Three and a half weeks and counting

I am angry with Sasha Cohen.

For that matter, I’m also angry with Michelle Kwan. And Johnny Weir. And Evan Lysacek. And Ben Agosto.

Basically, I’m not in a very good mood. See, I’m set to attend my very first figure skating competition next month in Spokane, Washington, and it’s not going to turn out anything like I anticipated. See, it’s the year after the Olympics, and the withdrawals and injuries that have happened this season, leading up to this year’s Nationals, are pretty typical.

So I suppose that my ire should be directed at the 2007Spokane committee, for actually winning this particular venue, the year after the Olympics. Why in the world couldn’t they have won it for next year, or better yet, in 2010? Because the Nationals are always best during an Olympic year.

Although I suspect that’s not being very fair, since one of the most exciting Nationals in recent memory was in 2003. Michelle Kwan gave one of the best performances in her entire career. And Sasha Cohen was pretty hot that year, too.

So where can I direct this anger? The frustrating thing is that there’s no one or nothing to direct it towards. This is simply a bad year, and I was lucky enough to live close enough to a venue in an off year. Next year is certain to be better. Skaters will be healthier, and many will be back to regular competitive schedules. But where will that leave me, stuck in Northern Idaho? Watching ABC, ESPN, and YouTube, I suppose.

So, Michelle and Sasha, take the time and rest and study hard and come back soon. Johnny, Evan, and Ben, get yourselves all healed up so I can see you in January. Rena and John, Emily, Tanith, and Kimmie, for heaven’s sake, stay healthy, please! I’m sure I’ll enjoy getting to know the up-and-comers who will be sure to shine with or without you there, but you guys are the reasons I’m really excited about attending my first Nationals.