C’est Fini

I don't think that my feelings are over for the Olympics…meaning there may be another post or 2 to come. For now, though, let's compare the final results in ladies, dance, and men's as compared to my original predictions found here and here. I already compared my pairs results here.

Men:

I got the right countries on the podium, does that count? Alas, though, not in the right order. Here's the top 10 and next to it is what I thought they would come:
1. Evan Lysacek (4-6^th)
2. Evgeni Plushenko (1^st)
3. Daisuke Takahashi (3^rd)
4. Stephan Lambiel (Top 10)
5. Patrick Chan (4-6^th)
6. Johnny Weir (Top 10)
7. Nobunari Oda (Top 10)
8. Takahiko Kozuka (Listed as a 2014 contender due to a poor season)
9. Jeremy Abbott (2^nd) (Poor Jeremy!)
10. Michal Brezina (Listed as a 2014 contender).

Others I Listed:

I also listed Brian Joubert as in 4-6^th, but unfortunately for him, he bombed and ended up 16^th. For a former world medallist, that's embarrassingly terrible. He wasn't even the top French skater. I also thought that Tomas Verner had a chance to place in the top 10, but again, a bomb went off, and he finished 19^th. Same with spoiler Kevin van der Perren – bombed and finished 17^th. However, my 2014 contenders all proved to do well (Samuel Contesti (18^th), Denis Ten (11^th), and Florent Amodio(12^th)). I'd also like to add Javier Fernendez to the list, the boy from Spain who finished 14^th.

Women:

What's with me and the right countries? I truly thought Miki would step up to the challenge.
1. Yu-Na Kim (1^st) Duh.
2. Mao Asada (4-6^th) Guess you can't ever count her and her 3axel out…
3. Joannie Rochette (2^nd…and given the circumstances, that's fabulous!)
4. Mirai Nagasu (2014 contender…who definitely rose to the occasion).
5. Miki Ando (3^rd).
6. Laura Lepisto (Top 10)
7. Rachael Flatt (4-6^th)
8. Akiko Suzuki (4-6^th)
9. Alena Leonova (2014 Contender)
10. Ksenia Makarova (2014 Contender)

Others I Listed:

My top 6 were all in the top 8, just in a different order than I thought. There were 2 pleasant surprises – Laura Lepisto (who I figured top 10) and Mirai Nagasu (who is growing on me). Two of my top 10s finished 11^th and 12^th, Kiira and Cynthia.

The most interesting thing I find about these Olympics is that the top 11 girls skated CLEAN. I fully expected a splatfest, but it was the furthest thing from. What else is interesting is that the top 7, plus 9 and 10 will all be at worlds. Generally after the Olympics, the top ones retire before worlds and worlds in an Olympic year kind of becomes a joke – this year it will be equally exciting. Oh, and the only reason Akiko isn't going is because her spot is given to their other Japanese woman, who is equally as fabulous.

Dance:
Bam. I got the top 4 right on.
1. Tessa and Scott.
2. Meryl and Charlie.
3. Oksana and Maxim (I knew that a NA sweep wasn't possible…even though it shoulda been).
4. Tanith and Ben
5. Federica and Massimo (Top 10)
6. Isabelle and Olivier (Top 6)
7. Nathalie and Fabian (Top 10)
8. Sinead and John (Top 10)
9. Jana and Sergei (Top 6)
10. Alexandra and Roman (Top 10)

I even got the top 10 in the top 10, and only had one of the top 6 outside. Go me. I don't even follow dance that closely!!! My 2014 contenders finished 11^th (Emily and Evan) and 14^th (Vanessa and Paul), though it's worth noting that Vanessa and Paul were 12^th in the free dance.

What's interesting about dance is that the top 2 teams potentially could do TWO MORE Olympics they're so young (especially for ice dancing). I doubt that they will, but if they're already so untouchable, where will they even be in 8 years? Wow!

Perhaps some more thoughts on ladies another night. I'll wait for the official entry list for Worlds before passing on my predictions – already Evan Lysacek has withdrawn and Evgeni has tossed out that he might compete.

kortney elise xoxo

Because We All Like Free!!!

My friend Nicole over on My Real Review is hosting a sweet giveaway again.

No, really.

Remember when I won a contest before? It was a sweet win and I'm still reaping the benefits.

Well, I've found another contest I'd like to win. A reusable swim diaper from Childish Notions. It's for a reusable swim diaper...I'm not going to lie - my bug likes to swim and through this last set of swimming lessons, I squished her into her last swim diaper. It won't do for the next set.


You should head over and enter. Or maybe you shouldn't. I'd like to win this one ;)

kortney elise

And just because, she's so darn cute (and excited to be at swimming lessons!!!):

Cystoscopy

If you don't know what a cystoscopy is, you can click on it and it will bring you to its Wikipedia page. I will tell you that they say it won't hurt. It does hurt and I've fully been in pain for the rest of the day. And it really hurts to pee. It's starting to fade though and I'll be fine by morning.

