My Life As a College Jock
Apr 14th 2008
Claudia DainMy Life As A Plebe
That’s right. I was on a team in college. You didn’t think I had it in me, did you? Here’s how it happened.
I went to a party in the guys’ dorm. Now, now, let’s keep it clean, shall we? Anyway, I was at this party and this guy starts talking to me and it turns out that he’s on the freshman crew. Because I’m on the smallish side (my nickname as a kid was alternately Squirt or Shorty), he thought I’d make a good coxswain.
Will you please get your minds out of the gutter, ladies?
Naturally, I’m full of questions, the first of which is to ask what a coxswain is. (Pronounced coc-sun.) He explains that it’s the person who sits in the stern (that’s the back) of those long, skinny boats with all the oars. The coxswain is in charge of the boat, makes all the decisions, tells the rowers what to do, and steers. Being in charge of eight, twenty year old men? I can do that. 
I get the job. It’s not exactly a walk in the park, or a row on the lake, for that matter. First of all, being the lone woman in charge of testosterone-filled jocks is, to put it mildly, a challenge. The way a crew works is that, because the shell (the boat) is so long and so fragile, because the oars are so long and so deadly, because no one can see anything but the coxswain, the coxswain is in complete control of everything. The rowers aren’t even allowed to touch the boat to take it out of the boathouse without the coxswain’s command. That particular command is, “Hands on.”
Gutter, ladies, gutter.
They lay their hands on and then it’s, “Ready, up” and up and up it goes, way up over their heads. Yeah.
And on and on until the boat is in the water, which is quite a task since this boat is not light and is very unwieldy. Rowers have to be very strong, their bodies covered in muscle, lots of muscle. You get the idea, right? Ahem.
The coxswain’s job is to tell the rowers how to row, to tell the rowers where they are in comparison to everyone else in the race, to time the strokes with a special stopwatch tied to her leg, and to steer. What all this means is that the coxswain is explaining, shouting, exhorting throughout the 2000 meter race.
I was so right for that job.
The seats are numbered, which means the rowers are numbered. The guy in the bow is One, the guy in the next seat is Two, the both of them together are the Bow Pair. The seat closest to the coxswain, facing her, is seat Eight. His oar is to port and he is called The Stroke.
Okay, I give up on trying to keep this clean and wholesome.
From the vantage point of the coxswain, the only head I should see is the Stroke’s. If I can see Six’s face, we’re dipping. Six gets yelled at from me for that. I told you I was right for this job.
The oars all have to enter at the exact same moment, at the exact same angle of entry. This is called The Catch.
All the oars have to leave the water at the exact same instant. This is called The Release. In and out, in perfect rhythm, based on my commands.
I can hear you laughing. I feel so dirty all of a sudden.
There are weight limits for the entire boat, which means there are weigh-ins at the race. The crew gets weighed in order, from bow to coxswain, and because we’re dealing with twenty year old jocks…well, one story sticks out in my mind. The guys, all eight of them, stepped out of their shorts and t-shirts and stood there in their jock straps to get weighed. Ha ha. Very funny.
I kept my clothes on. I told you this was a clean story.
I have so many stories about my life as a coxswain. I’ll post another tomorrow, but in the meantime, is there something you’ve done that was out of your comfort zone, that once you did it, you realized that you were better and stronger than you thought you were?
70 Comments »
Buffie on 14 Apr 2008 at 5:33 am #
Claudia — I was waiting for you to say you had to say you had to tell the guys to stroke
Sorry, but the whole time I was reading. . . my mind WAS in the gutter. So let’s get to the good part — did you ever have a fling with one of the guys? Oh, and do you have a picture of them all in their jock straps?
In all seriousness, it sounds like a fascinating experience.
Karen Hawkins on 14 Apr 2008 at 5:59 am #
Oh Claudia! You are a woman of adventure! I like that! I was on a dragon boat team last year and LOVED it. We weren’t very good but we had fun!
When I lived on a lake in FL in the early 90s the local university’’s crew team often practiced there and woke us at six am, their coxswain screaming obscenities at the rowers. Did you yell like that, too? It was jarring to wake to that so early!
FreshEChelle on 14 Apr 2008 at 6:49 am #
follow up to Claudia’s question, if you don’t have a picture, could draw us one?
Margaret Garland on 14 Apr 2008 at 6:53 am #
I had no idea that crewing could be so, er, stimulating!
