Ice Skating 9: New Skates

It had been a while since I blogged about the kids' ice skating classes. Lil Shauna is getting her week's long break from ice skating classes after her Elementary test. She didn't mind skating for fun but said no class. 

With Zaky coming onboard, he now takes the Sunday afternoon classes while Lil Shauna goes for the SISA ice on weekday afternoons. It had been a nightmare trying to get leisure ice skating slots for Lil Shauna for the same time that Zaky has lesson. I have spent multiple Sunday mornings sitting with my laptop and queuing outside the rink. I was so glad when I heard that the rink is turning to online booking. I have done my 1st online booking on Friday 12pm, setting multiple alarms to make sure that I was on time. It works! I am super thrilled! I hope that it will continue to be this easy for the future Sundays. 

Zaky is obviously very different from jiejie during his lesson. He is much more cheekier and sometimes playing afool. He has a lot less stamina than jiejie too, often sneaking a water break or simply dazed. I am starting to wonder if he is losing interest but he said that he is not. 

See! Still can pose for me during class. Faint. 

Zaky has also joined jiejie for off ice. He was so enthusiastic the very 1st time but the enthusiasm died down very quickly bcos it is hard work. Lol. 2 Sundays ago, he skipped bcos he claimed that he was too tired. Then last Sunday, off ice training was cancelled due to poor turn-out and Zaky was beaming from ear to ear. Hoho.

He had been using J's old skates, that were gifted to us, for a while. The skates were very fitting so much so that we had to remove the insole to create more toe wiggling space. We had been looking for new skates for him as his current pair wouldn't last very long. I was torn between a new pair and a 2nd hand one. The former would cost at least $300 with shipping for an entry level pair and there is the sizing risk. I had been scouting Carousell for many moons for a 2nd hand pair but there aren't many boy/ men skates on sale to begin with, given that it is a lady-oriented sports. I lost count of the number of sellers that I have chatted up and met up with 2 to realise that the sizing didn't fit. 

Finally, after much waiting, we found a pair on Carousell. The seller lives in a big (huge) house in Bukit Timah. I was in awe at the size of the house. Anyway, the main point is that we finally bought a 2nd hand pair of entry level skates that are brand new for $150. The skates had been sitting in the box for a couple of years but still looking good. 

Zaky tried the skates 2 weeks back to realise that the blades needed sharpening. I remembered that Lil Shauna's new skates were put to used immediately. Strange. Anyway, he finally got to use them last week after his class. I am sure it was much bigger that his current pair, I had to lace it much tighter and the boot leather is much softer given that it is entry level skates. They are even more basic than Lil Shauna's 1st pair of proper skates. 

It will take a while before the skates are worn in. I hope Zaky doesn't get nasty blisters like how Lil Shauna does in the past. 

Meanwhile, Coach informed that the competition is likely to be taking place in early April. I am so excited, much more than Lil Shauna, who insisted that she will not be competing. Hohoho. Don't waste, don't waste. 

Mummy Lim

Ice Skating 4: Working Really Hard

Lil Shauna was at her youth camp and therefore Zaky got to have his ice skating class. With 2 kids on ice skating, we needed to control a little to mitigate the impact on the pocket. 流汗... 

Zaky was in his running shoes for once and I made him jumped a little for warm up before hitting the ice. Then to quickly do the usual drills before his class at 1.15pm. There was so much whining and I had to raise my voice at him. Why they all the same? All like that? Aiyo! He was trying to do the waltz jumps that he had just learnt the week before. I reminded him that falling down is part and parcel. Soon after, he took a tumble right before class and he cried. Apparently the mental preparation didn't help. 

Fortunately, he was able to pick himself up and proceeded with his class. Coach Raymond then pointed out all the mistakes/ bad habits that I had earlier pointed out. Don't play, play. This tuition teacher 有练过的. In fact, it was like deja vu - the memories with Lil Shauna all flooded back, including the whining. Every kid must whine. Lol. I started wondering if it had been better if they had started ice skating at the same time and I could take the whining at one go. I decided that it wouldnt be better, I probably would have died at the double whining impact. Lol. 