What did this scope find? It found that there's nothing wrong physically – there is no endo INSIDE the bladder, it is in the right position, etc. It looks how it's supposed to. Good news.

Bad news? The doctor diagnosed me with a trial run of overactive bladder. Trial run? Yep…she doesn't actually 100 percent think it's overactive bladder, but she wants to make sure first. How? I'm going on a 6-week trial of a drug called Ditropan to try and stop the amount I have to go the bathroom. If it works, and the pain, etc. stops too, then it IS overactive bladder. If not?

Interstitial cystitis and a trip back to the endo doctor. She feels like this is more likely, but since the treatment is more complicated, we thought we'd try the easy route first. Makes sense to me. There's no other real way to distinguish between the two because I don't necessarily have clear-cut symptoms. IC is often hand in hand with endometriosis so hence the trip back to the endo doctor if this is the case. There is good potential for endo to be outside the bladder/surrounding the kidneys, hence causing pain.

So. Where are we? Well, I have to try out the prescription and go back to Dr. Kripps in 6 weeks. I'm going to hope that it's really just overactive bladder, because it's much easier to deal with – just 1 pill twice a day. IC is a lot more complicated involving physio, other drugs, and major diet changes.

The end.
kortney elise xoxo

http://www.theprovince.com/health/Joannie+Rochette+First+place+their+hearts/2605923/story.html

Just saying...A4 in the Province today baby. I'm famous :)

kortney elise xoxo

PS: It says Langley figure skating coach, but the actual paper says Judge...which is accurate ;)

My Thoughts

I guess I won't get around to the men's program right now, but maybe soon. I have half a post. Let's just say I agree with the results and Elvis should seriously shut up. Seriously.

Thoughts on the ladies program? Absolutely amazing!!! I was there live tonight and what a feeling to be in the building when Joannie took to the ice. Words can't describe. So instead I'll revert to my favourite way to blog about skating – bullet form:

• I saw a lot of "famous" skaters…I was within a foot of Sasha Cohen and if she wasn't running off to do an interview I would have asked her for a photo – no one else was around her. I also saw Elvis from a distance (thought I should throw things at him), Jeremy Ten (who I nearly said hi to, but got scared, ha!), Josee Chouinard, Vaughn Chipeur, some random pairs skaters (I can't figure out who they are), Tugba Karadamir, and Sarah Hecken. Apparently (and grr for not opening my eyes more!), Tara Lipinski was sitting in the same section as me (but lower!). That woulda been a picture op for sure.
  
• We were in the very last row at the very top of the Coliseum. Literally we could touch the roof. But it wasn't terrible seating – it just made the music a little more quiet and the skaters were a little bit small.
  
• There was no White Spot burgers. Or burgers at all. I was thoroughly disappointed.
  
• While my mom and I were walking to the bathroom, a reporter stopped us and asked if we were Mom and Daughter. My mom said "You think?" and we all had a laugh. He asked if we could be interviewed for an article he was doing on Joannie and her mom in the Province tomorrow. Clearly I said YES so quickly and sure enough, after she skated, he interviewed us. If it does make it in the paper tomorrow, and I can find it online I'll post a link. I am SO excited.
  

As for results/performances/placements:

• I think I creeped the people out next to me, and my mom, when I regularly guessed the points for the skaters before their results came up – generally I was within a point or two. I think they were shocked ;) It's like I should be a judge or something!
  
• I think the results are in the right order and that the point spread is correct. Yuna Kim is unbelievable. Mao Asada landed a triple axel, it's true, but if she had played the system better, she'd note that her 3Axel/2toe is actually worth less than a 3Lutz/3Toe that Yuna did. It's her own fault for not playing the game better.
  
• Miki Ando screwed herself out of a medal but attempting a 3Lutz/3Loop, knowing full well the chance of her second jump being downgraded was so high. It was downgraded and now she finds herself 7 points away from bronze.
  

Joannie Rochette – well, words cannot describe. That girl is the most courageous, brave, beautiful woman in the entire world. The pressure that she had on her, even without the tragedy of her mom passing away, is astonishing alone. And then to have to "skate for her Mom" – I can't imagine having that pressure on me. I know how much she would want to skate for her mom and do it for her – I'm so glad that she rose to the challenge. I cried and I couldn't even see her facial expressions…watching at home already tonight, since being home, I cried again seeing her sadness, her breakdown, her tears.

Joannie, you are beautiful and strong. It is not about a medal. It's about achieving the personal best you already did tonight. Your Mom is so proud. We're all so proud.

kortney elise xoxo

Magical Gold

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/video/index.html?assetid=dd34d664-d55e-4f19-ace0-e8d9a49a1f89

If you missed it, please, please, please go back and watch this tribute to figure skating and artistry. As an athlete or an artist you simply must appreciate Tessa and Scott's performance at the Olympics this year.