Claudia, have you ever seen the boat houses on the Schuykill River in Philadelphia? They’re just behind the Philadelphia Art Museum of “Rocky” fame. They’re very old. I’m not sure how old but I’ve been seeing them for 32 years when I go down to Philly and they looked old back in the 70’s. They are beautiful at night as they’re all lit up. Outlined in white Christmas-type lights.
Several times, I’ve gone to Fairmount Park to watch the crews practicing. It’s lovely to watch. When they’re doing it right, it looks so easy. Smooth and effortless.
I just Googled them. They are called The Schuykill Navy and are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. Who knew? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Boathouse_Row-wide.JPG
Margaret Garland on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:00 am #
I’m sure I must have stepped outside my comfort zone at some point in my life. I can’t remember what, though. It’s depressing to think I might never have done so.
Well, I did marry my 2nd husband on Jan 1, 1976 after meeting him the first week of November, 1975. He lived in Lancaster, PA. I lived in Dallas, TX. We met on a plane to Dallas. Physically saw each other about 10 days before I up anchored and, with my teens encouragment, came to Yankeeland to get married.
And it lasted quite well till he died in Oct, 1994. We used to joke about the fact that we got married. Then, we dated. In the bargain, I got 5 more children to add to my 2. They are, each and everyone, precious as rubies to me.
Would that be considered outside my comfort zone?
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:29 am #
Oh, Margaret, that was daring! A real jump into the dark—and look how well it turned out!
DebMarlowe on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:30 am #
I don’t know Claudia, it sounds like you were pretty comfortable in that zone!
Leaving home and my close, extended family to go away to college was a big step for me, as was moving far away from them all after college. But I quickly adapted and became comfortable and happy in both of those situations. Definitely both turned out to be the right decisions!
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:30 am #
Buffie, on flings, that’s another blog. *G* Use your imagination until then.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:32 am #
DebM, moving is definitely a big jump into the scary zone. It may be easier now, not having to cross the Rockies in a covered wagon, but it’s still the same in that you have to make a new life away from all that’s familiar.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:35 am #
KarenH, I yelled! I yelled and yelled, but no microphones in my day, just a megaphone that was attached to my head with straps. So pretty! LOL If you could hear what the coxswain was saying, I’m pretty sure he was mic’ed.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:38 am #
Margaret, I haven’t seen the boat houses in Philadelphia, but they sound gorgeous. Being in LA, where there are no pretty rivers or lakes, we rowed in LA Harbor! Dodging tug boats and tankers was part of the excitement.
Nicole Jordan on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:41 am #
Your description is so hilarious, Claudia, lol! You have a wicked mind. And that sounds like so much fun. Thanks for the education about rowing.
Jumping big oxers (4′ tall, 5′ wide) on my horse is definitely out of my comfort zone, but the adrenaline rush is addictive.
KariE on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:09 am #
Claudia, why would you think that our minds would be in the gutter while reading this? Are we that obvious??
He he
The fist thing I can this of that I did out of my comfort zone would be joining the 4-H Rodeo club during high school. I was a novice at riding horses prior to joining, but the trainer I had was relentless and knew that I had it in me to be more. She was right. While I never won first place, I had a blast and met some wonderfull people and have some memories that I will never forget. Those years were some of the most educational and eye opening years of my life (until my son came along). Horse people are the most caring people you could ever hope to meet and spend weekends with. I still have a hard time believeing that I acutally did it. Good times!
Kay on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:18 am #
I feel like I need a shower after reading this blog—WOW.
I lived at home for college. No real adventures until DH and I got married, and moved half way across the country (to FL) 3 weeks after the wedding.
BIG ADJUSTMENT. Newly married, new city, new jobs. Trial by fire & we survived. Three years later we moved again to MN. New home, new city, new jobs.
Out of the comfort zone in a big way both times. I’m so glad we did both moves, and for very different reasons. I had to grow up and do things for myself and we depended on each other–not our parents and siblings. It was tough, but made our relationship stronger.
Margaret Garland on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:21 am #
Claudia, I put a URL for the boat houses in my previous post. Here is one for them lit at night. According to Wikipedia, they were built/established in 1860.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Boathouse_Row_at_night.JPG
Philadelphia is an interesting city. I used to do a lot of sightseeing when I first moved to the region.
