I'm finally back at my friend's house at a decent hour. No awards tonight, so we headed home right after the men's short program. I'm going to start off by saying that I was sitting two rows in front of Brian Boitano for a while during the men's short. My cousin is a big fan of Brian's, so I kept trying to think of ways to approach him for an autograph to give to her. Nothing came to me, so I figured I better not pursue it. Sorry Steph, one of these days I'll come through for you.

The hall of fame induction reminded me how much I miss Paul Wylie's skating. I commented that I would give my arm to see him skate again. Paul was inducted this year along with Todd Eldredge, who at least is still skating with Stars on Ice. Would it be too much to ask Paul to guest star at some point?

Speaking of Paul and Todd, their costumes were featured as part of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame Exhibit at the Winter Carnival. My, how costumes have changed! Just take a look at them in my winter carnival album - definitely more voidy than those we see now. But that could just be the 80s. The St. Paul Winter Carnival proved that Minnesota can make the best the cold weather. I needed my hands free to take pictures, but that was rather torturous considering the blistering weather. I'm really glad I bought those kinds of gloves where you can pull the fabric on or off your fingers when you need to.

Daphne, Kim Navarro, and I had an excellent conversation about how to deal with natural curly hair. People think it is really a blessing, but believe me, it is NOT! I'm glad Daphne and Kim could sympathize with me. I recommended they both try Lush products. My current shampoo is made of coconut and it makes me want to eat it every time I take a shower. Maybe that is why the bottle is getting so low so fast...hmmm....

It was weird not to have a dance event today. But it was a much welcomed break. Today was a catch-up day. Daphne sat with Jennifer Wester and I and treated us to a tutorial of Dreamweaver (web design/maintenance software). It all seemed a little confusing at first, but I think once I get home and can try it out myself I'll get the hang of it. At least I won't be doing anything major, and Daphne assured me that I can't screw up anything too badly. I hope not anyway.

Pants update: Day 4 wearing the same dress pants. They are getting a little too dirty. Sorry to everyone in advance if I smell! I still haven't had the time to go buy a pair of jeans. I'm so picky with jeans anyway because I have no faith I will find a pair that has just that perfect fit. My close friends know that I wear jeans until they are filled with holes. Even then, if I really like them, I will sew on patches. My current favorite pair I've had for over two years. I'm feeling quite lost without them here in St. Paul.

One quick note for anyone who will be driving to downtown St. Paul: It costs $1.75 to park in a metered spot for one hour. I put in a quarter and had nine minutes. The downtown district must think money grows on trees. Remind me never to drive down there again.