Alas, my dream of becoming an astronaut never did materialize. I know, it came as a shock to me, too. ;-) My fascination with heights, however, never waned. As got older, I took every opportunity to go to the tops of some of the tallest buildings, walk on bridges, peer over cliffs on mountainside view points, and, occasionally, I still climb trees. Short of going to space, the ultimate thrill seeking activity I have found is sky diving. It combines both heights and flight! What could be better? Unfortunately, given that I'm not a Rockefeller, I do not have the funds, or the time, to make skydiving into a regular hobby. Then, about 7 months ago, I discovered flying trapeze!
The first time I went to a flying trapeze class, I didn't know what to expect. This is the part where I brag about myself, a little bit. J I nailed it. I don't just mean I did well for my first time ever on a flying trapeze bar, I mean, I kicked ass. If you do a trick (that's what they call each maneuver you perform) correctly, at the end of class they offer to "catch" you. That is where you leap off the board, holding on to the trapeze bar, on one end of the rig, and do your trick, while a catcher swings on his own swing on the other end of the rig and catches you by your wrists as you release from your trick. Not every beginner in that class performed well enough to be offered the "catch". Not only was I offered the catch, but I nailed that, as well. On the first try. J
For the first time in quite a while, I felt like I have finally found my thrill. Having been athletic and slender my entire life, I was naturally good at it. Flying on that trapeze bar, performing the trick, releasing with outstretched arms to be caught by the catcher, all of it was exhilarating. You see, over the years, life as a stay-at-home mom has become....well... mundane, routine, and boring. Don’t get me wrong, I love taking care of, playing with, and being there for my kids. They can be fun and funny, and do and say amusing things all the time. But at the end of the day, the struggles wear me down and there is only so much pretend make-up I can stand to play. I’m often left feeling conflicted – I have a great life, wonderful marriage, good kids, so who am I to complain? I feel guilty about it, but I do complain. My life is boring. If you’re a stay-at-home parent who is reading this blog, you might know what I mean. Sure I find other ways to entertain myself. I joined a moms’ group, I take my kids on playdates (aka “mom’s time to have a grownup conversation with another adult”), and I get together with my girlfriends where we chat and drink out troubles away. My discovery of flying trapeze, though, filled the missing gap. It felt as if I was meant to be doing this. I’ve been more cautious in choosing my adventures since I had babies, but this one satisfies all my requirements. It is accessible and affordable, and I can make a commitment to it.
I have gone back 3 times, so far, since that first day and have loved every minute of it. The last 2 times, I was lucky enough to be able to bring my kiddo, Orange Juice, with me. Like his mama, he is slim, agile, and lacks the fear of heights. He is also incredibly strong for such a small creature. Needless to say, he was a natural at flying trapeze. :D He was charming and entertaining, and we had so much fun together! It filled me with such joy to be able to share this thrill with my son. Now I can't wait 'till my fearless little Soy Milk is old enough to join us. ;-)
White Russian, M.D
White Russian, M.D
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