OK, NIcole. What the heck is an oxer? Jumping a blade of grass on horseback would be far outside my comfort zone. I haven’t been on a horse in (mumble, mumble) years.
Also, getting married to a stranger didn’t seem like such an big deal at the time. Not for the first time have I cringed at what we did.
SuzyQ on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:30 am #
Claudia, you really do know us so well. How could our minds not wander?
Anyhow, the only thing that comes to mind was trying out for the play my senior year in high school. I only tried out because of my friend and I thought I wouldn’t be able to get up in front of all those people, but I did do it. We all had such a great time, I kind of wished I didn’t wait until senior year.
Nicole Jordan on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:34 am #
What a pretty picture of Boathouse Row, Margaret.
And an oxer is a fence that is not only vertical/ straight up and down but also wide. A “verticle” could be one pole or a wall or a real wood fence. An oxer is usually 3 verticles strung together so the horse has to jump really big to clear the last one. You really do “soar thru the air.”
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:35 am #
Oh, Margaret, I did see your URL; I only meant I hadn’t seen them in person. I’ve never been to Philadelphia, which haunts me. One of the many places on my list still to see.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:36 am #
Nicole, jumping anything on a horse sounds like a leap out of the comfort zone!
elsiehogarth on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:36 am #
Oh my goodness, after reading this blog I think I need a shower. I need to hear more of these stories and I am definitely paying more attention if ever I catch this sport on the BBC channels.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:37 am #
SuzyQ, your post makes me think of how youth is wasted on the young! We’re so nervous about everything and so often afraid to take a leap into the unknown. But what fun when we do! Good for you, for getting on stage. That’s one of the Biggies in terms of fear factor, according to the studies.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:40 am #
Kay, that’s so true! Moving, building a new life in a new place, how can it not bond you? Can you imagine how tough it was for your parents to let you go, two young pups barely out of the nest?
amy1242 on 14 Apr 2008 at 9:46 am #
I tend to look at things “out of my comfort zone” as an adventure. So is it REALLY out of my comfort zone? I saved money for 4 years to go to Scotland. When the time came to go, no one would go with me. So I went by myself. It was so freeing and an absolutely wonderful experience! I enjoyed it so much, that two years later I went to Montana alone, to ride a horse named Tonto in the wilderness for a week. Now, I really like traveling alone. When I decide to do something, I jump in with both feet, determined to make the best of it. Sometimes I land on my feet, sometimes on my face. Either way, it’s an adventure. And Claudia, you are right on when you say youth is wasted on the young. I wish I wouldn’t have been so timid in my youth. Oh, the fun I would have had!
Kim on 14 Apr 2008 at 10:49 am #
Claudia–LOL. I think you should include rowing in your next novel. It could totally lead to a great sex scene. But only if you write it “clean” *g*
Everyone! Check in the forum, under “Off Mt. Oly” Susan posted a link to a few wedding pictures!
Sheridan LA on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:21 am #
hrm.. methinks I need to investigate rowing..
You should have hard cards printed up.. Claudia Dain - Cockswain.
My ‘out of comfort zone” things have either been physical challenges or trips.. I think the one that sticks out the most is my first “half century” ride (50 miles on my bike.. 1 day) When I bought my bike, I rode 4 miles and wanted to die.. then decided to try the longer ride. I have always been a bit on the heavy side and not very athletic, so it was a big mental challenge for me to tackle..I finished, burst into tears and disbelief. Then went on to tackle a century (100 miles) - which was not as difficult as the 50.. mentally, I then KNEW I could do it. Rather fun being the fluffy chick who can ride 100 miles.
This was also the start of all my charity events.. diabetes, leukemia and now the breast cancer 3 day walk. I am also going to attempt my first 5k this year.. that is WAY out of my comfy zone.
Julia London on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:28 am #
I recently started wogging (walking with some jogging). My sister tells me it is actually running, which I swore I would never do because a) I DESPISE running, b) my whole body hurts when I run and c) I DESPISE running.
But here I am, doing it. I have gone from being able to run about 30 seconds to five minute stretches. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but for me, its been nothing short of miraculous!
KariE on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:38 am #
LOL Julia on the wogging. I despise running, too. For me, too much of me jiggles when I run/jog. I hoping to change my opinion of this in 45 lbs.