Coach Raymond taught Zaky the footwork before embarking on the waltz jumps and he was excited to master the jump. He was very much fired up after class that he tried over and over and over again. I had to say that I am impressed at how hard he tried. At times, he was looking at how J was doing the waltz jumps and trying to mimick. 

He didn't get the jump eventually but he tried really hard and that is enough for me. He noted his own errors and tried to correct them. I like it when they think about what they are doing. 

With Zaky, he is older and is picking up faster. He is stronger too but he needed to learn how to control, which is difficult, given how clumsy he has always been. Let's see where the journey brings him. 

Mummy Li.

Passed Core 4!

 Yay! Passed le! Passed le! 

Zaky said that he wanted to continue learning and to start one to one lesson. He was wavering between learning from Coach Condrey, who taught him for Core 3 and 4 or Coach Raymond, so that he can be together with jiejie. 

We have signed up an individual lesson with Coach Raymond to try. It was actually meant for Lil Shauna, who can't make it. She is such a busy lady now that PSLE is over. Lol. That session is only taking place at the end of November. We will probably try to see if Coach Raymond has time for him earlier in November. 

Zaky complained that his toes hurt when he went back to the ice for practice just now. The skates is very fitting. We ended up taking out the sole and that gave him a little more space to buy a little bit more time. I saw J changing skates and am hoping to buy over his current skates. Those are definitely bigger. Or should we buy Zaky a new pair of entry skates? Hmmmm.... 

Mummy Lim

Zaky Core 4 Lesson 2

It was the usual routine and the usual long Q outside the rink scene when we arrived for Zaky's lesson. Daddy Lim got activated to Q while I prepped Zaky. Daddy Lim said that he was queuing at about the same spot as last week and there were plenty of slots on the 12.45pm session register then. 

I accompanied Daddy Lim in the Q and walked in and out to peek at Zaky. He seemed to be doing well. As I was doing so, there appeared to be some commotion right at the start of the Q. From what I gathered, a mummy had arrived at the rink really early to get slots for her son's bday party during the 3pm session but she didn't know that she had to join the Q. She only realised that when the Q started forming and the staff at the rink had eventually allowed her to "cut" Q resulting in many other upset patrons. This is particularly so when she wanted 10 slots and 3pm is a really popular session. 

Bcos of the out of the norm demand, patrons who were unable to get the 3pm session slots overspill to the other sessions. It was super tense, this weekly ordeal to get skating slots for the kids is getting more and more stressful. Fortunately, we secured the last slot for Lil Shauna. Heng ah!

Lil Shauna and Zaky went to the rink for ice time as scheduled. Remember Zaky bugging for new skates? I asked J's mum if J's old skates can be sold to us and we got to try on them. J is also Coach Raymond's student and had been skating with Lil Shauna for years. 

The skates were very fitting such that the original thick socks that Zaky used on the rental skates don't work. He felt a lot more comfortable when he wore jiejie's cutesy ankle socks and even better when changed into the new almost-not-there ankle stocking that I managed to buy from Diaso. I hesitated about buying over the skates as Zaky might be outgrowing them very soon. I asked to loan the skates for another week and was then told that they would like to gift us the skates. Woohoo! 

It took a while for Zaky to get used to the skates. He was absolutely thrilled to know that he would be having his own skates. He would be using them for his lessons on coming Sunday and I hope they will serve him well. 

Mummy Lim

Zaky's Core 4 Lesson 1

Zaky wanted to continue learning and I have signed him up for Core 4 lessons. Many moons back, Lil Shauna got her own personal beginning skates when she barely started Core 2. To date, she has changed like 3 pairs of skates. Zaky is asking when I would buy him his personal skates. Hmmm... Let's see how it goes. Haha. 

Zaky was hoping that the same coach would be taking his Core 4 lessons and bingo. 

I got Daddy Lim to Q to register for the afternoon skating slot for Lil Shauna and I got to watch Zaky skate. The lesson was about crossovers and more crossovers. The boy was surprisingly not too bad with the crossovers! Some time back, I was actually hoping to take Core 4 with the boy when he resumed skating. I was tempted when Zaky took on Core 3 again. However, I totally chickened out when I was told that Core 4 has to do crossovers and 3-turns. I scare to fall down leh. Haha.

