This is a sad time of the year for me.

[ThatsMyBarack]

The ISI World Recreational Skating Championships took place last week in Denver. They take place in a different city every year. The highlight of the week each year is a Benefit Show to raise money for the ISIA Education Foundation scholarship fund. Each show features one or two elite champion skaters, plus "selected ISI competitors from throughout the week."

I used to skate in this competition every year, hoping to be invited to skate in the show. In 2001, a friend of mine and her family were chosen instead of me. This friend knew how badly I wanted to skate in the show, so I got really upset and we got into a huge fight. I tried rushing to the rink and threatening the "powers" that were to let me in the show or else. Some high-and-mighty alpha-male asswipe threatened to throw me out of the building. I ended up having a nervous breakdown that ended in me being taken away in an ambulance and sent to the hospital. Big mistake! They kept me there until they were sure I wasn't going to hurt myself or someone else. After that, it took me a half-hour just to get a cab to take me back to the parking lot where my car was.

That was my last time skating in ISI Worlds until 2007 (last year), when they took place in Chicago. Of course, with yet another Benefit Show for picked winners to skate in, I freaked out and skated poorly. Instead of skating in the show, I went to see the movie Hairspray instead.

There are other benefit ice shows in my area and around in the country, but I'm never asked to skate in any of them, because I'm not:

a) An elite/Olympic skater.
b) A little kid.
c) A "champion".
d) LOADED.

Seems nobody wants to buy a ticket to watch a talented adult skater like me anymore. :cry:

[Haole Girl]

1. I'm sorry you're feeling down

I love watching ice skating, btw. Enjoyed it more, though, on a competitive level until they judges were caught cheating. :-(

[SPKrazy]

2. Awww

I'm sorry, :hug: I wish I knew how to make you feel better, life ain't fair and people don't act right is all I really know.

We don't even have a rink here, or a place where they could make one in my town.

You sound like you have a real passion for the sport though, no doubt about that.

:hi: