Well, first of all I must say that the show was indeed, much more enjoyable in person than on TV. SOI has become a bit cheesy (since the year Paul left I think) but with the exception of "The Rap" and a few other questionable bits, I was just as excited as ever to see all those skaters together. Everybody was pretty "on" with the exception of Kristi who had a rough time with some jumps.

I personally had a rough start because the running order and Todd inserts weren't in the program I bought. This was unexceptable to me so I went out in search of the inserts. I had to ask 3 program sellers before finding one who had them but he wouldn't give them to me - dang him. So I had to go aaaallllllllll the way back to my seat, and get my program and show him that they weren't in there for proof. Anyway- It was worth the walk cause the picture of Todd is great! I also bought a big picture of Skateboy (without the autograph) cause it was too dang cute to pass up.

I won't review every single program but here were a few highlights. Come on, you all know you only care about Todd anyway...so let's start with him!

-- "Lord of the Rings" was great. Kurt introduced him saying he was a new member to the tour but certainly not a new member to skating - something to that effect. Todd received a very warm yet loud round of applause before he started. He popped his second jump in a big way, but as usual, it had little or no effect on the program. He really seemed to fly last night and from where I was sitting, had a lot of speed and did a great job of covering that huge ice! His combination spins were especially fast and a man next to me said to his buddy, "I can't even see him any more." Everything else was perfect - that program is ten times more powerful in person than on TV. Todd looked soo happy and relaxed and appreciative when he finished. Although only a few people stood up (hey- it's hard to get all those New Yorkers to get off their butts) the crowd cheered for him for a looonnng time before we let him leave the ice.

*And Now What We've All Been Waiting For - His Hair Looked Great! From the way you were all talking, I was worried, but it was not too short at all. Just very clean cut and very, very cute!

-- Kurt and "Guitar". Amazing. I love the man. He doesn't skate - he dances. Perfect.

-- "The Vanity Tango" was soo much fun to watch. I actually really hope that Todd learns this piece and performs it in Canada. It was truly innovative for the ice I think.

-- Steven Cousins actually surprised me! I have never disliked him but have never really been a huge fan. His "Tom Jones Medley" however, was fabulous. He nailed his jumps, swiveled his hips and had enough energy for everyone. Good for him!

-- Ilia's "Pick up the Pieces" was right on. When he started I immediately turned to my mother and said, "See, this is why I don't really talk about the girls" The guys programs are just more innovative in my opinion and this was a great example. The cool choreography really impressed me. I don't know if anyone else would look good doing it but Ilia can really create awesome programs for himself. The same goes for his third program, "Rubberband Man".

*Maybe if Todd starts choreographing his own programs he can do 3 too!!!!!

-- I could hardly wait for "Your Song." I had never seen it before and was on the edge of my seat the second Witt ended her - really intense and awesome-program. "Your Song" was sweet and simple but had a lot of drama. Todd looked like himself out there - not portraying a character. I loved the way he constantly changed edges and directions. It was very playful and free.

He did one Huuuggge Jump that I almost thought he wasn't gonna land, but he held on to it and the crowd went wild! This ovation was even bigger than "Rings" and I had to stand up for him this time. Mind you- NO One in my area seemed to have a pulse so I was already "the loud one", but Todd's performance deserved a standing O and I didn't care how many strange looks I got. He was just too cute for words actually and my mom had to cool me down by fanning me with the program.

-- Kurt- "Elevation" - Wow. My mom almost bit her hand off. Nuff Said.

-- During the Finale - Todd's solo was beautiful. He Nailed everything.

He really reminded me of Paul when he did his final jumps and spins. What a thrill it was to see Todd skate in unison with all the others. He really fit in. I can't wait to see what he's going to do and how he's going to grow in the following years.

Leaving the arena I saw Richard Callahan. In the crowded halls I spotted him but felt silly turning around again and pushing my way back to talk to him so I kept on walking...thinking how great it would have been to tell him how happy I was for Todd. As I am thinking this, Richard comes pushing past me looking around - completely lost and clueless as to where to go! He was going quietly crazy trying to get back to Todd - I would think - but did not know how to get "up" now that everyone was coming "down." I tried to follow him while I was walking out as he circled 3 security guards looking perplexed. I tried my best to get to him, but that man moves fast and I lost him on the 4th circle as he finally found and was allowed on the escalator that went "up." Not my finest moment - or his.

I hope someone can specify Todd's jump info for everyone. I really couldn't tell one jump from another from my seat!

Thanks For Reading My Ramblings!
~ Christina C