Stupid Holidays

I'm sorry I've been MIA lately but the holidays get busy, as you know. I have been going to the rink, though, so don't think I'm broken again ;)

Not much to report back on except I had an absolute AMAZING practice the last time I went to APEX. It was a busy public session but they were kind enough to put cones out so I had the entire center rink to myself and it was glorious. I was actually able to work on Pre-Bronze MIF and threw some Bronze MIF in there just for kicks. Obviously, I still have some catching up to do but progress is being made.

I didn't go crazy with jumps. I'm still just doing waltz jumps and side toe hops but I've been working other jumps on the floor and I think I might be ready to transition them back to the ice soon. I was especially worried about the salchow since my left leg is still really hurty but it gets less so each time I do one in my apartment. Now, I just need the confidence to attempt them on the ice without being so tentative.

Spins were pretty spot on. They were consistently centered and after one spin I did, I actually had applause afterward! I mean, granted, even the basics look impressive to people who are just there to skate around with their friends but still, HUGE confidence boost!

Surprisingly, nothing hurt too much during that practice. I've been stretching more and working on improving the dorsiflexion in my left ankle so I think that has been helping a lot. I'll do my best to keep up with it because if this is what brings me back to feeling more like me, then it's worth it :)

As promised, I want to make my official return to the ice now that it's January. This means going back to lessons and contracting with my rink for freestyle ice time. I'm still settling things with Christopher since his schedule has changed slightly but it looks like my old Thursday morning lessons might move to Saturday mornings. I picked up a contract and as soon I get things finalized with Christopher, I'll turn it in and get back on home ice. I cannot wait!

Oh! And I suppose I should talk about goals now that it's a new year and all that.

Skating Goal 1: Pass Pre-Bronze MIF and Free Skate tests. This is a carry over goal from last year since I couldn't test back in August like I wanted to for obvious reasons.

Skating Goal 2: Start preparing for Bronze MIF test. I'm still undecided about the Bronze Free Skate test but I know I definitely want to test through all the moves tests.

Bonus Points Skating Goal: Learn and possibly test the first three ice dances (solo, of course). You know, if this is a thing I can do, I think I might want to try to do it :)