- - Sunday, February 29, 2004 Hey all. Last night in Cleveland. My battery is dying on my laptop, but just wanted to say this was the best trip ever. I'll be posting a full report when I get home, I'm bushed and have to get up early for my flight back to california in the morning. Apolo was amazing, Rusty made us laugh like hell, Shani is my NEW top favorite, talking with Caroline and her mom with the bomb, and my short track girls (and guys) where off the hook. The short track was more exciting than ever, the controversy and the tension between skaters was fueling the fire, and I don't think we've screamed that much, or had that much fun. Ok, I'm off to bed. Check Molly's blog for ONE of the best moments of the trip.

posted by April @ 9:51 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, February 24, 2004 Finally a reality I've been dreaming - for soooo long - of designing a clothing line for short track. I've done my share of being stuck with just imagining. I've been there, done that, and I found the rides are boring and the lines are too long. I was on my way home from work today, and I noticed my pants where buzzing. Now, with no apparent sexual stimulation in sight, I reached for my cell phone hooked to my pant loop. It was the lady I've been working with at the company that's doing my screenprinting, and she tells me my order is ready to be picked up. I got this call at 3:50pm, in which they close for business at 5pm. I told her I'd be right over, and try not to break every traffic law on my way. Coincidently, the head of design - her name is Lucinda - is originally from Northern Ohio I found out while discussing the reason for my hoodie-making frenzy. She was quite intrigued, and asked for the specifics on this sport of "short track". While they were bringing in my order from the warehouse next door, I told her about Salt Lake, the beginning of this craziness, and what I've set out to do in order to help this amazing sport get more widespread coverage. She mentioned that one of her nieces had talked about an "Anton Ohno" back in '02, but she never gave much thought to it. "He has quite the 'cult' following, if you will" I told her, and she wished me luck on my trip to Cleveland. Just then, my hoodies rolled in, two big boxes. "Here, we'll open them up so you can see the product, let me know what you think.." Lucinda said ripping the top box open. I literally gasped when she unveiled the first sweatshirt. It was perfect. It was my design to the T, and I was floored. She mumbled something about checking the quality, making sure it's satisfactory, but I was tuned out just holding the hoodie in my hand. Click the pic for a better look. first ST gear hooded sweatshirt, with front design and logo on the sleeve Again, I've never been more proud to be a short track fan, and now everyone will be able to sport "ST". So, I'm busy doing the rest of my laundry, and packing. I take off for Clev about 11pm tomorrow night, and red-eye to Chicago, and should touch down in Ohio about 8:50am. Butterflies, even now. I've been way overdue for a short track trip.

posted by April @ 8:52 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, February 23, 2004 Break It Down Blog: New Layout Yeah, wanted something new. Cleveland: T-2 days Ack. Looks as though I'm going to be running circles, eh, doing donuts around myself before I head off to Freeze-your-ever-loving-ass-off Ohio. I'm getting up early to pack, so I can concentrate on bigger things - like not losing my plane ticket, or remembering to wear shoes. I can do it. I can remember these things. I can...uh, wait....omg, when am I leaving again? Work: Calgon, are you comin' already? Yet another double-shit, I mean double shift at work today. I felt every hour of it, too. My boss has been breathing down my neck, and I'm not finding the pleasure in it. A trip across the country couldn't come sooner enough. Emotional Status: Borderline Working straight through since October with no voluntary days off (plus website work) is really catching up to me. When I come in from work, I have the personality of an extremely over-cooked head of broccoli. Drained, I usually don't talk much until I've been silent for about 20 mins. On my break at work, I called Emma to make an nail appointment for after work. Things must be gettin' weird in life if you find yourself spilling your guts to your nail lady. Love Life: Ask the Starbucks guy Oh lord. This is what I get for being picky. Since I practically live at my local Starbucks, I've been having wonderful "conversation" with Ednil - the asian hottie making my day in a cup. He has that serious sarcasm that I love, and call me Jr. High, but I like someone that's not afraid to tease me, even if he doesn't know if I'll take it the right way. That's Ednil. Uh, you just wanna jump behind those cappaccino machines and lick him - a latte. I don't ask for much, but I do have standards when it comes to who I'll let into my life. I mean, it's a short list, really. Quite achievable. 1. Must have teeth. ALL of them, preferably. 2. No criminal records, felonies, or anyone that starts a convo with "So, my P.O. tells me..." 3. A Gentleman. Yes, I hear the laughter, but I still believe there are some still wandering earth somewhere. Alright, that's the Break down. I need to recharge for 8 hours. End of transmission.

