journal

Saturday, April 27, 2002
Hi Everyone-

Thanks for visiting my site. I'm sorry it's been so long since I last wrote. I've had quite a crazy April, lots of new things, and I suppose some drama as well. I'll start at the beginning.

My first weekend in April was spent in Fitchburg, Mass. I was excited to go back to this show after not being able to do it last year because of my wrist. I was pleased Jim Coggeshall invited me back, along with Sara Wheat and an upcoming star pupil of my coach, Erika Choi Smith. Another added bonus was that Tanith came in to visit me over that weekend, and we had great fun in Fitchburg. I didn't skate very well, but it was a good place to get my feet wet in the show circuit again before doing dates on Champions On Ice.

The following Friday, I drove down to Washington for my first appearance on Champions On Ice. I got to the Four Seasons Hotel in the afternoon and then got right on the bus to go to the MCI Center. I sat alone and minded my business. I was more nervous for the bus ride than the actual skating. I watched everyone get on the bus -- Michelle, Evgeny, Nicole, Rudy -- just everyone I could possibly look up to was on the same bus as me. We went to the rink, and I had practice. I practiced with Michelle, Sarah, Sasha, Rudy, and Nicole. I knew everyone except Nicole and Rudy so I met them. After the practice I went backstage and just hung out, meeting everyone and getting comfortable. It was so great seeing Sasha. It was the first I'd seen her since the Olympics and Worlds. I was just so proud of her, so it was great seeing her. Before too long, the show began. I opened the second act, which meant I could watch the first half. Sasha's number was awesome, and I just felt so proud to be skating with the top athletes in my sport. Then it was my turn. I skated my program to "Song from a Secret Garden" and it went okay. It was more intimidating being on the ice than backstage, but I did myself good and was pleased. Thank God I didn't know this, but after my performance I saw almost the entire cast standing there watching me. It was kind of freaky. After the show I signed a few autographs and went back to the hotel, which was amazing. I'd never stayed in a Four Seasons, but I think it's definitely worth it to anyone to stay for at least one night.

The next day was another show in Washington. I skated ever so slightly better than the pervious day, and was again very pleased. I even practiced with Irina, who apparently came out to watch me at all four of my appearances, which made me feel good. We traveled home that night and the following day there were two shows in Philly. My mother arranged for us to have a super box for the afternoon show, so a lot of my friends and family could come and watch. I felt so proud to be able to show them my experience. The evening show was the best of the four. I went out with a bang. I landed three triples, and I was just happy to have finished the experience. I got photos with everyone, which you'll soon see hopefully, and I got to hang out with some of the best my sport has to offer.

The day after the Philadelphia shows, I left for New Haven, CT for the Hershey's Kisses Great American Challenge (or whatever). The competition format was something I'd never experienced before. It was teams, ladies versus men. I was psyched to be there, especially after seeing everyone on tour and then seeing them at the competition. Sasha of course was the ultimate pal all week. Anyway, I was teamed up with Jenny Kirk to compete against. I landed four clean triples and had trouble on the axel and lutz, but I was proud for competing this late in the season. My team won, and it was a fun night. Hopefully I won't look too out of shape on tele. Both the competition and the dates on tour, gave me new experiences that were real confidence boosters.

Right now I'm just chilling, kind of on break. My quad sals are getting more consistent, and I plan to start working on a quad loop very soon. I think I've decided on long program music and maybe short program music, but I'll wait until its official before blabbing. I have one more show that I'm looking forward to in Hayden, Mass, and a trip out to Detroit to visit Tanith. I also am graduating this year, I can't believe how old I'm getting!

Thanks so much for visiting the site, and I'll have lots of new updates for you soon! Much Love!

Bisous

-J