Turning 27 & Trying Something That Scares Me

For some unknown reason, 27 has been my 'scary age'. It's been the age I just always assumed I'd have life sorted out; an amazing job, a lovely flat and just generally feeling a bit more settled. And hitting 27, like I did yesterday, having accomplished absolutely none of those things has been quite scary. 

I'm not exactly a big planner. It isn't that I had a 5 year plan and had goals to hit by the time I hit a certain age, but for some reason 27 feels so much older than 26. Maybe it's being so close to 30, the thought of my carefree 20's slipping away with little more to show for it than a few hangovers and some amazing trips abroad. So it's safe to say I was (am) feeling a little down about the whole thing. I mean I usually love birthdays!

So what better thing to do when you hit the age that scares you than doing something else that scares you? I've wanted to try my hand at snowboarding for years, and finally got up the guts to try it thanks to a friend with a handy Groupon offer. Last night, at my new ripe old age, I did an hour and a half snowboarding lesson followed by an hour and a half skiing lesson. Followed by a few painkillers and a hot bath - it was definitely a workout! I'm sore everywhere from my arms to my bum today. I'll keep telling myself I'm growing muscles.

I'm the worlds biggest wimp when it comes to heights sometimes, and looking down the (baby) hill imagining all the potential for broken bones made snowboarding harder for me - but skiing was another story! I'd like to persevere with both - and I'm officially giving myself a tick on the learning to ski/snowboard point on my 30 Before 30 List...I'm considering it a win!

I have to say, as hard and scary as it was I completely loved it. We had two lovely instructors who didn't get too annoyed at us for spending more time rolling about in the snow laughing than actually getting down the hill. Safe to say neither of us will be representing GB in the next winter Olympics! But we had a fantastic time, and found a new hobby - hopefully we'll get better! I honestly couldn't recommend trying either skiing or snowboarding more - especially at Snow Factor if you live near Glasgow. The slopes are made of real snow and the instructors are lovely (and very patient!)