Title: "A new chapter"
Hi Everyone-
It's been forever since my last entry. I'm sorry. I hope summer was wonderful for everyone, and not too hot. So much has happened since last time. The tour is finished, shows in Japan are finished, my birthday is finished, my programs are finished and a new chapter begins.
Since my last entry I turned twenty two. My birthday was as nice as it could be on the tour. I skated a show in Omaha, Nebraska of all places and then sat on a bus for three hours to Kansas City. After the bus ride the Collins' took us all out to Marty Collins' restaurant and we had drinks and a nice meal to celebrate. It was a beautiful day and I was happy to be with my other family on my special day. I did miss being with my family and loved ones, but everyone on the tour made me feel special.
Soon after my birthday I flew to Yokohama, Japan to perform in shows for Dreams On Ice. I was so happy to be invited to the shows because I love performing in Japan and I enjoy the country itself. I took my best friend Paris with me to Yokohama as well. I had been having some really rough personal turmoils and I called and asked if he'd go with me. I really needed a friend, and some normalcy from my life in Delaware. He was there and ready to go on his first trip to Asia. I actually arrived in Japan several days early to go touring in Tokyo and see the sites. Shopping was of course a must because in Japan, they always have my size! We went to the hippest part of Tokyo, Harajuku. I found some amazing things and pieces and really soaked everything in. My friend saw photos of me online and said I was working the Japanese look, so I guess I did okay! First of all, I want to say again thank you so much to all my Japanese fans who supported me while I was in Japan and made me feel so special and welcome. I was amazed at the amount of presents, sweets and flowers you guys gave me, and I still have almost everything with me. The fans in Japan are truly amazing. Every gift I got was personalized, in my own tastes and truly appreciated. I performed 'My Way' in all four shows and was clean every time. Marina Viacheslavovna wanted me to really work on making contact with the audience since the arena was so small, so I did and it came off well. The fans loved my performances and were so supportive every time. I almost sensed that they knew I was trying to make each time special for them, and I was. Japan was a fascinating journey for me, and it really helped jump start me into performing and training again.
After I returned I got hard to work with Marina Viacheslavovna on my free program final touches. We finished and started working sections, doing jumps with the music and having the elements checked by a technical specialist. We did a good job. The short program was choreographed after the tour ended. We made it in Delaware. The music is a classical piece that is rather famous, but not overused, that has been remixed into a dance sort of song. I love it so much. My character is to be the King of Chess. Marina was only in Delaware for one week after tour finished, so we worked fast to make the program. Sometimes we worked until two in the morning, Marina Viacheslavovna did an incredible job working with me, and I was so sad to send her back to Lyon. I miss her so much. She was a true friend to me the whole tour and always was there to help me through anything. I really miss her.
I'm now back in Delaware preparing for the new season. I got new skates and blades so of course some things are a little off. I'm also a bit heavier than when I left off after worlds, but I have confidence that everything will be okay. When I got home from the tour I went through a major change in my personal life and it's been devastating, but I've channeled a lot of energy into my work. I am not in shape yet, and I don't expect to be, but I'm on the right path. My steps and spins have already been checked by a specialist and everything is a go! That's a bit different from last season. I know I can put my best foot forward.
Some non skating things have happened too. I did a photo shoot for Blackbook Magazine back in June, and I finally got to see the photos after two devoted fans found me the magazine and brought it backstage at my show in San Francisco. I thought they were good. There were some looks I wished they put in instead of others, but overall I was happy with the shoot. I was so proud, Sasha walked it around the bus after so everyone could see. I started hearing a lot of bad reactions too. The skating director of my old rink took a photo into the University of Delaware, obviously the one in heels, and mocked me and showed everyone, and from what I've heard had everyone laughing at me. So much for mending bridges. It helps remind me that I left for a reason, and that my decisions made me stronger and have worked to my advantage. I was asked to do a fashion layout, and I did one. I wouldn't personally choose to wear stilettos ever (P.S.I have a new and profound sympathy for woman who wear stilettos). I've even heard some reactions from people who believe I styled myself for a national magazine and I chose the looks and photos that were printed. I didn't, but I'm proud of all of them. It helps show I'm not one dimensional I suppose. Speaking of fashion, I had the opportunity to walk in a runway show at the main tent at Bryant Park for Heatherette. I was thrilled when everything worked out and my schedule permitted me to walk. It was such a rush being backstage and having my hair and makeup done. I was so nervous, more than for skating I think! The jeans Richie and Traver put me in were a women's size two, and the tank top barely kept my nipples concealed, but I tried to rock the runway for my fifteen seconds. I had so much fun. I got to meet the Hilton sisters, Mya, Kelis and Mena Suvari, plus many top models. It was the first time in a long time I felt short, fat and ugly! Everyone was gorgeous and toned and working it. I feel so lucky that I had this opportunity. Most models work their whole careers to walk NY Fashion Week, especially in the main tent, and I walked and most real models may not get the chance. I did something that very few get to do, and I feel so special about that. My mom, Paris, my friend Adam and Kathleen Bangs came with me. My mom was nervous for me. I took her shopping beforehand to get a proper outfit for the show! Oy, that paragraph is too long, oh well...
All in all, life is okay. I've learned in the last months that I have to be strong and independent. I can't go through life being afraid. Now is the time to grab my life by the balls and run. I've got four years to make myself an Olympic and World champion, and I want to do everything I can to make that come true. When things fall apart, it breaks your heart, but if we didn't have those times, we wouldn't appreciate the good ones. I am ready for more good ones, and I will work to achieve that. Negativity is a part of life, and you've just got to deal or you'll get swept away. Thanks so much for reading, and I'll try to update things more often. I hope everyone is enjoying this last bit of summer and you're looking forward to fall. The fur season is back!!
Much love and appreciation,
-Johnny
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