Second Opinion

Feeling a bit frustrated because I just got my results from the doctor and it seems the pain that I've been suffering for quite some time is actually "vertebra subluxation" and "hip displacement".(right side)....in english terms; my right hip is pushed forward and my left hip is back.....subluxation; my back and neck is out of alignment.....how fun ...:( all due to falling on the ice thru out the years.

What happens now....I have a lot of thinking to do; 1. treatment is going to cost me out of pocket $3,000.00 which at this time I can not afford it, even if they break it down in payments, its still kind of steep....2. Still thinking.  3. I am debating whether to seek a second opinion. 

Feeling so frustrated and I really don't know what to do....sometimes I just feel like giving it all up.

Skating Recap:

Had a lesson on Monday, which went very well....coach was very pleased with my loop jump and finally I heard it from her very own words...."now that loop jump is a "pass" !!!! So, excited and pleased with myself despite my skating practices have been shortened due to $$$$ but still manage to skate during the week.

I am progressing moderately well... knowing that I have to deal with this pain on my backside.  I am limiting myself the amount of sit spins since I've noticed that it aggravates my back even more.  It prevents me from stretching forward and dropping lower into the sit spin hoping for the best and keeping an open mind and just skating forward.  Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Life is bigger than self

Happy Skating

Now Comes Silver MIF

Took me a year to train and pass my bronze moves in the field (MIF) though it was tough, but got the courage and I did it.  Now comes Silver MIF they say the higher the level the harder it gets, this is very true. These moves are hard and dangerous if performed incorrectly.  This is why I am breaking these moves one by one...step by step.

Skating ISI and USFS are mostly similar in elements and moves but skated in a different pattern...I am so glad I tested ISI because I have a better insight now that I am testing USFS.  For example: the 8 step mohawk sequence in ISI FS3 is the same in Silver as well as the FS 4 dance step is the inside and outside right and left back 3 turn sequence similar as in Silver.

Today's lesson
Went well, pretty much worked on light stuff...since I am recovering from my knee injury.  My jumps are getting better and same with my back spin....I am so glad I decided to wait and test my free skate in November.  In the mean while, as I heal my knee today coach is gearing me up for my Silver MIF.  I am confident I will get these moves.  There's always 1 or 2 moves that from the bat are going to be a nemesis; mine are the *back cross strokes* which are hard and scary. I almost had a dangerous fall when I was skating my 8 step mohawk....talking about saving myself....yep totally insane!!! I am so glad that I don't have to do any circle 8s.

Adult Silver Moves in the Field Test
Candidates must skate the correct steps and turns on good edges showing good
form, continuous flow and strength, and preciseness to their steps.

1. Eight-step mohawk sequence
2. Forward and backward free skating cross strokes
3. FO-BI three-turns in the field
4. FI-BO three-turns in the field
5. Consecutive outside and inside spirals
6. Forward and backward power change of edge pulls
One element may be retried, if necessary.

Some times I wonder about myself and why I do this....well because I love skating and enjoy the challenge. This in the long run will make me a better skater.  I have my work cut for me...but I am ready for this. I know it will take time and with patience it will get easier.

Happy Skating

A Minor Set Back :(

July 19, 2013

Tonight was suppose to be an adult skate night and drinks afterwards....was so looking forward to it.  I skated the 6 o'clock session and I have to say that I had a great skate....I did off ice during the week and I went to the rink with a positive mind-set and really took the time to focus on what I had learnt during my lesson this past Monday.

Jumps:
I ran thru a couple of flips jumps and at first they were under rotated, but then I got the flow and landed some nice ones same with my lutz a bit scary but did good.  Loop jumps are improving....better than the 3/4 rotation from last week.  Did some nice waltz/loop jumps with really good height on the loop.  Overall, my jumps are improving slowly but I am happy with my progress.

Spins: 
my back scratch spin began slowly and just trying to focus and remember my techniques that my coach told me to work on...back dbl 3s.  I did however, manage to execute some really nice ones with more that 4 revolutions.  My goal is to keep this momentum going and get it consistent.  Not giving up yet.  Once I have mastered the back scratch spin, my next spin to conquer: the forward fast scratch spin...Hay ya yahee!!!

