Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades...

So just as a suggestion in the "learn from somebody *else's* mistakes" category, I'd recommend not inhaling when one's face is still technically under water. hahaha almost to the surface just doesn't *quite* cut it. Who knew?

Ok so I'm thinking all the coaches out there should go pick up a random other completely-unrelated sport. Why? So you can truly appreciate where your real novice students are coming from. I'm generally patient w/ beginners; I understand that it's an insane amount to grasp all at once. Or I thought I did. Today it really sank in:

Lauren learning to swim: "bend your elbow, straighten your arm, keep your body straight, exhale entirely underwater, straighten your legs, remember to bend your elbow, hey I said keep your body straight! Breathe in rythym, inhale only when you're ABOVE water. Yes the details matter. Straight legs, rotate your body with your arms. Too much! Keep your body straight. How-am-I-supposed-to-do-all-this-when-I'm-just-trying-to-get-enough-air?!?!"

Sounds an awful lot like what I hear from my new students: "Stand up/sit down. Ok I can do this. Oh wait - with the RYTHYM of the trot?!?! (yes details matter!), and while I'm at it, I'm supposed to keep shoulders/hips/heels in line, heels DOWN (what in line isn't enough?), hands still, eyes up, how-am-I-supposed-to-do-all-this-when-it's-all-I-can-do-to-stay-on??? And then ohmygodthehorseisgoingwaytooFAST!" as the horse breaks to walk and the rider's momentum tumbles them slightly up the horse's neck... Ok so maybe I've never technically *heard* somebody say that, but I know they've *thought* it >;-P Yes that little-advertised skill of mind-reading comes in handy when coaching :) It's how I know what you're doing even when you think I can't see you >;-P

Anyways I've been fairly amused by this and it does renew my appreciation for what beginners go through :)

So following on the "complete beginner" topic -- I was looking for somewhere that has adult-beginner-Irish-dance lessons. Yeah ok I'm insane. No I've never been capable of ANY form of dance. But that one's always struck me as interesting, AND it looks like a fairly good workout, so I thought it was worth a look. But I have to say, as a group, Irish Dance studios have THE worst websites I've ever seen (and coming from the equestrian world that's definitely saying something)! I swear, we got sucked back to the very start of the web -- complete w/ horrendous backgrounds and colours. Very scary. And useless -- I never did find any useful info. Might have to give in and *shudder* call somebody. hahaha or maybe not. Not as though I actually have any TIME for new hobbies. But hey, minor detail right?

Ok off to sleep! That's ONE hobby I intend to keep!