- - 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!

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