Childhood reading is so important.

At 6 years old, the ice became a place for me to express myself. Because I was so shy off the ice, it became my safe haven, with music and freedom and self-expression. That was my emotional outlet.

I'd try to channel my nervous energy in a positive way into strength and endurance. It didn't always work.

The good feeling I get from contributing rivals anything I felt on the Olympic stand in Albertville.

Once you have a child, your heart is forever outside your body. I totally understand that now.

With 30,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations from the seasonal flu, those numbers are certainly higher than what we've seen of the swine flu. Protecting yourself from both viruses is very important.

Now, I am thrilled to be a wife and mother, and I hope to be as good of a mother as my own mother, Carole.