Born This Way

Do you watch Glee?

You should.

But no matter. I'm addicted. But don't worry - this post is deeper than that. Lucky you. I've been all deep and stuff lately. Or something like that ;)

I can sincerely say that I wish Glee was around when I was in high school. It's so inspiring to embrace who you are. And this episode, "Born This Way" was so incredible for promoting that. Yes, it's cheesy and the characters are expected and obvious. But somehow, with the music, it transcends that. It gets the message out there, that being okay with who you are is COOL.

And I every teenager *needs* to hear it.

Heck. I need to hear it.

On a regular basis. I'm me and that's good. You're you and I'm okay with that. Let's just all love each other, k? Acceptance. Love. (Peace and rock and roll? Maybe!).

This episode got me thinking though.

SPOILER ALERT.

At the end of the episode, all the characters come out in a T-shirt with something they struggle with that they were "born" with - either something they can't change and need to accept or something that they need to accept in order to change it. On the show the shirts read:
-brown eyes
-four eyes
-nose
-likes boys
-no weave
-bad attitude
-butt chin
-ocd
-lucy caboosey
-lebanese (ahem, lesbian :D)
-i'm with stoopid (pointing up)
-i'm with stupid (point down)
-can't dance
-can't sing

And it got me thinking. What would my T-shirt say? What's that one thing about me - the one thing that I can't change that I was "born" with. When I was younger, my shirt probably would have said CURLY HAIR. Oh how I hated my hair when I was in high school. I even had it chemically straightened. Not anymore. I love my hair. There's a few physical flaws I have, but nothing I'm truly stuck on.

And then it hit me.

My shirt would say CONTROL FREAK.

Because I am. And the multitude of panic attacks and anxiety attacks and feelings of overwhelmedness I've had lately are because I'm a control freak. The typical, beyond organized, type A.

But that's a whole 'nother post 'round the corner.

For now, I just want to order my T-shirt.

What would your T-shirt say? Would it have said the same thing when you were in high school?
kortney elise xoxo

Day 5: A Picture of Somewhere I've Been

England, en route to Italy in 2003 - I'd like to apologize to my mom and dad for this era of clothing. And also the person who invented this as cool should be shot. Ugh. We only went to England because we got stuck in the British Airways strike of 2003.Worked out for us though - we spent 2 or 3 days in England discovering a country with gross food and interesting heritage...that we never otherwise would have.

My Nonno and Nonna's (dad's parents) 50th Wedding Anniversary in Italy 2003 (I remember being mad about having to "dress up and cover my belly." Sheesh). My memories are blurry, but I know we went to the church they got married at to celebrate and then to another church as well. It was super neat though to be able to celebrate 50 years of marriage!!!

Somewhere in Italy with my baby brothers. Please note both brothers waaaaay tower over me now. This is also 2003. This is one of the more covering shots of me. At least I was confident in myself. And rightfully so...but again, mom? Sorry for this stage ;) (Mind you, I'd kill to be "able" to wear that shirt now - people might throw things at me if I did now...and not just for being out of fashion, haha).

Day 4: A Habit I Wish I Didn't Have

This post has been started for like 4 days and I kept coming up dry.

I don't bite my nails.

That's all I could come up with a habit that I truly wished I didn't have if I had it (LOL).

I swear too much, but it doesn't really bother me enough to say I wish I didn't do it. If I wanted to stop swearing so much, I would.

I lick my fingers after I eat and though it bothers my babiest brother to no end, it doesn't bother me.

I don't wash my dishes right after dinner always - but I do them in the morning - this only bothers my mother.

I tweet too much, but I enjoy it.

I drink coffee, but I like it.

I used to play too many Facebook games, but I stopped all but 2 - because I enjoy them.

So what did I come up with? The one habit I wish I didn't have.

NOT folding my laundry right away.

Ugh. I thought of that as I sat through an entire episode of Glee folding laundry and putting it away...and I'm still not quite done. That will probably take at least half of Secret Life ;)

I hate laundry...but I wish I remember to fold it and put it away right away.

kortney elise xoxo

Day 13: Top 5 Favourite Dance Teams

5.  Sinead Kerr and John Kerr...the ever lovable British brother-sister team. I mean, what's not to love? Random, different, and British. Plus they're brother and sister. Ha. I could never skate with my brother(s). But I like that they were willing to take a chance and I'm sad that they withdrew from Worlds. They woulda been up there this year.

4. Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon...haha - I just realized I didn't include them in my Top 5 or best dancers list back at the start. I probably actually would revise the Top 5 programs to include them - they're excellent. What I like even more is that they sat in the shadow of Bourne/Kraatz for so many years and then still managed to do well and come into their own.

3. Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat. I just love them. I seriously always have. I don't know why or what makes it so, but is does. So there. They're from France. Her red hair is just so fiery and awesome. And they were unique in a powerful sort of way.

2.  Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.  They may eventually make their way to number 1, but for now they'll have to settle for number 2. But only for now I suspect ;) They're fantastic on and off the ice and I'm so glad they didn't retire after the Olympics. I can't wait to watch Dance this week!

1. Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz. I know there is not nice stuff said about him in the skating world, but really, let's face it - I have way too many positive, obsessive memories as a child (read: teenager) to not put them at number 1. As a teen, I hated ice dance (oh how silly and naive of me) - these two were the only reasons I watched. And they so should have been Olympic Champions. How sad.

Confessions

I need to confess something. Lots of somethings.

I am a perfectionist. Nicole's posts have been triggering some this thought process. And other things too. I am the kind of person who thrives on doing well. The kind who will not sleep, bend over backwards, just to get an A. The kind who strives for 100%...all the time. But I'm learning that I just don't strive for perfectionism - I really, really like being TOLD I'm doing well. I really like being patted on the back and congratulated. I like to get awards, promotions, gold medals, giant red As on papers, and 100% bonuses at work. Why? I don't know. Honestly. I guess I was born that way. Doing well is one thing, but being recognized for it, that's something all together.

I suppose it's human nature to want to be recognized - humility isn't an easy thing to learn and I'm sure not good at it. Not even a little bit. I like people to know I'm great when I work hard for something. I struggle to not shout things to the world.

You should know that I'm an excellent person to give directions to. I will follow them. Perfectly...almost always. I guess because I am a perfectionist. I remember when we were in the lower elementary school grades (I can't remember which, but must have been grade 3 or 4 I think), in those first few days of school where you don't have a teacher yet, the teacher (which happened to be Leah's mom - perhaps why I remember this story even more clearly) gave us an assignment - a great big long one. I don't remember the questions or anything like that. But step 1 was to read the entire test over before beginning.

The very last direction was something to the effect of ignore all the rest of this test and just colour a picture. I was the only kid to read over that entire test and colour a picture. Sure, others caught on as they went a long, but I was the only one to listen to those directions from the get go.

Like I said - I do well with instructions.

I can follow instruction manuals. I read step-by-step directions. I can set things up, no problem, because of this skill. Heck - I even learned how to change a tire on a car, ALL by myself, simply reading directions. That's how my brain rolls.

And with those things - I do well. Perfection. I read the directions, I follow the directions, I succeed.

...more to follow at some point.

This is just me processing my thoughts. This is where I am tonight.
kortney elise xoxo

Easy Access - Worlds 2011

This is just my own easy reference and not interesting for you to read unless you're interested in Worlds. So you can stop reading now unless you care to know when to tape Worlds, where, and when to watch.

Worlds 2011 
ALL TIMES PST (because that's where I live):

Taping Schedule (for PVRs or VCRs if you roll that way) on BOLD:
*BOLD is CBC's artsy sister station - you can order it and then cancel after Worlds...it shows everything in it's entirety - warmup groups and every skater. It's only like $3 bucks and totally worth it. But if you really insist on not ordering it, you can watch anything that is on bold on cbcsports.ca online at the same time. PJ Kwong commentates either way and does live chat online. It is also offering encore performances of full tape coverage at a normal hour. See website.
Saturday 23rd: 12-3pm [CBC (Synchro Worlds)]
Wednesday 27th: 2:30-7am
Wednesday 27th: 830am-12noon
Thursday 28th: 2-6am
Thursday 28th: 7-10am
Friday 29th: 2:30-7am
Friday 29th: 7:30-11:30am
Saturday 30th: 2:30-6:30am
Saturday 30th: 7:30-11am
Sunday 1st: 3am-6am

Watch Worlds at a Normal Hour on CBC:
*This for those who aren't as hardcore and don't want to watch every skater or capture it all - this highlights the best of the best and generally has Kurt and Tracy commentating*
Wednesday 27th: 2-3pm (Men's Short)
Wednesday 27th into 28th: 12am-1am (Pair's Short)
Thursday 28th: 2-3pm (Men's Free)
Thursday 28th into 29th: 12am-1am (Pair's Free)
Friday 29th: 2-3pm (Women's Short)
Friday 29th: 8-9pm (Dance Short)
Saturday 30th: 2-3pm (Not specified - assuming top Women's Frees/Top Dance Frees)
Sunday 1st: 8-10pm (Gala)

Come Over and Watch Kortney Yell at the TV As Though She Were Watching Hockey on BOLD:
*I'm inviting you over if you'd like to come watch the following events with me. Shoot me a message or an email. I'll have some snacks if you come or something. Plus my kid is cute, you can visit with her too*
Saturday 23rd: 12-3pm - Synchro Worlds (you'll see my first love come through)
Thursday 28th: 2-3pm - Men's Free (on CBC, because I have synchro that night during the encore)
Friday 29th: 3:30pm-Midnight - Women's Short followed by Dance Short...I'll skip the earlier dance teams, but probably watch almost all the Women's.
Saturday 30th: 4:30pm-Midnight - Women's Free and Dance Free - same as above.
Sunday 1st: 9pm-Midnight - Gala - I'll watch the whole thing.

