2011 Retrospective: a full year of Curling

I started curling in February, 2010, and this is the first time I've been able to look back at a full year of Curling.

Last year started off with a drop-in at Curl San Diego -- a drop in that turned into a learn to curl on January 2nd -- and the year ended with a drop in at our own club on December 27th.

The bad thing about curling in Southern California is a shortage of ice.  In the northern states, and in Canada, they have dedicated curling clubs with perfect ice available most every day of the week during the curling season.

The good thing about curling in Southern California: most clubs shut down when the weather gets warm outside -- we have ice all year.

We curl in July and August -- I've curled every month, and between leagues, we teach -- we get to share Curling with those who have never tried the game. 

This time last year, I had just received my Level 1 instructor certification.  I now have more than twice as many hours as I need to re-certify in two years.

In the past three months, I've finally become comfortable with my shoes -- to the point that my first thought isn't getting my gripper back on after delivering the stone.

Hilights from this year:

• My second Bonspiel, Frost in July
• My second visit to The Crush, this time with my whole team
• Brenna and Debbie in the same room.  'nuff said
• The L.A. Scotch Club
• Canadians in O.C.
• New Friends (Party with Ashley! to name one)
• The Spirit of Curling
• Curling with the three best teammates anyone could ask for

This year had one disappointment: I did not make it to Dedicated Curling Ice. Family obligations have to come first.

Through all of the adversity: it is Curling that keeps me sane. 

With that, 2011 comes to a close, and I look forward to Curling in 2012. 

League starts January 28th.