Tuesday, 14 February, 2006, 2:30 p.m., Torino, Italy, time~

Dear Journal~

Today finds Bode Miller, U.S. skier, back in the lead for medal contention. Today also finds two more gold medals in the pockets of American athletes Hannah Teter (ladie's half pipe) and Jeremy Cheek (speedskating). They both blazed their way to Olympic glory with spectacular runs. It was a much better day all around for the U.S.

That skier who fell yesterday was taken to the hospital; she is expected to be okay. She will no doubt be sore, but she will be okay. She will make the decision later today to see if she is able to compete; if not, it will be a black eye for the women skiers of the U.S.

We are having fun; Nikolas is nursing a headache. He got a little lit last night on Ouzo, Greek beer. We had some athletes show up after they smelled wonderful odours wafting from our apartment (Nikky was making gyros), and they got hungry. We then started having a party, and it was a wild time! I am okay, just rather tired; it was very early in the morning before we went to bed. Now we are struggling to stay awake and trying to work. I may just end up going home earlier than normal becaues my MS is affecting my vision; it is hard for me to try to type in here without makeing mistakes.

We have gotten some more souvenirs for friends back home in Finland, and also the U.S. We may end up running out of money if we aren't more careful. We just may have to end up STAYING here in Italy if we don't watch our funds! LOL (I will also have to learn Italian, but I don't understand anything but Ciao! LOL Those Italians talk so FAST!! YIKES! LOL)

Today is Valentine's Day, my first with Nikky. Who ever thought that I would get a Greek god for a husband? Who ever thougtht that I would be the one lucky enough to carry his child? Who ever thougtht that we would be spending our first Valentine's Day AT the OLYMPICS?? But that is exactly where we are at, and I feel that I am one very lucky person! :) I am so in looooooooooooooooooooove with my little Nicky! :)

Who knows what will happen next? I will most certainly be keeping you informed. The Olympics are proving to be exciting indeed, and I am having the time of my life (as is Nikolas, although right now he is sleeping off his alcoholic haze! LOL)!

Take care; as they say here in Italy, CIAO!

~Love, your friend in Torino, Italy, AT the Olympics, Sari Annike. :D

P.S.: Oh! Meant to tell you this, a FINN got the bronze in the halfpipe mens! So we got a medal! YAYYYYYYYY, FINLAND!! :D