Life Without Gray

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Taking the plunge...

It's been a lifelong dream of mine to own a kayak. I remember going to demo days when I was in my 20's, seeking out the perfect boat.

Now, when I say I'm taking the plunge, I wish I could say that I'm actually going to buy a kayak, but that's not the case. Instead, I'm going to tackle one of the hurdles that prevents me from enjoying the sport.

I can't swim.

I can float (kinda), and splash around well enough, but if I actually needed to travel any distance on my own in water, well... it wouldn't happen. Especially if there were currents involved. Up to this point, I've compensated for this disability by always kayaking with someone, who (I assume) could help me if things went bad.

But now that I actually have the time and funds to do some kayaking, I don't have anyone who's available to go with me. Although solo kayaking isn't the safest, I am tired of waiting for all conditions to be perfect before getting involved. So... I'm signing up for private swimming lessons in the hopes that I will gain the confidence for some easy solo lake trips.

The last swim lessons I had (over 30 years ago) were not terribly successful; in fact, I seem to remember the instructor telling my mother something to the effect of "not everyone can get comfortable in the water and be a successful swimmer..." but I will not let this affect my determination to try. I am not coordinated, I am not athletic, but I am not going to be a quitter. The end result may not be pretty, but I will learn to swim. I just hope, for the sake of my wallet, that it only takes one 8 session block of lessons.

9/9 update: I did it! Starting on the 28th, I'll be taking lessons.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

First day of school

Today is the first day of school, and everyone in the family is excited! (Sarah might not look it in the picture below, but the girl just doesn't photograph well.) Sarah is in 7th grade, Madilyn is in 3rd, and Mom is in heaven. *happy dance*

Adding to the wonder of the day, BOTH girl's busses were ON TIME today. Honestly, that has never, ever happened on the first day of school, and is a VERY.BIG.THING for someone with autism! Sarah actually left for her first day happy and flapping her hands instead of in tears. JOY!

Here are Madilyn's thoughts this morning:

Monday, September 6, 2010

It's been too long

I haven't posted anything worth reading in quite some time, and I regret that. But... tomorrow I get my life back - school starts!!

I am SO looking forward to being able to complete a thought without being interrupted. My mind is reeling with the possibilities!