Worlds is rapidly approaching while I seem terminally stuck in migraine-land. My headaches are firing every other day, in some form or another. I'm trying hard to stay focused on the task at hand (get my programs as good as they are going to get), without completely stressing myself out. As I said to Coach the other day about the spin in my technical program, "It will be what it will be on performance day." That's true for everything in skating, I believe. You can prepare all you want, but at the final moment-of-truth, you are only as good as what happens that day.
I know that Coach feels the programs are at performance level because we only do one or two run throughs during my lesson. That's a sure sign that she believes one has reached a point of diminishing returns. The 'drilling' aspect is over; now it's up to me (and my ice angel) to 'Git her done' (as a former boss used to say) on competition day.
I tried on my competition dresses again. I've decided to wear a different dress for my technical program because the blue one is just too long for a freestyle program. Fortunately, I have a red dress that I bought when I was going to Nationals with a pairs program. It fits even better now that I am down to my all-time-low playing weight (this is not intentional, BTW). The blue dress is too much dress for a free skate performance; it hides too much of the leg line to have a positive impact. Funny that I should even consider such a thing, but one has to pay attention to the details. The dress for my dramatic program is still perfect, thank goodness. I now have two dresses to chose from for the dance competition; I can either use the dress we're using for the ensemble number (without the over-skirt) or the blue dress, the length of which is perfect for dance. I'm certainly not worried about not having the right costumes.
Yesterday was the last session the ensemble group had with Jill Shipstad. It was rather sad to see this lovely lady leave us, but at some point, the mother bird must kick the babies out of the nest. It is up to us - with Coach J's guidance - to take the ice and pull it together. Jill did a great job putting the program together and coaching us over the last few weeks. And the idea of using our over-layer skirts as props was brilliant. It's fun to work with them and adds tremendously to the program. What we need now is major league finishing, like making sure our lines are straight and our arm positions are consistent. I feel very comfortable with the program at this point, since I replaced the right 3-turn with a left Mohawk, as did others. Frankly, I'm not sure we'll come in first, but I think we'll do a nice job and have fun.
I've been hard at work practicing my toe loop for the jump-and-spin competition. I can execute it correctly off-ice, but the minute I try it on the ice, I revert to my old bad habits. Total bummer. I'm pretty sure I can fix this by Worlds, however.
Tomorrow is ice dance day with my pro-partner, Chris. I can't wait! I was hoping to dance with him twice this week, but had a migraine on one of the days and had to cancel, then I had to spend $50.00 on practice ice in San Jose, which left me busted for skating expenditures for the week. This competition has become quite costly so thank goodness it is my last.
Lest anyone think I am no longer quilting, I figured out why I've slowed down my activities in this arena. First, the floral quilt I'm working on is just too simple. I never thought I would say this, but it is true; it just isn't challenging for me. Second, this is also an expensive hobby; so I needed to stop spending money on fabric, quilting, etc. I've set today aside to finish the floral piece and start a more interesting quilt top. And, Saturday is the next Block-of-the-Month at Cabin Fever, which I am really looking forward to. Kathy S. is a great teacher and I will get to see two of my quilting buddies there, which is always a plus.
My volunteer House Manager duties at the Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville have been fun. The newest musical is "My Fair Lady," which is my favorite show of all times. The production is fantastic and very professional. There is such talent in the community and nearly everyone participates on a volunteer basis (this, of course, includes all the actors). My mentor tells me I'm doing a great job; I'm not so sure about that. There are many details to being a House Manager, particularly at the large theatre that holds nearly 600 patrons. My first experience at that theatre had an audience of about 250, which was a manageable size. I've already been called and asked to house manage this weekend. Ah, show biz!
Dear Husband has continued to be very patient and supportive of all my activities, particularly all the prep for Worlds. I suspect he will be quite happy when the competition is over and he can have his wife back. He truly has been a saint, coming home to take care of me when my headaches strike, not asking me how much I'm spending on Worlds, etc. But, even I must say, "Enough is enough." I need to get back to taking care of my family which is my primary purpose in my retirement.
For you blog followers who wrote asking why I hadn't posted for a while, thank you for taking time to read my missives. I know they are very detailed and I do so appreciate your interest in my various adventures.
Onward we go!
Would love to have you peek in and give some candid feedback on the dances, but only if you have time. Don't want to take away from any of your ice time. See you tomorrow. Have a wonderful day.
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