The press can be both kind and mean, extraordinarily complimentary and completely fickle. There are those in the media who will eat you for breakfast, regurgitate you for lunch and roast you for dinner. I guess the same can be said of people in figure skating and of people in general. It is wonderful to see that Johnny's genuine heart and amazing talent are being recognized and appreciated by so many who are able to see beyond the sound bites, the f/s hype, the cutthroat commentary, the jealous whispers, the easy and often clueless criticism.

I'm wishing Johnny some calm, some peace, and some time to reflect, to laugh, to realize who his true friends are, to remain true to himself while also learning to strategize and to figure out what its going to take to realize his dreams. I hope he learns how to ultimately take the decision out of the hands of the judges by doing what he knows he can do on the ice.

If Johnny can wade through all that has happened, take stock and understand what he truly wants and what it will take for him to focus in the harsh glare of the spotlight and deal with the incredible pressures it brings, then that will be worth more than gold. (As Johnny and his coach have already indicated, the bus situation, while extremely trying and off-putting, is also an easy excuse). Obviously no one in the figure skating world cares too much if Johnny misses the bus, and is late getting to the biggest competition of the season, certainly not his competitors. I'm sure though that many are scared and holding their breaths, and perhaps even quaking in their boots both anticipating/ betting against, and doing little or nothing to be supportive of Johnny for finally breaking out all the stops and truly laying it down on the ice in a performance that leaves no doubt of the wondrous gifts he possesses in abundance -- that leaves no doubt of his ability to master the moment.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF JOHNNY. THE ANGELS AND ALL YOUR NEWLY WON FANS BELIEVE IN YOU -- FOREVER :angel2

BE AHEAD OF THAT BUS JOHNNY -- IN OUR HEARTS YOU ARE ALREADY THERE!!!! :heart :6