(When I finished reading this blog, the “Not the official tool for rowing” commercial popped into my head. )
Sheridan LA on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:41 am #
wogging.. I like that… I think that is how I will do this 5k
Yeah, that 5K? I wogged it!
and 5 minutes is AWESOME. I am at about the 5 second mark right now.. so i shall aspire to follow in your wogging footsteps.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 11:51 am #
Amy, I can’t even begin to imagine traveling alone! It sounds freeing…and scary. I’m not sure I could do it!
Wogging. I’m impressed. I can’t run at all anymore, though I used to be the fastest runner in my elementary school, a title I carried with pride. We low to the ground types tend to be speedy. Watch out, Julia, or you’ll end up doing a 5K run with Sheridan!
colinfirthfan on 14 Apr 2008 at 12:32 pm #
Julia - I think I can run for about a minute at a time on the treadmill. I am hoping to increase that slowly. I don’t like running as well!!
Claudia, I can’t wait to hear more stories!
Freshechelle on 14 Apr 2008 at 12:36 pm #
Amy, good on you fellow solo traveller!!! I’m off to Scotland alone in June, the adventure part will be driving a stickshift on the left side of the road. I’m hoping since I drive manual here, only the left/right thing will be weird, not all the other elements that make up driving in a strange place. Travelling solo is liberating! No “where do you want to eat?, I don’t feel like that, let’s go here”. I do what I want. Only going to St. Barths alone was awkward but it still was up there on my best vacation ever list.
I like to think I’m a “just shut my eyes and do it” type but I don’t actively seek stuff out of my comfort zone. I would have tried the coxswain thing if I were in your shoes. I grew up on a river (a dirty industrial one, but still a river) right near the area high schools’ boathouse and watched the teams screaming past. It looks fun, elegant & hardwork.
Margaret, I’ve always loved those Philly boathouses.
Suzanne Enoch on 14 Apr 2008 at 1:07 pm #
I’ll be leaving my comfort zone later this year, but I can’t talk about it yet. *g*
Sometimes leaving my comfort zone is as simple as standing up and giving a talk in front of people. My zone is very small. *G*
Julia London on 14 Apr 2008 at 1:36 pm #
Sheridan, you ROCK — I don’t actually do the wogging in front of or in the midst of anyone, and I could NEVER ride a bike 50 miles or 100 miles. That’s incredible!
Sonja Foust on 14 Apr 2008 at 1:37 pm #
That is completely awesome. Love it.
I was in ROTC in college. And anyone who knows me now doesn’t believe me. I’d like to say I realized I was stronger than I thought, but I pretty much sucked at it, and dropped out after my freshman year. But I gave it a good try and got a free year of school out of it, and proved to myself that I can stand ANYTHING for a year.
Sabrina Jeffries on 14 Apr 2008 at 1:39 pm #
Does paying taxes count? Because paying taxes this year is definitely out of my comfort zone (groan, groan).
I’m not sure I’ve ever done anything out of my comfort zone. Hmm. Will have to think about that.
Julia London on 14 Apr 2008 at 1:40 pm #
Oops, I hit before I was done.
I was going to say you ALL rock! ITs so cool to read these posts. (except for Suzy, who I am going to have to hunt down and kick her for leaving that little tease).
Fresh, I am so stoked you are doing that alone . I went to Italy one year alone and loved it. When I was in college, I went to the Middle East with $100 in my pocket, but that’s a story about stupidity I’ll share someday. And driving the stick isn’t so hard — everything is where its supposed to be (clutch, gas, brake, controls) except the stick. And the steering wheel. But since everyone else is on teh wrong side of the road, it really isn’t hard to get used to at all. Five minutes, tops.
Freshechelle on 14 Apr 2008 at 1:55 pm #
Julia, you’ve answered that big mystery I had - is the shifting pattern the same? Thanks for clearing that up (couldn’t even find a good picture on UK car sites or Google Images). Now, let’s hope no sheep are harmed in the completion of my journey.
amy1242 on 14 Apr 2008 at 2:10 pm #
Fresh, you are going to LOVE Scotland! The driving part will have you stressing as you get into the car and look around at all the controls. I had a harder time with the actual car than the driving. Your brain will have it mastered in no time. And the round-abouts…Sheer fun! We have them here now, but at the time I was in Scotland I had never been on one before. I’m excited for your trip! If you need any ideas on what to do or where to go, just let me know.