The kids went back to the rink in the afternoon; I was too tired and lazy to join. 

There was no whinning at all bcos he got a scolding from me right before we left the house for begin glued to the phone. 

Let's see how long his enthusiasm lasts. 

Mummy Lim

Zaky is Ice Skating Too: Core 3 Test

Last week's last Core 3 session went without a hitch and I was daring enough to do ice practice with the kids in the afternoon too. 

It wasn't too bad but the initial excitement was lost. I think the kids can practice themselves from now on lah. Haha. 

Zaky was ready for the Core 3 test this morning. I don't think the Coach taught new stuff, it was mainly to test what were taught anyway. 

Towards the end of the lesson, the students were allowed to practice freestyle while the Coach concentrated on testing a student who was late. Zaky obviously took every opportunity to play afool. 

Did he pass? Of course. I have to say that he did improve a lot from the 1st time that he hit the ice after the long hiatus. 

He says that he wanted to sign on Core 4. Hoho.

Mummy Lim

 

Zaky is Ice Skating Too: Core 3 Lesson 3

Zaky continues to be really enthusiastic about the Core classes. 

Daddy Lim went for a spin in the morning and I drove us to the Rink. I thought it wasn't too bad, no jittery legs but Zaky complained that I drove too slowly and took too many attempts to park. Zzzzz. He should be happy that we didn't have to take the MRT. 

There was already a Q forming when we arrived before 9am. The people were queuing to register for a skating slot in the later part of the day. Apparently, the reservation system isn't the most effective one. Their updates on IG/ FB are not prompt and Lil Shauna and I had already on 3 (or more) occasions turned up at the Rink more than 1 hour before the session time to realise that the session had been booked out. Luckily we live near to the Rink. 

As I wanted to secure a practice slot for Lil Shauna in the afternoon and also wanted to skate with the kids, I became kiasu and joined the Q after settling Zaky. There was already a long Q when the Rink finally opened for reservations at 9.30am. 

The system isn't too fair as well. I was the 12th in the line but before it was even my turn, the 3pm session had been booked out. Somebody in the line before me had a long list of names added to the register and that somebody and his group was busy tallying to ensure that they didn't miss out anybody. Fortunately for us, we were aiming for the earlier session and got a slot. The lady right in front of me wasn't that lucky and feedback to the staff. I feedback too, hoping that the Rink would change their reservation system. Lil Shauna has cut down on her practice bcos we aren't sure of getting a slot and it is seriously stressful to rush to the Rink and then realised that it is fully booked. 

The staff encouraged me to write in to the Rink instead. The current system didn't seem to work very well for the staff too and they enthusiastically encouraged me to write in with my feedback. Lol. Of course I did. Hoho. 

By the time I was done with the registration, Zaky was also almost done with his class. He was telling me that he learnt the footwork for crossover but stationary. 

We headed back to the Rink in the afternoon and had a lot of fun. 

I practiced with the boy like how I used to with Lil Shauna. I remembered how I used to hold her hands while she practiced her 3-turns, mohawks, 2-foot spins and waltz jump. It brought back so much memories. Then I got to see Lil Shauna do her complicated spins and jumps up closed. She has gone beyond me many moons back. I am now reduced to helping her video her moves. 

Time passed so quickly and there wasn't much whinning from Zaky bcos he had me as companion. He was cooperative even when I was occupied with jiejie. While I can't do 3-turns, mohawk or crossover, I know how they are done theoretically, having gone through them with Lil Shauna many moons back. So Zaky had fun learning them from the theory tutor. Lol. He was so proud when he could do the crossovers. I also made him practice on his core. 

The kids were egging me to skate with them again next Sunday. Hahaha. I am popular choice leh. Let me think about it, I got sore back from the 2-hour skating. Old already lah. Haha.

Mummy Lim

Zaky is Ice Skating Too: Core 3 Lesson 2

Zaky is still very excited about his ice skating class. Daddy Lim and I were just very sleep deprived and sore having the RI. Hoho. 

