Except not this time! I have vowed to remember, and learn from, the physical and emotional pain I endured while on our wonderful, fun-filled, family ski trip to Hell this past weekend. The awful combination of being hot and claustrophobic, yet cold and in pain, along with my marginally coping youngest son, having his own, uniquely embarrassing meltdown, causing him to strip off all his winter-wear, rendering him unable to help carry multiple boots, skis, poles, mittens, helmets and scarves, while the husband, who has his own equipment, has (probably intentionally) disappeared, has been seared into my memory. Yes, yes... I'll ski again, but not without making some major changes in my planning/execution.
Speaking of skiing (and very likely, Hell), I am allowing my 15 y.o. to go skiing with his schoolmates in Canada. WHAT? Am I insane? He's a good boy, but responsibility is not his strong-suit, and he has a bad habit of losing things (especially things of value). He'll be chaperoned pretty closely, and I don't think he will be looking for trouble, as he really does love to ski. He gets on the mountain on the first ride up, and I don't see him again until the lifts close. He skis far better than the rest of us, and I think it will be fun for him to be among fellow daredevils, tackling the double black diamonds and conquering the 360 he just knows he can do. Personally, I am glad I won't be there to witness it.
Don't worry, you can all tell me, "I told you so," when I have to race to Canada to either bail him out of jail or feed him ice chips in the ICU.
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22 comments:
Oh my GOD! I couldn't do that- but you're clearly a bettre, more trusting woman than I! How far is Canada from you??
So long as he doesn't lose his passport and you have to rescue him at customs…
I have never gone skiing— would like to snowboard though, but am unsure if my aging bones can handle it.
well, good luck with you and the son leaving (don't have a heart attack while he is away worrying) - I have never skied in my life and have absolutely ZERO desire to try it. I HATE SNOW
I would be a nervous freaking wreck!!
You completely summed up my feelings for skiing. So well in fact, that Hubs is reading this when he gets home. The only part you missed was the sheer terror I experience with my fear falling off the mountain. I seriously want to lay flat on the snow.
Which is fortuitous, since that is usually where I am most of the time.
I feel bad for Hubs - he loves the ski slopes like I love the beach. Once the boys are older, I will try again. I'm a sucker like that.
I have lived in Utah for 18 years of my life, and have never been skiing or snowboarding, for the very reasons you have described.
Why the hell do I want to pay money to be cold, wet, and fall on my face a lot?
I LOVE that my kids ski, they come home exhausted and I get Saturdays to myself. I should mention that the first year we lived near Lake Tahoe, 4 members of my family broke their legs!
As for G going to Canada, no I told you so's from me. Kids break and heal, get into mischief and survive, and need to experience life.
(I'm just always so happy someone else will take them!)
Aside from the ever helpful "I couldn't ever allow that, I'd freeeeeaaaaak" I just thought I'd say that he'll appreciate it. :) It'll be something he'll remember forever. ;) It will be a hard time while he's gone, but I think it'll be a lot of fun for him and you'll enjoy some time alone. :) More power to you! When does he leave?
I went skiing once, as a girl scout. I never felt the need to go back for more of that torture. I am not athletic and not graceful. Therefore I suck at skiing. Hmmph.
I bet letting your son go is hard, but Im sure everything will be fine. And if not, you will have more stuff to blog about. Gotta look at the bright side, right?
i agree I would be a nervous wreck!!!!
You are one brave mom--both because of the solo trip for your son and that ski trip from hell. I don't ski--or skate or anything that requires coordination. Really, I am THAT clutzy. I certainly would be remembering your husband's timely disappearance during the trip. Men. Now, I might go on a ski trip if I could sit by a fireplace with a hot chocolate laced with Bailey's Irish Cream--the ENTIRE time. BAHAHAHAHAHA
Oh, and by the way, I'm sure your son will be fine and have a blast. Make sure you give NO credit for allowing him to go to your husband. Payback:)
Have your passport ready...I'm just sayin'! Everything will be fine and he will have a ball! Very brave of you!!
you are a GREAT mommy. I let Bitchy go at that age- it was HARD, but I BIT MY TONGUE and trusted.....and it was great.
just go to the liquor store for some of that liquid courage.
It hurts to let go, even a little.........
Wow, you're a good mom. I wanted to do a ski trip when I was in high school to Canada and my mom wouldn't let me. That still irks me 15 years later!
Oh, I SOOO don't do skiing. Tried it once and nearly died. I'd never been before and had "great" friends who pretty much dropped me off at the lift and said, "See ya!"
You're way better than me. You've actually gone again!
OMG! We have to go skiing together. I HATE it and need someone to talk to all day long while my entire athletic family ski. I am dead serious.
I'm with you. I have lived in CO and UT and only been skiing once. I failed ski school. Long story.
Glad you all came out of it in one piece.
He'll be fine. Canada on the other hand...
I have never, ever, gone skiing. I never will. I know that I can barely walk without falling, so skis are out of the question.
Oh, I'm not looking forward to that. As it is, my 12-year-old daughter takes off on the slopes on our small, local ski resort and I don't see her for hours. She goes with friends, and we check in with walkie talkies, but still.
I wish I could haul out the toddler leash and keep it on forever. Well, maybe not forever...
Oh, on the contrary, you may be surprised at just how it forces them to grow up just a little. He will shock you! Mine did! He went to DC (yes, without me) and did remarkably well (and he was the same way).
IT is hard to let the kids branch out on their own like that. Good for you for being able to do it. THe first time I did with my oldest - who was 16 at the time. Well, it didn't end well. Drunk kids-hospital ER. Yeah.good times. But I would still not have done anything differently. Sometimes you gotta let them do what they do. And it sounds like you feel pretty confident with your decision. I'm sure he'll be fine. And you too. :)
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