Julia, Italy is one of my next ventures, hopefully. I think Italy would be scarier alone than Scotland. I was nervous about Scotland but am more so, about Italy. I’m still two years away from having enough money for that one though.
amy1242 on 14 Apr 2008 at 2:15 pm #
I like the “wogging” word. I’ve been doing this for years and never knew what to call it. People ask me if I’m a runner and I always said, “No, I’m kind of a jogger.” Now, I’ll have the proper word for it. Thanks!!
Freshechelle on 14 Apr 2008 at 2:21 pm #
amy, I found a Scottish travel agent to map it all out for me, I’m most excited about the 2 castles stays, not a lot of city time (yeah!). Details should arrive by mail this week.
I’m open to your suggestions ‘coz I’m really weary from work & don’t have the energy to do a lot of tourist research before I go. My stays will be Glasgow, Nairn, Loch Fyne, Oban and Edinburgh (I’m forgetting a few) but mostly western Highlands. I drove thru Scotland very briefly over 20 yrs ago when I did an exchange student thing in Leeds, England but this will be my 1st proper visit.
Claudia, I did it again, went way off topic (your very cool topic!). Sorry.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 2:30 pm #
No, no! This is cool, talking about risks we took and how they paid off! That’s what I’m loving about this conversation. Everyone can’t have 8 hunky men obeying their every command. I get that.
Julia London on 14 Apr 2008 at 2:37 pm #
Amy, woggers should unite! People who will never be “runners” but are getting the heart rate up above a walk.
But I think I still walk faster than I jog. SEriously.
Fresh, shifting pattern exactly the same. Just do it with your left hand.
Sheridan LA on 14 Apr 2008 at 2:55 pm #
ok… it has been a rough day already.. so I started to giggle when this popped in my head
the Goddess Woggers Blog - Woggin’ and Bloggin’
yeah, I know.. easily amused.
Thanks for the kudos all.. and as I have learned these events are 90% mental. Yes, they are work, but once you can wrap your head around it, it helps.. course, most of the time, you have to do it to wrap your head around that you CAN do it.. heh.. maybe if it is cool with the goddesses that be, I can post the link for my fundraising page if anyone is open to donating to the Komen Foundation via my campaign.
Sheridan LA on 14 Apr 2008 at 2:56 pm #
Fresh.. I would love to hear about your trip when you go… I have not gone solo yet, someone always seems to want to join in my adventures.. so I love hearing from those who have gone alone.. so far, it seems to be a big thumbs up from everyone.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 3:04 pm #
Yes, I really want to hear about from lone travelers. I want to get up my courage and do it someday!
Paula M on 14 Apr 2008 at 3:16 pm #
Fresh you are sure to enjoy your trip, it is quite a few years since I have been to Scotland.
The only out of comfort zone thing I can recall is that when I was at school (aged 14/15yrs) I did an exchange trip to France. I stayed with a family who couldn’t speak a lot of English and I couldn’t spesak a lot of French. 10 whole days in a foreign country with no family only a few teachers from school who came to check up on me a couple of times SCARY!!
Paula M on 14 Apr 2008 at 3:19 pm #
Sorry clicked before I finished. I did enjoy myself even though I was homesick a bit. The worst ? funniest part was one meal time the father put his plate on the floor (when he had finished eating that course) let the dog lick it and then picked it up and put the next lot of food on it and ate up! UGH!! Oh and they tried to feed me tripe.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 3:23 pm #
Paula, that is disgusting!! I’m sure that’s not a French custom, just a very strange man who needed professional help. I’ll bet you lost weight on that trip!
I knew a kid, high school age, who went on a foreign exchange trip to France and spent most of his time hiding in the bathroom. He was not ready for that particular challenge.
Freshechelle on 14 Apr 2008 at 5:26 pm #
Paula, EEEWWWW!!!! To both the “dishwasher” and the tripe. You survived, you brave woman!
I can’t top you. Here’s my exchange student cowardice…My UK host mother was a barmaid at the local pub and tried to get me to pull a pint. I regret being to much of diva to give it a try. I just pictured that smelly ale spilling on my shoes I had to wear for my entire stay.
amy1242 on 14 Apr 2008 at 5:39 pm #
Paula, I just looked up tripe. OMG!!! The description was bad enough without the added notation of what it looks and smells like. Tripe, the first three of a cows four stomachs, that look like a wet sodden bath mat and smells like musty sox. Why would anyone eat that? Who was the first to think that would be tasty?
