center of gravity
Snowboarding Test 1 of 3--Disaster in the MakingExhibit A: a seriously bruised right wrist
Explanation: trying to grab onto the mountain for dear life as falling
Exhibit B: a very sore tushie
Explanation: when keeping center of gravity just doesn't cut it
Of course, the peak-end effect rule does come into play. I did fine somewhere in the middle of the mountain, then clung onto Karl for the very end; therefore, my stupid psychological self thinks that I had a good time, which I did, though I could just be saying that because of the psychology.
Anyway, the way I learned to snowboard today is the same as if you threw a kid into the ocean, then said, "Oh, just float. Now move your arms. Kick. Remember, it's all about the bouyancy--hey! Stop sinking!!"
Let's just say that instructions were lacking. The entire way down the mountain, I kept thinking, "Just get the fuck up. Get down the fucking mountain. Go as fast as you fucking can cuz this is fucking ridiculous. Just get this fucking over with." But truth be told, at some points I felt really good about myself. The board was straight, I was going at a good speed, and the toe thing actually worked! Still, good things don't last for long.
As I lay there with my face in the snow, I couldn't help but wonder how people found the determination to get back up the mountain and do it all over again until they're good. It's so depressing to see a 5 year old glide effortlessly down the black diamonds. I certainly wasn't going to lose to a 5 year old. So, at some point during break, I'll give it another shot and hopefully get the instruction I so desperately need (ahem).
Plan A: do it academia-style. Find all the articles about snowboarding and memorize all tips. Rehearse them like vocabulary words.
Plan B: bust my ass again on the mountain and hope it'll get sick of beating me up.
Plan C: go back to skiing, stupid girl.
At one point, I fell forward down the mountain and landed right on my belly, and it felt like a punch. Couldn't breathe. Started to feel like throwing up, passing out. Passing out was definitely not an option though, not after fainting the last two times I went skiing. It would be off to the hospital for me--blood tests, fuss, doctors lecturing about nutrition and hydration, low blood pressure. Could it be atmosphere? Are you eating? Such a pain.
I'm really looking forward to lying in my bed and letting it work out the aches in my shoulders. What's strangest is that I'm becoming almost obsessed with getting good at snowboarding. I can't stand giving up at something that I know I could potentially be good at. And I see potential in this, I really do. It could just be my inner optimist talking, but the optimist is also good at denial. Therefore, if it actually doesn't work out, the inner optimist will cheer me on anyway.
posted by Tiffany @ 11:33 PM
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