- - Friday, November 28, 2003 Dear Lord, we thank you for this troth that we're about to inhale... It's been heaven on earth, being able to have this whole week off work. When you teach, I mean herd preschool-aged kids, your usually A) locating the nearest exit or B) counting down the nano-seconds til your next "school holiday". Thanksgiving was so wonderful this year. I don't know what it was, really. Nothing spectacular. I think it may be because I've had such an amazing year, there's so many things to be thankful for. My mother did the usual, cooked enough turkey-day fest to feed an entire 3rd world country, and the family filed in around the clock for the "hourly feeding". My family is so hilarious during the holiday, mainly the ones that involve a LOT of eating. It's almost comical, a game, if you will to see who will pass out from gluteny first. My father and older cousins will take bite after bite, and glance at each other as if to inquire, "Are you dead yet?". And for God sakes, what is the RUSH? I mean, cooking by this time has taking 3 hours, and all we ask is that we pray over the food, blessing the calories/fat/sugar out of each item. But NO. We're nearly 2 seconds into prayer, and you can already see slabs of meat dangling from mouths, and family members of all shapes, sizes, and digestive rates positioned at the serving table as if they're preparing to "go to the start" of the 1500m. Let me just tell you, my cousins impeded HEAVILY upon the sweet potatoes, and not one DQ called. Pies, brownies, cakes, fudge. And if I wanted to actually fit out of my front door the next morning, I made sure I had a sample size of all. It was pathetic! After consuming turkey to damn near grotesque proportions, I was ready to run the nearest 5K. My family on the other hand, was ready to run to the nearest couch...and stay there. I can't just sit still after eating that much, I don't care if it's - 29 degrees outside, my ass is MOVING. So I took my sister for a walk, without the leash this time. All that's left now is to find a way to use up all this turkey. I've already exhausted the ideas of Turkey burgers, Turkey Jerky, Turkey pot pie, Turkey gumbo, Turkey toothpaste, Turkey-flavored body wash. Cripes. This morning was awesome, left the house for my second home - Starbucks - Equip with my Tall - Double-Shot - Peppermint Mocha Frappacino and a pumpkin scone, I set up my laptop to put the finishing touches on Bridie's site. And for the majority of my visit, I was left in peace. But there's always, without fail, those "people watchers" that come in simply to get a coffee of the day, plant themselves in the optimal position, and proceed to stare down every moving object that enters the door. With my laptop, I've discovered a new pet peeve. It's the computer equivilant of someone reading over your shoulder. Yep, this guy - we'll just call him "Cup 'o Joe" - was curious to what I was plinking away at on the computer, and I could see him out of the corner of my eye, just...watching. I had to sit on my hand to keep from wanting to fling scone crumbs in his eye, and every once in a while gave him the "can I help you?" look. Can I help you...dump that java down your PANTS, is more like it. But, still I'm thankful. If my worries only consist of peeping "Cup o' Joe"s, then I would assume things are right with the world.

posted by April @ 8:26 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Wednesday, November 26, 2003 If it's too hot, den get OUT da kitchen! Today was a baking day. So yes, whether we like it or not, ALL of the Shirshac clan is cooking, baking, bitching, and eating. With the fast paced live that most have nowadays, there's never time to spend quality time with family, and making a meal together is always the most fun way to accomplish that. Since I usually head for Los Angeles this time of year, and spend Thanksgiving with my aunt, I'm home this year and the best way to get in the Giving Thanks mood is to make - brownies. Unfortunately, I'm making them while my younger sister, Aubrey is devouring them. Or at least turning the stirring spoon into a "Chocolate Man", completely with chocolate chip eyes, marshmallow hair, and a swiggly smile. Always telling her to stop playing with food. It just goes in one ear and out the other. Aubrey also decides that she's ready to share with the world...her new found crush with Rusty Smith. That's right people, my youngin' has got it hard for the Rustinator, and wanted me to post this up for all to see. She wants to inform all that she thinks Apolo's top notch, but it's the Bronze Medal Hottie that she's diggin'.

posted by April @ 9:21 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - What a shocker Jonathan Brandis, Dead at age of 27 I just had to post this, because I'm still a little in shock. I read it a while ago on Kelly's blog and could barely believe it. I had the biggest crush on this guy back in the Neverending Story and Sidekicks days. Whoa. "Jonathan Brandis' death has officially been ruled a suicide, the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed Monday. But why the onetime child star took his own life may remain a mystery. " Read more...

