The ballad of Push Push

February 21st, 2010 | Tagged:

Mallory and Push Push

Mallory and Push Push by cmkl

We have the outrageous fortune to live near the Rideau Canal, the world’s longest skateway. And as patriotic Canadians we’ve always believed we needed to skate and to pass on this skill to our progeny. Because skating is at the essence of our cultural identity. Sorry I’ll stop now. Actually, for me, it’s just that I don’t want my child to feel like a goof later in life because her parents never taught her to skate. It’s not a life and death thing like swimming, but it’s just… well, you have to do it.

We were out skating with Mallory a few times last year, and she even got going unassisted for brief stints, but mostly it was a stroll on the ice in skates or stroller on ice.

And this year, her skates didn’t have piks so her former technique was a non-starter.

So Irene was out and about this morning, and after agonizing over whether or not to buy it this late in the season, bought one of these skating supports.

Did it work? Well, Mallory was out skating on the canal for two hours, despite skipping her nap, and didn’t want to go home. She went from the directionless shuffle to serious speed over the course of the afternoon.

All because of Push Push, as she named it.

I’m particularly proud of my daughter this evening.

5 Comments »

5 Responses to “The ballad of Push Push”

  1. Michael Vickers Says:
    February 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 am

    I relate… I never really learned to skate as a kid, and you're right, if you live near the Canal you are a goof if you don't skate; especially when it's winter play day at school.So, I'm trying to get over my bad ankles and bad attitude and sort of learn how to skate, and get my kids skating too.

  2. Evan Thornton Says:
    February 21st, 2010 at 11:46 pm

    So you should be! Well done to Mallory. Bet she sleeps like a rock tonight, too.

  3. cmkl Says:
    February 22nd, 2010 at 9:54 am

    Rock-like state set in at 8pm. About an hour earlier than usual.

    cmkl

  4. Catherine Says:
    February 25th, 2010 at 10:41 am

    Hey Chris, Emma just had her 14th birthday – and guess what it was a skating party on the canal!! She slept well that night as well.

  5. cmkl Says:
    February 25th, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Wow. Fourteen. Bravo, mom. You’re an amazing woman. Hats off.

    cmkl

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