I must admit, this is one of the first year's I've followed ice dance closely. Since synchro's footwork became harder, I see how difficult ice dance truly is. And I can appreciate it that in Tessa and Scott's performance. Beyond that...I didn't get their program this year. I thought it was pretty the whole year through, but tonight...tonight I got it. I don't think that words can describe it. I sat in front of the TV with tears rolling down my cheeks, covered in goosebumps.

That's a truly great performance and gold belongs to Canada tonight.
kortney elise xoxo

(And on that note, Marlie was fabulous too - the American team of Meryl Davis and Charlie White came 2nd - best friends and training mates of the Canadians - and they were perfection tonight too. I think they skated slightly more tentative than Scott and Tessa and that's where they lost it.)

On Joannie Rochette

I haven't even posted my thoughts about the men's program yet, and the ice dance competition is nearly over (tonight, 4:45pm on Sportsnet). There's something that needs to be said first though.

I'm sure you've heard already, but Joannie Rochette's mom died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack early Sunday morning. She had arrived in Vancouver the night before and passed away at VGH on Sunday. She was only 55.

Joannie has decided to continue to compete at these games – she is scheduled to skate 26th of 30 skaters on Tuesday in the short program. She has asked to not address the press until after the games. What a brave, courageous girl. I don't know that I've have the courage to keep going without my mama.

I wish her the best of luck and strength on Tuesday. She deserves nothing more than to skate for her mom – and I know that it will take all her strength. I get the chance to be there on Tuesday and watch the short program – I don't think I'll make it through her program without crying and I know that I will personally give her a standing ovation even before she skates her program…and I know the rest of the Coliseum will join me. The whole country is hoping, wishing, praying, and thinking of you Joannie. It's not about a medal for her anymore – it's about finding the strength inside to compete for herself – and for her mom.

kortney elise xoxo

MEN!!!

Since no one will actually LISTEN to me talk, I have to get this off my chest before I burst.

WHAT A SHORT PROGRAM FOR THE MEN!!!

No really. The shocks came from both the bad and good ends, and I can't believe it. I can't even type full sentences. Here's my train of thought:

• I cannot stand Evgeni. He is a robot. He's good. I'll give him that. But the most important thing tonight is that he got in the 6s for transitions and 7s for choreography…while he's skating skills, performance, and interpretation were in the 8s. This is a huge step in the right direction.
  
• Step Sequence L4s were called to: Evan Lysacek, Daisuke Takahashi, and Patrick Chan.
  
• The only PC in the 9s was for Stephane Lambiel in Interpretation. He also had the highest program components, and dare I say – had he landed his quad cleanly with a triple toe, he would have been in first.
  
• Patrick is a moron for allowing a time violation. He also only got a L1 called on his last spin, which was 2 more points there. Triple axel aside, if he'd done his spin and ditched the time violation (both are connected…he got a level 1 because he didn't have time to do enough rotation and while attempting to complete the rotation he ended up coming out late. That was like a double whammy), he would have been 4th. With the triple axel, he still would have only been 4th.
  
• The medals are pretty much decided, in my opinion. The three men in the top have consistency behind them and I think it will stay those 3, though bronze and silver may flip.
  
• That being said – the movement in the long is going to be unbelievable and it will take a full mathematician to figure out the final scores.
  
• I know Michal Brezina was pissed, but his spin seriously need some work – he got L3s on 2 of his spins and an L2 on one of them. I can do an L2 – he left a lot of points on the table with those spins. Plus, he really isn't that strong in his PCs yet. It was accurate.
  
• Shocking that literally only 4 skaters fell in the entire event. That is unbelievable – one fall and you were DONE tonight. Yes, there were mistakes and pops, but 4 falls. I hope the ladies event is as good.
  
• Sucks to be Vaughn Chipeur. Just saying, but if Kevin Reynolds skated his short here like he did at 4 Continents, he would have been in 8th ish. Not 24th and barely qualified for the long. Just putting it out there.
  
• REALLY sucks to be Brian Joubert and Jeremy Abbot.
  
• Kudos to the North Korean skater – his international debut at the Senior level and he rocked it. On a "normal" night, he would have been in the top 20 at least. I for sure thought he'd be embarrassingly bad…but he was actually pretty decent!
  

I'm sure there's more…but I was going to burst if I didn't get that out.

kortney elise xoxo

A Future

I had written this post with a completely different attitude. I was nearly finished when Alexys and I sat down to eat her lunch and watch a little bit of Veggietales. I'm not sure which one it was, as we access them through our PS3 through the computer or something, and the title didn't come up, but it was about Abraham and patience. If you're a VT fan, you'll know what one I'm talking about. It doesn't really matter. What matters is that it reshaped how I viewed the writing of this post and my attitude in general.

