Hello blog [readers],
I stopped blogging a little while ago when I wasn't really sure what else to write about; the competitive season was over and the chaos of everyday life was seemingly less and less interesting... at least, for storyline purposes.
However, I'll fill you in:
Last year (2008-2009 skating season) I choreographed a some programs for a bunch of different skaters. I was working with a variety of different levels, a bunch of different skating styles and a very wide range of music selections, every one of which offered a new set of opportunities from which to learn. As a relative rookie, I was very proud of the work I did and was exceedingly proud of the athletes I got to work with. I ended up "coaching/assisting" at the regional, sectional and national competitions with a small group of them. **Many thanks to Tammy Gambill and her students for having me along. I had a blast, though I'm not going to lie, and needless to say, being at a competition as a coach is not the same as being there as a skater. Tons of fun, nevertheless. In each of the competitions, the athletes were all great kids, great competitors and helped make the overall experiences very enjoyable!
I have continued choreographing programs and continue to have a lot of fun with it. I have also done a few shows here and there, which keeps reminding me of what it's like to be in different shape than that of an active, elite, competitive skater. Having worked with the some other kids on choreography, I have adopted some new approaches to my own methods of creative processing and have tried to apply them to some of my new show programs. Hopefully, it's worked out well. But, I'm me, so it's hard to judge from an unbiased perspective.
I've taken a few acting classes for fun. Out of interest, I also took course in Leadership Communications and Conflict Management (via the UCLA Extension program) which was awesome and I was pretty excited about a course in Constitutional Law however, it was canceled due to low enrollment. Don't worry, I'll be back for more!
I recently wrote an article on the process of retirement called, The Competitive Skater's Retirement Paradox. I've received a lot of great feedback from an array of different sources; that's always nice!!!
Well, I'm at the airport and need to go grab something to eat before my flight. I'm hungry!
Be well!
Braden
8 comments:
Glad to have you back! I've missed your great writing, you always make it interesting, just like your skating always does.
I also read the article you wrote and found it very relatable to "life" and not just to skating. Great article! Thanks for posting again in your blog, and I hope you continue to keep us updated on what you're up to.
Great to see you blogging again! It's always interesting to hear what you're up to.
Glad you're enjoying life and keeping busy, post-retirement. I missed seeing you in competition this past season but did enjoy seeing your choreographic influence for the younger skaters. I'll be eagerly anticipating your next show performance so please keep blogging and keep us apprised of your schedule.
Have a great summer!!
I've been very bad about staying in touch - but I'm still here, and still think about you! Hope the new gig is working out. Wouldn't you know, after being in Europe a couple of times over the last two years, with my job in jeopardy - I probably won't make it this year.
Take care of yourself!
Emma
Hey Braden, I just wanted to say thanks for writing that article for SKATING. I really enjoyed reading it. Though I was never an elite-level skater, you put into words almost everything I've feeling about retiring from skating after 16 years in the sport. I cried the whole way through the article.
Thanks, and best of luck to you on your next great adventure.
Hi Braden....went ice skating for the first time in a VERY LONG time this weekend. Wow, did I stink! When I got home "Stars on Ice" was on and thought of you.....I can't believe so many years have passed since I first met you in Denver and how many more have passed since you skated in Wisconsin with us in the Ice Show! Remember snowmobiling? What a hoot! I was in St. Paul and tried to find you after the competition to say hello..but no luck! Recently, Joyce K. gave me a copy of your article you wrote...liked it a bunch! I hope you find that you live and feel each moment of life, even when its off the ice! There are a great many lessons that ice skating has already taught you....if you listen, really listen, what ever it is you are to do next will show you the way. I Hope our paths cross again someday, it would be great to see you! Hello to your Mom and Susan!
Hey Braden-Wow what a career you have had. I on the other hand have not been able to get into my feild of Medical Asst do to lack or experience-go figure. SOOO that means I still live at home at almost 30, ouch. Get along well with the parents though. I have a new golden retreiver puppy named skye. I got her two months ago and she is 4 months now. I can't believe you still have bently-how old is he? I lost mac and kapone in 2008, mac on aug 17 and kapone just 8 wks later on oct. 20-such a broken heart and miss them. So how do you like CA? Any fun earthquakes? I would love to chat with you sometime- I have thought about you alot and now with the olympics starting I decided to look you up. Do you remember my mom saying "get overett" to you all the time-LOL. E-mail me and I will give you my number- my e-mail is alialuara@gmail.com- Hope to hear from you. Smooches-Alia
Hey You!! Wow a career you have had. I on the other hand have not had any luck in my feild due to lack of experience. I am a medical assistant. I hope you enjoy teaching, I hope you enjoy it. I think about ya alot and with the olympics starting I thought I would look you up. I can't believe you still have bently-how old is he? I lost both boys a year ago and now have a 4 month old golden retriever named skye-have had the shrew for two months now. How do you like living in CA? Any fun earthquakes yet? I would love to chat with you e-mail me and I will give you my number. My e-mail is alialuara@gmail.com. Hey do you remember how my mom would tell you to "get overett" all the time-LOL? I hope to hear from you-smooches
oops wrote to posts as I though I lost the first-I am idiot-LOL
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