Thursday, April 30, 2009

One Small Sail for Brooke, One Giant Leap for Mankind

Well, I have been to two more sailing classes since I wrote the blog about wanting to quit. And, somehow, I have managed to keep my anxiety at bay. I prayed about it and talked myself into going "just one more time". I also have a great partner, Natali, and a fabulous teacher, Tracey.
They are both so nice and patient. Natali actually already knows how to sail, but she just wanted to take this as a refresher. So, I pretty much have two teachers.
I can't quit when I receive weekly emails from my teacher with the most encouraging words...EVER! See for yourself:
"Dear Brooke and Natali,
As I said today, I do look forward to Thursdays :) I see progress with both of you already and I know you're both going to keep progressing into great sailors. And just as importantly, you're both a lot of fun, which makes the sailing even more enjoyable. Every week we're on the water you'll make strides without even knowing it, then after 10 weeks you'll look back and see just how far you've come. Both of you have a lovely weekend. Tracey"

And then here is this one from today: "Dear Brooke, I cannot express how so very proud I am of you today. I pushed you very hard today and you came up smiling! Despite what you say you showed great skill and you made huge strides forward in your upwind sailing. By this week most students feel they are not getting it and do not feel confident, this is very normal, as we have such crazy standards for ourselves. However, I feel that you are getting it! You are better than you know and you have so much promise to become a good sailor. Your positive attitude, attention to details and willing demeanor not to mention awesome tacking skills will have your confidence up and ready for the next challenge as each week goes by. Remember keep one day at a time, and you always say you cannot do it, but you always do! Till-er Thursday. Tracey"

How could I stop going?? Tracey is so great! If nothing else, I will do it to make her proud. I will keep praying for strength and motivation. And I hope I don't capsize us!!
Tracey also has tolerance for my accent. She has a British accent and she lived in Alabama for 10 years...so she can totally get what I am saying and she doesn't ask me to repeat words that she thinks I say funny. She said that there is nothing I can say, that she hasn't heard. ;-) Hopefully she doesn't mind when I "cuss like a sailor". Kidding...maybe...

6 comments:

Cindy S. said...

I'm proud of you too :) Sounds like you're doing great!!

Allyson said...

You totally can't give up on Tracey. How amazing that she takes time out of her day to continue to give motivation to her students. I'm sure you're doing great - just as long as you're having fun, too. You've inspired me to do one thing that scares me everyday. Today, I attempted to make very difficult jewelry with some very expensive pieces. Tomorrow..the world!! Way to go chica!

hmb said...

I just came across your blog!! I am from KY too! *still there for now* until my husband gets out of training...then we are making the move to ft drum. so jeal you are in hawaii!

hmb said...

Josh is going in June. I will be up there...sometime....I plan on making huge messes out of everything, thus delaying my departure from the Bluegrass!!!

Brooke said...

I'm so glad you've got a great teacher and are enjoying it a little more!

Corey said...

With motivation like that I could sail The Big Sandy!