dlkksk8fan, congrats on passing your tests!!! I have yet to take my pre-bronze tests (didn't realize those back inside edges were supposed to curve in such a way!) I'm also getting a program put together for some competitions! Yay! Finally moving from show skating to the competitve world (although I'm still doing shows-can't stop show business!)
karenurate-I'm glad you flew today! I try to fly everytime I hit the ice....although sometimes my 'flights' end up in a small 'crash' at the end

but I keep trying!
Once you get a coach, and actually get "homework" and goals you will find even more focus to your skating. Although, sometimes, it's just fun to hit the rink and skate for fun with friends-just mess around on the ice.
You will find a new batch of skating friends when you skate more often-drop into a freestyle session (or do what I do-the less crowded daytime sessions if you can) and make friends with the people there. I have skating friends ages 7-60+ and they are the best! Especially when they realize that your goals are the same as theirs and you try just as hard as they do, they will be friendlier (and not so competitive-minded).
This was something I noticed when I started skating at my rink; it took a bit before I was totally accepted as I was the first adult figure skater to join the club and to skate on freestyle ice. I was met with the attitude "what is she doing here" but when they saw me trying and working hard, they accepted me. I didn't hide in the corner all the time (only at first) I talked to everyone and got to know them (I talk a lot).
I'm signing off now-been skating for almost 4 hours today and I'm bushed....we had show rehearsal (which was way cool because the routine has some neat moves and I am on the end of the kick line again), then my family went skating (and we started breaking in my boy's hockey skates), then my husband and I stayed for adult skate. My body will pay tomorrow....ouch. I really need a massage (and chocolate

!)