And that's it. I'm not kidding. Come watch skating with me - just let me know you're coming ;)
kortney elise xoxo

Day 3: A Picture of Me and My Friends

I don't have any friends.

Okay, I'm just kidding, but I don't really take pictures of us anymore. So I searched high and low (read: on Facebook) for pictures and here's what I came up with:

Me and Bre - from maybe September 2010 (or at least that is when the FB photo was uploaded). This was a friend's baby shower.

Jackie and I - this was her wedding - which was in October 2009.

My skating friends. This was from the 2009-2010 skating season when I competed last...I'd like to say I'm friends with all, but Danalee, Dara, and Courtenay are in this photo and who I'd hang around most (oh and Bre, but she already got a picture).

And I didn't even find a picture of me and Anne that is recent. Seriously - recent being in the last 2 years. I seem to recall HER taking one last time we got together in a mall somewhere in Edmonton....but I don't seem to have access to this photo. So imagine a photo of me and Anne below:



And yep. I should probably take more pictures of my friends and I. Now you know.
kortney elise xoxo

Just Because

Weekend trip to the Seattle Zoo :)

Day 12: Top 5 Favourite Female Skaters

5. Sarah Hughes - No really, don't laugh. I looked over everything for a while before deciding on her. And while I acknowledge her cheated jumps and terrible haircuts, I can't not put her here. She had that special place in my "childhood" (read: teenage years) and she won Olympic gold and I remember watching it and she was just so darn cute. And she waved to me when I yelled "I love you Sarah" while she was on the podium at the 2001 Worlds. It was quiet and I was the only one that yelled - it was seriously to me.

4. Irina Slutskaya - She's so darn cute. I don't LOVE her style by any means, but really...she was just so cute and overcame SO much to be World Champion. Her mother was sick, she was sick - so sick she was told she'd never skate again - she was bed bound - and she came back and won Worlds the next year. She was SO happy. She's just one of those emotional skaters that put it all out there - and sometimes it was good and sometimes it was bad...but it was always real.

3. Sasha Cohen - This girl wanted to win the Olympics perhaps even more than Michelle Kwan, LOL. Unfortunately, she never did....even if she kept trying and trying and trying. However, her talent is truly unbelievable - the flexibility, grace, and when she's ON, man her jumping technique is flawless - her biggest downfall was well...when she was off, she'd zamboni the ice for the next skater. Regardless, I love watching her skate and am looking forward to her Canadian SOI appearence next month - even if she has a boy haircut now.

2. Tara Lipinski - Pretty sure this is my childhood in a nutshell - and again, by childhood, I mean early teenage years. I LOVED her. Was obsessed with her - wore necklaces mimicking hers, rings mimicking her, covered my walls with her....the whole 9 yards. Seriously. I LOVED her and wanted to BE her.  Seriously.

1. Joannie Rochette. Duh ;) Was there ever any question?

Day 2: Meaning Behind Blog Name

Well, it's not very exciting...and kind of takes away from the point of me doing 30 days of ME since the point was to get away from figure skating for my non-skating friends. Except apparently I'm already going back to skating on the 2nd day, LOL :)

So a falling leaf is a jump in skating that is quite simple - it's like a split jump but I find it more graceful and elegant than that even. And that's it. I liked the name of it and I think it's pretty. So I named my blog it.

Here's a video with link to the correct time of a falling leaf (first a jump and then the falling leaf happens - the soft, splitty looking thing):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Yec_ovC7g&feature=player_detailpage#t=78s

And I guess if we're going to get real technical my blog address is "synchronized axels" - so again, figure skating...and again no special meaning except for that synchronized axels are cool. Well, in my mind they would be - no team has ever done them all together and I don't even think that'd be legal now (and way to risky anyways), but in 2006 they were legal and 4 of 16 skaters did them decently in sync (in this performance) from Japan. Again, link at the correct time of "synchronized axels" (the 4 girls jumping at the top left of your screen):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2C3MF8dzHc&feature=player_detailpage#t=257s

Axels are my favourite jump (I can STILL do them, wahoo for me) and I like synchronized skating. So bam. That's how I roll.

