- - Friday, October 31, 2003 Rompin' in the Media Room, Take 1 Marquette, MI. World Cup #2 Anita, Jennie, and Sooz hard at work making the media job seem effortless - and stylish, no less. I adore these guys below. We made friends with these dedicated NMU students, who had the great honor of being Apolo's official "Sandwich holders". Yes, that's Apolo's sandwich they're holding. They made no effort to hide their giddiness, and we made no effort to stop ourselves from hyping them up to feel they were on a mission from God. *sigh* I love my job. Uh, Alex, I'll take "Names that end in OHNO" for 500.

posted by April @ 7:58 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Thursday, October 30, 2003 Thanks Noelle for bein' sneaky and snapping this shot at the races: Here's some more from my digital - Bridie Farrell warms up on Thursday Apolo and Fabio at the heat box Apolo heads for the heat box This came out blurry, but I love how artistic it looks. Apolo, Mathieu, and Rusty lookin' victorious, lookin' FINE This shot is true to life: Everything's a blur, yet Apolo comes in loud and clear Misi signs autographs right behind me in the media box Judie and Lupe at the Up Front and Co. Bar on thursday This turned out to be a halloween special. Beata is simply spooky as the 'ghost of Short Track past'

posted by April @ 4:17 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Wednesday, October 29, 2003 MQT trip, continued Thanks so much to Joanna for sending me this pic of myself, US team member Brigid Farrell, and Sooz at the MQT awards banquet last Sunday.

posted by April @ 10:16 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, October 28, 2003 Short Track, anyone? I hate when I try to decide where to begin, these trips are usually a big blurr of moments, photos, highs and lows. This Marquette Cup was so incredible, it's the best competition I've ever been to. MQT is so small that crusing it would only be 2 stop lights, then hang a right, but who knew so much excitement could come from this sleepy town. Once we arrived there, the whole city was covered in signs that read "Welcome Speedskaters and Fans" and every lamppost of the town had a homemade speedskate representing each team, each country. Met so many new faces *Hey Monique, Tiasha, Jennie, and Barb*, and it was awesome to see the short track posse again. Every night was damn near a party, hotel room hoppin', staying up until 3am playing "Uno" and watching Will Farrell on DVD. Rollin' in deep wherever we went was hilarious, tables for 12 was the norm. Early breakfast at the landmark, grabbing lunch in the VIP room, and hauling ass every 20mins down to the media room for updates. The races had such a great crowd turnout, and the place got deafening more than one occasion. It just buzzed with excitement. Apolo skated so well, and Apolo and Rusty's 3000m final was one of the most heart-pounding races of the weekend. After the 3000m, Apolo made a lap around to the VIP section, we all leaned over the pads and he high-fived our outstretched arms. Late nights in the Northland Pub were the best: eating, drinking, and watching the fans show up on the nightly news. Did plently of laughing, a bit of scheming, and a whole lotta screamin' for short track. I have a new appreciation for the Canadian team, and I've claimed Amelie Goulet-Nadon and Eric Bedard as my favorties. Just the nicest people on the planet, and asking them questions during a press conference was the greatest. I have some rolls of film that I need to have developed, and everyone has pictures of me all around MQT, so I'll have to post the photos I have. Sadly, I have to work today, so I don't have much time to update you with a novel, but here's some shots taking throughout the weekend. Mine and Joanna's hotel room at the Landmark Inn The group gathers at the Up Front and Co. lounge, MQT on Thursday night Beata provides a visual sample of the food, while simultaniously managing to wear a red fedora The lovely Berry Events Center Apolo looking incredible on the first day of racing Lupe holds up her sign on the second day of races, and makes the cover of the MQT newspaper! Apolo again, "killing us softly" at the Awards Banquet Apolo & I at the Banquet On our last day in MQT, it snowed! Joanna and I get silly, and tag our rental with the whole reason why we come from all over the US All in all, the best trip ever. My excitement and giddiness never left, even when I did. Cleveland, OH, here we come!

