As promised, I’m trying to update my blog more often!! I’ve been super busy, between training and traveling, doing shows and competing, but I’ve been enjoying all of it 
Ever since I was young and heard about the Fashion on Ice show, I’ve wanted to be in that show. And this year, finally, I was invited to be a part of the show. The designers for this year’s show were Betsey Johnson and Giles Mendel (of J. Mendel). Betsey Johnson designed the costumes for the first half of the show, in which I skated my “Dancing with Myself” program. I loved the costume she designed for me, and I loved meeting her–she is such a cool and fun person!! Giles Mendel designed the costumes for the second half of the show (and designed the costume for my “Moon River” program), and he designed some gorgeous costumes! I had such a great time meeting him and his team, also. The entire show was really enjoyable, and the whole cast had so much fun!
Ryan, Joannie, me, Betsey Johnson, Meryl, and Jeremy in our costumes that Betsey designed
me and Jeremy in our costumes designed by Giles Mendel
The very next week, after Fashion on Ice, I was off to Japan, for my first (unofficial) competition of the season–the Japan Open. As always, I love skating in Japan, and this time was no exception; the audience there is so appreciative of our skating. For this competition, which consisted solely of the long programs, we competed as teams. I was part of Team North America, along with Joannie Rochette, Jeff Buttle, and Patrick Chan. Joannie and Jeff were so impressive, both bringing back long programs from several years ago, and of course, Patrick was great! I didn’t skate my best, but I was grateful for the opportunity to compete my program once before the Grand Prix season started.
And, of course, I was honored to be part of the first Team North America to win the Japan Open!
And, finally, the season has officially started, beginning with Skate America. I was really excited to be competing at Skate America again (it’s been several years since I last competed at Skate America), but I have to admit, I was also very nervous, because I wanted to skate well in front of the home crowd. I did enjoy the competition, though, (and the warm weather in California!) and it felt good to be competing once again. Of course, both of my programs still need a lot of work, but I felt as though the competition was a good start for the season. And it’s so amazing, and at the same time humbling, to stand on top of the podium and hear the national anthem being played!
Between the traveling and training, I also had a little bit of time to hang out with my friends at home!
Visting the cider mill with Adam, William, Jeremy, and Valentina!
Picnic by the lake with Adam, Danielle, and Jeremy (photo courtesy of Greg Merriman–thanks, Greg!!)
with Mr. Don Jackson at the Jackson skate booth–I love my Jackson skates!!
All right, my break at the rink is almost over, so I have to go now! I’ll try to update my blog again soon!
Alissa