Then came my nightmare:
Just as the zamboni guy was preparing to enter the ice, I immediately said to myself...."oh shoot its time to get off the ice" with a sense of success and have skated well it just took that one split second and, BAMMM I hit my toe pick and landed flat on my knee and chest.  I remember yelling as I saw my daughter on the other side of the ice and all I can do is lay motionless.  I was out of air for about 2 to 3 seconds....until I realized everyone was asking me if I was okay....all I remember was Mike and Christina carrying me to the bench...to realize that I could not make it to the lobby.....the pain was so severe that it did not hit me until I pulled up my tights. My knee was busted, yep...a hot mess.....I cried like a baby.  My plans to go out for drinks with my skating peeps were canceled :(  Have to follow the RICE method if I want to heal :)

R: Rest
I:  Ice
C: Compression
E:  Elevation

I have to say Thank You ALL those who came to my aid, and Kyle for carrying out to the car.  My daughter works at the RDV as Ice Monitor and her training kicked in....and I have to say she kept me calm and did all the right things to not injury myself even more.

Minor set back:
This indeed is a set back for me since now I have to be off the ice until my knee is fully healed.  Things happen for reasons and I am so glad that I decided not to test in August. Now with this happening there would have been no way I could test - its all for the best.  Recovery will take time, in the mean while just have to rest and take it slow....since my next test session is not till November.   I don't want to loose my focus and my momentum that I had last night but praying that I can get back on the ice soon.

Special thank you to all my wonderful friends for their well wishes and concern....There is a special place in my heart for all of you <3

Things happen for reasons

Happy Skating

Bronze free skate test will have to wait

Though I've been counting the days for my Adult Bronze test and now, with lots of thinking and discussions with my coach,  I have decided not to TEST this coming August I was feeling a bit guilty with myself but as I sit back I am ok with it.  My program is smooth just not 100%, there is just that voice inside me that is telling me to just wait a little bit longer.   I feel that if I take my time and really focus on my spins and getting my loop clean (higher). I don't want to second guess myself with I am skating in front of 4 judges....I want to be one with my music and my performance.

The next test session is in November with will give me a few months to really work hard with my coach and get a good backspin and a fully rotated loop jump.  I know I can do it....my only concern is that if I DON'T pass (which I hope I pass) in November my chances for Adult Nationals 2014 is over :(  then again there is always 2015.  I cant control what I can not grasp.

Adult Bronze Free Skate Test 1.50 min
Spins: Backspin and Sit spin
Jumps: Salcow, Toe and 1 single jump (loop or flip)
Combination jump: Waltz/Toe Loop
all performed with music and connecting moves

Today's lesson:
Had a great lesson today, and my sit spin is way better than my exhibition skate for sure...coach was very pleased with my toe loop and combination jump...yipppy!!! Manage to hit the ice a couple of times but that means I am actually learn something productive.  Coach did put me on the harness and worked on my loop jump trying to get that free leg crossed - now flip jump is another whole other story for another day lol.

These couple of months will be focused on my performance and correcting those bad habits and of course those *chicken legs* that free leg needs to be crossed in front - on my jumps and spins.  They say that bad habits are hard to break....we'll have to see about that.

 "Once you are at peace with your decision is all that matters"
Happy Skating

My First Exhibition

This is truly an honor and I am so excited that will be performing in front of the Learn to Skate and Academy Class next week Tuesday, July 9th.  Some have seen me on the ice during the week practicing and now they can finally see me skate.

Skating is for all ages; young and adult...and I hope that I can inspire them and some adults as well.  Once they can see how amazing the levels of all the skaters, it will give the motivation to continue with their skating and that all is possible with hard work and practice.  This Exhibition is hosted by our club Central Florida Figure Skating and its a way to showcase us skaters and perform our free skate programs as a trial or practice. Also to invite new skaters to become join the Club in the future. Hopefully I will update this post with pictures and video.

Exhibition Recap:
Well, I had decided to skate the 5:00 session for practice before my program, first 1/2 hour was a good skate and should of stop then, but no, I continued to skate and did one run thru of my program and bam!!! caught my toe pick and face planted on the ice. I can say that I was out of breath for a few seconds and realized my knees were in dyer pain I did, however, iced my knees and got off the ice.

Of course there is the should've, could've and would've moments that I tend to really be hard on my self and  take credit when its due.  I was really upset that my sit spin was not what I expected, and not to mention my camel spin - did not have the knee bend and entry that I needed, have to work on some minor habits.....but all in all I skated GREAT!!! and I HAD A GREAT TIME!!!

The best part of all!!
After I skated and towards the end....I had a group of little skaters come to me and tell me "how beautifully I skated" and one told me "I want to skate like you, one day"...then was a little girl told "I love the way your dress twirls on the ice"  These words will always be in my heart for ever!!! This is the reason why I skate...not to be the best but to inspire others and really love and enjoy this sport.