posted by April @ 1:43 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, November 25, 2003 WonderBlog's Thanksgiving Post: Salt Lake City, you'll always be special Ok, yes, this idea of making a "short track collage" was taken from my fellow ST webby, Joanna, but I thought it was a great idea. Much better than smashing pics into an album that will probably only be looked at by you, since all your friends are freaked out everytime they hear names like "Chunks", "Smitty", and "DJ Vanilla Thrilla". Screw 'em. Thanksgiving always brings memories back of times that I was extremely thankful, and since february is coming close, the SLC world cup of the '02-'03 season comes to mind. SLC will always be so special to me, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and wonderful people that came along with the short track bliss. So many firsts happened that weekend. First time meeting Apolo & Rusty. First World Cup. First time experiencing what it's like to be part of the "media". First trip out of state on my own. I didn't know very many fans at this point, since short track was still fresh on the scene. The unreal aspect of walking into the Utah Oval and having people recognize you on the spot. What killed me was having those that I've never met in my life call me by my childhood nickname. "Hey! Are you lil ape?" "Whoa! Yes I am..?" Seeing short track live was beyond mind-blowing, and having access to the media tunnel, you often saw athletes walking around you. Here I am, never formally met Apolo, and he's whizzing by me to the locker rooms, or jogging pass us in the foyer of the Oval. To the AAO veterans aka original proud-ass stalkers, it wasn't body shaking. But I couldn't keep my body from NOT shaking when I'd see him across the room. All I could think was "How the hell am I going to survive this weekend?" And everything came to a head on the last night of our trip. It was the night of the banquet (which was for guests/family/friends only), and Joanna and I thought we'd mosey on over to the Hilton to check things out. While trying to recover from being severely bummed that we couldn't attend, we found Molly, Beata, Lupe, and Judie having dinner in the hotel pub. I realized it was just fate, and some good laughin' over hot photos, that we spent the majority of that night with these great ladies. Crazy memories of braving the cold 36 degree days, walking the snow covered streets of SLC with nothing but short track on the brain, and stomachs full of butterfiles of what could await us. Giving Rusty the first look at my art book, and having him tell me "Nahhhh, it's an Apolo book!" Watching his reaction to seeing not only himself in cartoon form, but drag queen no less. Thinking of how grateful, thankful, blessed I felt to have met Jan & Kimo, two amazing people that if not for them, I probably wouldn't have had the chance to meet Apolo. The feeling of standing in the VIP room of the Olympic gala, and watching the fire works blast and pop through the glass windows. Seeing the olympic rings in the distance, the buzz of my new found friends beside me, and sheer wonder of "OMG, what am I DOING here?" Short track has been one, huge, flood of exciting and intense happenings and I can't tell you how crazy it is to see myself 2 years after the fact, still learning how to choke down the butterflies. 2003 has been more than I could have ever asked, I honestly think that I've been gone more than home this year, with all the traveling. Well, to conclude this sissy post: I'm thankful for this year, and what incredible moments/people/opportunities it's brought my way. Thankful for the chance to even have the ability to fly my happy ass all over the US, in persuit of...well, you know. ;) I just hope that this year is only the beginning.

posted by April @ 11:55 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - *wipes the sweat from her brow* It's been a long time coming, but here she is. The motherload of Marquette world cup beauties. Lupe, girl, Ohno needs to hire you on as staff with pictures like these. Here's a teaser: Here's the link that I put up on OV: Ok, back to work. Bridie's site is almost done.

posted by April @ 5:16 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Saturday, November 22, 2003 Somedays you make it hard to breathe... Oh, you better believe this is just a teaser...Lupe has bestowed upon me the most "Scrum-tra-lescent" Apolo conference shots I've ever seen. I'll have the whole lot of them on MQT Gallery 2 over at OV tomorrow. I really wish I knew or could put my finger on the exact reason I find him so captivating. There's many, what I like to call Yummy boys, out there that would warrant a double take, or just a good old skool "Giiirrrl, look at HIM!" But Anton? Whole different ball game. I mean ice rink. whatever. If there's anyone that is overwhelmed by the uber RETARD that one morphs into while in his presence, it's me. I'm usually the calm, collected, "he's JUST a guy" kinda girl. And I suppose if Apolo was JUST a guy, his soft hazel eyes wouldn't render me as useless as a penny with a hole in it. But it's never good looks alone that makes someone this magnetic. If only it was that easy, then us chickies out there would have more "good catches". To be honest Apolo's ambition & confidence are, in my "hot boy book of spells", about 80% of why he's had me around his little pinky for the last 2 years. That's it...20% is well spent on those bedroom eyes, that bright smile that brings you to your knees, and wavy hair that ANY female would give up her shoe collection to have. It took watching him on ice, falling in love with his sport, supporting causes close to his heart to understand he's different. He's special. His disciple astounds me, and puts me in check OFTEN. If I've learned anything from this speedskater, it's that nothing worth while comes easy, or without a price. However, if given your whole heart, you can achieve more than you can dream possible. So, I suppose this has turned into my little tribute that came out of just being utterly relieved that he will be out of danger come Thanksgiving weekend. I'm grateful to have the privilege to fly to competitions, go to appearances and see him live out his dream before our eyes. To have had the chances to meet him in many different settings, and understand him a little more each time. I may be a year older than Anton, but lords knows I wanna be APOLO when I grow up.

