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Kim's Opinion of Skate America
Hello all! I am back home at last too. Not quite as exhausted this time---the non-stop flight really helped. AND, of course, I have something here to look forward to---a nice tape of the Masters. Yep, I got it. I quickly looked at Gladiator and, Laurie, I gotta tell you, it looked a LOT better on TV than we remembered it (and whoever was talking about the close-ups was right--he looks GORGEOUS). Funny how seeing something live can turn out so different from the broadcast. Can't wait to look at Chopin "up-close" for the first time too. I'm a little tired to post a lot right now (and geez, do I feel behind---there are TWO pages of posts I haven't seen in only a week) but Laurie did promise to hurt me if I didn't say something so, what the heck, I guess I'd better. There were lots of highlights, of course (and not just the ones on Alexei's head, LOL); the practices (4 of 'em!), Alexei sightings everywhere, seeing him land a 4-3 combo in the SP (right in front of us!), the Gladiator exhibition which was exquisite (AND funny). But the "personal" highlight for me was finally getting the gift (as well as the reprints I had made) to Alexei that I had toted around since the Masters, having him sign two of my pictures, getting ANOTHER dorky picture of the two of us, LOL, and at last having the nerve to look deeply into those hazel, blue-grey (?) eyes. Sigh....I spent most of the last practice (sniff) just looking at him trying to memorize the moment. He really is extraordinary looking up-close. Pictures really just don't do him justice. Anxious to hear about your first "Alexei sighting" there, Laurie [who just arrived at Ontario for Skate Canada]. I don't feel envious right now. I still have many nice memories which are still VERY fresh in my mind at the moment. Although we weren't allowed to hang the banner in the arena, Brenda and Laurie (I couldn't help out because I was taking pictures) dutifully held it up every time Alexei came out. He never looked directly at it but we were sure he saw it since we were right in front of him. He confirmed this for us when he was sitting in the K&C after he skated Chopin. Uncharacteristically, he pointed over to us while making a "pistol" gesture acknowledging that indeed he did see and (hopefully) appreciate it. I hope the TV cameras stayed on him long enough so that it will be shown on the broadcast. It would be great if everyone got the chance to see it. I'm so glad I was able to attend Skate America and see Alexei skate even though he didn't win like we'd (and HE'D) hoped. I got to see incredble skating, met wonderful people and saw and met my very favorite skater (Alexei Yagudin, in case any of you aren't sure, LOL). I wouldn't change a thing (except the final result). Perhaps it's best that I DIDN'T make the trek to Skate Canada. I think I'm a jinx for Alexei. The two times I've seen him compete he's come in second. Hate to miss seeing him skate but I would make the sacrifice if it would insure him a victory, LOL. At any rate, I certainly hope to go back to Skate America if Alexei can be dragged back there to compete again. It was definitely one of the best skating experiences I've ever had. P.S. At this point I was selfishly considering claiming keepership of Alexei's "pistol" gesture that he made in reference to the banner in the K&C. I'm still gonna claim it but I've decided to "award" the keepership to Julie since it was her idea in the first place. Think it rightfully belongs to her. Kim Keeper of Alexei's Golden Highlights, His Gladiator Program and Costumes, His Hands, Broken Arrow Bodysuit, Soon Costume, Chopin Costume, Lower Back, Skates, Jewelry, Triple Loop, Spiral, Cantilever Move, His Condo in New Jersey, His Apartment in Conn, His Bearskin Rug, and His Lingual Frenum
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