Around the Rink . . .

Heads on a stick . . . anyone know these ladies? . . . 

 . . . Elizabeth R reports a beautiful day in the mid 50s while she roasts an organic chicken . . . The many signs and banners are making for a warm welcome . . .  Dawn M, the local PR queen is reported to be sporting a gorgeous spiral on the ice . . . A skater from the Delaware contingent will skate an Interp. that may strike enmity into the hearts of non-adults . . . Stay tuned; don't want to give it away!

In other news . . . if you buy liquor, you get a dedicated parking spot . . . 

just don’t bring it to the rink (the liquor not the parking spot) . . . 

A certain skater who lives on steak during competition headed out for some after practice Monday, but E.R. is planning to stay out of ‘striking distance’ . . .  Heart rate goes up faster in SLC – drink LOTS and LOTS of H20 . . .Who clicked their blades and had a great butt-splat (only done at AN for some reason) . . . Leslie A is loving the fast and springy SLC ice  . . . Oh yeah, and someone saw Nathan Chen.

Bronze ladies? Anyone recently pass a Bronze test in Class IV or V? If so, Teresa C regrets that she is unable to be on hand to provide the Champagne handoff . . . once upon a time, in an ice rink far, far away, Melissa G, Joanna R and Teresa C made a pact that upon passing their Bronze tests and competing at AN, they’d have a champagne toast. Mel kicked it off in '05 in Kansas City, handing it off to Joanna in '08 in Lake Placid, who then handed it off to Teresa in '09 at Grand Rapids . . . Teresa even did a little spread eagle with it as she stepped off the ice after (it's on IceNetwork) . . . who will hand it off to the newbie(s)?

Many familiar faces . . . Merry N, Dennis G, Heather H, Jenna W & RKD, and Erin S who is apparently Popeye in disguise with this pile of spinach . . . 




Rachel K, Cheryl M & Rochelle R . . . an epic winning-van? Does that come with a soccer ball or a key?  . . . Lord Gogo, are you ready???

The View From On High . . .

Beautiful Salt Lake City

It's official!  

Practice is in full swing . . .

Wendy Bears are still in the mix!

Which Way??

Bob M, did you find your sweet tea? Erin W knows where it is! . . . The wild adventures of Liz, Kelly, and Jessica continue as they went on a wild rampage to collect a forgotten dress bag (on a plane leaving in 5 minutes). . . yes, they got it . . . Merry N reports: “Skating peeps: when driving to the rink on UT-186 there is NO sign for Guardsman Way. Rather turn onto the street called 1580. The rink isn't labeled but it's attached to the Steiner Aquatics Center”. THANKS Mer!  . . . speaking of directions . . . Salt Lake’s unique street numbering system is bound to confuse some/most/all of us?? On the globe zero-point is just south of Ghana off the West African Coast. In Salt Lake City, it’s at Temple Square. All addresses have coordinates telling how far east or west and how far north or south they are from Temple Square. Maybe this will help? 

Perks and Connections

Cheryl M flying with Wifi. Does Southwest have a special opening in the plane's roof to ensure connectivity? Elizabeth R, re you sure have you packed everything? Does 100 lbs. of stuff include Julius? Julius was so mad she was leaving, he swatted at her as she put on her shoes and jacket. “Suitcase without cat: 47.4 lbs. With cat: 60.8. Extra baggage handling fees may apply.” I think that warrants some tart cherry libation.

Heads up from WMAS . . . look for you’re your fave life size faces to appear where you least expect them. Perhaps they will do some announcing? Some awards? I bet they will just come for the party. Do they have their own tossies?

The flight path into SLC offers a gorgeous view of the snow-covered mountains. The weather from skaters on the ground today is ‘crisp but not too cold, and no rain or snow!  . . .  At the car rental kiosk, a clerk has helped several skate . . . she was told to be prepared -- and to give the skaters all cars with trunks instead of hatchbacks . . . It’s evident the location is at altitude. People can't stop drinking water.

In other news . . . Maggie H turns 30 today! She’ll be ‘Skatin' like Heaven in 2011’ . . . More to miss . . . Joan C, Ann O, Chris W (I’ll wear pink for you!), Allison M, Larry Frenock, Jocelyn D . . . 

Weather & Coffee Update

WEATHER

* Dry and sunny in SLC. It is a bit chilly but not cold!

COFFEE
Starbuck's:

* 902 East 900 South - West of the rink (5 min)

* 1527 South 1500 East - straight South of the rink (5 min)

The Dunk: 

* Las Vegas - South of the rink (6 hours, 37 min)

Tossies, TSA and Transport

Tossies are a staple of AN. Over the years we have seen a wide, and I do mean wide, variety of items ‘tossed’ onto the ice. Everything from cute little beanie babies, to wristbands, bubble wrapped liquer bottles, and even underwear. Don’t worry, it was clean. No, I didn’t check. Candy wrapped in plastic doesn’t bode well for the next skater if it breaks on the ice (no names please), but chocolate is always welcome I’m sure. Lauren D created virtual tossies on Facebook for anyone not in attendance at AN. What is the strangest tossie you have ever seen or received?

How creative does everyone get for these items? Lauren D has also partaken in the invention of the “Beanie Baby Bazooka”. Hubby Steve will be there with it. This puts Rob L to shame in terms of trajectory. Of course, Steve isn’t AIMING for anything. Or anyone. They’ll need help manning the BBB if anyone (not you Rob!) is interested.

Anyone carrying skates on? The TSA lists skates as an approved carry on item. However, it is at each airport’s discretion. Be prepared to check them if you are asked. I personally haven’t had any difficulty with it, but t=you never know. Speaking of air travel, who’s flying? Who’s driving? Jenna W and Peggy L are making their way north by car. Keith N is driving, Thom M & Chris S are flying, and of course, Scooter is along for the ride!

Don’t stress when you’re on the ice, but after those final bows, keep your chin up and your eyes open. Then you won’t have to hear, “We fah-got about the flow-ahs.” 

Who's Packed?

How long does it take you to pack? Anyone done? A good rule of thumb is to throw in everything you think you need/want, and then take half of it out. Easier said than done with all the paraphernalia skating requires. What takes up more space? Costumes or other clothing?

Jennifer Simon is already in SLC, and reports of snow are on the radar. From what I understand, the weather is not so predictable. Sorry folks in the Midwest and East. But bring your warm stuff!  Here in the West we have had rain and cold (for us) temps. Reports from inside the arena are that the East rink is an arctic zone, and the West rink is San Diego. I wish I had flip flops that convert into Uggs. Shoes take up too much space.

Hints on Interp. programs this year. Let's have 'em! Leave your clues here and let's see if we can guess your character/theme. I won't be 'blue' if there's 'coffee' involved.

In a couple of days, a SLC hotel will be converted into a princess palace and a sous chef's kitchen. Looking forward to that! Where is RKD staying this year? What kinds of philosophical questions will BB ask in person?   Lord Go-Go, what do you have in store for us this year? I need some Haribo please.

Let me hear from you!