Ice skating at Frog Pond in the Boston Commons is undeniably clichéd and corny. The haunt of mushy couples and irritating teenagers trying to show off, the rink is a prime time place for people watching and, admittedly, a ridiculous amount of fun. Who can truthfully say it is not hilarious watching people spin wildly out of control and wipe out? Even more priceless is when the infamous domino effect takes place, particularly when some unsuspecting child is caught in the fray. It’s only 12 dollars for admittance and skate rentals and to top it off a mix of songs, that are impossible not to sing along with, are played out across the ice.6:00: The night is a perfect combination of crisp yet mild enough that all you need is a warm sweater and a comfy scarf. Skates in hand my friends Rima, Jason and I hurry towards the lights of the rink in the distance. We can hear the faint sounds of music and the satisfying sounds of skates cutting across the ice. With the warmth of hot chocolate running through us we are more then ready for a night of painless exercise and possible face plants.6:10: This is Rima’s first time skating so she is particularly concerned about regularly eating it, but I have assured her that, though I will laugh, I will also attempt to help her by sharing my innate ability to skate, something that comes with being Canadian. This is probably a false promise though, as I have not skated in years and probably have lost any skills I might have once had.6:20: After a confusion with a locker token we are well on our way. Lacing is proving to be a little difficult as getting them tight enough on your own can be a task. I am almost giddy with anticipation as I watch some out of control man barrel into the boards, his body ricocheting in an almost graceful and elegant motion.7:30: ZAMBONI TIME!! As I watch the man drive around, dramatically standing atop the iconic machine, I am reminded of one of my all time dreams; driving the Zamboni at game seven of the Stanly Cup Playoffs. Everyone is waiting anxiously, ready to get out on the fresh ice, free of groves waiting to trip us up. I have developed a signature move entitled the “slingshot,” in which my friend Jason, while I am skating as fast as possible, flings me around the corners. I then bend my knees and crouch down to achieve maxim speed, narrowly avoiding causing a mass pile-up as I dodge unsuspecting people.8:00: I feel unbelievable refreshed. There is no better feeling than the satisfaction and flushed cheeks that accompany ice skating. Everyone agrees that this should be a weekly activity. I have way more energy than when I started and a little exercise and fresh air always makes me more able to concentrate on my work later. One doesn’t even have to go as far as the Commons to skate, you can go at the UMB rink Monday-Friday from 11AM-1PM!