I had dreamed of being at the Olympics since I was 7 years old.

I always thought after 2002 that I'd hang up my skates and turn professional and just go on tour and do shows. But I don't know when it is enough. I mean, I still enjoy it. I'm the luckiest girl alive that I get to perform in front of thousands of people, do what I love doing.

When I feel like I'm in a rut, I remember it's the little things in life that are important, like riding a bike with a friend or eating ice cream with my baby niece.

What I love the most is getting on the ice and just popping in a fabulous CD and skating - all by myself, the rink completely empty, just me and the music.

I actually prefer soothing music - and maybe that's the skater in me.

As I've gotten older and grown more independent, I think for myself, and that's how it should be.

I had dreamed of being at the Olympics since I was 7 years old.