It's been awhile.

Wow, Easter was awhile ago, huh? I can't believe I haven't posted since my fantastic weekend in the city. It just goes to show you that I've been busy.

Skating:
I've been busy as usual with skating. I had a competition on May 2nd in Wayne, NJ to prepare for so I was busy practicing my compulsorary (moves-based, no music, judged completely on your technical aspects, no points awarded for "show") and showcase (entertainment and moves-based with music. The more you ham it up, the better) programs. I had decided that I was going to be Carmen Miranda for my showcase, so I tried pretty hard to bring her to life on the ice. This competition was a first for me in many aspects. It was my first competition outside of my practice rink. It was the first time I had worn an actual skating dress. It was my first time doing a program with real jumps (bunny hops don't really count as jumps) and footwork! I worked hard and because of my diligence, I brought home two gold medals and a new sense of pride. Who knew I'd feel so at home performing for a panel of judges as well as an audience of parents and skaters? The mere thought of playing a solo on the clarinet brought my legs to a jello-like consistancy, yet being Carmen Miranda on the ice was nothing to worry about. I was really honored when the skating director from that rink approahed me to tell me I was highly entertaining and that my elements were great. What an amazing feeling! People were coming up to me when it was all said and done to complement my performance. One of the adult competitors from another rink told me it makes her happy to see adults skating in competitions. It is a small group, but I'm hoping that more people will build up the courage and confidance and join in. It's too much fun not to try!

Since the competition ended, I've been working on my moves. I'm hoping to test sometime in July. I also have ordered my first pair of official "professional" ice skates. The skates I'm in now are an entry-level Ridell skate. They have no real padding in the boot, the soles are PVC instead of leather and cork, and my blades just barely have a visable toe-pick. Since toe-picks are essential for jumping (and since I'm doing waltz jumps, half-flips and have begun working on my toe-loop) I decided I was in need of an upgrade. I essentially have spent a month's rent (that I thankfully had to spend, courtesy of a healthcare reimbursement check from my job) but I'm excited to see just what I can do in them. They will hopefully come in before next weekend!

Boyfriend:
Things with Jordan couldn't be better. Well, of course aside from the fact that I don't get to see him nearly as often as I'd like...lol. He is honestly a wonderful boyfriend (manfriend?) and I'm thankful he puts up with me. He's been coming to my skating practices on Saturday mornings, has endured more impromptu family gatherings than I had planned and willingly rubs my feet (even if they are sweaty and have a slight aroma) when we are laying on the couch at home. He's helpful with coda and general housekeeping, he is always asking what he can do for me, and in general, he just makes me feel wonderful. I'm really glad I managed to find this guy. :-)

Life:
Things on the work front have been tense. There are three pregnant staff in my classroom, so that leaves three of us to rotate through the kids with the aggressive behaviors. It takes a toll on you physically and emotionally, but it's all the name of the game. I had to fight for time off for Trista's wedding, and finally was allowed to take two days off. I was given an opportunity to assist in a music therapy session which was seriously cool. The head of the department complimented me on my work and said that she is going to keep my name on file in case she needs help again. That was another little ego boost. :-) the family seems to be doing alright. Olivia is seriously PMS-y, and I'm ready to put her attitude in check. Most of the time she's okay, other times I look at her as though she's been taken by the devil. Alex is his typical soon-to-be-17 self. X-box is his life.

Not a whole lot to report on. Oh! I'm 2 pounds shy of losing 40 lbs. That's pretty rad. I'm hoping to keep it up and see how much I can lose. :-)

-- Jessica