One of my goals for 2011 was to give myself a ‘new life’ for my birthday. Six weeks ahead of schedule, I moved to British Columbia. With that major accomplishment under my belt, I didn’t quite know what to do to celebrate on the actual day of my birth.
In previous years, I have taken exotic scuba trips to dive with sharks or have flown to Vegas to play with land sharks. But this year I wanted to really celebrate in a different way, at a different level.
So, I decided to re-try something that I had only done a few times before – and that was over 33 years ago. After a four hour drive to Whistler, I found myself on the bunny hill taking ski lessons. For me, this was the perfect birthday present – I was outside, I learned something new, and I had a great time!
However, as a consummate achiever, I strive to be the best in everything I do. So, it was quite humbling to start at the very bottom of the hill. To swallow my pride and courageously acknowledge that I had to begin with the basics gave me a great life lesson.
Once I accepted the fact that if I wanted to stay in one piece and not be seriously injured, I had to begin with the basics – at the bottom. By letting myself go through the whole routine, I started to have fun. Then, my learning progressed very quickly. In six short hours I was skiing right from the top of the mountain!
Of course it helped that I had a wonderful Ski Instructor, Andree Vijda Jaynk, who is a former member of the Canadian Women’s Ski Team. She is also the mother Britt and Mike Jaynk, both world class skiers. Thanks to Andree, the complex sport of skiing became easy and fun, and she challenged me to improve on every run.
I know I have years of practice before I can tackle any black runs, and I will collect many more bruises. But with a more balanced approach to learning new skills and a healthy respect for the natural laws of gravity, I can and will improve my ability to ski in the mountains.
It truly was a great birthday – I tackled a new sport, I learned something about myself and then topped it off with some yummy praline cheesecake with my sister Jane and her family. Life is good!
April 1, 2011
Let me know when you want to try those blacks, double blacks and chutes. I know some good “secret” places at Whistler Blackcomb that are really excellent.
April 1, 2011
Will you still be skiing in 10 years?
April 1, 2011
Will I still be skiing tomorrow, because tomorrow is promised to no one. I’m not skiing some of the things I skied 10 years ago after a realization that I am in fact a mortal being. But yes I will still be skiing in 10 years.
April 1, 2011
Wow Carol, when I’m done being me, I want to be like you! I’m so happy with what you’re doing, I thought I was part of it – thanks for bringing me along for the ride. Love from the East – we miss you already!
April 1, 2011
David – thanks to you for supporting me along this journey. Miss you too!
April 1, 2011
Well Happy Happy Birthday there kiddo!!! I do miss you too – I am so proud of you – you have always been and will always be a continued source of inspiration for me. You have always provided caring words of wisdom and questioned me when I needed to question myself. My gift to you for this very important birthday is that you will and always will be a very special friend of mine here or there – it does not matter. All the best and have a glass of wine or two on me.
April 1, 2011
Thanks Vera … you are always in my heart!
April 1, 2011
I have known you for all of those 55 years and you never cease to inspire and amaze me with your adventures, ideas and goals. I am honoured to be your freind. Pavlova
April 1, 2011
Life is sweeter having a lifelong friend.
April 1, 2011
Sounds great to be in the out doors and enjoying Whisler, I will wait for you at the bottom of the hill as I am afraid of heights, but say the word and I will meet you in Vegas, where I think I can come close to keeping up with you. Best wishes on your birthday and many more!
April 1, 2011
Thanks Joe – and I bet I’d have a real hard time keeping up with you at the tables!
April 2, 2011
Belated birthday wishes and congratulations on tackling Whistler. Did memories of Blue Mountain come back to you? Did you hear strains of Volare as you went down the Bunny Hill? Miss you.
April 2, 2011
Ah yes … memories from the Jock Palace era … miss you too!
April 3, 2011
Happy Belated Birthday Carol! Why doesn’t it surprise me you spent your Birthday taking on a new challenge! I miss you, but am thrilled that you are able to combine your love of the outdoors with work in such a beautiful setting.
Cheers !
Mary
April 10, 2011
Happy Belated B-Day!! What a refreshing approach to life and learning. You continually inspire me. Thanks.
April 12, 2011
Wow Carol, that is great.
Brian and I were just at Whistler for a conference. We went up in the Gondala on a beautiful sunny day. No skiing though. I’m glad that you are having such a great time.
Please don’t break any legs. Take care.
Sue
April 12, 2011
Sue – hope you had a great birthday!
April 18, 2011
55 thats how old I was when I meet you. Now that you have caught up with me I don’t feel so old. Hope its still good to be alive. I will remember that line the rest of my life.
Hope you have found what you are looking for and are enjoying life.
May 7, 2011
A very happy belated birthday Carol and congratulations on your move, for skiing and a big thank you for the lesson in your post. We’re finally rid of all the snow here so giving snow skiing a try this year is out but it reminds me that I used to have a lot of fun water-skiing and think it would be fun to find an opportunity or two to do that this summer. You’re a true inspiration and I wish you a very happy & successful year! Happy Birthday 🙂
May 7, 2011
Thanks so much Guy and I would love to hear about your water skiing adventures this summer!