I've never been a patient person and now is no exception. I'm finished my program for school, graduated with honors, and completed the practicum with an exit notice of "hirable" (it's either pass/fail, so that's good). And now? I'm waiting for a job. It's slow season, and I knew that upon graduating, it would be. But it still sucks. I've sent 177 applications and/or resumes and get rejection letters on a daily basis. It kind of hurts the self-esteem, even though generally it has nothing to do with me. The tests I've done, I've passed them all. If I get rejected it's either because they're not hiring or I don't have 3 years experience. I'm on "hold" with multiple companies for when they do start hiring in a "couple" months again. I don't want to wait a couple months. I want it now.

But there's Someone else in control and so often I forget that on a day to day basis. God is control and I know that when I fully put my trust in Him, things will happen. So. Even though rejection letters and a lack of job + a lot of student debt makes for a rough few months around here, I know He'll provide the perfect opportunity and the perfect time. I just need to learn patience…and that my friends is a rough go.

Jordon and I decided that in the meantime, while waiting for the job I really want, I'm going to get a part-time job. We want a little extra money around here…for the little things…and to start paying off some student debt. I'm going to get a 2 or 3 shift a week job at Starbucks…just as a barista. I went for an interview yesterday and I find out on Monday the details of where I'll be (ie: what store). The manager said I could have a set schedule and I'll be working 1 or 2 nights a week after Jordon gets home, and 1 weekend day. Just 12 to 15 hours kinda thing. We kinda think that I'll keep the job even after I get a real job – for multiple reasons, but free Starbucks drinks, 30% discounts, and getting out of the house are among those reasons. Because I won't be skating this spring, I know that for me, I need to get out and do something. Having a side job will be a help and I know I'll enjoy it.

So that's the future. God is teaching me patience and that He is in control. I don't like it, but I'm going to learn.

Thanks Veggietales.

kortney elise xoxo

I Win!!!

I just wanted to send a quick thank you to Nicole at My Real Review.

I won her contest for the Nature Clean Living cleaning products contest. Wahoo. I didn't have to do anything, except a little reading about Nature Clean and join a few groups on FB or Twitter.

I received my prize in the mail yesterday and was VERY pleasantly surprised how much I got. Don't believe me? Look at the picture (and don't mind how inartistic is. I just wanted a quick picture).

Anyways, I'm very excited to clean my bathroom today.

What a life ;)
kortney elise xoxo

Pairs at the Olympics

Well, the pairs event is over and after many surprises (like excellent shorts and terrible, luck-luster longs), the medals are awarded. How did I do?

Well, let's see. My original predictions were as follows:
GOLD: CHN Xue Shen & Hongbo Zhao
SILVER: GER Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy
BRONZE: CHN Dan Zhang & Hao Zhang

4-6 (any order):
CAN Jessica Dube & Bryce Davidson
CHN Qing Pang & Jian Tong
RUS Yuko Kavaguti & Alexander Smirnov
*I love Jess and Bryce, but their season hasn't been the greatest. They have that goosebump factor when their on though and that I love. The other two. Well, whatever. I don't really care.

SPOILERS (rounding out the top 9):
CAN Anabelle Langlois & Cody Hay
RUS Maria Mukhurtova & Maxim Trankov
USA Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig

How did I do?
1. Xue Shen & Hongbo Zhao
2. Qing Pang & Jian Tong
3. Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolskowy
4. Yuko Kavaguti & Alexander Smirnov
5. Dan Zhang & Hao Zhang
6. Jessica Dube & Bryce Davison
7. Maria Mukhortova & Maxim Trankov
8. Tatiana Volosozhar & Stanislav Morozov
9. Anabelle Langlois & Cody Hay
10. Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig

So. I got 9 of the top 10. I somehow missed the consistency/season of the Ukrainian team in 8^th. I got gold. I got the Germans on the podium, though they got bronze instead of silver. I got the other Chinese team on the podium, but I picked the wrong on. I got the other 2 in the top 6 correct. Plus I got the three spoilers in the top 10.

Go me. Let's see how the other disciples work out.
kortney story xoxo

PS: Pang and Tong definitely had the skate of their life and the skate of the night, but Xue and Hongbo's short was too good to deny, and it helped them keep their gold safely around their neck. They truly are an awe-inspiring couple. This is their 3^rd Olympics. They're married. He proposed after their bronze-medal winning skate in Torino at the Olympics. They were the couple that came third in Salt Lake amongst the Jamie/David debacle. They truly are deserving of their Gold. Congrats to them!!!

