Grapes turn Sour...

For many years I have wished to roller skate. I was fascinated when I first saw men and women skate in a Boston park - it was the summer of 2000.

In summer, it is hard not to notice skaters happily gliding past you. Cold, long, snowy winters make you determined to make the most out of the summer months. So, this summer, I did not want to lose any time. After convincing my husband that I would be okay, that I would try hard not to break any bones, I got my skates kit.

The first time I tried my skates (other than in the sports store) was on the carpeted floor at home. Wow! I was able to stand and move around. The blades did not seem at all dangerous. With my new found confidence, I set off to a nearby park the next day. I sat in my car (in the parking lot that was in the middle of the park) and put on all the protective gear - helmet and all kinds of pads. I wore my skates too. I was in the backseat and realized that getting out of the car was going to be tough. Obviously, the tar surface is no carpet! I had to literally shove myself out of the car - and landed on the ground with a thud. Looking up I noticed a couple of women walking in my direction and trying hard not giggle. They went past pretending not to notice.

Thankfull, there was grass nearby. So, I gingerly crawled to the grass surface and stood up. Oops! the blades were real dangerous! Crossing the grass I stepped on to a pathway - I have no idea what happened next because I landed with a big thud. I hurt my right elbow real hard as I tried to support myself during the fall. It took me some ten to fifteen minutes to wear my pads and helmet. But it took me only a couple of minutes to tear them from my body. I took off the skates and walked to my car and dumped all the stuff in the trunk. I am done with skating, I told myself. I called my husband and told him my skating adventure is over. I was not going to get started on something that will land me in bed with broken bones. With the whole summer lying ahead and with the numerous stuff I was engaged in, it seemed not worth the while. Pictures of myself lying with a cast crossed my mind many a time.

I did not want to do anything with skating any more. I was determined to return the entire kit! I was disappointed for not realizing my dream - but look at the brighter side of it - I would get my money back! The grapes were indeed turning sour...