First day: Betsy, Eliza and I arrived early enough to be able to make it to the men's practice. It was general admission for the practices, so we kept moving downward until we were seated in the first row. It wasn't Johnny's best practice. So we were worried. You all have already probably seen the strange fall and how he flipped over. Anyway. Later, we found out that there were some ice problems. + Johnny wrote something about being distracted by someone eating French fries. So we would not dare to eat during Johnny's practices. :
We stayed for junior men and for the pair practices. By the time, we got to the hotel we were absolutely exhausted.
The next day we got up early to see the junior men short program. I was extremely sleepy during that event. Next, we sat in the first row to take pictures of the senior pairs during their short program warm-up practice. Keauna and Rockne's practices, btw, were very, very strong. They were one of the few pair who didn't wear their costumes, so I had to take pictures of them in the costumes during the warm-up for their group later on. Everyone looked good.
Next, we saw the pairs' short programs. It was an unexpectedly exciting competition. I was really sad for Keauna and Rockne. But Caydee and Jeremy were amazing. Some people from their skating club sat near me and they were so excited and cheering so loudly.
By that time, we were starting to get nervous. Men's SP warm-up practice followed. Johnny definitely made us relax during that practice. He was brilliant. He would always do a particular jump on a particular spot, so we figured that it was where he was planning to do the jump in the competition. Johnny and Jeremy were unfortunately in one and the same group in the short, so someone had to take pictures of Jeremy while I was totally distracted by the presence of the prince in black and pink. Betsy agreed to take the pictures. So we had a deal. So, yeah, the practice was brilliant and we felt confident that he would do well. Although, of course, we were still worried - only because this is inevitable - to be worried, I mean, when you want someone to do so well. :
It was really funny how excited we were at all the practices. Most of the people around us were actually asking us questions about the identities of the skaters. And we were discussing all of those weird foreign names, on top of the ones on the ice. There was one girl who told us we reminded her of herself when she was 5 years younger. It was lots of fun. We were giggling and applauding and even shouting Go Johnny! when his practice was over.
I took lots of pictures of Ryan, Adam and others, too. I even succeeded in taking pictures of Jeremy, who I have to admit looks amazing up-close. I noticed things about him I had not noticed at worlds, probably because I never made it to the men's practices there (too many papers due).
I was really glad to discover that Adam looks even more adorable live than in the photos and videos.
And I haven't mentioned anything about Johnny, because… Oh well, of course, I couldn't take my eyes off him. I even had to sacrifice some precious picture moments so that I can actually watch them live. He looks like the ultimate fairy prince in my world. Especially when he is waiting to take the ice. He has such commanding presence. And if I get into his unbelievable grace on the ice, my discussion of it will definitely make the "brief" report rather long even according to my standards. So yeah Johnny… Johnny is perfect, what more need we say.
As is probably obvious, I was trying to take great pictures during the practices so that I would not need to be taking pictures during the competition. Which is why I was surprised at a lot things the skaters did during their programs. I absolutely loved Adam's program, for example. But I had to wait to see it before I could be sure whether I liked him just because he is so cute or because he is an amazing skater, too. And I loved his skating! And the spins. Admittedly, his style is different from Johnny's at a face value. But I think what makes them similar is the effect their skating creates, the quiet beauty they are able to communicate. Hence, Adam's adjective at Nationals: beautiful. Johnny's are graceful and magical. I loved Jeremy, too, as always. But I am not sure what his adjective should be. In fact, I was a little angry with Jeremy after that event, because the judges had given him more than 4 points more than they had given Johnny. I don't think the gap between him and Johnny should not have been that vast. Whatever. Of course, it is not his fault, but I just couldn't help being a little angry with him in virtue of having a skating style so well-suited to the new judging system.
I was definitely disappointed with Johnny's placement. I think he deserved to be second. Johnny was perfect and Evan had mistakes. I hope the international judges will give Johnny higher scores. I was so happy after the axel! I had just read that some experts think it would be the most important jump in the competition for Johnny, so that I was seriously scared. But it all went smoothly. I was absolutely delighted he performed such a great program.
I don't really want to discuss Evan, because I honestly don't care about his skating, which doesn't have anything to do with Johnny. It's just his skating that I find boring. There was only one strange accident concerning Evan. He didn't bow after one of the practices. He just left the ice. When I looked for him, he was gone. But that's about the worst thing I can say about him. There are some interesting details that I'll share at the end, too. So Evan fans don't despair. :
The next day we woke up early in the morning. Eliza and Betsy wanted to get Evan's autograph and I wanted to arrive early enough for the pairs free skate warm-up practices so I can take pictures. So I head straight for the rink. Then, I found out Evan had not shown up. Well, that totally made sense, given that he had competed late the previous night and had a practice in the morning. I blamed it on AT&T. They announced he would be signing autographs in the evening, but Eliza and Betsy weren't interested anymore.