kortney elise xoxo

Day 1: Picture and 15 Facts

I don't really take pictures of *just* me anymore. So even though you've already seen this picture, it'll have to do. It's all there is of me lately...well besides my profile picture there on the right - that's from October-ish ;) 

15 Random Facts:

1.  I am an avid fan of montages - anything with pictures of good memories (whether my own or random televised ones) partnered with emotional lyrics will have me bawling like a baby in 10 seconds flat. Seriously. This one got me sobbing yesterday:


2. I was my high school Student Council president for 2 years and co-president for another.

3.  If I was forced to eat one food everyday for the rest of my life, it would be my mom's pasta with red sauce.

4. ...but my favourite one thing in the world to eat is the hard skin off a pork roast. Apparently they don't cut it like that very often anymore - but I have fond memories of my Grandma making it when I was little. My mom requested this special cut not too long ago - and I'm pretty sure I gained 4 pounds in one sitting. Yum.

5.  I'd like to consider myself a very loyal person - I'm still friends with my BFF from elementary school, my first BFF from skating, and my high school BFF. I have been a member of Newton FSC for 20 years (all but one year of skating in which I coached in Aldergrove) and went to the same Elementary school from K to grade 7. In just about killed me to switch high schools in grade 10 - seriously. I did switch synchro clubs twice, but it was to follow my coach...of 20 years.

6.  I've been to Europe twice - mostly to Italy, but once we got stuck at the Airport in England for 3 days and so chose to travel around and see some of England too.

In England somewhere. I was going to share a picture from Italy until I flipped through the ones on my computer and realized that the summer after grade 12 was a terrible time to wear clothes apparently and most of those photos are rated at least 14A ;)

7.  Unless you count Disneyland (and I don't), I've never been on a beach/tropical vacation.

8.  In ALL my years of figure skating (20!), I don't own a bronze medal - not in Singles and not in Synchro. I have a TON of gold, a TON of silver, and quite a few second last placements. But NEVER bronze. Once I came third, but it wasn't the final so I only got a ribbon. Weird right?

I'd like to pretend this was in the 90s - except that I was 17 and it was 2002. The point being is that I came 2nd and qualified to Provincials :)

 9.  I had the same teacher for grade 2, 3, and 4...and I'm friends with him on Facebook :D

10.  I can count on one hand the number of times I've gotten less than a B as a final grade - in elementary school, high school, and college...one of which being the only C- I *ever* got - and that was in grade 7 band - me and the flute weren't such a hot mix.

11.  The only music concerts I've ever been to are N'Sync, Spice Girls (twice), and Puff Daddy. Puff Daddy was the first concert I ever went to and I didn't even like him - but my skating BFF had free tickets in a box and so we went. All I remember is hiding in the bathroom and plugging our ears because it was SO loud.

Spice Girls - 2008 with Jacquelyn.

12.  I got my bellybutton pierced when I was 12...and even after a pregnancy I still have it in. I'm not sure I'll ever get rid of it. It's just my little thing.

13.  I hate watching movies twice and there are only a few I will ever watch more than once: The Truman Show and Elf.

14.  In grade 7, I got an award for fastest typer in the school - I could type 110 WPM and I could type 90 WPM when I was 10. On typing tests now, I can hit almost 200 WPM (but not able to maintain it or 100% accuracy so it doesn't really count). My average now, with 100% accuracy, on typing tests is around 140 WPM (and FYI, the world record is 212 for top speed with 150 WPM maintained speed on a QWERTY keyboard).

15.  I am in love with the blue Wiggle. There. I said it. I might be more excited for the Wiggles concert in August than Alexys.

Another 30 Days...

Because I know some of you are bored of Figure Skating facts :) I thought I'd participate in the "30 Days of Me" - aren't you lucky? Me or figure skating...haha. If you don't like it - well too bad, it's my blog and if I want to write about me for a month and you don't want to read it, don't. Hahaha :)

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
Day 02- The meaning behind your blog name
Day 03- A picture of you and your friends
Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have
Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to
Day 06- Favorite superhero and why
Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why
Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days
Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad
Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends
Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one
Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself
Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them
Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future
Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy
Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else
Day 23- Something you crave for a lot
Day 24- A letter to your parents
Day 25- What I would find in your bag
Day 26- What you think about your friends
Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge
Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned
Day 30- Your favorite song.

