Roller Skating...

I've been wearing a new pair of boots lately and they feel bulky and heavy...much like roller skates did when I was a kid. Wow, it's been forever since I've roller skated. I think I'd like to try it again next time I have extra money laying around.

I really liked skating around the hardwood floor of our local roller rink at night. It was really fun living just a block from the place. I remember going every chance I could. I went for various reasons...the feel of the wind blowing past me as I moved (not so) effortlessly around the floor; meeting new people (specifically girls); and finally (obviously the most compelling), the lights and the music.

It was great to be out getting exercise while listening to all of my favorites. I liked when the DJ would put on a slow song and turn the lights down low and announce that it was a "couples skate." I couldn't skate during those, but I did get to hear the music and see the lights.  They did have all boys skates and all girls skates.

Every night, I watched people do the Limbo ("Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack go under Limbo stick!")  I also remember watching other cool skate tricks like "the whip" when people would join hands and try to throw the farthest person to the outside of the rink.  "Shoot the duck" (where you skate while sitting on your back skate with your other foot stretched in front of you), and also backwards skating.  None of these did I do, (because I was too chicken) but it was really fun to watch.

I even remember the stage at the back of the roller rink (which was never used, but could have been.) Wow, what a cool memory. Sure my hands and knees were sore after every night of it, but, hey, it was worth it!