posted by April @ 2:52 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Thursday, November 20, 2003 Damn you quiz-taking bloggers Yeah, yeah...I'm a sucker, too. Bondage Bear Which Dysfunctional Care Bear Are You? brought to you by Quizilla But how the hell did I get THIS BEAR? Hmm, must have had a "certain" someone on my mind at the time. HA HA, oh.

posted by April @ 1:47 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - When will the madness end? In the wake of all things insane that have been happening these past few weeks, yet another freak incident has occured. It is important that it's brought to everyone's attention, and I have seen the need to put up posters all over the net... Edited: Ok, apparently Beats has been found. You all may return to your boring lives, already in progess --------------------

posted by April @ 12:57 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, November 17, 2003 *says a prayer for protection over Apolo and the US Team* It's going to be a long weekend in Korea.

posted by April @ 11:45 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Sunday, November 16, 2003 Take 5 Ever since I got home this afternoon, I've been working on this. Tryin' to get this bad boy done. It's a lot of work, but I'm so sure that Brigid will be so pleased...she may even send me a speedskating turncable with a note: "Use at your own risk...of STD's". Muhahaha, oh. eh, anyway. Just taking a break, my eyes are damn near cross-eyed from this laptop screen. While I'm at it, I'll put up a pic of "The ST posse" that I received from the lovely Tysha. Thanks girl for the donation to my "non-digital cams F-in' suck" fund. I think I left my heart in MQT, because of the great memories. I'm still freakin' over the fact that I actually get to go to these amazing, quite educational, short track trips of mine. l-r: Top: Lucinda, Joanna, Lupe, Beata, Gemma, Tysha; Bottom: Molly, April, Monique

posted by April @ 8:50 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Friday, November 14, 2003 Courtesy of Tony Field *stands in awe* I'm going to need either an oxygen tank or a body bag after I'm through gawking at this photo. Apolo, your fine self will be the death of me. It's almost as if you can see his vision, his driving force, in his stare. It's, for lack of a less cheesy term, mesmerizing. And the long, flowy locks just adds the angelic aspect to him. Gawd, I could go on all day about this pic...but, work awaits me.

posted by April @ 10:30 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Can I get a w00t w00t? I'm super excited, Bridie's official site is soon to hit cyberspace.

posted by April @ 1:55 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Wednesday, November 12, 2003 Freaky WonderBlog nonsense post #1 I was scrolling through some info on short track speedskating, and I came across the word public. As I was reading it out loud, it came out pubic. Damn it all to hell. There shall be a lynching of an unnamed polak.

posted by April @ 11:21 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, November 11, 2003 Just kickin' it. Almost forgot what you look like It was a long day at the preschool today. I pride myself in acquiring a stronger stomach for the grotesque over the years, working in a preschool will do that to you. But there's only so much booger flinging, mud slinging, and play-do eating that I can handle in the course of a day. So at the end of our shift, I motioned to my co-worker/friend Kaozuaplia that it would behoove us to boogie to the nearest starbucks for a caffeine rush. She giggled, and complied. Coffee and gabbing was the order of the afternoon, and I bravely stepped up the bar with my purchase of a *deep breath* GrandeChocolateBrownieFrappacinow/DoubleShotofEspresso. Let me testify, that's some strong shee-it. When I got over the initial shock of the whip cream-covered potting soil going down, a strange feeling came over me. One sip turned into 45 and before I could say "Is this safe to drink?", I was laughing at things that weren't even funny. Like the way my body was tingling as if I just showered in novicane. "This is some g-g-good stiff....eh, I mean STUFF!" So Kaozua suggests the best thing to do when suffering from Frappacino poisoning is to raid the mall, in search of things we can't afford but will buy anyway. I giggled and complied. Shopping high on caffeine is a frickin' trip, dude. Kaozua is busy asking me involved questions like "Does this blouse work with these pants, or is it way too trendy?". Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep a straight face because I just saw a shirt from Paul Frank with a monkey dressed like Mr. T. "Holy CRAP, is that Mr. T?" One trip to starbucks, and all the sudden, I have the attention span of Rusty Smith. The night was completed with a trip to Target to buy some tunes. I just have to say, those little listening stations that let you listen to the compilation CD's rock my socks! We're pressing buttons for the 80's, 90's dance, and MONSTER BALLADS. Who needs a damn club, I'm goin' to Target! After noticing that a small crowd had formed around us, we took a few requests, signed a few autographs, and collected our tips. Kaozua came away with 5 CD's of 80's hits, and all the way home we belted out a-Ha's "Take On Me". It was a scene from the cutting room floor of The Wedding Singer. It's a good thing I have tomorrow off work, because I'm afraid I'll be incoherent in the morning.