Yasmin on 14 Apr 2008 at 5:42 pm #
Wow I know how hard it is to row a boat in sync with everybody else. the couple times I’ve done it is it horrible for the people behind and in front of me. I got them all wet and kept hitting their oars all the time
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 5:44 pm #
We had French exchange students stay with us twice in the past; a girl one summer and a boy the next. They were sweet kids and their English was amazing. I never stopped feeling for them; kids in a strange country, in a strange house, eating strange food. The looks on their faces when they talked to their moms on the phone—-tear your heart out.
But what guts that took! I was in awe.
I’m also glad to say we don’t let the pets lick off the plates, so the reputation of America is solid in France. I like to do my part.
Actually, the French girl, who was uber thin and effortlessly chic, gained weight while she was here and made a point of saying how much she preferred American food to French.
I find that hilarious.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 5:46 pm #
Yasmin, you are so right; it’s not easy and it takes real skill to keep everything that coordinated. If the oars aren’t perfectly in sync, it slows the boat, which is never good in a race.
Can you imagine what it feels like for a rower to get a 100 pound oar in the back because the guy behind him got his oar hung up in the water!? You talk about swearing a blue streak.
Yasmin on 14 Apr 2008 at 6:26 pm #
Lol but seriously it is hard. I came out of the boat and was sooo tired your legs even hurt even though your sitting. It is a serious work out.
I used to walk every where but i started driving and now well……….Right now I walk my chihuahua Petunia while my lil brother is at the PT’s office so that I am in shape for Yosemite Nat’l park in May.
The first time I went I was dying. I forced my self to keep hiking because I wanted to badly see the waterfalls but now i know what to expect and prepare for it.
Karen Hawkins on 14 Apr 2008 at 6:30 pm #
This blog never ceases to amaze me. I am so amazed at the intrepid, amazing women here.
Fresh, you GO, girlfriend! You are SO gonna love it.
Sheridan, wow. Just . . . wow. Btw, can we sponsor you for the walk? Can you post the info on the Bulletin Board for us?
I’m proud of myself for learning to ski. I am SO not coordinated — I fall when I walk across even land. But over the years I’ve managed to grow somewhat proficient and I enjoy it very, very much. Now I want to learn to cross country. That’s Next On the List.
Julia, I wogged a half marathon in my running days. I know what you mean about being proud. I am STILL proud I finished that, though I had to limp the final mile. It didn’t matter — I crossed the finish line and I still grin when I think about it.
Now tell us about going to the Middle East with $100 in your pocket. PUUULLLLEEEZE!
Sheridan LA on 14 Apr 2008 at 6:51 pm #
Karen, I would be happy to.. I will post it in Off Mt Oly (right?). Thanks!
and yeah.. I want to hear about the Middle East with $100 as well.. that has got to be a good one!
HelenK on 14 Apr 2008 at 6:59 pm #
Claudia - That is so cool. Were the guys happy to have you there? Were you the only female coxswain? I’ve seen them when we were at Cambridge, but I don’t remember hearing any yelling from anyone. They just looked effortless gliding through the water. (It wasn’t a race day, so maybe that made a difference?)
Fresh - You’ll love Scotland. It’s super beautiful and the driving will be a breeze. The hardest parts for me were the sheep. I think they have got to be the stupidest creatures on earth. Hello? Large vehicle, move! They were hazardous and everywhere. Also, some of the roads you’ll be on are quite, um, little and some of the turns, frightening. You meet another car and they’ll back up until they hit a turn out so you can both pass. At least, they always seemed to be locals and they always backed up for me. The Scottish are wonderful, really very friendly. Just make sure (if you’re coloring is English - like mine) you open your mouth immediately where ever you are to establish
HelenK on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:04 pm #
Fresh (con’t) you are an American. Their friendly factor shoots way up.
Amy - You’ll love Italy. So many gorgeous things to see and they truly love women. Wonderful place.
I moved to AZ by myself when I was 19 and had never been here before, but I didn’t consider that out of my comfort zone. I’ve traveled all over and eat by myself, but didn’t consider that out of my comfort zone. I had to visit book clubs and get new readers for my chapter’s published contest. That was totally OUT of my comfort zone. (But easier to do since it wasn’t for *me* it was for the chapter)
For me, the first time for anything/whatever isn’t bad - it’s the second time that I’m shaky and worried. Then it’s out of my comfort zone.
