Conquering fear one pool noodle at a time...

One of Marielena's top priorites has always been getting me into a swimming pool.

At age 30, I could still boast to be one of the only people alive to grow up on the east coast and not only dislike fish, but to not be able to swim either.

So now and then, she'd skillfully slip in some subtle prodding in the hopes of me aggreeing to at least try to learn or just get a bit comfortable in the water.

Well, on Friday she succeeded! She has been going to one of the local public pools lately just to do some laps and get some exercize. We were both off on Friday and she wanted to have a quick dip in the pool and asked me to go.

I agreed, the whole time thinking, "What have I gotten myself into??"

So after changing into my very sexy new swim trunks, I peeked my head out of the change room into the pool area. Marielena was already in and waiting for me!

First a toe, then an ankle, then eventually a whole foot went in! Bit by bit, I got all of me in there.

It took some getting used to, but after the initial shock of getting in the pool and actually being in the water, I gradually became more and more comfortable. It was really very exciting! The more comfortable I got, the more daring I became; at one point actually partially submerging my face!

Lena was very helpful and supportive, arming me with all the tools I would need; a flutter board and the all important sacred pool noodle.

As the time went on, I was able to bob under and stay for longer and longer. Then I was able to try swimming under the water and eventually on the water (with the noodle of course).

I still have to master the art of remembering NOT to breathe when under there, though...

I would smile and say hello as the 4 and 5 year olds swam expertly by curiously looking at me clutching my noodle around my chest as well as holding on to the side of the pool. The 18 month old diving off the diving board with his water wings was a great sight.

All in all, a great afternoon. I may now even invest in some lessons! Still a long way to go, but the journey has at least begun!