I am an adult skater. I started skating in 2006 because I was inspired by Michelle Kwan's greatness to take up the sport myself. I have been a fan of Michelle since she debuted in the senior ranks in the early 90s. My favorite program of Michelle's is "Salome" and my favorite competitve performance of hers is her 2000 World Championship win to The Red Violin. I have been a member of an online fan forum in her dedication since that year. I have organized a couple of gatherings and was fortunate enough to see her skate in my home town in 2006. I was able to make the cross-country trip to see her skate in Yu-Na Kim's show in Los Angels in 2010. If I had the money... I'd see her perform where ever she goes!

I love skating more than anything. I started skating in the USFS "Learn to Skate" group class program. I excelled quickly and made it into private lessons with the coach I still have to day (I love my coaches!!!) However, my progress has been slow due to my financial limitations (figure skating is incredibly expensive). I do what I can when I can! I have passed the first two levels of moves in the field, the pre-preliminary freeskate and the Dutch Waltz dance. In February of this year I hope to complete my first dance set. In June I'm going all out and will attempt my preliminary free skate, pre-juvenile moves, and the pre-bronze dance set. I've got a lot of work ahead, but I know I can do it. My ultimate goal of 2012 is to learn the axel jump.

Figure skating as helped me get in shape. In 2011 I lost about 15 pounds. This year I plan on losing 40 more to get down to my target healthy weight. I do yoga, pilates and ballet in my home and would jump at the opportunity to have a personal trainer if I could afford it. Right now I am training for a half-marathon in March and although my progress has been slow, I'm enjoying the journey. I used to run like the wind and I'd love to get into that kind of shape again.

I am 29 years old today and hope to be pushing myself as far as possible this year. Next year I would like to compete at Adult Nationals... maybe even at the Championship Gold level if I get that axel jump under my belt.

Thank you for reading a little about me.

Angela Bonnie S.