While I was studying English abroad in the States, I wanted to pick up a hobby to enjoy on weekday afternoons or weekends. While looking into the school’s facilities, I found that there was a squash court.
At first, I simply thought that it would be more or less similar to tennis, only played indoors. But as I hit the rubber ball toward the wall, exchanging strokes with a partner, I was soon sweating buckets. After a while, I sank to the ground exhausted. I realized it was a very demanding activity that requires using a lot of energy in a short amount of time. So, whenever I was homesick for Korea or my studies became too hard, I made some time to play squash. It helped me overcome homesickness and blow off steam.
Now, a decade later, I have convinced my husband to join me in playing squash for the exercise. As we hit the squash ball against the wall, I can release stress and unwind from the challenges of being a working mom.
sweat buckets - to sweat a lot
demanding - needing a lot of time, attention, or energy
blow off steam - to get rid of strong feelings or energy
just the thing - exactly what is needed
미국에서 어학연수를 하는 동안 나는 평일 오후나 주말에 즐길 수 있는 취미를 만들고 싶었다. 학교 부대시설을 살펴보던 중 스쿼시 코트가 있다는 것을 알았다.
처음에는 실내에서 하는 테니스와 비슷할 거라고 생각했다. 그러나 상대방과 벽을 향해 고무공을 서로 주고받으며 치다 보니 금방 땀이 엄청나게 났다. 얼마 후 나는 지쳐서 바닥에 주저앉았다. 짧은 시간에 엄청난 에너지를 사용하는 매우 힘든 운동이라는 것을 알았다. 그래서 한국에 대한 향수병이 생기거나 공부가 너무 힘들어질 때마다 시간을 내서 스쿼시를 했고, 스쿼시는 향수병을 극복하고 스트레스를 날려버리는 데 도움이 되었다.
10년이 지난 지금은 남편을 설득해 함께 운동삼아 스쿼시를 하고 있다. 스쿼시 공을 힘차게 벽에 치며 스트레스를 풀고 워킹맘으로서 겪는 어려움에서 벗어나 긴장을 풀어내고 있다.
- I picked up a hobby through a friend at work. / It’s important to pick up a hobby that can help you relax.
- I was so nervous that I was sweating buckets. / Everyone was sweating buckets because of the humidity.
- I sometimes go jogging to blow off steam. / Computer games help me blow off steam after work.
A: Didn’t you say you're learning squash these days? Isn’t it hard?
B: It was so tough at first that I thought about giving up. Nowadays, I play with my husband.
A: Wow! That sounds great.
B: It’s a sport you play in pairs, so it’s just the thing for couples.
A: I should try talking my wife into playing.
B: Yeah, definitely give it a try.