posted by April @ 2:15 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Sunday, November 09, 2003 This is for you, SLC roomie It's someone's special's birthday today, and I know that she's having a great time basking in the glory of being 23 (and a year older then me, Psh.) Joanna, my media buddy, my SLC/MQT roomie, we've seen and shared a lot of memories together. Our first time meeting Apolo, our first big trip (SLC), and our first World Cup. These are times that bring a huge smile to my face when I think of them. Surviving the bitter cold of Salt Lake City in Feb, getting up WAY too early to hit the snow covered streets, simply because we were that excited...and delirious. You've done so much for Short Track, not only with your websites but your hard work behind the scenes. You're not just a fan, but a support/contributor and it's been amazing to share with you the experience of seeing Short Track from all levels. MQT was like old pros coming back together, we're a bit better at our Media skills, learned to keep our squeals til AFTER Apolo leaves a room, and finally you've got your pictures with Apolo and they are gorgeous. You've come so far in the last year, and I wish you the best of luck on everything that you put your mind to, because you've proven you can do it. *big hugs* Happy Birthday, My Friend. It seems like forever, but we're just getting started. Edit: I was looking through old graphics on my computer, and came across this happy b-day graphic that I made for Joanna last year! Man, has it been that long?

posted by April @ 4:53 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - I cherish my weekends. Weekends are almost as important as arranging my world cup photos according to date, time, ass content...yeah, now you know I love me some friday. Isn't it true that everyone of us working stiffs are always racing toward the weekend. Livin' for friday. Usually, I'd say something really PC like, "we shouldn't rush through the week, because you'll miss the everyday little things in life". *ape tears the script to this post* Little things? Things like going cross-eyed watching the clock's second hand take it's SWEET time getting to the half hour mark, just so I can realize I've only been at work for 10 minutes. Or, my favorite - being so frazzled that I leap out of bed like a rabbit w/ a cortizone shot in his ass thinking I'm late for work, only to find half a lipstick tube all over my face later that it's my day off. The week has a way of mocking me shamelessly. But Friday comes, and all bets are off. Tunnel vision kicks in, and I sprint for my car, haul ass to my front door as if Anton was standing at the base of it, wearing nothing but a bandana, a turncable, and a smile. Yowsa. Holy Cripes, could you just imag...eh....ok, getting off track. I'll squeeze every moment out of this weekend like it's my last. Mow people over on the freeway because it's my weekend. Nod and smile, while I'm really drifting off because it's my weekend. Hold dear to my heart the 5 minutes of silence I get in my no-children-under-5 zone that I've created strategically around my front yard. "But Ape, don't you want tons of people to call, tons of things to do, places to be...?" To which I'd say, ARE YOU MENTAL? Why would I want to complicate my life with social activity, it's the WEEKEND!! Hell, if this is a sign of my old age, then bring on the denture cream and viagra. And when my weekend has reached it's end, I'll look Monday square in the eye, and a little something that goes like this....

posted by April @ 12:52 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Friday, November 07, 2003 Freakin' Friday Five 1. What food do you like that most people hate? Well, I usually eat just about anything. Lately, I've been a sushi fiend, and no one around here is joining in. I also love tofu and chocolate covered soy beans. 2. What food do you hate that most people love? Hmm, those marshmallow peeps that you get during easter. That's just plain evil coated in sugar. 3. What famous person, whom many people may find attractive, is most unappealing to you? Ben Affleck. He's not attractive to me in the least, but my co-workers LOVE them some Ben. Whateva. 4. What famous person, whom many people may find unappealing, do you find attractive? Everyone here in Sac-Town thinks I'm crazy, but I just drool over Benicio Del Toro. *phew* He's hotter than hot. 5. What popular trend baffles you? Women with the piecy, spikey, winged out hair do's. I find nothing appealing with looking like a hedge hog after riding in a convertable.

