What's kept me skating? I think my support system at the rink is a big part of it. If I were thinking seriously of quitting, I have any number of people- coaches, friends my age, older and more experienced skaters- I could talk to who would help me figure out whether I really wanted to quit or if I just needed a break, or a change. At a more cutthroat rink, that wouldn't necessarily be the case. I've also had several great role models who have been through times when it would have been 100% understandable if they'd quit during their lows. But they didn't, and because they stuck it out, they experienced highs a lot of people would have thought possible.

When I'm discouraged I remind myself of what Victor Kraatz says- that you know when it's time to quit. I've been frustrated and discouraged, but my heart has never told me that it's time to quit. I can't remember who said this- I think it was either Victor or Shae-Lynn- but as long as you still love to skate, you still feel like you're improving, and you still feel that you have something to contribute to the sport, it's worth continuing. Put that way, I really can't help but want to keep going.

I've had opportunities in skating that any skater would kill for- the people I've met, the coaches I've had access to, the places I've been. I sometimes wonder why I've had these opportunities, when I'm really not anything special as a skater. Surely someone younger and more talented deserves them more? But I think everything in this sport happens for a reason, and that everything in this sport works out the way it's supposed to in the end. Skating entails some really high highs and some really low lows, and it's hard sometimes during the lows to keep in mind that the highs will come around again. Some of the highest highs have their roots in the lowest of lows. You've all heard the expression, "One door closes, another one opens?" I think that sums up skating pretty well. The only difference is that in skating, it may be months or even years before that second door opens; it may open completely unexpectedly; and you may think it's not the door you want until you step through it.

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Shae-Lynn and Victor: We knew you were champions, and on 3/28/03 the whole WORLD found out! Thank you for twelve wonderful years!

Batikat... care to PM me your coach's picture??? (And that comment is more of a *sigh* (like "*sigh* Why can't I find a good looking coach to drool over?")

Then it hits me that it's better this way... less distractions!

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Cheers,
jazzpants

11-04-2006: Shredded "Pre-Bronze FS for Life" Club Membership card!!!
Silver Moves is the next "Mission Impossible"
(Dare I try for Championship Adult Gold someday???)

Thank you for the support, you guys!!!

CanAmSk8ter,

Months, years...you ain't kidding! I've worked for the longest time on my backspin, and although I have had success from time to time, it's not been good for the most part. Finally, and I mean finally, I've had success many times each time I skate. It's almost like a miracle. What seemed impossible actually seems fun. This is a miracle! My friend has "whee" backspins and I always thought she was nuts.... Now, I think I understand and I've become nuts too. =-)Moments like this is what keeps me skating. A sense of accomplishment, "I finally can do it!"

Chico

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"I truly believe, when God created skating, he patted himself on the back."

What makes me keep skating? Personality factors, including many already listed here (competitive with self; likes challenge/hard-working, self-motivated; analytical but artistically inclined), yes, but more importantly, nothing else can push other things out of my mind like skating. No matter what else is going on in my life at any particular time (crazy work stress, personal issues), I can always get my head back when I’m on the ice.

-- wannask8

Not sure I have any pictures actually - mmm better remedy that.......
Is it sad that he is definitely one of the reasons I keep skating? - and he's so unattainable - not only 10 years younger but he's married with a kid

What keeps me skating? I don't have the brains to call it a day. I'm off to the surgeon tomorrow to see what he can do about patching me back up. After all, those backspins are in my blood. Wheeee!!!

Hey Miss Michigan,

Email me. I can't email you until you do.

Chico
Your mail box is full by the way.

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"I truly believe, when God created skating, he patted himself on the back."