Day 11: Top 5 Favourite Male Skaters

Really I kind of did myself a favour by posting my Top Men's Contenders while I was posting about my Favourite Men's Program. The only difference is that this time I'm letting a little more emotional involvement pick my decisions - not just necessarily my belief in the good skating ability they have. Therefore:

PS: I hummed and hawed over the fifth one. I thought about Patrick Chan, but I don't know if he's elevated himself into my all time list. We'll see how he continues and finishes his career. I also considered Johnny Weir, but more for his TV show than his skating, so I left him off the list :)

5. Alexei Yagudin. I'm not 100% sold on this one, but he really did rock and I remember cheering for him a lot, especially in the days of Plushenko versus Yagudin. He did have a way of bringing a certain Russian artistry into athletic skating so I included him. Plus his Winter program was brilliant. And his exhibition from the Olympics that year gives me goosebumps.

4. Todd Eldredge. Don't laugh. I seriously think he was born in the wrong time and that he would have been a more so top skater if he was skating now rather than then. He is a former World and American champion. Plus he jumps my way. That's bonus points :)

3. Jeff Buttle. Okay, seriously. He's SO cute. He's SO nice. He's FREAKING amazing at utilizing the COP for the most points and winning consequently. He's a World Champion. An Olympic medalist - seriously, what's not to love? I can't wait for Stars on Ice simply to see him. He's outta this world :)

2. Elvis Stojko. Okay. He would have been first back in the day and until recently even. And then he made a bunch of controversial, a-hole remarks about COP and men's skating, femininity, and the quad. And my respect level totally kicked it down a notch. However, I can't deny the inspiration he gave me as a kid and the strength he had as a person. And the posters I had on my wall - I had a LOT of Elvis posters ;)

1. Kurt Browning. How Canadian of me. But how could I not? He's the best skater ever with or without an Olympic medal on his neck. He's beautiful inside and out, has done everything and anything for the sport of skating, has continued to skate (I can't wait for SOI - did I mention that?), and just simply rocks the heck outta this world.

Day 10: Last Competition/Show You Attended

Spring Fling 2011

Let's see. I could answer this question in a myriad of ways. So I will. Because who am I to be short-winded?

1. Spring Fling. It was at the Agridome.  In Vancouver. I judged for two days and competed for one. Here's the only picture I took - the ride home with Alexys. See my hair - it was kind of slicked back ;) And I have fancy diamonds in ;) This was the last one I competed in.


2.  Synchro Nationals.  This was the last competition I trial judged at it. It was also the last "big" competition I was at. It was in February, remember? I had to leave Alexys behind for 6 days. It was in Brampton. I didn't take any pictures :)

3. Stars on Ice 2010. This is the last show I attended - me and Bre went, as per usual. We're going again this year in May. It was great. It usually is. I'm addicted to Joannie, remember? Yep, she'll be there. Here's a picture. Apparently, I only own 1 sweatshirt (lies - I just like that one).

4. The Olympics. But then we already went over that, right? That was the last real competition I just sat and watched. And it was lovely.

And I should share that when I'm old and gray without the responsibilities of real life, children, or work - I plan on traveling all over the world...to judge and to just sit back and watch. I'm going to be like that lady who sits in the corner at every Candians and throws things on the ice. Or else be judging. One of the two :D

kortney elise xoxo

Time Sure Flies

I thought it was due time for an update...an Alexys update...on Monday she'll be 28 months. Wow. 28 months...which is 2 years and one-third. How's my princess doing?

• Her speech is definitely taking off, though perhaps still a bit shy of what it should be. However, we have decided not to see a speech therapist for now - we've been in touch on the phone with one - it seems that, as suspected, Alexys is stubborn as a mule and seemingly a perfectionist. The words Alexys does have are nearly almost perfect and anything she makes mistakes on she corrects herself. For example - she began, out of no where, saying again - which came out sounding like "aget" - she did this for 2 weeks or so, and I'd hear her practicing in her bed over and over. She now says again clear as a bell.  She's done this with quite a few words. She's also starting to create her own 2 and 3 word sentences and using "ing" words (coming, etc). These were things we were on the look out for according to the therapist.  She will also copy us once in a blue moon now. However, she will not repeat if I ask. It is totally on her own accord. Stubborn? Very.
  
• She counts from 1 to 9 nearly perfectly often. She sometimes skips 7 or 8, but goes back and repeats them (without my prompting) on her own. She will not count if I ask her too, but does it fully on her own. 
• She sleeps in a big girl bed now and sleeps through the night maybe once or twice a week. The rest of the nights she gets up once for a glass of milk. She will not physically get out of her bed after a nap or in the morning - she just sits there and calls for me. She only naps once for 1 or 2 hours some days - not everyday - usually on days we've been out and doing something; usually from 2 until 3 or 4.  She goes to bed at night between 8:30 and 9 p.m. and is up between 7:30 and 8:45 a.m.
  