posted by April @ 5:44 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - That's Short Track l-r: Lupe, April, Molly, Janie, Judie, Anita, and Beata Short Track has come a long way. No USS president would have guessed that the easiest way to get competition ticket sales off the charts would be to wave heavenly, talented, and "well-endowed" males clad in skin tight spandex in front of appreciative females like T-Bone steak shaken at a Bengal Tiger. BAM. It's rainin' benjamin's. But all this us Short Track freaks could have told you. What we didn't know was how people from damn near every corner of the US could come together & bond almost instantly. That was the surprise that was unexpected. Freaks of a feather have to flock together, ya know? Marquette, for me, was just as much about spending time with good friends as it was short track. It's amazing what one can find to do to pass the time in between races. Hotel floor hopping til the wee hours of the morning, bustin' out the Barcadi O and playing a few hundred good games of Ohno eh, Uno. And you thought Uno was confusing enough, with it's crazy reverse, skip, fuq ewe, you don't get a turn cards, try steppin' to DIS "draw 4" a few Cosmo's and Vodka/Cranberry/OJs into the night. Short Track fans are one of kind, which parallels the athlete's they admire. It feels good to know that when the glitz and glamour of the Olympic Year has faded into the picture galleries, our small community of Die-Hards is still goin' strong, nearly two years running. The thrill of meeting new friends, being embraced by your favorite skater, traveling to GOD KNOWS WHERE, all for the wild and crazy weekend called the World Cup. Nothing compares to it. So, to all of my dear friends that I've fatefully met through Short Track, this is for you. What a ride it's been, and what a ride is still ahead. Here's to all the laughs, all the inside jokes, all the hours spend in airports. From DC-10's to Crop Dusters. From Small-City size terminals, to you + me + [insert hot skater here] = entire boarding flight. Dominating small host cities like a swarm of locust, or just 2 freaks flying to a Colorado signing to find themselves the only out-of-towners. So many memories behind us already, may we have many more adventures to come.

posted by April @ 1:27 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Wednesday, November 05, 2003 What sisters are for Well, I must admit. I've been in deep depression upon hearing my mqt film woes, but just when I was about to break out the ball point bics to gauge my eye balls out, my 13 year old sister hears of this and approaches me. Aubrey: "Hey ape, look at this!" April: "Go away, you bother me." Aubrey: "But ape, really, look at this!" April: "Am I talkin' to the laptop? I said go....wait..whatcha got there?" Aubrey: "It's a drawing. Ya know the pic of you and Apolo at that banquet thing in MQT? Well, I drew it, for you." *April dies momentarily* Apolo and I, and apparently we BOTH have had collagen injections in the lip area If anything could cheer me up, it's my slightly retarded sister. She's the bestest.

posted by April @ 10:47 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - A Moment of Silence is all I ask I'm taking this post to mourn the lost of my 5 rolls of Marquette film that was damaged - God only knows how - and was beyond repair to be processed. I think I'm going to be sick. I solemly swear to NEVER use film cameras again, and from this day forward will save up for a new digital with 10x zoom. Now, I'll proceed to tear my hair out by the roots. Thanks for your time.

posted by April @ 7:36 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, November 04, 2003 Thanks Neeto aka Anita for this shot of the "Freaks a la Short Track" sittin' pretty in Section 10, row A & B. Dude, what the HELL am I doing?

posted by April @ 11:32 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, November 03, 2003 I'm watching you, watching him... Yano and her sneaky-ass press media self snapped a shot of Molly and myself closely hanging, eh that is listening to Apolo's every word as he answers questions at the MQT press conference. We don't have any drool on our face, do we? Well, it's hard to keep a straight face when THIS is the face looking back at you! Yes, he was grinnin' like a idiot when his name was called, and he turned to see US in the corner. I'm tellin' ya, Apolo knows what's up. I could have swore he was givin' us the "I-Dare-You-To-Crack-a-smile" look when I begin to ask my question. I guess you're bound to giggle when you go from talking to the local news station, to getting my stupid, short track website makin' mug trying my best to be 'professional'. No more funny looks, Apolo. My job's hard enough, dammit.

posted by April @ 10:06 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Apolo/Ape look-a-like moment #23 - Vacant Stare

posted by April @ 12:10 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Sunday, November 02, 2003 Well, the people you meet on Livejournal.com will amaze you. I ran into a girl that went to Jr. High with Apolo, and still lives in Washington. I put her on my buddy list, and she was nice enough to clip a pic from her yearbook fortelling Apolo's Olympic journey. Thanks Blinky, I know I'm a freak, and I appreciate you fueling the fire. She says that she still "sees him as the 13 year old kid".

posted by April @ 7:45 PM [[ 0 comments ]]