from 1 blade to another

Fencing ended last week for the summer. Some weeks I felt like I actually knew what I was doing and other weeks I felt really off, but I always learned something and I let the times that I didn't perform so well inspire me on to do better the next week. I loved it though and I will continue on with it in the fall.
My friend Rachel and I have been talking about learning to row for a long time, so with fencing ended and rowing beginning the very next week, I signed up and we had our first class tonight. I couldn't have loved it more! I didn't know what I was doing or how to do it, but it was so peaceful and relaxing. I loved, loved, loved every minute of it and I did not want to go back in to shore. The very best part of all is getting to experience it with Rachel! We are peas from the same pod! Thanks Rach. Coming home to a nice warm house was pretty pleasant too! (the ocean is still down right COLD in June)
If the weather is nice Darren and the kids will come down to the beach on Saturday and take some pictures for me to post later.

Fencing

I have always wanted to learn how to fence. So last week I finally decided that if I am ever going to do it, I better look into it now. After all I am not getting any younger. I was hoping that I would be able to find something in town instead of having to travel to Victoria or Nanaimo. It just so happens that there is a lady who lives right here in town and she offers classes at the community center.

 My first class was last night. I was the first one there. Then the teenagers started to arrive - my biggest fear - that I would be the oldest one. At this point I started to panic and I wanted to run from the room as I realized that I probably looked like I was 100 years old to them. I had asked the instructor before hand if there were any other students over 30, and she told me there was, but I could not see any. I gathered every ounce of courage I had and I stayed. 

The instructor (who is over 30) happened to be waiting at the bottom of the stairs for me since she knew it was my first time and she wanted to show me the way. She finally came up along with another man (over 30 as well), at which point I felt a little better. Georgia is her name, and she has been fencing for over 30 years. She was born, and raised, and learned to fence in England. It may seem silly, but somehow that makes it all the more authentic for me. 

After Georgia helped me suit up (you really have to wear a jacket, and gloves, and a mask) the class began. Georgia took me aside and worked with me for half the class and then said, "I think you're ready".  Ready? Ready to what? To have a bout? I don't think so! That is what I thought, but what came out of my mouth was, "o.k!?" So I fenced my very first opponent. He, of course, went all to easy on me.

 When we had finished I went back and watched as Georgia coached someone else. A few minutes later a teenage boy came up to me and asked me if I wanted to watch or if I would have a match with him. All at once I was transported back almost 20 years. I felt like I was 14 again and I was asked to dance for the very first time. I told him that I didn't know what I was doing, but that if he wanted to I would. He stared out really easy and me and then after I told him not to hold back, because I actually wanted to learn, he went for it. If we had been fencing for real in the olden days I would have died several times over. He was so sweet though and very chivalrous. He, and another guy who watched us, would critique me as I went. It was very fun. I loved it. I am glad I stayed. I look forward to next Tuesday so I can do it again.