One Year Ago on Sept 27, 2011

It was a Monday night I was anxious and excited -  I was finishing up stoning my dresses, and had skated the last lesson before the big weekend.  Bags were packed already set to compete in Oldsmar FL the 2011 Adult National Championships that upcoming weekend.  Had no idea what was going to happen next!!!

It was close to midnight when my husband was feeling ill - he is one that does not like hospitals.  He told me he wasn't feeling well, he took an aspirin and went to bed.  And again, He got up said he was still not feeling well - we decided to go to the ER.  We didn't even sat in the waiting area and we were rushed in inside.  He had an electrocardiogram done and then the doctor approached me and said, "ma'm your husband is having a heart attack" I almost fainted. He was rushed to another room to prep him.  I went inside and saw him with all these tube and cables - next thing, I heard was the chopper!! I said what is that? "ma'm your husband needs immediate surgery - has to be airlifted right now to ORMC" I completely lost it!!!!  The worst thing was my two daughters were home and had no idea what was transpiring at this moment.  I couldn't even dial the phone, my hands were shaking so much.  The doctors had to give me something for my nerves, until I waited for someone to drive me to the other other hospital!! I thought my world was ending at that moment - everything was flashing in front of me - my life, my kids - "what am I going to do now!!!" and  "The what if???"  He had 3 (98%) blocked artery - the surgery went well and had 3 stents put in!!!  He was in ICU for 4 days.  A lot has happen and our lives changed forever!
PS: thank goodness he took that aspirin - it saved him enough time to get to the hospital

On a Short Note:
Don't take life for granted!!!! Always tell your love ones "I love you" you never know!!!!  It was a tough time for me coping. The life adjustment, the healing process, and the change of diet all for good reasons.  I felt a deep sense of guilt with me and skating.  I was confused, depressed and I didn't want to skate anymore.  
He told me "go and skate and do what you love to do"  I love him dearly and I don't know what I would do without him.  I pray every day and give thanks to God for sparing his life.  I have to say thank you to all my family and friends who prayed and gave me the support my family and I needed in that time.

No Competition, No Medal comes close to what I received
Golden Prize "Life" !

Now Comes Free Skate

September 3, 2012
I am SO excited that finally after passing my adult pre-bronze MIF and adult pre-bronze free skate this summer was such an accomplishment.  As I move forward with my skating goals, now I have to focus on putting together a Free Skate program with the help of my Coach(s).

I trained hard this whole summer to correct my skating performance in the ISI Conference Championships competition back in May. To be quite honest it was not my best performance due to the fact that I lost my dad 3 weeks prior and had just gotten my program together only 2 weeks before then and not to mention that my nerves got the best of me... well enough of the blame game....can't cry over spilled milk!! only have to clean it up....

I know... I've mentioned in my previous blog post that I was debating whether or not to compete anymore but the best thing of setting goals is that you can always change your mind.  There is a upcoming USFS Adult Eastern Sectional (non-qualifying) competition in 2013 that I've been wanting to compete in for quite sometime. Seriously I can't let this chance pass me by.

Adult Singles Standard Free Skate Program:
Adult Pre-Bronze (equivalent to ISI FS 1 - FS 4)

Music duration: 1.40
Single and 1/2 Jumps are permitted
Salcow = S
Toe loop = L
Waltz Jump = W (1/2 rev jump)
Flip = F
Loop = LO
1 Combination Jump:
any of the above jumps in combination(s)
No Axels or Lutz are permitted

Spins: (no flying spins are permitted)
Maximum: 2
Revolution: 3

I am looking forward to skating a program at my current level and at the same time get it ready for 2013.  If I'm not mistaken, (tell me if I am) since my test level is adult pre-bronze, I can skate up one level which is Bronze at local competitions but not sure about AES.  Only in Adult Nationals you have to compete at your current test level.  I am confident with both levels, however my goal is to compete from the bottom and move my way up as I progress in levels.  It might take some time to get there since USFS testing is a whole lot harder. I have to admit that I am indeed a rookie and new to this level of competition and requirements for IJS or 6.0 scoring system, I am sure with coaching, practice and confidence it will all pan out.

I will be updating this post frequently and will add my free skate program on video soon... Also will post my free skate dress that I am designing.   stay tuned...

Happy Skating