posted by April @ 9:14 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, October 21, 2003 Today is THE day Well, I have some-what succesfully managed to cram everything besides my kitchen sink into my luggage. I have one suitcase for clothes, and a whole 'nother suitcase filled to the BRIM with coats, shoes, and electronics. That's right, I am officially the Office that comes to You. I still have a small window of time to get "last minute" arrands done before I leave for the airport tonight. And when you have a fat ass, that window's a bit squeezy. I got a call from Lupe yesterday, as I was running around town like a chicken. She was in the airport waiting for her flight to Marquette. It was good to talk with her, she said she had a blast in Calglary, but thinks that MQT is going to be 2x that exciting. I must agree. I knew I should have just taken this whole week off of work, but my stupid ass will be going in today. I remember getting ready for SLC and the crazy paranoia that I felt wondering if I forgot anything. And now I'm bringing twice as much. But I guess it won't be so bad to go into work, because with how excited I am, nothing could really get me down. I was actually so happy and cheery yesterday, and my co-worker Gina asked me if I'd "gotten any", refering to my mood. I cracked up, slapped her arm, and gave her a *wink* No, I told her about the trip. None of my co-workers, expect for one, knows about my "secret ST life". They were all very shocked, and wondered why I haven't been shouting it to the roof about what I've been doing. Eh, the preschool just isn't the atmosphere in which to sing "Gimme dat Anton ASS", it just wouldn't fly. Ok, T minus I'm-too-lazy-to-count Hours until I leave for LA, then for MQT. Molla, I'll be at your place tonight...tonight. *holds up hands to make a little moon in the imaginary sky* toNIGHT!. rofl.

posted by April @ 9:46 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, October 20, 2003 *bangs head with a blow dryer* *runs around the room - screaming, no less* *wipes sweat from brow* *stares into space, catches self staring, then slaps self with back of hand* No, I'm not stressed. That's just what I play on TV. Ok, move along...nothing to see here....

posted by April @ 6:51 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Sunday, October 19, 2003 Holy Short Track, what a bummer I just finished watching, via I-suck-cuz-I-couldn't-go-to-Calgary Oval webcam, the last of the races for World Cup 1. It breaks my heart, but the US just didn't have the weekend I'm sure they were hoping to have going into Calgary. Apolo comes out with 1 bronze medal, and sadly is the only American to reach the Finals. MQT doesn't look like it's going start on a smile. But that's just from a very sad fans' point of view. The up side was that the ladies did an amazing job, getting all the way to quarter finals. They should be proud :) I have so much packing to do today... T minus 1 day til I leave for MQT.

posted by April @ 4:00 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Saturday, October 18, 2003 WonderBlog's "el list de To Do" 1. Buy film, new memory card for cameras 2. Watch World Cup part 2 through Web Cam, Live CSB, and USSTfans.com chat 3. Get some cleaning done, start packing for MQT 4. Repeat list #2 later tonight

posted by April @ 11:46 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Friday, October 17, 2003 holy CRAP. leaving for MQT in 4 days. getting the short track jitters all over again. well overdue for an Apolo Fix. 4 days! Count with me! One.....Two.....Three.....FffffffffffOMG! *sigh* Life is good.

posted by April @ 12:48 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Wednesday, October 15, 2003 Throw me a frickin' bone, and pick up that phone! It was a miracle of mass proportions, but we finally were able to get Lu, Lupe, Molla and myself on the phone. Always a gut-splitting experience to talk with you gals, and the laughing to talking ratio is outta control! MQT, ready or not, the MEDIA is coming. Alright, today is shopping and doing laundry for next week. It's now T minus 6 days til I jet off to BT paradise eh, that would be ISU Short Track World Cup #2 in the lovely city of Marquette, MI. ...get your mind out the gutter! I have film to process to see if my new camera even works properly, and making sure I have all wires connecting to my laptop before I pack it up. *snicker* I'm so official, my badges have badges.