Update: I used the NBC Olympic's site of "You Be the Judge" and judged 10 pairs teams using the new system. The only downside was that the PCs went increments of 0.50 instead of 0.25, but overall what a fun thing to have in front of you. It then compares directly to other users and the judges. Here's what I had (freeskate scores only, not total combined!)...interesting when you're actually judging what happens:

1. Pang/Tong 140.85 (actual 1st - 141.81)

2. Shen/Zhao 138.56 (actual 2nd - 139.91)

3. Savchenko/Szolkowy 127.75 (actual 3rd - 134.64)
4. Dube/Davison 119.55 (actual 6th -121.75)

5. Zhang/Zhang 116.90 (actual 4th - 123.06)

6. Evora/Ladwig 113.70 (actual 8th - 114.06)

7. Mukhortova/Trankov 113.55 (actual 5th -122.35)

8. Kavaguti/Smirnov 110.65 (actual 7th - 120.61)

9. Bazarova/Larionov 106.60 (actual 9th -106.96)

10. Langois/Hay 106.45 (actual 9th - 115.77)

It’s Here

Just thought I'd remind you that the Olympics are finally here.

Opening Ceremonies airs tonight on CTV at 6pm with a preview show beginning at 4pm. The final torch leg has been showing on CTV since early this morning!

I am attending the Ladies Short program, ditched out on the Russian practices (let's face it, I just wanted to see Evgeni and Ksenia), and plan to spend either the men's short or long at the theatre in Langley with Courtenay – they're airing Olympic events live for just $10 (or $30 for the week if you really have nothing to do with your life).

I'm heading downtown next week to see Robson Square and all its glory – I'm going to attempt the skytrain with a 14-month-old and enjoy the free events downtown.

Tonight we're having Breanne and Brent over to watch the Opening Ceremonies (I'm even making homemade pizza) and then Jackie will join us later.

That's my Olympic spirit.

Go Canada Go!
kortney elise xoxo

PS: Please remember 21-year-old luger, Nobor Kumarashitvili, who died today in a terrible luge accident while training in Vancouver. So sad.

Why My Blog?

I have this little thing on my blog called Google Analytics (thanks to Robyn…she directed me there, so you should check out her blog because of it). Anyways, it does all sorts of neat and interesting things. My favourite, though, is how it shows what people google to end up on my blog. Without further ado, my favourite reasons people end up at Falling Leaf (not the top reasons, just the strangest/oddest/funniest/etc):

• Was Michelle Kwan breastfed?
  
• Can we depend on Cynthia Phaneuf to win the Olympics?
  
• Colour a falling leaf every time you do your homework.
  
• Did Kelly Ripa give her kids the H1N1 vaccine?
  
• Is Elicia Mackenzie married?
  
• Falling birth rates are putting pressure on nappy brands – how do manufacturers respond?
  
• Stump remover ingredients.
  
• How do you stimulate yourself to experience childbirth?
  
• We won't know the seasons besides the falling leaves…
  
• Did Johnny Weir lose the Olympics in 2006?
  
• The first computer Joannie Rochette had when she was little.
  

Well – to answer your questions/searches/inquiries:

• I don't know.
  
• No.
  
• I'm not sure what kind of leaves I'm supposed to colour?
  
• I don't know.
  
• No.
  
• That's unfortunate. Manufacturers will deal and the birth rate will rise again one day.
  
• I don't even know what you use to remove stumps, besides, perhaps, a saw?
  
• I don't think you can. There is nothing that feels quite like childbirth. Except kidney stones. Those hurt worse than the contractions part of childbirth…but that's not the full experience.
  
• I think that there are multiple ways to tell the seasons apart – mainly by what month it is and a calendar.
  
• Yes. Well, he didn't win gold.
  
• I have no idea. And really? Why do you care?
  

I am proud to say, however, people have been directed to my blog by things that I hoped they would (other than just by my name):

• LMSSC (in which I'll be redoing their website later this month).
  
• Mao Asada, Joannie Rochette, Patrick Chan,
  
• Ice X-odus (among other synchronized skating related topics/teams, including Nexxice and Mississauga Adult).
  
• CanScribe.
  
• Don't eat soy.
  
• Endometriosis.
  
• PCS and TES scores in figure skating – as well as general figure skating scoring.
  
• Rear-facing car-seat.
  

There's lots of other things too, but those are the most interesting, I think.

Do you use GA? How do people find YOUR blog?

kortney elise xoxo

Ice Dance and Pairs…Olympic Contenders

Dance:

GOLD: CAN Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir
SILVER: USA Meryl Davis & Charlie White
BRONZE: RUS Oksana Domnina & Maxim Shabalin
I think that Tessa and Scott will win the CD (it's the Tango Romantica…their strongest CD), Marlie will win the OD, and Tessa and Scott will win the FD. Tessa and Scott truly have the most beautiful Free Dance I've ever seen…they've converted me to ice dance loving!!! And why the Russians instead of Belgosto? Well, let's face it. It's ice dance. A North American sweep? Ha.

4-6:
USA Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto
FRA Isabelle Delobel & Olivier Schoenfelder
RUS Jana Khokhlova & Sergei Novitski

SPOILERS:
FRA Nathalie Pechalat & Fabien Bourzat
GBR Sinead Kerr & John Kerr
ISR Alexandra Zaretski & Roman Zaretski
ITA Anna Cappellini & Luca Lanotte
ITA Federica Faiella & Massimo Scali

2014 CONTENDERS:
CAN Vanessa Crone & Paul Poirer
USA Emily Samuelson & Evan Bates

SENTIMENTAL PODIUM:
GOLD: CAN Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir
SILVER: USA Meryl Davis & Charlie White
BRONZE: USA Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto

I would LOVE a North American sweep!!!

