When I was at the figure skating championships a couple of months ago, I sat next to a couple in the stands that recognized me. They told me they saw a picture of me and I should go see it….

I was in a museum!! The Hennepin History Museum in Minneapolis featured an exhibit about figure skating in Minnesota. We didn’t tell our niece that my picture was going to be hanging on the wall, we wanted to see her reaction. We started walking though the exhibit when Lauren said “Oh my gosh, YOU are in a museum! That is so cool”.

A section explaining the different aspects of figure skating with my picture hanging.

Explanation of Ice Dancing with me above

The 1991 US Figure Skating Championships were held at Target Center here in Minneapolis. That was the year my skating partner I won the Novice Ice Dance Championship. It was so exciting to be competing at my very first Nationals and then to win the gold in front of my home town audience.

To my surprise, someone had donated the official competition book from that particular Championship. It turns out, this particular copy had my signature on it and in it!

There was one more photo that was fun for me to see. A photo I forgot about. After the Champions Exhibition, there used to be a tradition where Ice Dancer, Mike Verlich, would skate as fast as he could and slide under everyone’s legs. Here is the line up. Other names you may recognize in this are Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan, & Tanya Harding.

I am 3rd in line wearing white facing the other direction. My partner is standing behind me. All you can really see are my legs and the back of my head. 

One night, Kathy hosted a girls night so we could watch a chick flick together at her house.

Me, Farrah, Julie, Kimmy, Cherish, Laura, Megan, Annie, & Kathy watching Magic Mike XXL

Many of the same girls spent this years St. Patrick’s Day together. I was lucky to share the green holiday with these crazy gals! We met up to listen to some live music which encouraged most of us to dance an Irish jig or two. We never did find a leprechaun or a pot of gold but we had a good time celebrating shamrock day.

Finished the night with Kathy, my partner in crime at the local Irish Pub!

Travis, Honey and I took care of our friend’s dog while his parents were out of town. Tank is a large black lab. He was the biggest puppy in the litter so they named him Tank and he has lived up to his name. I think he weighs over one hundred pounds. Tank is the dog that taught Honey to swim last summer and they love spending time together. He is as sweet as can be, Honey and him are the best of doggie friends.

Honey and sweet Tank hanging out

Last night, Travis, Colleen, Dana, Michael, and I went to Nye’s Polonaise Room. Nye’s opened in Minneapolis in the 1950’s has been a staple of the city for the last sixty five years. The historic Polish palace that is a supper club/piano bar/polka hall is sadly closing their doors for good on April 3rd, 2016. Nye’s has hosted many fond memories for many people including us and we couldn’t miss one last hurrah at the good old dive.

From the gold metallic slick booths, the retro chandeliers, the eclectic crowd and Esquire magazines title “best bar in America”; you can see why we will miss this staple joint from our city. I’m so glad we got to have one last polka. Yes, we really did polka!!

Travis and me, his mom Colleen, Dana and her boyfriend Michael hitting up the polka floor 

The 3rd annual Minnesota Brewer’s Ball is coming up on Friday, April 15th from 6:00-10:00p.m. at the Metropolitan Ballroom. For a flat rate of $75 , you can eat as many plates of delicious food from D’Amico Catering. Along with that, you will pair the food with a variety of beers, wines, and distilled spirits from over 30 of the region’s best breweries, wineries and distilleries. That price also includes all you can drink!

With over thirty different vendors, you may want to take advantage of one of the sponsors, iHail, a cab/driver service. We are not responsible for any outlandish behavior 😉

There will be a silent auction, photo booth, and a goody bag for you to take home. We always have a great group of friends to join us at this event. Hope you can accompany us at this fun, laid back, exciting event.

To see a list of brewer’s or to purchase a ticket, click on this link. If you plan on joining us, send me a message so we can meet up.

Health update: For the most part, I have been feeling well. Both Travis and I have started a more regimented work out plan. Two and a half years ago,  I couldn’t breathe if I did anything cardio. I couldn’t even wash my own hair without being winded. I would have to sit on the edge of the tub, bend over with my elbows on my knees so I didn’t have to move my arms around. That movement used to constrict my breathing.

Now, my favorite days are cardio workouts! I love the aspect of huffing and puffing from exercising verses lack of lung capacity and oxygen! The feeling of deep breathing and getting stronger is exhilarating!

I have also been on the ice coaching figure skating. Thanks to my friend, Sarina, I have been able to work with a couple of her students. Every time I walk into the rink and step on the ice, I get a nostalgic feeling from all the hours I used to train when I was younger.

We are STILL having trouble with my medication levels. Unfortunately last month my EBV (Mono virus) level had not decreased but increased. I notice every few days, I need one or two days to rest and recoup. It is mind boggling why my body is taking so long to acclimate to the meds.

It is a small hiccup and eventually things will level off. Sooner than later would be nice though. Next month is the big test, lung functions and lung doctor appointment.

I’m not the only one with “new parts” these days. Travis’ dad celebrated his birthday last week after receiving a new hip a few weeks ago. Happy Birthday and congratulations Itch, you’re such a “hipster” now!

Hope everyone has a very Hoppy Easter!