It never hurts to try a new jump "Lutz"

Though in my mind I hate the *flip* or any toe jump for that matter!! All I know is that the flip jump is the Devil's child hahaha!!  Since I am now back on the ice from a 4 week break,  (injury) I am feeling much better and more confident.  During my practice session with the help my daughter Christina aka stand-in coach, I decided to just *try* some new jumps one of them was my lutz and also a sal/loop.  Did try it a gazzillion times, managed to land a decent one that was video worthy.  Though I was told to seriously work on my flamingo legs or aka chicken legs...it seems I can't break this habit with the free leg during takeoff needless to say its another dilemma that has to be addressed.

I have to admit that I am one of those who will say a million and one excuses not to try a jump or spin, but it all boils down to "what is the worst that can happen" *you fall* just have to get up and try it again.  Its been in the back of my mind for a while now, and never built up the courage to try it....being that I skated at sectionals and did a combination 1/2 lutz/salcow/ballet jump,  I said to myself  "self" let's just give this lutz jump a try and go for it no matter how stupid or how bad the jump will look on video....this is the only way I'll get better and improve with positive criticism by my fellow skating peers.

In all truthfulness, I am my worst critic when it comes to skating but I always love to get criticism from my friends.  I've gotten some positive input just from this video and I would love to share it with you.

Practice warm-up on ice:

• 1/2 lutz jump to single flip jump = a single lutz
• Power pulls (lutz): take off
• Back pivot from an forward inside edge: rotation take off
• Jump rotations on the ice: 1/2 and full (note: must land on toe pick for safety)
• Back spins = full rotation
• On the boards; foot crossed jumps and exit landing
• Off ice jump rotations and cross foot in front with landing position

Note:
Entry for the lutz hold the edge longer and keep left arm in front and right arm back. Jump up and bring arms in (pull-in arms) free leg in at the same time on a 1.2.3. motion.

I have a quote that I always say: "Fear Not But Fear Itself"
Happy Skating 

I am not shy to say it! "I am broke"

I am writing because this past weekend I was talking to a fellow adult skater and she had mentioned to me about a previous blog post that I wrote "Is skating costing too much" and said that she can definitely relate to everything I wrote. I like to write about things that are relate-able and real life occurrences.

My hubby and I own our business for 19 years, we're a wedding and special events company.  We work  hard for what we have and what we had; vacations, cars, houses etc.  However, times has changed and business has slowed down dramatically and the economy has played a significant role.

This is a altering lifestyle now; mentally, emotionally, and economically!!! Had to down size the business, cut some of the bills at home (cable, light, phone etc) and we are now wise shoppers.  But what always comes up in our conversation is our skating.  Its a difficult decision but we did decide to minimize our skating sessions and we are now sharing one coach for 1 hour lesson.  Coach Alex is our choreographer for our free skate programs and Christina has him for 15 min for now.  I had to buy used skates and blades, since buying new pair was going to cost me $700.00.  Traveling to competitions is a definite NO right now - unless is local.  Testing is another issue because its two skaters testing and that can also add up...what we decided to do is just test one at a time ie; MIF rathter than MIF and Free Skate x2 not including coaching fee for the test day.  I am very fortunate, however,  that my coach is understanding of our financial situation which I hope its not permanent.

What is most amazing is that my daughters and hubby are so supportive and understanding.  I know it's hard on them because I have to think twice when they want something.  Its gotten to the point of whether its a "need" or is it a "want"  indeed it is tough.  But I am so thankful that the Good Lord has shown me the way to live life in its simplest form and we are still happy and content with everything have.

Christina told me on our way home from the rink "Mom, things happen for a reasons...this has altered our life style, but it has taught me to appreciate what I have today and tomorrow"

How do I define wealth, in my heart and spirit I am the most wealthiest woman in the world!!!! My family is my "wealth" my "gold" my "jewels" its not the material things - those can be replaced!!

"I love you Annand, Juliana and Christina Thakur"

Back On The Ice Again!!

Finally, I am healed and back on the ice!!

April 2, 2013 - Today's skate recap:
I was scared in a way...but I laced up my skates and felt the cold and the smell of the ice just hit me, what a feeling its is to step into the rink!!  I was overwhelmed by everyone so supportive and so glad to see me back on the ice.

I took it slow and at first I just did some stroking, and power pulls then worked on my MIF and  I believe I went thru my moves about 2x.  After worked on my back 3s and double 3s and so happy that I got a nice edge on them.  Took a couple of  5 min breaks and started working on my spins, at first I was hesitant to try my sit spin and camel but after a couple of tries, I was in my zone!!  Its funny, but there was like a voice in the back of my head telling...."don't do it" but then again my body was telling me different.  Its hard to explain, I think its the fear of re-injuring myself again - most importantly for me it was actually getting the courage to do it.

It was so nice to see all my skating buddies doing their thing and at a glance I noticed my daughter (Christina) working on her lutz jump and I was so tempted to try some jumps too...got the nerve to actually try some waltz, sal and loop jumps and realized that I can actually jump without pain or pulling.  My daughter decided to *coach* me on my lutz. She said "hey mom, let me see your lutz"? so decided to warm up my entry with hesitant and soon after she corrected my entry and *wha la* nice lutz but not fully rotated which is ok still is a working progress. Thank You Christina!!!...of course did my happy dance...I could not stop smiling!!! From this moment on it will only get better...my mind-set is much different and my perspective to my skating has changed drastically.

Sometimes your body talks to you and at the same time it takes an injury to actually tell you "hey, listen time for a break" so, I listened and took the time to heal and it was so worth the wait.

Patience And Time Heals Everything!!