The pairs competition was amazing - very, very exciting. Again, I felt bad for Keauna and Rockne, but I believe they'll be fine next season. Amanda and Mark had the best lifts. Caydee and Jeremy were fantastic all over. Rena landed the throw triple axel. It was just a great event. The people from the South Florida Skating Club were crying together with Amanda, when she realized that she and Mark were going to be second.
We stayed for the medal ceremony. I took a lot of pictures. Again. Then we left for the Angel dinner.
Angel Dinner. It was so great meeting the Angels I knew and didn't know. : The Japanese Angels had some amazing presents for us, including Johnny's favorite Japanese dessert! Thank you so much, Japanese Angels! I am definitely going to wear the earrings. And the dessert was so good, indeed.
The food in the restaurant was really good, too. My first time eating Mexican food. Haha, I know, I am strange - but I love cooking at home, which is why I haven't been to too many restaurants.
I don't really want to mention names and conversation topic, lest I share some private information. But I will say that I really, really loved talking to each and every Angel at the dinner!
Two things I think I can share. We all went crazy over the Be Good Johnny Weir poster. Most of us hadn't seen the promo video yet. So seeing the poster on Betsy's phone, which was passed from one Angel to another, was an enormous treat! I still want that poster in a wall size. :
The other thing is my inquiries as to whether people have seen Adam anywhere in the official hotel, since I had a present for him and really wanted to meet him. Well, this will happen some day, too. About that later, though.
After the Angel dinner we went back to our hotel (just across the street) and watched the promo video 3-4 times, in spite of the fact that it would stop every 2 seconds or so. The internet connection wasn't that good I suppose. Then, we almost decided against going to the junior pairs competition and watching the Japanese version of Pop Star on Ice, which a Japanese Angel had given to Betsy. We resisted the temptation, though. And should I mention again, that the Japanese Angels are amazing?!
We saw the junior pairs. They were surprisingly good, too. We were very sleepy, though. Again…
And we knew we would have to get up early the next morning to make it to the men's warm-up practice. So the next morning, I woke up early to have the chance to work on my make-up. I love make-up, but I don't get to use it all that often, so I gladly take such great opportunities to have fun with it. :
We saw the first 3 groups. Then, Johnny. Then, the jacket. We hadn't realized that that was the jacket they were going to sell on his Sundance website. And yeah, it looks amazing live, so I totally recommend getting it. : And just as I was trying to take a picture of Johnny in the jacket, my hands trembling with the excitement, Johnny took it off to reveal the new costume. And, WOW! I think the new costume is a total masterpiece! It is so extremely beautiful, so sparkly, so fluffy, flying, floating, symbolizing. It's just totally working or rocking or whatever it is supposed to be doing and more. I could only compare its brilliance to highs in Johnny's career such as My Way or Otonal. It's another high, but of a different nature.
So we started taking pictures. I of Johnny, Betsy of everyone else. :D I don't know how I succeeded in taking pictures of the others, too, while Johnny was talking to Galina. Plus, I was excitedly applauding and what not… There was a strange moment when I was just applauding Johnny's 3a-3t when Betsy asked if I was applauding Jeremy's fall. Poor Jeremy, he had just fallen right in front of me, but I was looking to the other side of the rink where Johnny stood. The whole warm-up practice was intense. There was a funny moment (captured!) when Ryan and Adam were doing spins and they looked a little bit like pair skaters. :
Moving on… The long program segment began. At first, it was fine. But Johnny's turn was coming and I was growing more and more nervous. The last group was totally amazing! First, Ryan Bradly - clean skate, 2 quads, very entertaining. He almost made me relax, as I was laughing at the funny moments of the program. A standing ovation followed, of course. Well deserved. Then, Adam. Great skating! Poor Adam was so unhappy after the short that we were really worried about him coming into the long. But he did a great job. I thought he was somewhat tentative at first. But after the first footwork, he let himself loose and was great until the end. He looked really appreciative of the crowd's response to his skating. I just love him now! Skating, emotionality, gratefulness, great skin, charm, the Johnny effect - Adam has it all. The future of figure skating, right? : I gave him a standing ovation, too.
Next, Armin.
Followed by Evan. Fall on the quad. Double loop.
This competition was getting more and more intense, absolutely fiery.
