Sledding is a lot more work than I remember.
Any snow day, no matter how old you are, should always involve a little bit of snow fun. A friend and I decided that this meant we would embrace our inner six year olds and go sledding. I was really looking forward to what I remembered about sledding: flying down that hill millions of times, races, and maybe a little bit of arguing about who was able to get the farthest.
Boy, was I in for a surprise. I got to the top of that hill and I was terrified! I saw kids with limbs flailing flying everywhere! My body can't handle that anymore! Plus, I don't even own nearly as many layers as I used to wear when I was little. Ramps? No way, don't even steer me in that direction. Not to mention the obstacle course of children struggling back up and the sleds that clearly met their match at some point during the day. And wow, was it a struggle making it back up that hill.
Even so, sledding was exactly what I needed today. I spent most of the day working on job applications and adjusting lesson plans. It felt good to let go and fly down a hill a few times - even if it wasn't the millions of times I remembered. Warming up with a McDonald's hot chocolate and a good friend afterwards, I couldn't think of a better way to spend a snow day.
It's funny (and a little sad) how some childhood pleasures just aren't the same when you're an adult! (Probably because you're the one who has to lug the sled back up the hill!) My mom and I went sledding several years ago, back in college, I think, and I had much the same reaction as you did. Although you're right that the flying-down-the-hill feeling is still pretty fun! Actually, the best sledding I've had recently was my freshman year of college. A whole bunch of kids from my dorm went sledding down a levee in the middle of the night, using garbage bags and cafeteria trays for our sleds. I think the improvised nature of it was what made it so fun! :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to spend your snow day. I too have had the terrifying experience of standing at the top of the hill as an adult. It feels totally different, crazy! I can't believe how much I loved it as a kid. I don't remember the crawl back up the hill either. Glad you got to fly down some hills and out of your busy life for a moment.
ReplyDeleteHaha. I love the image of limbs flailing! I went sledding last year and I know what you're talking about. It takes a lot of energy!
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