Pairs:

GOLD: CHN Xue Shen & Hongbo Zhao
SILVER: GER Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy
BRONZE: CHN Dan Zhang & Hao Zhang
*Here's another "it's theirs to lose" situation. Shen and Zhao have both the technical and the presentation side. If they skate clean, they will not be beaten. They came out of retirement to get the gold medal they deserve. The Germans have the "it" factor, but they don't give me goosebumps –and that's important for me. Zhang and Zhang need to retire – maybe if they get another medal they will? This was the team that crashed at the 06 games and she looked like a ragdoll falling into the boards.

4-6:
CAN Jessica Dube & Bryce Davidson
CHN Qing Pang & Jian Tong
RUS Yuko Kavaguti & Alexander Smirnov
*I love Jess and Bryce, but their season hasn't been the greatest. They have that goosebump factor when their on though and that I love. The other two. Well, whatever. I don't really care.

SPOILERS:
CAN Anabelle Langlois & Cody Hay
RUS Maria Mukhurtova & Maxim Trankov
USA Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig

2014 CONTENDERS:
USA Caydee Denney & Jeremy Berrett

SENTIMENTAL PODIUM:
GOLD: CHN Xue Shen & Hongbo Zhao
SILVER: Jessica Dube & Bryce Davidson
BRONZE: CHN Dan Zhang & Hao Zhang

I'm not so much into pairs and dance, except the top teams, so I'm not very good at predictions. But…I figured I should get them out there anyways. Why not right?

I'm so ready for the Olympics. Friday I plan on sitting in front of the TV (or at least having it playing) all day…watching the torch arrive, the Opening Ceremonies…the whole deal.
LOVE IT.

kortney elise xoxo

The Contenders…The Olympics

I'm not sure if you're keeping track, but I am. Just 7 days until the Olympics hit Vancouver. There's already major fever around here and I live kinda far from the epicenter. There are free and low cost events/activities (email me at coachkortney at gmail dot com if you want me to forward you the list) and I do plan on attending some. We'll go during the week, as opposed to the weekend, in hopes that the people will be slightly lower. I haven't done a lot of research as of yet, but we have plans to attend the Russian figure skating team's practices (which are happening in Abbotsford). You have to rotate in and out every 20 minutes, but it'll be worth it to watch Evgeni Plushenko. He's a machine. My mom and I also received Ladies Short Program tickets from my aunt for Christmas last year. I cannot even WAIT. I'm like a 6-year-old in a room of candy – that's just how excited I am.

On that note, what does figure skating look like at this Olympics? Can I make this my official guess list? My official predictions? Weigh in. I wanna know what you think. (Oh and you might only get through this post if you're hardcore about skating. Like I am. Just saying). I've listed my actual predictions (not my favourites/hopes) and included a "sentimental" podium, too – that's just who I'd like to see. I've tried to include some reasoning, too. I'm doing just Ladies and Mens in this post, and will follow it up with Dance and Pairs another day.

Men:

I'm not going to lie. This WILL be the most difficult event to predict, because I think there are about 16 contenders on any given day. Seriously. How odd to know you could potentially medal at these games, but you could also finish out of the top 10. That's gotta suck.

GOLD: RUS Evgeni Plushenko
SILVER: USA Jeremy Abbott
BRONZE: JPN Daisuke Takahashi
**This is Evgeni's to lose. I can't stand his actual skating, but his jumps are out of a textbook. I don't get his PCS scores, but it's gonna take a miracle (read: Evgeni bombing) for anyone else to win. Jeremy is on FIRE. I think he's attractive (hey, that's bonus points in my books!), but not only that, he's got what it takes – consistency, PCS, determination…he's skated well this season. I can see it happening. And Daisuke – well, if he's on, I think he's the only one who can actually challenge Evgeni, since he has the jumps. But I still don't think he's 100 percent after coming back from injury.

4-6:
CAN Patrick Chan
FRA Brian Joubert
USA Evan Lysacek
**I love Patrick Chan, but he hasn't competed enough this season. That hurts. Brian. I REALLY don't get his PCS. He is SO boring – and he's not 100 percent consistent. And Evan? Well, he has the jumps some days and he has determination. He is the reigning world champion. And he's mad he came 2nd at Nationals. Major podium spoiler alert.

