Went skating tonight...they had a special session open this evening at the rink, but I didn't quite realize it was a major local public school outing skate, and I wound up dodging little kid bodies for the entire 2 hours. The worst pandemonium I've ever seen there. Can't believe I didn't fall. It was lousy skating for me, hazardous and unpredictable even when going slow...but it was excellent practice, like an obstacle course. I'm a little bit better now because of it.

Some mother told me she thought I was the 'rink bouncer' with my helmet and pads on. Guess I look sort of authoritative gliding around with my black helmet, black skates, black wrist guards, and my being older (54) and all. I told her 'Good, then the kids won't MESS with me.' Truth is, whenever I politely ask some kids or wild teens to not do stuff that is dangerous (usually when it's dangerous to ME), they always seem to whip right into shape all respectful-like. Honestly I'm not used to that, I don't expect such immediate obedience and respect from strange kids. Must be the sinister black helmet....but I admit it's secretly kinda FUN. Maybe they think I have a billy club and handcuffs hidden under my skirt.