The Official Web Site of JR Celski - Team USA's Speedskater
J.R. Celski's Journal
Life Is Better
October 25th, 2009As I listen to the song by Q-tip (feat. Norah Jones) I sit in my room 6 weeks after my surgery from the fall at Olympic Trials, and have a whole different outlook on my injury. I feel like I’m ready to take that next step in my recovery process; getting back on the ice. Two days ago, I threw my crutches up in the air and walked around freely as my Godfather Daryl took pictures. It was probably the best day in my rehab so far. Being able to walk without crutches opened my eyes even more.
Today I went by the World Arena and watched the Broadmoor Speed Club (local club) coached by Pat Wentland. Although I got anxious, I needed this to keep me motivated to get out there and skate with them. I sat on the boards and watched as 15 of them went around the rink in fatigue, yet still with smiles on their faces.
Lately I have been downloading and listening to a lot of music, and studying Spanish as often as I can. My schedule is set up so I have about 3 hours in the morning, a light massage, and then 3 hours in the afternoon. After that I rest, and kick up my feet. Music is what gets me through the day right now, along with the support I receive from my family, friends, and teammates to get back to skating.
I have been getting a lot of texts and messages from friends and family that they have been seeing my Comcast advertisements in Washington. I’m really happy that I’m able to represent the Northwest and Federal Way. I will always represent my roots, because without those I am nothing. I really miss living there and being around the people I grew up with. A shout-out to one of my best friends Vinny Dom for turning 20 the other day. Have fun waiting another year til’ you turn 21 ;] . I talked to another one of my best friends Raymond today. Him and I have a rivalry between our two favorite football teams in both the NFL and the NCAA. He likes the Vikings, and USC while I like the Seahawks and Cal. Too bad for me, his teams are killing mine right now. Also talked to my boy Chris M today. Congratulations! You know what I’m talking about =]. I have also been talking to another one of my best friends Atze Kerkhof a lot lately. He is one of the coolest people I have ever met and he lives in probably the coolest place in the world: Holland. And to my friend Kim (although she’s a UCLA Bruin, she’s still really cool ;]).
I’m sitting here on the video chat with my bro Chris. We talk everyday. He tells me about his day at Nordstroms and I tell him about my day at rehab. Also, we argue non stop about who wears better clothes (he has an advantage), who’s music is better, and about sports and I always win (haha, ooooooooooo!). Here my Dad comes into the video screen wearing his 35 year old robe (trust me he’s proud). Now, my Mom comes into the screen wearing her Las Vegas Polo Towers Hotel Sweatshirt (her and my Dad always seem to match when they go out). This week my Mom and Dad are coming down to visit me in Colorado Springs. My cousin Michaela is also coming down on Friday to spend Halloween with us. One of David’s best friends got married this weekend. Congratulations Jeremy and Hannah! I had a great time down at David’s wedding this year with all of the groomsmen.
A big shout out goes to my boy Walter Rusk. I was looking at pictures of my injury with him holding my leg, stopping the bleeding. I’m really grateful to have a friend like that who would recognize that I was hurt, and come help me as soon as he could. He really did save my life, and would do that for any one of his friends. Thank you so much for being there for me in those moments. You really are a great friend, with a great family.
I head out to New York next week for the 100 days out of the Olympics Celebration. The USOC asked me and a couple other athletes to be out there to do a couple things at the event. Keep an eye on The Today show and all the other shows broadcasting the event. I will be there with Shaun White, Gretchen Bleiler (she’s a really cool girl), and also some of the members of the 1980 men’s hockey team. After this trip I will go to Montreal to support my team at World Cup 3 (Olympic Qualifier). This is a really important meet, but I know they will be ready for it! I miss you guys!
I’m going to keep up the hard work, but you should too! It’s a great time to pick up a pass at 24 Hour Fitness to stay in shape. Now that the weather is turning bad, you should really consider getting one step ahead of the snow and rain. Especially to all the people in Washington!
Also check out my boy Chris Garcia from LB do his thing: www.myspace.com/djireylb He’s the next big thing out of LA!
And to all of you in Washington, check out www.pronsc.com and buy your tickets before it’s too late. Miguel Jose and Joey Mantia are going to put on a great show!
-jr
=]
29 Responses to “Life Is Better”
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See video of J.R. growing up on skates and more recent media coverage
HI JR! I’m so happy you’re feeling better and recovery is in progress. LOVE your new site. It’s seriously awesome. And YAY for you studying Spanish. Make me proud! – Your former Spanish teach
UCLA > CAL!!!! >:I
Awww so no more crutches! Yahoo..I was just recalling a story @ lunch w/ a few family members that when your Uncle Diamond had crutches (when he tore his achilles playing basketball) he use to poke me w/ them to get my attention to do something for him! I don’t know what was worse-the crutches or the bell he had…Thank God both disappeared!!!!!
Happy to hear your progress.
What’s your costume for halloween this year???
We love you !
seems like your still in good spirits, thats the best way to be.. talk to you soon…
Very nice site JR, and I really enjoyed you sharing your experiences leading up to the Olympics. I’ll be in Montreal to support Team USA as well. Sad, you’re not skating, but glad you’ll be there!
