2011 U.S. Adult Championships Blog - by Lexi Rohner

More Evidence . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 15:46:00 +0000

Sweeper Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:53:00 +0000

Did you know the sweepers began throwing tossies to skaters to be sure they had something to sweep?

One sweeper got so into adult skating she went home and sorted her tossies and brought a bunch of them back to the rink to toss to HER favorite adult skaters!

They were utterly adorable. They all had matching skating dresses/shirts and did a phenomenal job of gathering up all the tossies thrown. They even successfully avoided the Beanie Baby Bazooka. Merry Neitlich's favorite line of the week came from one sweeper who saw Autumn Allison tossing Twinkies and asked, "What do I have to do to get one of those?" Erin Stearns followed suit when a sweeper asked for a Twinkie. "What was I going to say?", said Erin. "I gave her the Twinkie, and she told me I could have the sticker off of it. It was too cute." Another sweeper exclaimed, "I got jellybeans!"

There was one tiny little guy who got lifted onto the ice and back in to the sweeper box! He had a tiny tantrum in which he tossed the tossies he had collected back on the ice, but all was well.

One sweeper collected autographs from every skater in the Kiss and Cry as she delivered the skater's tossies.

SLC sweepers were the best!

So Much To Post! (Stay tuned for captions)

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:59:00 +0000

Blue. Judges clearly enjoying!

Marci's mother's necklace.
She wears it every competition.

'Nuf said.

Lisa, Karen & Nina. Great ladies!

I wonder what Leslie is thinking?
No, actually, I don't.

Staying in touch or checking results?

Bob Massey's secret life.
Is there enough to share Bob?

Triple Gold tastes sooo good!!

The Black Swan.

Jeff Moxie presented the Champ
Int-Nov Ladies Paula Smart trophy.

Lexi bookended by Fussells!

Host hotel lobby centerpiece.

In case anyone wonders what my
secret weapon is for announcing.

Enough Said.

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:07:00 +0000

More Evidence . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:05:00 +0000

Heads fanned out like cards.

Hello Peeps!

Shelved but not forgotten.

Angry Birds have infiltrated AN

My car. And snow.

Evidence

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:55:00 +0000

The Albuquerque crew

BlingBlade

Foam Weapons. No AN is complete without them.

Where in the World . . . errr, U.S.

Boy Sweepers!

Wall of Fame

Here We Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:54:00 +0000

AN registration is now open! . . . Jenna W reports that the arena is buzzing with skating friends reuniting, and the energy and excitement is

palpable . . .

Shannon K is looking fabulous as always, sharing her amazing smile and personality everywhere . . . Mike C, did everything you packed make it? I am betting it was the tossies that caused the carry-on to go over the weight limit . . . Heads have arrived! . . Look for Mel G on a judging panel somewhere this week . . . Mike McK is in Utah, so good to have you at AN . . . A practice session is reported to have had music played by a coach. Nice going Coach! . . . Anyone have a good slogan for this year’s AN? Rachel K’s friend offers: "Blood, Sweat, & the smell of E6000." The local news profiled AN this morning, with a brief performance by Kelli Lynn Baker, or was it “Space Girl”? . . . Alexandra D-B’s clothes packing for AN and points beyond ranged from snow pants to shorts, large quantities of flesh-colored items and lyrca . . . she reports that, “It looks like I'm running away from home to be a stripper in either Hawaii or Alaska, but can't make up my mind.” . . . good luck with that . . .

And in case you have not yet heard, previous AN Masters Jr/Sr Ladies Champ, Natalie Shaby, is headed to Obertsdorf in June for the 2011 ISU Adult Competition where she’ll go head to head with . . . Midori Ito! . . . While anything can happen on any given day, Ito still has to skate her program. It's been 20 years since she won Olympic Silver . . . has she been training as hard as Shaby since then? Stay tuned!

Work? Or strategizing . . .

That's a lot of dresses.

Around the Rink . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:40:00 +0000

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 . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:31:00 +0000

Beautiful Salt Lake City

It's official!

Practice is in full swing . . .

Wendy Bears are still in the mix!

Which Way??

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:37:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 19:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 20:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:58:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:55:00 +0000

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!

Get Your Jacket On!

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:29:00 +0000

Order your adult skating jackets here!

7 Days Away . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Lexi) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Wednesday, April 6,2011

AN is only 7 days away. I can hardly believe another year has gone by! Is everyone ready? Silly question. Of course you are! If you don't think so, pretend. Or focus on how many friends you'll see and what a great time you'll have. I myself am not competing this season due to injuries. So many skaters I know are injured right now, and more have become injured between adult sectionals and now. Whatever you do, don't overtrain and add yourself to that list! I am crossing my fingers for everyone to be healthy and ready next week.

Last season was a whirlwind for me personally. I hadn't competed in 12 years, and put myself through four competitions. One (AN),included a spectacular fall on my hind quarters that hurt inside and out. I was sad to have fallen. But as we all saw Scott Hamilton say in RISE,"Everyone falls. Get up." So I remind you all of this statement. No matter how the week goes, get up.

Things I am looking forward to:

- Terryl A's infectious smile

- Leslie A's optimism

- The new Adult Skating jackets!

- Elizabeth R saying the "K"

- Hugging Kianoosh

- The "wave" from the officials' stand

- Jay’s cookies

- Foam weapons

- The Beanie Baby Bazooka

- Rob L getting beaned by a tossie (or 10) from a sweeper

What I will miss:

- The WMAS gals "Wang Chung!"

- Lynne K

How about you? What are you looking forward to? See you soon!

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