posted by April @ 11:59 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, October 13, 2003 WonderBlog's Top 10 Things to do during a Short Track World Cup This top 10 is in honor of the upcoming World Cup season. Since coming back from SLC's world cup back in February, I've learned many important elements of being a "successful" stalker. With my wisdom on the subject, I pass on to those World Cup virgins the ultimate list that will enable you, yes YOU, to stalk effectively without giving bystanders the slightest notion that you just escaped from the Looney Bin. Here we go. 10. Always look busy. As if you're on a mission of the CODE RED caliber. This prevents you from a) having anyone notice that you're really scoping any male in a skinsuit, and b) you'll look important (not that scoping males in skinsuits isn't important) 9. Always make cheering signs longer than the length of your body. This not only blocks half the viewing audience, it also doubles as a perfect hiding shield from fans that scare you enough to do something, like hide. 8. Never claim to know ST terms, unless you do. If you're down in the stands chatting to other newbies, don't talk about skater's using a jig, when for all you know a jig is an irish dancing technique. This will ALWAYS come back to bite you in the ass. 7. Don't make eye contact. This rule is mainly for in the event that you're lucky enough to meet/talk with a skater. This rule is especially true with Apolo Anton Ohno. The minute you lock eyes, it's all over. You can forget making an intelligable sentence and you can certainly forget that any word after that will make sense, much less even be English. 6. Media are fans, too. I know that having the coveted press badge around your neck gives you a sense of responsibility and maybe even the duty to remain calm at all times. Eh, SCREW that. You're a fan first and foremost, and if the local newspaper camera crews are giving you funny looks while you're happily screaming something to the effect of you wanna be Apolo's baby's mama, just say in the most obnixous manner - "That's Short Track!". 5. Pictures are gold. Yes, you're at the World Cup because you've never seen the US team compete and the thrill of the ice chips in your face is paramount. But that couldn't be farther from the truth if you reside on "123 Internet Rd". It's ALL about getting the best shots and plastering them on your blog once you return. Remember, he with the most pictures, wins. 4. Give the skaters their space. I've found that any ST fan in their right mind, and those on a low dosage of medication, can give the skaters some breathing room at competitions. You can still enjoy them walking by, but it's not mandatory that your tongue has to be afixed to their extremities to do so. Trust me, no one likes a skater that darts about the rink like a rabbit that's been set on fire, and has a permanent "deer-in-headlights" expression. 3. There IS such a thing as too many photo ops. The general public, and I'm sure the team knows that you're interested in documenting your first trip to a World Cup through pictures, mostly photos of you + [your favorite skater]. Go ahead. Ask them to take a pic with you. They'll be delighted. It's only when you come back for your 34th picture, while [your favoritie skater] is stretching quietly in the corner you drop to the floor, tell them to "smile", and SWEAR that the last 33 pictures didn't "come out". 2. Italian dinner + nervous fan + favorite skater walks by = a mess. SO important, and this is for those with weak stomachs. DON'T, I repeat, DON'T eat a out-of-control large meal before trekking to the World Cup venue. Thank God I've been ok with this one, but watching a delicious short track athlete jog by you in the foyer of the Venue on a full stomach will indefinitely make you whoosy, and God forbid cause you to actually blow chunks....on "Chunks". Don't make your first WC your last. ...and finally, the number ONE thing to do during a World Cup 1. Let [your favorite skater] know how much they've meant to you. ah HA, you thought number 1 wouldn't be this sappy, did ya? Well hell, like it or not it's the single most important thing to do. If you're honest, sincere, and throwing in some humor doesn't hurt, you'll really show [your favorite skater] that you're not just a fan, but a life that they have changed. Don't get me wrong, observing the way they fill out those skins and the rush of SO-NOT-HOLY thoughts that arise while watching [your favorite skater] bend over to tie their skates is all part of appreciating them...it just works out better if you give them more "I'll be back" and less "Baby got back". That juicy convo is for after the competition with your girls back at the Holiday Inn and about 18 barcadi Silver's later. Heh heh...oh.