Johnny! Perfect first jumps. Clapping, clapping! I was almost not nervous any more. Everything was going smoothly. And then, he popped the axel. And it was scary. Then, the step out and the missed third jump… Oh, well. You should have seen him doing the three-jump combination in the practices. It was soooo beautiful, hand above his head. Just stunning! Final spin. It was all right! I thought he had done enough. I wasn't absolutely positive, but I felt and hoped it was enough. And it was!!! We were all so happy. And then Jeremy. Oh, well, what can I say about that program? Olympic gold material! Plus, I was relaxed and able to enjoy his skating and be happy for him after every element. The technical panelist who spoke in our skating bugs actually said that Jeremy's straight-line footwork was Level 4. Hm. There were other difference between what they said and the protocols. I hope this doesn't imply anything bad about the actual technical panel at the competition…
About the skating bug: they gave us those radio type things with 3 channels: Channel A: technical specialists, who told us about levels and elements and what the technical panel is looking for and how scores are determined; Channel B: NBC (no one listening to Scott Hamilton?); Channel C: icenetwork.
Back to Jeremy, he was stunning and very, very happy.
For the medal ceremony, Eliza and Betsy were smart enough to suggest that we go to the section in front of which the skaters pose for their photos after the victory lap. We found seats in the third row and got ready. Apparently, while I was taking pictures of Jeremy and Evan, Johnny gave Ryan a hug, which I missed. I didn't miss anything after that, though. The medalists were awarded their medals and presents and took the victory lap. Then, they stopped in front of the section in which we were waiting. And then, the rink people played Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, while pictures were being taken. Johnny was already posing and having fun, when Betsy shouted "Work it, Johnny!" and he got even more into it. I hope you'll enjoy the photos.
After the medal ceremony we rode the bus to the hotel and were informed that Johnny would not be allowed to leave the rink before the public victory ceremony, so he would arrive at the reception a few hours later than planned. But that was fine. I went upstairs to change my coat. And then we all had fun eating desserts and mingling and talking and getting to know each other. It was even better than the restaurant. We met so many Angels and learned so many things about the past and the Olympics. We found out the selection for the Olympics was official, too. It was an amazing afternoon.
Then, Johnny arrived with David, James, Patti, Tara and Diane. Johnny loved the presents from everyone. He was very nice and relaxed, asking questions, smiling, explaining that he is still in his skating make-up, asking about the costume. One of the questions Sue asked him was about the best advice he has received, and he said "Be yourself." Then, the Angels who had never met him had the chance to talk to him and give him a hug. Then, we all lined to give him presents and hugs.
As to my personal conversation with Johnny, he was soooo extremely nice, as always! I received two hugs and a picture. : He asked about my future plans. Promised to skate better at the Olympics and to fight like a wolf. : Needless, to say how much I love Johnny!
Then, we took a moment to meet David and James, too. We took a picture with James only as David went off to film Johnny. I asked about the Be Good Johnny Weir poster and James said, he hoped it would be available to buy from somewhere. And I told him to make another Johnny Weir movie next.
And by that time I was at the and of my wits. Made obvious by my conversation with James. Plus, my English pronunciation was totally gone. But I had to meet Patti, too. So I went to her to introduce myself. She gave me a hug, too. And then they had to run - Galina's orders.
They left us the amazing angel keychains, whose bags Johnny tied. I don't think I am ever opening mine. I ate the Japanese chocolate, though, and it was so good. I am keeping the wrappings, don't worry.
Then we joined Theresa on her way to the Davenport. And had a wonderful dinner with Theresa and Joyce at the hotel restaurant. Oh, yea, we met Jeremy before that and gave him the presents and told him to go for the gold at the Olympics. Jeremy was extremely nice and cute, too.
Talking about cuteness, did I mention Johnny's jacket? He looked so great. And the jacket was so much lighter and more silvery metallic than it looks in the photos.
After dinner, we tried to find Adam to give him my present. But he wasn't there. And we had to leave for our hotel, while the shuttles were still running. The skater hunt and the dinner took place during the junior men free skate, but the night was totally worth it!
I had only an hour of sleep, and with tears in my eyes had to leave for the airport very early in the morning. I expected to see skaters at the airport, of course. Or maybe hoped to see someone (Adam), so I was looking about me. But no one was coming. Plus, my airplane was soo small. This was obvious even by the number of people waiting. So I had lost any hope that I would see skaters. And then, Evan Lysacek arrived. The seat next to me was empty, but thankfully he sat down in another empty seat and was just reading a newspaper. I really wanted to take a picture, but this would have been very impolite, I thought. So I didn't. He looked very good for so early in the morning, though, wearing a pinkish striped shirt and jeans and normal clothes. I was pleasantly surprised actually, as I can't usually appreciate his handsomeness.
So that was it. The adventure called Nationals.
The fairy tale I wished for had come true. Thank you, Johnny! And thank you, Angels, for making these four days so special for me. I had the time of my life!