Of Music, The "Magic", and More

I went back to the rink today to skate after nearly two weeks off the ice. Yay! One of my skating buddies, Maddie, was there, so we had a great time just stroking around and chatting about everything and nothing, like comparing who we liked at Nationals, how sad it was that Sasha Cohen fell during her program, but is a second alternate, how Jeremy and Evan deserved their placements and that Johnny Weir's program was interesting (we agreed he is a very talented skater, as did Coach J, but didn't like his "in your face" attitude). Still and all, good for him to being able to go to the Olympics.

Alright, back to "It's all about me." My friend is trying her very best to convince me that we should go to Adult ISI in Las Vegas in October. Today she was in heavy, heavy sales mode. My BSB suggested - and wisely so - that I needed a goal to get going again, with this temporary set back due to migraines, family health matters, and construction activities. I brought music to Coach J and gave her my goals: Test ISI FS 3 (by October), Pass USFS Bronze FS, and, most important to me, test and pass the Ten Fox and the 14-step. If Coach Chris and I compete at the ProAm in Vacaville in April that would be icing on the cake, but isn't on my 'real' goal list.

Coach J listened to music selections and settled on music from "The Mission." That was until Maddie heard me playing "The Warsaw Concerto" (TWC) and was just playing around doing some elements to it. She asked if this was my new program, I replied, "No, I'm just putting my boots through their FS paces." The next thing I knew, Maddie and I were with Coach J having her listen to the slow, romantic part of the concerto. BTW, if one is not familiar with this music, check this out on YouTube; it's a beautiful presentation. The slow section begins at 2:20 mins or so. Here is the URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPLWQInP1lo&feature=related

I left the rink with an agreement that Coach would listen more critically to TWC; she did think it could work. Ironically, this is the music my pairs partner and I were using to compete at Adult Nationals before my accident in '06. I have always loved this piece, but Coach has said thought it was not a good solo piece; it is great for pairs. I think when she heard it in the context of the parts that Maddie and I were suggesting, she listened with different ears. Have to wait to see what Coach says ultimately decides because she loves "Gabriel's Oboe" (GO) for my skating style. My guess: she'll come back with GO, which certainly would not make me unhappy at all as it is another of my favorites.

We started working on the dance sequence for FS3, which is much like the 8-step Mohawk pattern in Silver Moves. Then, we moved on to a change-foot spin. Yikes, this is a real challenge and will be the most difficult part of the test for me. I am so NOT a spinner. The other FS3 elements are alright except the toe loop needs polishing (as does salchow), leg position for the back spiral could be higher (but is passable now), but then there's the back pivot, which I can eek out if someone is threatening me with taking all my chocolate away. So, there is much work to do on this before a September test. If - and this is a BIG if - I were to go to Las Vegas, I'd compete with a FS3 dramatic program. Maddie wants to do a sweet little waltz number together because she doesn't feel confident doing the Paso Doble in competition. Oh drat; I thought we did it quite well.

The point of all of this rambling is that I did get back on the ice and if my blades weren't skidding across the ice something fierce, I would feel pretty darn comfortable with my new boots and blades now. Coach again told me how great I'm doing breaking them in and they are, without a doubt, much more comfortable than my last pair.

Then, I had coffee with my niece, who managed - despite her considerable health problems - to attend her first day of college at Sierra College in Rocklin. Bless her heart. This kid has got guts beyond belief. She liked her drama class very much. I think she is excited about being a college student, although I'm not sure she would admit it to me. DH and I wanted her to attend college but it has been a battle to get her to this point. At least it is a start.

Thanks to my BSB for all her wisdom, advice and understanding about my apparent lack of motivation for skate recently. This malaise fade away once I felt he wind in my hair and was skating to spectacular music. Funny how that happens!

Onward we go.