Cal’s not doing so well in the whole football thing… ready to give up the Axe?
hi JR,
So glad to hear your rehab is going well! Love the new website too.
You may remember skating at the rink our club practices at back in 2005 – Mt. View Ice Arena in Vancouver, WA. We are struggling with very low participation levels and are looking forward to 2010 hoping it generates more interest in our sport. If you are ever in the area it would be great if you could stop by the rink.
Have a great time in NY and good luck to the team in Montreal.
Linda
Hey Kiddo…..soooo glad you are past those crutches, and that part of this journey. Now, on to the work at hand. And who better to dig in, than our very own Energizer Bunny. You know John will call you that forever and ever!
We all (every single person who knows you) are behind you and support you every single step of the way. When those legs burn during the next 100 days as you prepare for the races coming up, think of all the fans, and how much we all love and adore you, okay? We may not feel your pain, literaly, but in our hearts we do.
Ready, set….go!
Love you tons,
Cheryl and John
Got the answer to my question about the crutches and how great you have taken THAT big step forward (no pun intended) in your recovery. Altho I seldom have my TV on during the day (eve either) I will be sure to tune in while you’re in NY and be watching for you. Do you know which days it is?
I have been getting phone calls and emails about your article in the Seattle Times this morning and will go to the internet to read it whan I close your website. Miriam took the paper to work with her so have to wait until tonite to see the real thing!
Way to go JR! So glad to hear the crutches are gone. The article in the Times was quite impressive, like grandma I had customers calling me.
You did yourself proud (like usual). Keep up the great work and know that we are behind you and
cheering you on. Take care and fight to win. Love ya lots and remember JR ROCKS
Brenda
I am still sending you positive vibes daily. I am glad you are ready to achieve the next level of your recovery. Keep the golf cart rollin’ in a straight line and i’ll see you in Montreal. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you got that 1g spot. Respect and Love.
YIIIIIIEEAAAAHHHHHH BOYEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Good to hear that you are on the road to recovery!!!! Can’t wait to see you on the ice man! Oooh and lemme know what you got on that ipod of yours, cause I’ve got lots of stuff for you to check out too! Take Care Buddy! Keep up the hard work!
No more crutches…no more pain…watch out for J.R….he’s going to win this thing! Olympic Gold that is!! So glad to hear how well you are doing. We sit back in awe of you. We can’t imagaine how long and hard recovery has been but you’re almost there. We’ll be watching for you on Wednesday! You’re traveling with our love and prayers!
JR, I appreciate all your posts on facebook to keep us informed of updates in your pre-Olympic adventure. I’m still skating up in BC getting a ton of ST in as well as LT at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Too bad for us, the Oval will close and turn over control to VANOC — it was nice while we had access.
Tuesday night at the Oval, I forgot my skinsuit, so I skated in my long-sleeve Terrapin Station tie-dye Grateful Dead T. Funny how it all turned out. This is the “T” that I always wear on special occasions. Sure it didn’t “make” me go faster, but it did attract a lot of attention on the ice. It was like a “feel-good” moment. I hope your time in NYC at Rockefeller modeling the USA Team attire made you feel proud to represent the PNW and the USA Olympic Team, even more than the fun I had skating around in my “special” T.
We’ll hook up at the PNE at competition time!
JR Hey man saw you on The biggest looser and was an instant fan. Your spirit is a real inspiration. I will be watching and cheering you on this and future winter Olympics. You are the coolest!!
Omg JR did amazing in the olympics keep it up. You’re a real inspiration I hope to go to the olympics just like you someday.
You did great last night. I don’t care if you won or not, you’ll always be my hero. You are truly my hero. iLoveYou<3
Good for you! I will never give up. You are so positive! I know you are trying so hard to get back on the ice.. and look, now you are competing in the olympics 2010! You even won a bronze for the US after that injury!
You are an EXCELLENT skater and the best looking one I ever saw, so keep up the good work! Im your #1 fan!
You are my hero !
I( kellykim7866) am always reading your(celskeet) tweets on twitter. Wow, looks like there’s a lot of fans out there watching you!
keep up the good work and always think positive! =]
- Kelly
I had a really bad injury about a month ago doing my sport as well and ive been so scared to go back out and start my training again but hearing that even you were a little scared to get back on the ice really helped me get more courage to go back and start training, so thanks for that!! Congrats on your olympic experience by the way!!
Good posting
I LOVE YOU!
i like that your awesome
Wow, JR, you are such a role model.They say imitation is the sincerest form of admiration and respect, and I’m following your atiitude in the way I live my life. It’s hard getting up in the morning and doing the exact same things day after day, but when I think about how you did it I always find the strength to, because, well, if you can, why can’t I?
One question. How did you manage to get back on the ice in the skates that cut into your leg and not start freaking out?
Do you need to have a strong B in the social sciences to run a weblog in this way?
hello kitty is awsome! hahahahaha random thought.
hello kitty is awsome! hahahahaha random thought
I think this is a very good use for this large telescope; much better than having it rust away at Oak Ridge Observatory. Congratulations on your persistence with the institutional bureaucracy in D.C. in finally getting a public observatory in our nation’s capital (there is the Naval Obs, but it is far from the beaten path of downtown).
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and desired to say that I have actually enjoyed browsing your blog