Lesson and Less Than . . .

I wish I could write that I made good progress on my programs during my lesson today. Alas, progress was less than I had expected and wished for.

Upon arriving at the rink, I saw that a friend of mine, whom I haven't seen for what seems like a year, was skating. She is a retired physician and a charming, multi-faceted woman. She has strong opinions on just about everything, which is one of the reasons I like her. She also loves to chat, which resulted in our talking for the first 20 minutes of the FS session. Shame on me for wasting expensive ice time. Fortunately, the session was 90 minutes, so I had 60 minutes left to skate. Five minutes after taking the ice, it was lesson time. No real warm-up at all.

Coach and I jumped into my programs. First, my technical program, which was alright, but my spin has totally, utterly, completely fled the jurisdiction. How can you drill for a test, achieve the skill enough to pass, then it vanishes? I don't understand this at all. Some of the program elements are improving (the dance step sequence), some are just "fine." I did get one "Beautiful" from Coach on my change-edge spiral. Well, at least that's something.

Then, we moved to my dramatic program. The first run-through was the worst ever. I can't explain why either. It just didn't come together. We spent 10 minutes on the skills in the program, then I took another stab at it. Coach said it was the best she had seen me skate this program. Go figure. From one end of the skating spectrum to the other in just a few minutes. I am not pleased with the way I skate this program. While I love the music, I haven't perfected the skills yet to put my heart into it, thus I'm not skating with the expression I wish to convey. I wonder if I am going to be there by Worlds.

Coach is quite open to some program changes. We replaced the salchow with a toe loop (her idea). Works much better. The best change is the ending position - it's now a back lunge, which I really like. This change makes the ending even more dramatic than it was already.

I am looking forward to working with Jill Shipstad this Friday. Hope that she likes what Coach and I changed in my "Passion" program. And, that I can perform decently for her! So glad she'll be back to work with the ensemble group also. We must get rid of the politics among some group members. I thought when I retired from corporate America I would leave that behind. Doesn't look that way!

Spent the day at home today due to our redecorating project. Today was the last day the painter was here and he was installing a Tuscan mural (wallpaper). I wanted to make certain it was properly positioned on the wall. The room and adjacent bath turned out beautifully. We went from teddy bears, white tigers, zebras and giraffes to a room that looks like something out of a Tuscan villa. It truly is spectacular, although Dear Husband - who uses this room as his napping venue - is mourning the demise of his little animal friends. We've lived in this house for nearly four years with the wallpaper the previous owners had for their 3-year old son. Enough was enough! I'm so glad that he likes the new decor. He did go on for some time about how lovely it turned out. So, even though he will miss feeling like he is at the zoo, he'll have a tranquil setting for some power weekend napping!

I cut fabric for a new quilt today, which was very rejuvenating. I'm looking forward to starting work on this piece. Yes, it is contemporary, but it's a lovely floral motif and should be beautiful. It's a gift for a friend, so it's very special for me to work on. Also added the sleeve to "The Hills of Tuscany," which was an anniversary present for Dear Husband. We will hang it in our family room this weekend.

Friday is another big skating day. Am really looking forward to it and to seeing my best skating buddy! Onward.