We were cleverer this time and didn't lug Lil Shauna along. The lesson is afterall only 30 mins and we will bring him back for ice time later in the afternoon. 

Zaky has a lot of power in his strokes but lack of control and I see him flapping his arms like a chicken constantly in attempt to not lose his balance. Interestingly, the coaches taught them the single foot 3-turn. I don't remember learning that the last Core 3 that I took with Zaky; Lil Shauna only learnt that when she started her individual lesson.

The boy was of course very proud of himself for almost achieving the single foot 3-turn. Confirmed that he is too full of himself. I don't think he is very good leh. 

We brought the kids back to the ice in the afternoon. Lil Shauna had lesson and didn't have much time to entertain the boy. Even Coach commented on his flappy arms. I had actually the thought to skate with him but think I am pushing it with my tired body. Next week perhaps. 

Mummy Lim

Zaky is Ice Skating too: Core 3 Lesson 1

Ever since Zaky stopped his TKD and ActiveSG basketball, he has been super free during the weekend while jiejie spent a lot of her time at the rink. The inactivity is also not helping with his weight. He is getting chubbier and chubbier, a far cry from his scrawny younger self. 

I took the opportunity to encourage Zaky to take up the ice skating core classes again. He passed his Core 3 a couple of years back and it had been a long time since he stepped back onto the ice. He must be bored and happily agreed to the classes. 

In preparation, we sent him ice skating with Lil Shauna a couple of times before the classes. Last Sunday morning, he started his very 1st class. 

Coach Raymond saw him before class and asked me what happened to him. Ya, what happened, how come he is a balloon now? Lol. Coach said that ice skating is not enough and he should join the off ice class. Zaky immediately backed out. Zzzzz.

It is so rare for Lil Shauna to be sitting and looking from the bench. She said that it was so weird. 

The 30 mins' class went fine. The pre-practices have done him well and I think it is easier for him to take instructions and control his body now that he is older. He happily came back and tell me how good he is. Ya, right. Lol. 

The class came with 2-hour free ice practice and he has a choice to practice at any time so long as he keeps his waist band. We went back during Lil Shauna's usually practice time so that she can help me watch over Zaky.

It all went went. The boy is looking forward to his next class. He said that he wants to do figure skating after that. Hmmm... Let's see. 

Mummy Lim

Core 3 with Zaky Test

Finally, it was the big day. We were very confident that we would pass anyway but it was still surprisingly stressful. I was quite sure that Teacher Raymond wasn't hawking at me but spent most of his time scrutinising at the kids but there was still this pressure, the "just in case I couldn't do it and fail" or worse, had another spectacular fall. Lol.

I was sure to wear the too small knee pad but I didn't fall. It did give me a little psychological boost. I spent a lot of time yelling at Zaky though; he was skating around crazily at top speed. Interestingly, bcos his threshold for falling is so much higher, his twists were so much better than mine.

Did we pass? Of course. Checked off one item on my new year resolution list!

Will we proceed to Core 4? Teacher Raymond asked me the same question too but he is of course more concerned about Zaky. I have not decided. It had been a tiring 5-week with 2 kids on ice. The Isaac gorgor's presence helped alot. Zaky was happily skating with the gorgor the last few weeks. The gorgor seems to want to proceed. As for us, Zaky seems more interested in his TKD and he would probably choose TKD over ice skating. He can only choose one sports to focus on when he goes into P1 bcos we only have so much time. If it is TKD, then there is no need for him to do Core 4 actually. As for me, the dramatic fall has left a trauma in my heart. Lol. I am not sure if I would do Core 4 even if Zaky proceeds on. Let me think very hard and asked my brittle bones for opinion. Hohoho.

For now, I am just glad that I have finally taken proper ice skating lessons. Yeah!

Mummy Lim

Core 3 with Zaky Lesson 3

I always asked for sharper blades whenever I loan the skates. The blunt skates have no proper gripe. The usual staff told me that the skates had just been sharpened even before I asked. Sounds good, I thought.