Its the simplest words that means the world to me!!

Happy Skating

Age is catching up

June 13, 2013

I have come to the realization that "age" is catching up with me and I am no "spring chicken".  What is most frustrating for me is to see skaters that just started figure skating and simple fact that they're way more ahead of the game than I am....I've been skating close to 8 years now and I don't want to compare myself to others in any way because 1. they are lot younger  2. They have more stamina and energy and 3. They have no fear what so ever.  Just the simple fact skating as an adult skater has its ups and downs for sure.

Sometimes I know exactly what to do in my head and I am so excited to go to the rink and try it on the ice and to realize the fact that it just doesn't seem to click....not matter how many times I practice it just too frustrating to me.   When it comes to working on a certain jump or spin, I really have to just work and work on that element step by step and break it down bit by bit. One element might take me months.....shoot years like my flip jump and not to mention my back spin....my nemesis (I think its everyone's nightmare).  One day I can jump good and other times I am a complete flop.

What about waking up in the mornings with aches and pains, one day my knee if not - its my lower back, not to mention my right hip.  My limitations to spins is another serious dilemma due to my brain abnormality which makes it twice as difficult for me to practice any spins right now.  Do not get me wrong....I am not making excuses what so ever (its not a cop out)....just me trying to express my frustration and hope some can relate.

Have to re-evaluate my skating and how long things will actually take for me to master.  If I have to re-set new goals, and reach certain levels so be it.  All I can do is just work at my pace, one day at time - one element at a time.  I've mentioned before I skate with no expectations just a positive mind-set and a good comprehensive goal for the future.

On a good note I love skating and indeed it keeps me young!!!

Happy Skating

Bronze MIF Test "Passed"

June 8, 2013

So I've been waiting and practicing for this day a year now and some how it seems like yesterday when I tested my pre-bronze test.  There were times of difficulty, struggles, confidence issues and not to mention injuries that prevented me to test back in November '12 and February of this year.  I am so glad I waited for the right time to test.

June 9, 2013 Test Day!!
Adult Bronze Moves in the field:  I DID IT !!! I PASSED !!!
Woke up ready and confident....had Christina drive me the rink, already was getting butterflies in my stomach....as we approached the rink my nerves started kicking in.  Its the waiting that really makes me more nervous...my warm up was good a bit shaky and knew it.  I did good and yes could've skated better but guess what? we're not perfect and the judges know that and - they want you to do good and pass.

1. I skated my forward/backward power stroking: judges comment:good flow and extension. 
2. Power 3 turns could of skated a bit better but I am good with: judges comment: maintained flow after turns. One judge said I was a little scratchy...yep nerves got the best of me (my mouth was so dry at this point and had to catch my breath for 2 seconds...oooof.
3. Alternating back crossovers to back outside edges - was starting to warm up my legs and feeling much more confident this point 1/2 way through the test. judges comments: good flow and extension
4. Then came my circle eight - my right outside edge was good then came my left outside edge and as I came to the 1/2 of the circle I stepped down  (foot down).....darn it @#$%^*( (I was biting my lip so hard) I knew it "I said to myself" but kept going and finish my inside right and left no problem.  So the asked me to "re-skate" so I did and first warmed up the first circle eight and then the final circle eight which was way much better.  I was so so glad that I got the re-skate because I did so much better the second time around :) receive scores: 2.6 on all three judges yippy!!!
5. Five step mohawk sequence:. judges comments: good flow

Overall my a total scores: 12.7, 12.7 and 12.5 from all three judges (12.5 is passing total)

Tips to keeping calm:

• don't drink too much coffee or eat too much sweets
• breathe, breathe and do some stretching
• listen to some soothing music
• pace yourself back and forth

So proud of myself "bag of nerves" and all....yes its a learning experience and I will listen to the comments and work harder to better myself.  Though nerves did get to me but it did not break me!!! I accomplished my goal and I'm only looking towards the future 

Its finally over and now I can just relax and enjoy the rest of my day.  Next week is a new week and practice and work hard on my bronze free skate test....this one I will take my time and make sure that I am solid on all my elements and to be honest I have plenty of time to test no rush.  

A special thanks to the Club test chairs Michelle, Kristen and Ms. Lori and all the judges that took this day out of their schedule to come out and do this for us skaters.  I am so blessed and humble by the amazing comments from the skaters' parents that have  seen me practice day in and day out - every week and were there today cheer me on.  Its an experience that I will never forget and will always remember.

Happy Skating