We Are Going to Make It After All

Such an inspiring quote of its time. At the time when the Mary Tyler Moore show was actually airing I didn't watch it very much. Later in years I watched reruns and  learned to understand what it was to "make it". This past week MTM passed away. She not only portrayed many special model women of the times but many women along the way aspired to be the Mary Richards of the world. In 2017 it sometimes can still be a struggle for some.

The first few weeks of 2017 have made many wonder if we will make it. After being sick for a week I too wondered the same thing. After running, at full speed at life, sometimes your body tells you, "hey you stop and take a breath". Too many irons in the fires of life do catch up and it definitely did for me. I took the time to relax and catch up on a few things while lounging.

 Of course I took time to watch the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships which this year was hosted in Kansas City, MO at the Sprint Center. Although I had been asked if I was going to attend, I was glad I actually didn't buy tickets-- twofold. I would have hated to be out the money and not be able to attend due to sickness. (This is why I pretty much now hate to extend my self out for anything long term especially where money is involved). We really never know from one day to the next if life interrupted will rear its ugly head.

My summary of the event would probably be many different ways. It was history making to see Nathan Chen land not 1, not 2 but 5 quad jumps. His jumps are superhero-like and not sure if he continues on the road he is that he can be beat at the 2018 Olympics. Lets home he stays healthy and injury free since he has already been injured several times already for such young bones.  My big concern for him and all the other "quaddies" is many have already had bone breaks, strains, pulls in high volumes. Have we pushed the envelope enough?? Instead of pushing for the quads or whatever could be after that which would probably be humanly impossible lets just have a clean program with equally competitive jumps, spins, footwork and overall appeal.  My observation was we still have a long way to go to revamp figure skating (did it really need revamping?). Sometimes I think the "back to basics" might be a better choice. Some of the national participants seemed burned out already at ripe, young ages.  As I have always said when most learn to skate at such young ages it becomes harder and harder to have the zest for the sport and after years and years of hard work, money, changes you often wonder "are they going to make it". To not have the spark at the Nationals especially when it is televised can sometimes show a truly beautiful sometimes misunderstood sport in a not so great light.

 Although it seems as if more disappointments: I didn't appreciate the over abundance of white costumes, the lack of clean skates, the one piece body suits, the ability to hear several of  the scratchy skaters (apparently the sound/camera person was closer than need be to the ice) and sadly from reported by commentators the problems with the hard/soft ice conditions. An acquaintance went to the final exhibition show and said it was very enjoyable.  Sorry, the critic in me will always be at the forefront and won't go away.

Overall conditions are never ideal and truth be told skaters at this caliber should be versatile enough to work around it. That is why it is Nationals.

Everyone takes a path in life, it may not be always the best way and sometimes you have to go to hell and back but I try and think, although I am not always on the right road, lane or street I hope somehow we can make it after all. It's hard to say to use the path with the least resistance but in our world of resistance at every corner, nook and cranny. Just staying on the road can be an accomplishment.

End of the Year--Beginning of the Year

Try as I might several times actually, unsuccessfully I have attempted to pen thoughts on the end of the year and what to look forward to at the beginning of 2017. Well lets just say, "I have given up". Let's face it 2016 seems like a year in a nutshell best described as a nightmare, highs, lows and basically a year that should be chalked up to as "a hell of an experience". I guess some would call it life. Just the fact that personally most of us made it through the year is a miracle.

Looking into the first 14 days of 2017, personally I am in day 2 of waiting for a maga ice storm. As per usual,some of the media has hyped it to out of proportion levels. Our local stores have been pounded all week of people shopping as if it is the last supper, zombie apocalypse or whatever the term you choose.  What are we to do? Some people have been sucked in but mostly realistic people are staying put until the all clear sign which probably won't happen until Monday if we are lucky.

So for the most part, we wait, keep busy, look to the future and hope for the best. I choose to post an array of pictures of what the possibilities are. We are still waiting for that 15 inches of expected snow this winter. Of course we could still get it all in one day. I surround myself with beach sunset pictures or beach views of my former life, and look toward when my plumeria flowers will bloom in who knows what color this year. 2017 it too is looking to be a dud or a doozie; what do you think?