• She is not potty trained. We tried once for about 30 minutes. She peed her pants 4 times in 20 minutes and could care less that she was soaked. I don't think she even realized she'd peed. She freaks out and goes limp if I mention the potty. She tells me about 50% of the time that she's pooped. The other 50% she'll sit in her poop and could care less. She's only recently figured farting out - how to push one out. I know that sounds funny, but I felt like it took forever for her to realize she had (some) control over that. Now that she's started that, we'll start thinking about potty training. Like most things with Alexys, I'll have to take an unconventional route. I know it. I don't believe in forcing kids until they're ready - I'm torn as to whether she is ready or not. 
• She goes to gymnastics once a week with her boyfriend, Owen. It is a structured class for 2-3 year olds. She is the youngest by 4 months and then the youngest after that by 9 months. It sure shows in her listening abilities...but she is improving more each week. She's very coordinated and, again, a perfectionist in her body movements. She loves the balance beam and usually the trampoline.
• She is starting preschool in September. It is twice a week for 2 hours at a time. I was very torn on this - whether to put her in at all, whether to wait until she was in the 4 year old year, or whether to hold her back a year (because of her late birthday). We've decided not to hold her back and to put her into a Christian preschool. While I respect homeschoolers and think it is most suitable for some kids (ahem, I should have been homeschooled - I would have thrived) - Alexys needs to the structure and socialization of preschool. We researched lots of preschools - recreational, Christian, Montessori - and feel we've made the best choice for our buggie right now. 
• In September, I'd like for her to start a few more activities, but I know I have to hold back - she's very high-energy and so I know a lot of activity is necessary for her, but at the same time, she is still so young. I think we'll try some public skating soon and perhaps lessons in September. I'll put her in gymnastics in September again as well and am thinking of a dance class too. We're going to wait on swimming until she's listening a lot better and can go in by herself with a teacher. I'm a big fan of "professional" centers - not learning through Parks and Rec-type programs. They're cheaper, yes, and a great introduction to see if your child is interested in something, but if you want your child to excel and learn proper technique, I believe it is important to go through proper associations. Therefore, any activity Alexys does is through a proper association. She takes gymnastics where she could move up if she wanted, will take Canskate through a skating club, and dance at a dance school. I've also looked into swimming lessons at the club level. That's just how I roll.
  
• Alexys' favourite activities at home are still playing with her figurines - as I type this she's setting up her doll house and playing with the family characters. She spends a lot of time doing imagination type stuff with her princesses. She's prefers the smaller dolls over Barbie-size dolls. She loves throwing balls and is starting to like stories. She's never been patient enough before to read stories. 
• Her favourite shows are Veggie Tales, Beauty and the Beast, Toopy and Binou (ugh), and maybe Despicable Me right now. She also likes How to Train Your Dragon and Toy Story series. 
• She sleeps with a Woody doll at night - she calls him Buzz. 
• We struggle a little bit with discipline in our house - where the line is drawn between the need for discipline and where she's just being a normal 2-year-old. At home it's fine - she goes and sits in her bed for time outs when she doesn't listen. We struggle with when we're out - Alexys is strong and loud - and has a temper and a half. When she doesn't get what she wants in public, she flails and screams and throws whatever she can reach. She has a hard time hearing no when we're out. This is a struggle for us.
  
• Eating is also a struggle at times, but I'm not overly worried. She's not picky, but definitely doesn't love meat. She will always pick fruit and veggies (and french fries!)...over anything else. She even likes salad. Once in a blue moon she goes on a meat-eating streak and devours whatever is on the table that night. I refuse to make anything else for her for whatever meal, though - if she doesn't like dinner, that's too bad. 
• She still drinks a lot of 2% milk out of a sippy cup.

I think that's enough for now. That was kind of an Alexys mashup and parenting right now mashup :) 

kortney elise xoxo

How That Appointment Went...

You know. I'm beginning to feel sorry for my male readers. I mean, I don't think there are many, if any, but lately all I've posted about is figure skating and girl stuff. Sorry dudes - that is my life. And I know most of you don't like the figure skating, but hey - deal with it :D

Anyways. Remember this appointment? Well, I finally went for my followup. It was still bring a student day (I actually think my doctor keeps one 'round year round...which is great because they should be learning from such an excellent doctor), but thankfully there was no going in for the kill or experiments on Kortney. In fact, it was just me and Dr. Williams in the office and no exams. Just talking. Here was the outcome:

1.  Kidney pain - It actually seems to have subsided for the most part. Her suggestions were basically to get my weight back in control (I'm still about 10 pounds over what I have been most of my adult life) and make a followup appointment with my urologist. At this point I've done neither...so we'll have to wait this one out.