posted by April @ 2:59 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Thursday, October 09, 2003 Laughs Unlimited Well, I think I'm still recovering from the muscle I pulled from laughing so hard last night...and now the night after, too. Having a three-way convo with Lupe and Lu just spells trouble. Thanks for callin' me up Lucinda and letting me bust a gut with you and Lupes. All the talk about Short Track CIA work, code names, and abusing our walkie-talkie privlegdes had me crackin' up so bad I think I woke the neighbor's dog. Or maybe that was their kids barking. Eh, well. Alas, we were missing a member of the insane ST posse and of course, it wasn't the same. *hint* Molls, this means I'll be calling you tomorrow to see if us crazy freaks can chat this weekend. May I just say that when I took my sister to see School of Rock, I was expecting this movie to be great. Well, it was better than great. It was get-a-mouth-full-of-chips-in-every-bite kinda great. Jack Black frickin' RULES. He is such an underestimated actor, and I've always loved his musical talent (Tenacious D), but he blew my mind in this story and being a teacher it struck a cord in me about what our schools are missing. The kids are adorable, and seriously talented (they all really play their instruments). Jack has some of the most hilarious scenes, my sister and I were doubled-over laughing...even still crackin' up while skipping out of the theater, lol. It's a must-see AND a definite buy-the-DVD when it comes out. Love it.

posted by April @ 11:39 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, October 07, 2003 I introduce to you, the new governor of Kaliforniah. OOPS. Wrong photo....I mean....

posted by April @ 11:06 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Have you ever had one of them days...? Those days when you've set out to look for something, and to your surprise, you find it. Well, it doesn't happen to this Ape very often, so brings forth the reason I blog about it. I went to Berean Christian Bookstore today, only a few miles from my place, hoping, praying that I would find the latest copy of Guideposts for Teens. I felt like I was in Mission: Impossible, whether I accepted it or not. And most likely from the outsiders view, I probably look like a lunatic when I burst threw the door of the holy establishment with a fire in my eyes and a speedskater on the brain. I walked, no, I ran clear to the customer service counter and asked if they received the Guidepost Mags at this branch. The man seemed a tad bit weirded out, since he could see by my facial expressions that I was hanging on his every word...which wasn't much, because he was thinking. "Uh, well, yeah...we actually just got in a new shippment of magazines last night, lemme go check the back for you." My instant response was to squeal like a girl, but I refrained, swallowed that squeal (which hurts, by the way) and told him I'd appreciate it. Some 1 and 1/3 minutes later, which indefinitely felt like 4 weeks later, he emerges from the back with a bright orange magazine in his hands. The holy grail. I swear to you, I heard an angel sing. And they were off key. Eh, maybe that was because I was beside the music booths and some chick with headphones was KILLING a song. "Yep, here's a copy." he tells me, strangely enough handing me the coveted reading material with "both" hands. Now, this is bad. I don't even remember looking at him while I thanked him, my eyes were GLUED to Apolo's insanely bright smile greeting me LIVE, from Berean. The man did give me a funny look when I gingerly held the magazine, gasped out loud, and said thank you, God Bless you, I could just kiss you....or something to that effect. So on to the contents - no photos that us Apoloites haven't seen a gazillion times, but the T & A eh, I mean Q & A was awesome. It ranges from questions we've grown to love the answers to, questions I'm sure many of us could quote the answers to, and one question that revealed a funny tidbit that I didn't know about Apolo, and I'm sure the answer will make you wanna squeeze him even more. Ok, enough taunting. It's a great read, he's S-E-X-Y as hell on this cover. Agenda for tomorrow: Back to Berean for 10 more copies.

posted by April @ 7:51 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, October 06, 2003 ATTENTION!! We interupt this regularly scheduled entry to bring you a TEST from the National ALDS (Apolo Lookin' Dead Sexy) Emergency Blogcast System. This is only a test......... If this had been an actual emergency, the photo above would have been provided along with driving instructions, date/time, and global pinpoint of Apolo's next public appearance. This concludes the test from the National ALDS Emergency Blogcast System. We now return you to your normal, boring, everyday life....already in progress.

posted by April @ 4:30 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Wednesday, October 01, 2003 In Honor of what seems to be this polak's favorite word. I'd like to buy a vowel. Yeah.

posted by April @ 11:19 PM [[ 0 comments ]]