There was a mad rush despite us being early. I was helping Zaky wear his skates, then mine and he was there insisting that I helped him name one of his game characters. Lil Shauna was also trying to tell me "I don't know what" and the other kids were already hitting the ice for lesson. Aaarrghhh. Finally, we were ready to go on the ice!

Something feels wrong the moment I put a foot on the ice; the blades must be super sharp bcos I could hardly move! I rushed to change into a different pair and it was so slightly better. This is the woes of using rental skates for lessons. I could move on the new pair of skates but with more energy than usual. We started lesson.

As expected, it was the usual stuff. The only stroke that was more challenging was the twist. Zaky and I did fairly good; much better than the rest of the class. We did the twist moving in anti-clockeise direction last week and continued practicing this week. Then, we were asked to go clockwise direction and it was much more difficult but I thought - manageable lah!

My ego must had ballooned and I wasn't paying enough attention as I should. The sharp blades and the rough ice - one of my foot was caught in the ice and the next moment I was falling forward. T.T

My life flashes acrossed my eyes. Ok, there wasn't enough time for that to happen. Lol. My palms were the 1st to hit the ice and I glide slightly before KABOOM!, my poor right knee landed with a loud thud and took all of the impact. Yes, all 50+kg of impact. It reminded me of the dramatic fall many moons back when I also fell on the ice and landed on my knee. At least this one seemed less dramatic. I am not sure not that many people looked at me but I wasmt sure if it is the same knee.

Teacher Raymond asked if I was OK. I was too embarrassed to tell him that it hurts like hell. Sob. Fortunately, I don't think I broke any bone. The knee continued to hurt for the rest of the lesson but it probably isn't too bad bcos I could still move. For the rest of the lesson, I have unimaginable amount of fear of falling. As a result, I couldn't do the twist as well and all the more almost fell several times. I could now exactly feel how Lil Shauna felt on ice, especially after a fall and I always tell her to get over her fear. Lol.

This was taken during bfast after class. See, the right knee is swollen! Pain!

We did go back to the ice for practice after lesson but I purposely delayed and shortened the time for practice. I also wasn't too adventurous when I was on the ice, choosing to skate so slowly.

When we started Core 3, I was imagining about Zaky and I going for Core 4. After the traumatic fall, I am worried even about the rest of the lessons. We have lesson next week and test the week after. Daddy Lim asked me to wear knee guard but that is so uncool! I suddenly realised that Lil Shauna takes after me; all the emotions and reactions are like de juvu. Lil Shauna said the same thing before. Lol.

The pain wasn't too bad. For the rest of the day, it hurt slightly when I walk. Sometimes, there is no pain. This morning, the same pain is there. I hope I will be fine by the next lesson.

Mummy Lim

Core 3 with Zaky Lesson 1

Zaky had been looking forward to his Core 3 lessons with mummy. I am feeling excited and anxious. I am finally fulfilling one of my new year solutions and learning ice skating proper. However, I also wonder if I would stick out like a sore thumb being such an old student. Never mind, never mind, young at heart.

At the door, we found out that Teacher Raymond would be taking the class. The best part? The entire class is made up of 6 to 8 yo and me, the only 37 yo. Errrr... how did they arrive at this grouping?

Zaky says, "Core 3".

Wefie before class.

Teacher Raymond was pleased to see Zaky. He had been encouraging Zaky to continue with Core 3. He was super surprised to see me though. Lol.

The class went fine. In fact, I think I am beyond Core 3. Lol. I am not thick skin but I am really the best student in class and could do all the strokes. Then again, I am easily 6x the kids' age. Additionally, I served as an extra tutor for Zaky, reminding him to do this and that during class plus keeping him under control and curbed his nonsense.

I am impressed that Zaky did really well. He had better control as compared to Core 2 maybe bcos I was there to nag at him. At the end of the lesson, Zaky said that we are sure to pass Core 3. Hello, lesson 1 only. Who is the thick skin one?

There was half an hour wait before the rink opens and we headed for Mac bfast. By then, the kids had worked up a hearty appetite.

