there all seemed to remember that they were beginners like me too, and were remarkably kind and patient.

Bad news: Maybe I could go forward, but I can’t turn worth a darn.

Good news: The coach taught me what to do when I turn, so maybe next time that’ll come along too.

Bad news: I looked like Frankenstein when skating with the puck. I’ll let you picture it yourself.

Good news: I was one of the most accurate passers out there.

So I won’t lie. I’m pumped up. I’m excited about what I’ve learned, and I am ready for more. Bring it on!