Who Would Ever Know

At Montebello, New York 2012 Family Reunion

What ended up being a semi-vacation and a family reunion with Floridians and Canadians ended up to be such a wonderful experience.  The family reunion was a success and got to be with family I haven't seen in years.

What was truly fascinating was the fact that 14 years ago, we had decided to go and spend the holidays with our family up North.  We wanted to do something different so we all decided to go skating.  There was a skating rink not to far from our relatives but the funny thing was I have never seen a skating rink inside a mall before and to me this was amazing!!!

Me and Christina

July 27, 2012

Here we are today skating at the Palisades Center Skating Rink "AGAIN" 14 years later - simply magical. This time around it was just me, Christina, Juliana and Nilsa (my sister).  The best part of all, the rink gave us an extra hour of  ice time "What"? that was really exciting, yeah!! more ice time!!!  Thank you so much Palisades Center Skating Rink!!!

Me and my daughters
Christina and Juliana

"Who Would Ever Know" that 14 years later I would be an adult figure skater as well as my daughter Christina (4 years old at that time) would grow up to be such an amazing skater.  Even though Juliana is not a figure skater, however, she loves DJ Skate and public session.  I've been teaching her forward and backward swizzles and crossovers which she is doing very well.  Her dream is to with all of us in a a group number in Spring Show 2013.

My Loves
Christina, Nilsa and Juliana

Skating always brings a smile to everyone no matter if its your very first time lacing up skates or you're a experienced skater, some how skating with the ones you love, makes it even more special.  Moments to cherish for ever!!  I must say this was the best vacation ever.

Enjoy Life!! Enjoy Family!!

Oooh those "Falls"

While I love skating - I've had plenty of falls in my years of skating; during practice, in competitions and even in shows!!  Even famous figure skaters have had their share of falls - some really serious ones if you ask me. In skating I believe that falling no matter how many times, it makes me a better skater!! Though I wear my marks and bruises with pride and dignity!!!

Falling is an automatic reaction to get up and keep skating the program or show much go on, even though I have a huge knot in my throat.  I hear the audience as they feel sorry for me (oooh...) then in a second or two is the clapping!! giving me the encouragement to keep going.  In major competitions or even in a test session a "Fall" means major deductions or automatic "fail" but for the skater it's a blow that hits you in the gut.

Not sure if this has ever happen to you, but it has happen to me!!! in front of everyone on the ice... I go step onto the ice and their I go - down like a bag of potatoes with "GUARDS" ON AND ALL!!!  Seriously!! total embarrassment.

I must say that we all have had our share of falls - how about the "Superman Dive" like in this video!!!

Pretty sure everyone has had the "throw pick dive" is when your skating like there is no one watching and their you go!! "toe pick" throws you across the other side of the rink...its so crazy because, after that everyone is like "hey are you ok" because, oh yeah "I am an old lady on the ice" I think I broke my knee" hahaha!!!

How about the "Landmark" of all falls the "Bonny Hop" yep!! can't forget those.  My worst of all are the falls from spins (sit and back scratch spins), doing my flip, axel and loop/loop jumps.

In a short note:  Please were your butt pads, knee pads, head gear for your protection while practice to bad can't wear them during competition.

Its your courage within that makes you keep going
 not matter how many times or how hard you Fall!!

The "Back Scratch Spin" My Detriment

Just mention the word "backspin" to a skater and they will not tell no anything pretty in their experience.  Yes, the back spin (change of foot spin) and back scratch spin - its no doubt its everyone's nightmare one way or the other whether its FS 3 or adult bronze.  I thought I surpassed this element three years ago - but to my dismay - I am faced again and re-visited by this nightmare!! Now its worse 9 revolutions for my FS 5 test, no not 3 but 9!! Are you kidding me - this spin is my detriment to say the least.

I am pretty sure that some of you can relate to this element like a ______ ______ if you ask me.  Whether its the change foot spin or the back scratch!!! It is a very important matter - the back spin definitely is your loop and flip jump and the back scratch for sure is the element for your "Axel" rotation.  

TIPS:
1.  Its a spin, where the entry is from a forward inside 3 turn into an back outside edge (which ever side you spin on) vis versa.  

2.  once you execute your 3 turn, now you want to be tall & straight up in position like someone is pulling a string from your head

3.  Then the "snap" moment: is when you make the first rotation on the skating foot with your free leg out and "snap" or pull in your body same time with your free leg onto a back outside.

4.  When you spin the one rotation, you will feel a smooth quiet spin this is called "your sweet spot"

Pull in your free leg and squeeze down for your spin.  If I missed something, please let me know.  

What makes matters worse for me is that back in March had MRI and was diagnosed with a brain abnormality and by doctors orders have to limit the amount of spins I perform during practice sessions.  I now I wear a headband with a protective cushion to avoid any brain injury - though its not that attractive - this will not stop me, however I am more cautious on the ice.  Though I've my share of falls - now I practice my sit spins 3x, camel 3x and scratch spin 3-5x that's it!!! for the day just to safe.

So, ladies and gentlemen, word of the wise!! keep doing your back spins -don't stop just because you tested and passed. Make it a routine to at least do a few back spins during each practice.

Where there is thunder and lighting at the end
the sunshine always comes through...

41 days and Counting "Update"

Adult Bronze Moves Test
July 9, 2012

It all came down to this decision today, between me and my coach!! What we concluded: that it would best to wait until the next test session.  This would allow me to have more time to prepare, practice and at the same time focus on moves.  In a way I am re-leaved that we came to this decision, even though it was one of my goals to get it done by August, but things happen and I will be honest, I am not ready yet.

I've been told that "well, if I passed the ISI tests- why test USFS its all the same".   This statement stands true, however, I like to test it gives me the opportunity to skate with better form, correctness and proper positions, edges, form and rotations. for example: If a judge writes"needs to improve in this area"  I take criticism as a good thing - makes me work harder. I always say "take the negative and turn it into a positive."

I will continue to test both ISI and USFS though I am getting the best of both worlds!! It gets kind of crazy when I am trying to get all my MIF/FS for USFS and at the same time trying to get my ISI Open Silver elements clean for next skating season.  Can someone please push the 'PAUSE BUTTON" and let me re-think this crazy madness.

Which brings me to my next chapter of my life "skating journey"!!
I've been thinking about not competing anymore.  Its something that I am strongly considering due to health and financial reasons, but my options are open.  My real goal and dream is to compete at a Adult Sectional or Adult National Competition.  For me its not about winning or getting a medal - just the simple fact that I made it thus far is good enough for me - oh, and of course, to take a photo with the USFS Logo backdrop.

On a short note:  I am not even sure if I am READY for this endeavor or not, that's why I have to test, push myself to achieve my goals.  Still going to continue testing with ISI and reach Gold level and work to land my double salcow (hoping next year) God willing !! then maybe in a not to distant future the possibility of  the "Teaching" route.

Endless Dreams and Forever Possibilities!!!