Comments on: Learning Curve Moments

By: pitch8

pitch8 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:44:25 +0000

i recently tried cyclocross for the first time. unfortunately, the ‘remount’, which is also the most basic step, was the hardest part for me. immediately, i thought, ‘this isn’t for me’, because i wasn’t getting it as quick as other folks in the group. but, low and behold, i managed to run and jump on my bike a few times! granted, it was without grace or style, but who cares – i didn’t fall off!

By: Leslie Martin

Leslie Martin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:10:26 +0000

I am joining you! I am a 40-year-old college professor who likes to do outdoor/adventurous things, but I tend to choose “easy” challenges that I really don’t need to train for. But I have decided to take on a big challenge that WILL require training, which I’ve just begun. What is my goal? I’m going to climb Aconcagua this December… or at least give it my very best shot! I’m doing a lot of reading, and starting to gather my gear, and realize that I am on a very steep learning curve. Fun, so far, though! : )

By: Paulette Wright

Paulette Wright — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:16:39 +0000

Maybe I should have mentioned (as others did below) that I am 57 years old and have finally realized I can do anything no matter what that number is.

By: Paulette Wright

Paulette Wright — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:12:15 +0000

Missy,

I, too, am embarking on a new mission, feeling my way around a new dynamic. I am an IT Specialist and a competent electrical designer. Now I am using an anniversary gift from my husband to photograph the world around me, hoping to make it pay my bills.

Actually, I have two websites – http://www.artistrising.com/galleries/pbwright
which is just gearing up, and my older one with more content – http://www.wright-photos.com . Within the next 3 – 4 months I am going to consolidate them into one with a closer emphasis on my best work.

Wish me luck!

Paulette B Wright

By: Karen Barlow

Karen Barlow — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:10:36 +0000

Two summers ago, at the age of 46, I was conversing to my friend as we watched some surfers along the Jersey Shore. I said I could not imagine going my whole life without trying it, but I was so very frightened. Together we got up the courage for a lesson and while I was absolutely terrible, I was so exhilarated. Two years, later and the proud owner of my own surfboard, I get in every chance I get. Sometimes I am still scared, and I will probably never win any contests, but it has been fantastic beyond words to conquer a fear and be doing something new that is bringing me so much enjoyment.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:37:19 +0000

my best friend lives in Bali, and for an adventurous sort, she’s got some strange phobias. for example, she’s lived in asia for at least three years and STILL refuses to drive a scooter. that being said, she absolutely loves scuba diving. i’m a self-proclaimed water girl and my gills dry out if i live too far from an ocean, and i fear (almost) nothing, BUT i’ve always been terrified of scuba… seeing as the ocean commands respect, scuba always seemed like an endeavor for the foolish. well, this summer in indonesia, at age 38, i decided if my best friend and all her weirdo hangups could conquer something like scuba, well, by Jove, so could i. halfway into my month long vacation on the island of Bali i boarded a boat to a small (as if Bali isn’t small enough compared to other islands in the archipelago) island off the coast. Nusa Lembongan offers PADI open water certification and the dive shop has plenty of lodging for those organized enough to embark on this adventure with SOME foresight. whim-girl (me) didn’t make a reservation, so all five mornings of class i trekked up and down the beach from my bungalow at Jungutbatu (sunset coast) to the dive shop @ Nusa Lembongan and the trip took anywhere from 15 minutes one-way to a half an hour, tide permitting, over fairly shelly terrain. anyone who’s taken this certification knows that those divers like to get an early start, and by the end of the day i was mentally and physically exhausted… the local seaweed farmers and their children always made my arduous hike home worthwhile. the epic sunsets didn’t hurt, either.

after five days of training we’d heard the weather might permit manta sighting in two days. i was the only one in my dive class with the flexibility to stay behind in the hopes of catching some of the most amazing creatures in the sea, so i did. my first dive as a certified diver, no one to hold my hand, and the boat ride to our destination took over an hour. by the time we arrived at the spot, i was mystified and terrified. i could hardly believe the beauty that surrounded us ABOVE the water! on with the gear, and we’re in. somehow i managed to get over the most fearful part of scuba (getting below the surface) and as i began to descend, i became a child. my eyes were saucers and my mouth agape as the regulator would allow. so much to see! well, we weren’t under for ten minutes before i heard the familiar “tap-tap-tap” of the dive master’s stick on his tank, and he points up. four of the most graceful, massive creatures i’ve ever seen circling overhead.

seriously, i could go on, but i’ve found that the english language is too clumsy to describe manta rays in action… and i realize that “rambling” doesn’t begin to describe what i’ve just done.

thanks for reading.

cheers,
mel

By: SG Sher

SG Sher — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:29:11 +0000

Recently I tried Tae Kwon Do for the first time. My two boys and husband go frequently, usually at least twice a week while I would sit in the audience and read my e-mail. Finally I decided since I’m there anyway, I should try it out. Now I’m a yellow belt and getting a totally different workout than I’ve ever experienced!