The Glory of the Water

[DanTheMan]

It was a beautiful sunny day in northern Michigan. Only a few clouds in the sky, the birds were chirping; a perfect day for ... mowing the yard. Well, I did that in the morning, but after that, we packed up the care and headed to our friends house.
After a nice lunch of brats and burgers, we headed down to the lake. Then we set up the "base camp" with blankets and an umbrella. With that taken care of, I helped my friend take stuff to the boat. He prepared the boat I helped by standing on the dock and watching.
You see, I'm not very helpful when it comes to water craft. Today would be the day when I go water-skiing for the first time in my life. I don't usually do these adventurous things, I don't usually even care to go swimming. But the opportunity presented itself, and I had to do it.
So, with the boat ready and kids arriving, we got into the boat and headed out. Once out safely away from the dock (and safety), my friend turned to me and calmly said, "Ok, ready to go water-skiing." To which I smartly shakingly replied, "Maybe my wife would go first." She, not being as smart scared as I, replied, "Sure, I'd love to!"
She courageously donned the life jacket and jumped in the water. She got on the skis and had fun. Satisfied with that, she came back in to the boat. Then my friend turned to me and calmly stated, "Your turn."
Giving in to the cheers of the kids, I reluctantly put on the now cold and wet life jacket. I stepped out on the corner of the boat and stared at the watery depths. After much hesitation, I eventually jumped into the icy water. Only then did I realize that the water wasn't really icy, it was actually fairly warm. After some time and much effort, I managed to get on the skis and catch the pull rope. I got my self and skis in position, went through the water-skiing tips my friend had told me, and signaling okay to go.
My first try wasn't very successful and neither was my second. My third try on managed to stand up, and my fourth and stood up for about 5 seconds. On my fifth try, I stood again but got too much water in my face and fell down. That was enough.
I did it! I almost didn't believe it. I still almost don't believe it. We went back to shore and the day continued. And went over the images again and again in my mind. It was a good day. I did something I had never tried before. And lived!!!

(Soon, I will post a picture of my fifth attempt as proof!)

[karenee]

ROFL I can't wait to see the pic!

[Dred]

That's awesome. I was in a similar situation a few years ago when my wife's family convinced me to try water skiing in the Ozarks. Took 3 tries before I got up but then I was up and flying around. I didn't look good but I was up and moving. It's fun until you realize how sore your arms get.

[cree8ivone]

I tried to get up on water skis six times in a row when I had the opportunity. I didn't have near the success you did Dan.

Congratulations!

[DanTheMan]

So, here's proof. This is on my 5th try where I'm trying to avoid getting in my face while standing up on the skiis:

[Hinata]

hehehe, beautiful Dan. . .you should do it more often and become a pro like in the cartoons

[chrystalized]

ohh, your so lucky I tried so hard to get up while wakebording in May ( in canada) but it was absoulutly freezing so my fingers froze and I could not hold on.

[DanTheMan]

Ok. Sunday I might be trying water-skiing again. Prayers appreciated!

Anybody have tips for me? Any experienced water-skiiers out there?

[dreamer]

You can be as smart as your wife and go first this time!!

[DanTheMan]

Story has been edited to protect the innocent.

[karenee]

*sits in attentive anticipation* I am eagerly awaiting the new story.

[dreamer]

We'll have to see if it can happen. It's raining today. If not today, some other time this summer. We really need the rain!!

[karenee]

*falls over*

All that eager anticipation gets tiring after a while!

[DanTheMan]

You'll just have to wait. It'll have to wait for a hot and sunny day. (That'll be the only time you hear me requesting a hot day!)

[Tegid]

I'm glad that what [red]DanTheMan[/red] considers a hot day seems about like a day in early May to me. And now I look forward to reading a lengthy report on why there was such a big smile on his face this afternoon.