What is a champion?

    I have been dancing down with the kids for four years now. Two of the years, I have been out of competition due to injuries and not competing on Sundays. I am grateful that I have kept my vow to God by not competing solos on Sundays. I know Oireachtas will be my only exception to this because I do not have a choice when it comes to solo championships. I moved up my soft shoes two years ago. My hard shoes is taking a lot longer. I have gotten second in both my double jig and hornpipe over the years, but I need a first. I was disappointed about not making championships this year, but I realized there are a few things that I need to fix.

    It is all about timing. Yes, I need to perfect my timing in my hard shoes. I also realized it would have been bad timing if I made it now. I will be having foot surgery on Friday, and I am unable to dance for three weeks. I wouldn't be able to learn all new steps and perfect my timing by mid November.


   I have realized I don't need to be an "Irish Champion" to have an attitude of a champion. I am grateful for the miniscule improvements of my timing since January. I can be happy for those around me who are achieving their goals. Working hard and enjoying the journey is crucial. I know what it is like to be beaten down and come back fighting like a champ.  I will be back competing solos next year. I am praying  that I will make championships  in 2015, so I can have family come ( both sides of my family live in Utah) and cheer me on. It would mean the world to me if my Oma could see me dance. Until then, sometimes you feel like you are being eaten by a shark when life doesn't go the way you want.