SPOILERS:
BEL Kevin van der Perren – Previously this guy was getting up there. Lately, he's just been bad. But he could throw in a spoiler on a good day.
CZE Tomas Verner – Had a rough season, but same comment as above.
FRA Florent Amodio – The new French guy in town – not the one I expected to get the 2nd place at the Olympics for France, but hey. He could be up there too.
JPN Nobunari Oda – He's great. But still young for a guy (early 20s?). Again. Could be up there on a good day. Tends to bomb (at least that's what I recall).
SUI Stephane Lambiel – Former world champion. Great PCS. I wish him well…he's making a comeback. I don't think he'll do it.
USA Johnny Weir – Never count out this guy. He's the Lady Gaga of skating. Love it.

2014 CONTENDERS:
ITA Samuel Contesti – Rocked it a couple competitions this year. Great PCS. Could throw in a spoiler here too.
JPN Takahito Kozuka – Had a great senior debut a few years ago. Hasn't been great this season. He is awesome, his time is coming.
KAZ Denis Ten – Can you say Kazakhstan? I can't even spell it. That's where he's from. He's young – he's going to shine one day.
CZE Michal Brezina – Surprise this season. Watch out Tomas.
CAN Patrick Chan *See above.
FRA Florent Amodio *See above.

SENTIMENTAL PODIUM:
GOLD: Patrick Chan – Hey, I'm Canadian. I'd like to see the Canadian Men's curse end.
SILVER: Jeremy Abbot
BRONZE: Johnny Weir – There's just something about him that deserves it.


Ladies:
This event isn't quite as deep, but I still think it'll be interesting who spoils what – for different reasons from the men. I have a (sad) feeling that the men's spoilers will come from a lot of clean skates all around, and that the women might have spoilers due to a lot of splatting. It's usually the long where the splatting takes place.


GOLD: KOR Yu-Na Kim
SILVER: CAN Joannie Rochette
BRONZE: JPN Miki Ando
**This is also Yu-Na's event to lose. Truly. If she's on, no one can or will beat her. She's got it all. Joannie can medal. I know it. As long as she skates clean, she'll be fine. A clean Joannie and a 1 or 2 error Yu-Na? Joannie might have the Gold. And Miki? Also the gold-spoiler. She's had a great season, despite a 4th place at Nationals. She'll want redemption from that, that's for sure.

4-6:
JPN Akiko Suzuki
JPN Mao Asada
USA Rachael Flatt
**Akiko has had a fabulous season. She will depend on others' errors while she is consistent, but her PCS are not quite up to snuff. Mao. Well, she should have switched coach's – Tarasova was a BAD decision and ruined her. She needs better programs and needs to get over doing the triple axel. It's too bad. Rachael – wow. I don't really like her skating style and she has potential for the future definitely – but she is just SO consistent in a field that is not…you can't count her out.

SPOILERS:
CAN Cynthia Phaneuf – Great SP spoilage right here. Tends to bomb the long.
EST Elena Glebova – I don't know why I'm including her. She can pull out a great SP once in a while too. Won't spoil a medal or top 6, but could bump out 9th or 10th, I bet.
FIN Kiira Korpi – Great skater. No jumps. Will do well if she's clean and others falter.
FIN Laura Lepistö – See above.
HUN Julia Sebestyen – The grandma of the event. Literally. But when she's on, hey…you gotta give it to her!
ITA Carolina Kostner – She has a lot of redemption to do. I wish her well, but I don't see it happening after losing Italy's second spot to the Olympics at World's last year. Sucks to be the girl at home (Valentina).
SUI Sarah Meier – Can't count her out either.
TUR Tugba Karademir – See what I wrote for Elena.

2014 CONTENDERS:
GEO Elene Gedevanishvili
RUS Alena Leonova
RUS Ksenia Makarova
GER Sarah Hecken
USA Mirai Nagasu
**All these ones have potential for top 10 this games too…but I don't see them bumping out the top 6, except maybe Alena Leonova. Mirai has too many downgrades in the long usually to be a factor.

SENTIMENTAL PODIUM:
GOLD: Joannie Rochette. I'd die. And cry.
SILVER: Carolina Kostner. She deserves it. But she needs to earn it. Prove herself to herself.
BRONZE: Yu-Na. I really do love her, and I love her coach (Brian Orser). If she was Canadian, then I'd have her 2nd ;) But I am Canadian…with Italian heritage, you know ;)

Well, that's my 2 cents 10 dollars.

Anyone following this? Any predictions?
kortney elise xoxo

What Happens When Alexys Hears No

Top 3/Bottom 3

I'm participating in a new website called Seeded Buzz – if you're interested, let me know and I can let you know the details. It's a linkup of followers and you can blog about similar topics, compare ideas, and bring traffic to your blog! Right now they're giving away free memberships during their beta testing – if you'd like I can refer you!!!

Anyways, this was one post from Krafty Kitten (all fixed now!), sharing the top 3 and bottom 3 worries she has a parent. This is my first seeded buzz and I was excited to participate on this topic. I wonder how different your worries are!!!

