Slice of Life is a weekly event hosted by Two Writing Teachers.
My Twitter friend, Greg Armamentos (@dashthebook), likes to tell me "you must do the things you think you cannot do" (Eleanor Roosevelt).
That was put to the test this past weekend.
A few weeks ago I found out that for my future-sister-in-law's bachelorette party, one of the activities we would be doing is going to Indianapolis' "Go Ape". Check out this video if you want a good visualization of what I was about to do:
Go Ape is a "Treetop adventure" in Indianapolis that includes zip lining, tarzan swinging and obstacle courses up in the trees. Go Ape promises to "unleash your inner Tarzan." I wasn't so sure my inner Tarzan wanted to come out... The zip lining required me to hit the ground running or if I came in backwards (which I did every time), keep your legs loose, allow your heels to slow you down, and get a backside of wood chips. Then there were 3-5 obstacles on each course (4 total, with one mini-get-you-ready-for-this course). On several, you have to travel from one block to another, I ended up doing some small splits - imagine "Buddy" from the "Elf" movie when he does the splits going up the escalator.
As my sister and I started calling it, we were all set to go "ape it up", but inside I was shaking. I had to give myself a big pep talk. I'm the "athlete", after all. I've run marathons, I've done open water swims (ok, just one this past Thursday, this has really been a big outdoor adventure week for me!). This is just one more adventure under my belt. The zip lining part I was ready for, the obstacles, not so much. I'm kind of a linear activity person. My hips and knees are not the best, so I do well going on a straight plane. These obstacles would have me moving in ways I wasn't so sure about.
As it turned out, ape-ing, was quite fun. For sure, the hardest workout I've ever had! My neck muscles are still a little sore! But I'm glad I went out of my comfort zone and tried something new.
Not all new adventures turn out positively. But, I'm glad that I tried it. I think it's good that I felt nervous about something but I did it. I didn't know if I could do this. I didn't know how it would turn out. But I "dared greatly". Now excuse me, I need to go ice down my body.
The bachelorette party sounds like a blast! So cool that you were able to release your inner Tarzan!!! I would love to try something similar, but I have to confess that if a buddy invited me to "release my inner Jane", I don't know if I will be "daring greatly". I be running swiftly. In the opposite direction.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this wonderful story. You are a blessing to your friends, family, students, and PLN. And maybe the ice cubes, too. ;)
Wow-that would be so popular in Denver. I don't know if I could do it anymore, but I used to love zip lining. Good for you for taking this on, Michele!
ReplyDeleteYou are far more adventurous than I am! I try to be more outdoorsy than I am, but I often end up inside with a book. :)
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this slice! I have a fear of heights, but I'm determined to take my son to a zipline/ropes course in the trees here in the Black Hills this summer. He thinks I'm joking when I say I'm probably going to throw up or cry. Your description makes me think it's going to be hard, but I can do it!
ReplyDeleteWow - proud of you! Looks like an amazing time. I like what you said about being glad you tried it even though you weren't sure you could, and how you had to go outside of your comfort zone. You can use those thoughts and ideas in your classroom to give students real-life examples of daring greatly!! :)
ReplyDelete