Do you like "snow sports"?

 did something yesterday that I thought was impossible. Yup, I said it! I did not think I could do it! I went skiing.

Having spent my entire life living in a warm weather climate, snow sports were never a part of my life. Last year, our kids wanted to have a "real" northern Christmas experience complete with snow so we took them snowboarding in Vermont. I loved Vermont but snowboarding (not so much!). I was training for Dopey and I was scared to death that I would break my leg and lose all of that training (irrational maybe). I had never been on a mountain, let alone tried sliding down on one on those silly boards. It was not a pretty experience and it ended when I took out a child in the ski school (not even my own child!)
So, when hubs set up the Christmas trip for this year, I was hesitant. I remember in clear detail the snowboard debacle and I really did not want a repeat performance.
We started talking about taking a trip up to the Pocono's so that we could get some "practice" in before we head to Utah.
I had decided that instead of spending my entire trip in the lodge that I would give skiing a try (everyone I have spoken to has told me it is WAY easier- and they are RIGHT!!!) We searched for all our gear, packed up the boards and headed to Blue Mountain.
I watched a lot of beginner videos on YouTube before we went and I was pretty confident that I, in fact, could at least stand up on the skis (point one for skiing). We arrived and since I was the only one renting gear I went and got it. Now, before you leave the rental place make sure your boots and skis are matched up and for together!! I did not do that and I had to walk back and get the right skis. It was then time to go up the magic carpet and try to not kill myself. Since I had watched the videos (thank you YouTube) I knew how to walk up the hill and was feeling pretty good. That was until I got to the top of the hill and I had to come down. I never really thought that I would be scared but I guess you are always a bit scared when you are trying something new! My first attempt went good, I did fall but it was NOTHING compared to falling on a snowboard and ... I was actually able to get back up!!! I got up and I didn't fall again!! We were in an area where people were getting lessons and I kinda just listened to what the instructors were telling the kids (they were both around 7). The biggest thing I learned was to put your weight forward so your shins are pushing into your boots. It gives you more control and heaven knows I needed to feel like I was in control! I just keep chanting "pizza pizza pizza" on my way down and I had a great time.
It was a win for my kids as well. Ryan and Lexi were already rockin snowboarders from last year (they have NO fear!) and Ashley did FANFREAKINTASTIC!!! Last year she gave up too easily but she was able to practice and by the end of the night she was stopping and going down the hill like a pro!

The hubs was a SAINT!! I think we all made him proud :)

I won't say that I am ready for the black diamonds or that I am really even ready to leave the safety of my bunny hill yet BUT I had a great time and I showed my kids that even though you are scared of doing something, sometimes you just have to climb that mountain and ski down!