Top 3 Worries as a Parent:


Health: I truly worry about this for Alexys…especially with my own struggles with endometriosis and the unknowns surrounding that disease. I hate knowing that there's a possibility it's genetic. I hate knowing that there may be nothing I could do to stop her from suffering when she's older. I want to do everything I can to make sure I prevent endo if I can, but at the same time, without sufficient research, how can I be sure I'm doing just that? I don't want to be the freaky mom who doesn't let her kid eat things, because of potential worries, but at the same time, if it protects her then, I will most definitely be that mom. I can only wish that there will be more research in the coming years concerning endometriosis and how to prevent this terrible, overlooked disease.

Safety: My mom keeps telling me it's normal to have strange nightmares about horrible things happening to your children…and that never goes away. I worry constantly about her safety – I wake up in the middle of the night scared that I haven't heard a noise for 2 hours. Still. I worry about her climbing out of her crib and falling on her head. I already worry about her being taken from me at a grocery store and I worry about her driving as a teenager. Already.

Happiness/Emotional Stability and Health: A strange worry perhaps, but she is a girl, after all, and our world is a scary place. I remember when I was in grade 7 and ALL the girls wore stretchy pants and t-shirts. It was okay to not dress cool, because we still liked to play on the playground. And it didn't matter. Not so in today's world. My girlfriend's daughter is 4 and her friends and her discuss what they're going to wear to school the next day. Really? I worry that Alexys will have negative self-image and that she'll be teased or bugged. Girls are cruel (especially between the ages of 9 to 12, though I suspect that age is even lower now a days). Puberty is rough age and I truly worry for that time in her life. I just want her to be happy and satisfied no matter who she is.

Bottom 3 Worries as a Parent:


Friendships/Family/Relationships: My daughter is an overabundance of personality and I have no doubt that her life will be full of friendships as she grows. For a 14-month-old she already has quite the roster of friendships. She shares as well as can be expected for such a little girl. She is outgoing and flirty and seems to be attracted to playing with older kids. She has a fabulous family support (I mean beyond just Jordon and I) and so many aunts/uncles/grandmas/grandpas, etc. to love and support her. She'll always have family and friends and I don't even worry about that slightly.

Career/Education: Alexys is one of the smartest kids I've ever met. I know I'm a little biased, but it's true. She has been mature and smart since the day she was born. She hasn't necessarily hit "early" milestones as she did when she was a baby nor is she doing anything extraordinary for a nearly 14-month-old, but she just has this way about her. She's sneaky. She's a perfectionist. I have no doubt in my mind that she is going to be school-smart, like her mama is/was, and that one day she'll find a career that she loves and wants to do – whether it be a stay-at-home mom, a doctor, or an inventor. I know she will more than succeed and the thought of this doesn't concern me or worry me in the slightest.

Money: I suppose, perhaps, that this should worry me more, but this ties in with the part of family – Alexys is truly supported and I know she'll never go without…just like me. Jordon works hard at his job and I am doing my best to find a job here at home. We'll work hard to make sure that she has what she needs to be more than comfortable. I am ever-so grateful to my parents for helping us out all the time and in that sense, I know I never have to worry…we have enough support around us to ensure we'll always be okay…we'll always make ends meet.

All’s Well that Ends Well

I don't even know what that means, but it seemed appropriate for our synchro season.

It is over now.

I am retired.

I am still confident in my choice to retire "for now" as a skater and move on to bigger and better things. Truly. I'm sick of the feelings of disappointment and I'm sick of the late night practices. I absolutely LOVE my teammates and the friendships. I'll miss the nights of wine and the gossip. I'll miss the fun times. But at this point in my life, it's too much for me to handle. And too much of a cost to incur.

However, that being said. I'm grateful for this season. We had the most fabulous program and, in my opinion, was the best Adult I program I saw. I know I'm biased, but the choreography, theme, dresses…it was absolutely perfect. I'm proud of how far we came and the obstacles we overcame. We finished our season at Mountain regionals this past weekend and were just .25 away from a bronze medal. We had a fall yes, and one small mistake in the spreads that cost us 1.5. And perhaps the sweet victory (or perhaps what I like to tell myself) is that the team that got bronze KNOWS they only got bronze on our mistakes. 1.5 more would have put us just shy of 2nd place even. And that in itself is a huge accomplishment.

We finished the year with our best skate technically of the year. We got all our calls (save for our steps, but no one in adult gets those)…even with the fall. We had our highest score of the season (45.something). We started the season at 38.14, so that is a huge improvement in a short amount of time.

Am I bitter that I don't have a bronze medal around my neck? Yes. But will it matter in 5 years? Nope ;)

I'm looking forward to my judging career. I'm mailing in my workbooks and reports this week or next, and hope to receive my promotion shortly thereafter. That would mean I will actually (possibly) sit on the panel next year and be a "real" judge, just as I am for singles. I can attest that getting your synchro judging promotion is a LOT more difficult than singles.

I truly do love synchro and I know that I'll miss my ladies muchly…but I look forward to next season and the new challenges I will face!

kortney elise xoxo