2.  Ovarian cyst - Definitely still hanging out on my right ovary. Hurts like a mother. The excellent news is, however, we've figured out the pain - and the pain occurs with ovulation. See below on ovulation.  She gave me options as I'll outline below. The cyst did not go away as thought it might, but it did not grow. She thinks there is probably endometriosis hanging out in the area too, but it's impossible to tell without going in.

3.  Ovulation and cycles - This is good news. My cycles have seemingly regulated. Magically.  No seriously - it was magic. Nothing I did or she did. Perhaps just her magic touch? Who knows? Anyways, through blood tests (that's a whole other story...it wasn't student day, but might as well have been - it included 4 vials of blood and about 1/2 way through the lady slipped and blood went spraying and my arm was bruised. Lovely) we figured out that I have a 29-day cycle. And I ovulate on day 15. This is great for future knowledge. However, due to the large cyst, ovulation will hurt like a mother every single time.  So the options were: 1) Deal with it. She prescribed some serious narcotics to avoid ER visits. This is great news. 2) Have surgery and lose an ovary - both her and I didn't really like this option at this point in my life. 3) Get pregnant. Hmmm.

4. High progesterone levels - That was the only abnormal blood test to come back...which is mostly good. I am not pregnant (as that might sometime suggest) but we did check. Nope - just a little bit more hormonal than the average girl. That would probably explain the onslaught of tears and major PMS symptoms. It would also explain the psycho symptoms I get with ovulation. Seriously - every time I ovulate I think I'm pregnant. However, now that it seems my cycle has regulated itself (we hope), I will probably stop taking pregnancy tests every ovulation :D

So the outcome? Basically we've decided there's not a lot to do with me until I'm done my lifetime baby making. After that, well then there will be options that may or may not include high-dosing hormones, surgeries, hysterectomies, oophorectomies, and the like.  Getting pregnant is not something we're trying for at this point in life, but my doctor seems to think that the sooner the better...so it may be that way or who knows. We haven't really decided to be honest. Not 100% anyways. She also promised me that I shouldn't have any trouble conceiving which is reassuring - and she also promised that if I did, I could come see her. Also reassuring.  I did start taking folic acid and such...you know, just in case :)

In the meantime? I plan on drugging myself with the narcotics she handed out, especially every 29 days or so. You know...when my ovary feels like it's going to self-combust. That would be this coming Friday in case you're wondering. I guess you'll know where to find me.

kortney elise xoxo

I'm Sneaky...and Hardcore

I have a story to share with you (and yes, I still laugh every time I use the word story when it's not my last name - I still am amused by it).

Robyn and Kortney - Watching Nationals 2008

Meet my friend Robyn.  I've known Robyn since I was...12. Yes, 12. Holy cow - I just thought about that - that's kind of a long time - 14 years. Wow. Anyways. She was technically my camp counselor back then. And we grew to be friends over the years. I actually see Robyn's mom more than Robyn. Here's why:

Robyn was a figure skater. And from what I can infer, she was a really freaking great figure skater. Complete with triples. And then, as it often does, life got in the way, and Robyn stopped skating (perhaps she'll share about this part of her life during this month's blogging theme?).

Here's the thing. I've been planning this idea since Robyn announced her 2011 plans for her blog - which include 30 Days of Something...every month. So far she's had 30 Days of the Canadian Moose, 30 Days of Gifts Under $5, and 30 Days of Stupid Animal Battles.  This month's theme is 30 Days of Stories and Pictures About Robyn.  The thing is - it's by popular vote that these 30 Days are chosen.

And I've seriously been plotting May's poll since January. I even chatted about it with her mom in February at a competition. Oh yeah. I didn't explain that part.  Robyn's mom stayed involved in the skating world - she's one of the most important "not seen" ladies at a competition - she works in the audit room - doing...well, mathematical stuff, organizing, printing, results.

Alright. But my ultimate plan is 2-fold, you see.  It had to be May and here's why:
1) I want Robyn to come to Spring Synchro. Even just once.
2) I want her to volunteer at the May Long weekend competition.

The other 28 days or so are up to her. Those are my selfish reasons. BUT FIRST?

It has to become the official 30 days option on her blog for May.

And so - now that it is an official poll option - I need you to vote.

And yes, I will push this everyday to my entire skating community. It's big and it's hardcore. Like me.
So here's your explanation.

Now go vote:
RIGHT HERE VOTE VOTE VOTE.

Anyone can vote - multiple times a day from different computers even.
Do it. I will constantly remind you until it happens :)

Robyn will thank me in the end :)
kortney elise xoxo

Day 9: Code of Points

This is actually the Data Input operator's screen (not a judges screen)

This will be REALLY hard for me...incredibly hard for me...to keep in a short(ish) blog post. Seriously. This is something I'm passionate and excited about (after all, I am a skating judge)...this post is a challenge to keep reader-friendly and not go so deep that only judges understand. Ready (that's for me...)...Go!