Karen Hawkins on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:10 pm #
Sheridan, that would be perfect! Thanks!!!!
HelenK, I hear you on the second time. I think the first time it’s all about learning. Then, the second time, you know enough to worry . . . if that makes sense.
Sheridan LA on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:16 pm #
Helen, I am with you.. sheep are soooo stupid! I would get stuck on my way to work by them moving herds. If the sheep were coming my way, I was ok.. if we were headed the same way, forget it.. might as well park the car and wait till they get off the road. ugh.
and the link is posted in the forum. thanks!
HelenK on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:25 pm #
LOL Karen, I always think of it as I was too under-informed (dumb) to know to be scared the first time (My Pollyanna nature showing - What could happen?). The second time my realistic nature knows exactly what to expect and takes over and in the doing - doesn’t want to ever ever put me in that situation again. LOL
I like how you put it better.
Sheridan - I’m glad I’m not the only one with sheep issues. Honestly, I don’t curse, but those blankedy blank sheep had me turning the air blue almost the whole time I was in Scotland. Where were you that you had to deal with them on a regular basis?
Sheridan LA on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:32 pm #
I lived in western Colorado, about 6 miles outside town. They were always moving herds.. sheep, cattle, etc.. the sheep are by far the worst. The cows were interesting if the bulls were being moved with the rest of the herd.
There were also a few instances of me herding cattle out of my yard with a broom when they got through the fences. I suppose I should thank them for fertilizing my lawn.. hmph.
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 7:54 pm #
Oh, Yosemite in May! I wish I could be there with you!
Yasmin on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:00 pm #
I always had the impression that sheep were just plain lazy. When I drive to the Buchanan Hollow Nut Co. they are always laying about eating in side their pastures
Claudia Dain on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:03 pm #
HelenK, were the guys happy I was there…is that a trick question?
I was the first female coxswain for a male crew at my college; it was sort of an experiment. It was a challenge, and I mean that seriously, to get a bunch of macho jocks to obey every word out of my mouth. It was a tough fit for a while, but they’re going to lose every race if they don’t listen to the coxswain…so they learn to listen to the coxswain.
One time, the guys asked me to go out and do some extra practice with them on a Saturday, after the regular practice hours. Everyone else had left. We got 200 meters from the dock and they were messing around, not listening to me, cracking jokes, not really rowing. I gave them a series of commands, which they obeyed (conditioning rearing its head) and I brought the boat back to the dock. I got out of the boat and said my time was valuable and they weren’t going to waste it. They apologized to me all the way back to LA.
It never happened again.
Yasmin on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:17 pm #
Claudia—It is the perfect time to go. The snow has totally melted and the waterfalls are overflowing. The weather is usually warm enough but probably this year is going to hotter. We always have so much fun.
doglady on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:29 pm #
Wow, Claudia, I am in awe. That is such a cool thing to do. I played field hockey in college and that was quite an experience! Girls are ferocious when it comes to sports. I also played intramural basketball, despite my 5′0 height! I worked as an exercise boy for a racing stable when I was 9. I was too young and horse crazy to know how dangerous it was! Probably the hang gliding I did off some cliffs on the coast of Spain was the farthest out of my comfort zone I went. It took me forever to talk myself into it, but once I took that literal “leap” of faith it was a blast!
To be honest the first time I posted something I wrote on the Avon FanLit site I was WAY out of my comfort zone and had that “I take it back. I take it back.” moment for a while. Fortunately I have really pushy friends!
Yasmin on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:29 pm #
Girls, I’ll be back later. I just got a tour bus full of 17yr old boys from Australia. They are on a Rugby tour. Dont know exactly what rugby is?
ladydawgfan on 14 Apr 2008 at 8:44 pm #
I also stepped out of my comfort zone when I went back to school. I was a non-traditional student (read: old fart), and going to a school 1500 miles away from home and family to a state where I didn’t know a soul. However, I was painfully aware that the only way that this would work would be to go to school where I COULDN’T go home every weekend. I was forced to “swim in the deep end,” so to speak, ended up making some really good friends and memories, and found that going back to school was the best decision I could have made for myself.
Claudia Dain on 15 Apr 2008 at 8:40 am #
Doglady, hang gliding is WAY out of the comfort zone! What a brave thing to do!! I’m in awe!
Ladydawgfan, that was huge! Congrats on taking the leap, out of state and into the classroom! It’s never easy to go back to school.