Day 7: Take it for a spin
Remember when you were small and could easily balance?
I’ll admit that I’ve roller-bladed before – but not for several years. It’s probably like riding a bike, but, as my friend Anselm will attest, having had to re-teach me how to ride, I forgot how to do that as well!
It’s surprisingly difficult to stay up straight on roller-blades, particularly on any sort of incline. No, seriously, I’m including the camber of a road in that: whizz and you’re off. Within twenty minutes I’d recalled what’s so fun about the activity, swishing and sliding along. But I’m still in terror of the wheeled-boots rushing away out from beneath me. Plus the effort of keeping my feet rigid (which I probably shouldn’t be doing anyway) is causing my feet to ache. I don’t keep going for very long!
What does the experience teach me? Firstly, how easy it is to forget how much fun certain activities are. Particularly ones involving speed. And a little bit of danger! Secondly, I’m reminded that getting good at something takes effort (okay, I’m not sure I’d really forgotten that) and that you are rewarded with added fun / speed / feeling of safety in return for the work you put in.
The other day I was down by the Hudson River, and I see two nuns in full habit rollerblading down the street holding hands. And I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, I get it. The world is surreal and beautiful. And everything is fine.’ – Regina Spektor