What is the Code of Points (aka CoP, International Judging System [IJS], or the "new system")?
It is the way figure skating has been judged since 2004 replacing the old "6.0 system" figure skating was used to. It was created in response to the 2002 Olympic Pairs Scandal (Jamie Sale/David Pelletier - remember?).

How is it different/new?
On 6.0 the judges had 2 marks to work with - Technical and Presentation - they had marks from 0.0 to 6.0 to award to each skater, using these marks ONLY as replacement to rank skaters from first to last. Marks were not comparable from competition to competition and were not always reflective of a skate. If a judge started low (say 4.9/4.9) while the rest of the judges started high (5.6/5.6) it may look bad, but as long as the first judge remained low and placed his rankings correctly, it didn't matter. In the end, the important part was your protocol (your ranking from first to last). The actual marks meant less.

Under the new system, a myriad of marks are given out including the following:

• Grade of Execution (GoE) - Every element (jumps, spins, spirals, and footwork) is given a mark. These range from -3 to +3, including 0. If you're interested to know what you could do on an element to receive a +3 (or why you received a -3), look here (page 12-13). 
• Program Component Scores (PCS) - Split into 5 marks and given marks from 0 to 10 in 0.25 increments. These are not used to rank and are considered comparable across all competitions. These categories are: Skating Skills, Transitions, Performance/Execution, Choreography, and Interpretation.
• Technical elements - The above elements (under GoE) are also given a technical score. Each element has a predetermined value (for example a triple Axel is worth 8.5 at base). There are three people on the technical panel who ensure that it was a triple axel and give it the base value of 8.5. Where this can go up or down is the GoE of the element. A +3 triple axel receives much more than a 0 triple axel. This technical panel of 3 is separate from the judges and do discuss and talk about each element once the program is complete.

Judges do not technically know where they've ranked each skater, because the technical panel plays a part as well and vice versa. Marks are not used to rank, but used as a scale. Marks can be considered across competitions to compare for the most part.

That's as watered down as I can make it without giving myself a hernia. Clear as mud? Great.

What Do I Think?
Well...I love it. Yes, there are always downsides to everything, but for the most part, I think the system is much more reliable than the 6.0 system and more accurate. There is a mix between art and sport now which creates the uniqueness of the sport that is figure skating.

I love the GoE.  I think it's fabulous that skaters are awarded for trying difficult jumps and given full credit for a jump if rotated and executed correctly, even with a fall (of course with -3 GoE). At the same time, I love that a beautiful, but simple jump (spin, etc.) is rewarded. If you can do a beautiful double flip - do it. Show it off. Get a +3. I love it. It allows for a balance between trying the really hard and perfecting the simple. I believe both are important in figure skating, absolutely.

I love the technical side. I love that there are required elements within each element in order to receive a level on spins, spirals, and footwork. I love that, again, there is an opportunity to be simple and go for a well done level 1, but also that you can push yourself level by level into the next set of difficulties...not just with jumps. I love that there is 3 people deciding the technical mark - and I love that a discussion happens about elements that are hard to agree on. This needs to happen. This bugs some people, but why not? Some things happen so quickly that it is possible to miss a rotation. Some things are SO well done that you still miss a rotation; that very situation happened at Nationals this year from a very experienced, fabulous judge. It happens. Discussion is good. I absolutely love that difficulty is taken in account on things like footwork - the system acknowledges that completing half your footwork on one foot is impressive and you are rewarded. It rewards skaters who complete correct turns. In the old system, it was very difficult to take into account ALL of these things into 2 small marks.

I love PCS. I think that they're great. I don't believe they take away from art. I think they create an even more unique side to art - there is more chance to reward skaters for taking risks - more chance to take risks and yet not risk it all (a skater who takes a risk with a different kind of program may not be rewarded for that risk in one aspect, but in most cases will still be able to hold onto the other PCS).

The new system is much more fair and more objective than the 6.0 system. Yes, there is margin for error, politics, and it is still a subjective sport. As a judge it is fabulous to reward a skater with positive GOE for well done jumps, negative GOE for poorly done spins, and really get them on their basic skating skills. It is nice to be able to reward a skater who may not have the jumps and spins, but has beautiful turns and fabulous interpretation. These things have been addressed and I think it's great.

To me skating is more than a sport focused on jumps (as what it tends to be). This new system has improved general skating skills 10-fold and it is nice to see that happening from the lower levels as our sport adjusts from the old focuses to the new focuses.

Okay. I could really break things down and confess all my love, but that oughta do it.

I'm in love with the CoP :)
kortney elise xoxo