During Core 2, the 2-hour practice session was very much a drag. It was worse on days where Lil Shauna has lesson. I would have to supervise the little girl and have a little boy screaming boredom and pestering me to play with him. This time, I met a life savior - an older Isaac whom Zaky met during Core 2. He has progressed to Core 4 and they spent the 2 hours chasing and playing on the ice. There was no boredom and no need for mummy. Phew! Zaky enjoyed himself so much and spent almost the entire 2 hours skating away.

We had a great time on ice today. I had fun skating too. Yeah, looking forward to lesson next week.

Mummy Lim

Blue Tip Grading Test

Zaky had been looking forward to his grading test. He has learnt his pattern a long time back and can't wait to go to the next level.

Daddy Lim was available to send us before he head back to the yard. We had a hearty bfast.

By the way, Daddy Lim got new image after not shaving a few days. Haha.

We were just on time and Zaky went into the center right after he was properly dressed and geared. He was in full gear and would be tested on sparring too. He said that he was anxious but he didn't look too bad.

This time, a new system was in place and the students came in batches; different timing for different belts. It was a lot less crowded and more systematic. The school continued to have a live broadcast of the tests.

Unfortunately, the resolution was very bad and I couldn't tell which was Zaky. I thought he looked like he was in the 1st batch (center 1st row).

Then, there was somebody in the 2nd batch that looked like him too.

By the 3rd batch, I gave up. Lol.  The answer? He was in the 3rd batch.

He was confident and said that he knew all his patterns. He thinks he is going to pass and happily posed for me after the test.

Even jiejie wanted to be in the fun.

One more grading test down. Results will be out in 2 weeks.

Mummy Lim

Core 2 and Passed

Today was the test. He passed but Teacher Sally said, "Isaac, you can do it but you need to slow down and do one thing at a time." Nailed it.

He did some of the strokes very nicely in fact, especially when he slows down.

As for me, I am just glad that he has passed and I can get him away from the ice. It had been a tiring 5 weeks. What was I thinking to sign the tiger up for ice skating lessons.

Just as when I thought my torture was over, he asked to continue with core 3. Zzzzz... let me think very hard about it. I would love to take lessons with him too. But the thought of having 2 kids on ice is just way too painful. Didn't he just said that he would like to concentrate on TKD?

Mummy Lim

Core 2

One of my new year resolutions was to take up ice skating classes and I intended to do so with Lil Isaac. I wanted to sign him up so that he can be safe when he goes ice skating with jiejie.

I am quite sure I could skip the 1st 2 levels, having skate so frequently with Lil Shauna over the last 2 years while the little boy probably have to start from the basic. It was a long wait bcos I was too lazy to bring 2 kids to the rink.  Finally, I moved my butt and also cut down on Lil Shauna's classes.

Lil Isaac was excited about his class. He thinks that ice skating is easy peasy. Teacher Raymond also advised him to go direct for Core 2 since he can glide properly. That further boosted his ego. He was sticky when it was time for his class but looked like he enjoyed class once they started.

They were taught to glide on one foot and do snow plough stop using the right foot. The boy couldn't manage the stop; his foot just didn't want to listen to him.

The intention was for jiejie to practice with him while I relax one corner after the class but I eventually got dragged down to the ice by the grumpy boy who couldn't master the stop. There was some tantrum and tears bcos he was so frustrated but it eventually turned out fine. Did he master the stop? Not yet but he is starting to get the idea. Now, he can appreciate how tough it is for jiejie to come so far.

Interestingly, Lil Shauna is enjoying ice skating better without the pressure. We had been to the ice a couple of times to skate freely recently. Usually it is just her and Lil Isaac. She does her own warm up and practice without much nagging from me and spent other times playing with Lil Isaac. She came to me after skating yday and exclaimed that it is so enjoyable! Looks like it is the way to go.

As for Lil Isaac, he has plenty of power but no control and like many sports, ice skating requires a fine balance of both. I don't think he can go far until he understood and master control; like getting that right foot to "listen" to him.

We headed to his TKD class in the afternoon and I was amazed at his dedication. He did great and learned all 20 steps of his pattern. During class, his master deemed that he is ready for grading test! I told him that he can only choose 1 sport to focus on at the end of the day bcos we only have so much time. I think he better stick to TKD. Haha.

Mummy Lim