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

- - Sunday, February 22, 2004 *sigh* My bed has been calling to me all day long. You know those horrible, taunting days that you feel pretty decent, until you have to actually step out of your bed. I felt a headache coming on, but I blame that solely on my alarm clock waking me up with a very static-y What's the Frequency, Kenneth? by R.E.M, and that damn song finds it way into my humming between thoughts. Check List for Tomorrow: 1. Smash alarm clock to a fine pulp, 2. Smash into a pipe, 3. Smoke it. However, I did manage to get quite a few things done today. I know that I talk often of "projects" that, undoubtedly from the reader's view point, I'm just pulling out of my ass. Ha. Let me just state, for the record, that a) huge ass=high probability that one's projects could easily be stored therein, and the much more obvious b) that would hella hurt. Well, apart from making arrangements for Bridie's site to be advertised in the US Championship program, making her business cards and letterheads, I've been delving into graphic design of a different kind. This is the project Now, if you've seen this site, or are familiar with this and have had that "I wonder what the hey that whole "st gear" thing is about" look on your face for a while, all I have to say is - you're not the only one. (and stop snickering, I have the ears of a snake...) It's been in the works for about, hmm....almost a year now. It was a dream in the beginning, was suprisingly praised by USS at one point, but something that never seemed to become a reality until about 3 months ago. I'm taking on this project, with the help of some great short track enthusiasts as well as some "little elves" here in Sacramento in the effort to boost the popularity of one of my favorite sports. The website I'm shooting to be done by the end of March - beginning of April, but I'm trying my best to make an ad campaign that I'll be sending out to not only My Local Speedskating club, but start spreading the word to clubs here on the west coast. I've been a headless chicken, finishing flyers and making brochures with order forms so the clubs, if interested at all, can stock their pro shops. If all goes the way my head envisions, there will be an "advertisement in a box", if you will, sent to each skate club/rink talking about this new endeavour complete with sample merchandise, ways to order, and hopefully a CD ROM showing the "underground" frenzy that is Short Track and why having "ST stuff" is so important as we head into the next winter Olympics. All in attempt to let them see that if we're all Human billboards, it's the only way to spread the word about this awesome sport. Plus, I'm just sick and tired of seeing the long faces of sad little ST freaks that have no kick-ass gear dedicated only to Short Track fans. Sick and tired is the mother of invention. Eh, or something like that. I realize that it's going to be quite the task to undertake, but I can't help but feel it will be worth it all. The only thing that makes sense is that I want everyone in my town to know more about Short Track, and I've never been so proud to be a follower of the gospel according to Short Track. Ok, so yeah...the secret is out. I'm bringing sample "promotionals" with me to good ole' Cleveland in the form of black hooded sweatshirts with this design on the front, and this logo small on the sleeve near the cuff. Guess who also agreed to foot the bill to give 2 free hoodies to Apolo and my girly, Bridie. Well, it wudn't Santa Claus. *sigh* Bed is still calling. There is a fine line between determined and just plain outta yo mind. And for those who are still wondering, No, snakes do not have ears. Psh. *shakes head*

posted by April @ 1:05 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Friday, February 20, 2004 Hot flashes? Oh wait, Back flashes I'm sitting here, dazed, the only thing cheering me up is my laptop playing (on loop) The Darkness - I believe in a thing called love, and that new song Maps by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's. They both have that 80's hair band/Crissy Hines feel, respectfully. I'm likin' it.

posted by April @ 11:50 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Where everyone knows your name I ask you this, what would I do without Starbucks? Now, if it was a mere good cup of joe I was refering to, then you've misunderstood my meaning. Let me give the run down. Today was a rough day...to put it tamely. I worked a double shift, worked so much I only had a 10 min lunch break, all the while anixously waiting to get home to work on projects that are nearly all "last minute, fly by the seat of your lace panties" projects. Just couldn't seem to do anything right today. In the midst of all the negitive, I was in desperate need to find a silver lining. Hell, I would have settled for a lighter shade of black, just as long as I could keep my head on straight. A friend of mine called, wanted to use my computer, and go out to our Starbucks. I agreed, even though I wasn't in the best mood, and all I wanted to do was bury my head in a pillow and cry. She came over, we chatted, laughed a bit (trying not to let my bad day pass on to the masses), and headed to get a drink. I think I've learned my lesson about driving a motor vehicle when I'm upset, even slightly. I get really nervous and shaky, especially if I'm trying to hide it. It just so happened that all our favorites where working this afternoon, Quinn, Nate, and *sigh* Ednil where bustling away at slapping out orders...we must have hit the tail end of the coffee traffic. Quinn gets a big smile as he sees us walking up the sidewalk, and greets us with the usual "Hey there Trouble #1 and #2". All I wanted was some sweet caffeine to take me away, so I was starting to feel a bit lighter. "Uh, sorry, we're fresh out of coffee..." Ednil says as he makes a fresh pot. "That's so not cool, dude..." I told him, by this time fighting a big stupid smile on my face. I got my coffee and sat down, and quickly discovered that my frappaccino had a smiley face made of caramel on the top. My mood must have been a tell-tale sign because Quinn stepped out from behind the counter. "What's up, ladies?" "Everything but the tulips on my grave, Quinn" "Whoa, bad day?" "Like you wouldn't believe.." He felt pretty bad, transforming into sympathy mode, and reassured me that he's had his share of days like that. "Do you need a hug?" he asked, totally sheepish. I was floored, and declared "Could I?" Ednil was peeking from over the cappaccino machine, probably wondering what the hell was goin' on. I told Quinn the caramel smilely made my day, even though it appeared that the smilely had a stigmatisim in one eye. It was the simplest of gestures, but for some odd reason, totally took some massive frustration away. Someone cares. Just knowing that you can come, take a chill pill, and have some awesome company. It's not so much about the coffee, it's about the comfy chairs, the dorks working behind the counters, and the peaceful view of the Port of Sacramento outside the large back window. It just feels ok...even for a little while. Uh, my head hurts, I haven't eaten all day. I would so take my car and drive out of town right now, but my tank is only half full....my brain is only half full.

posted by April @ 6:12 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, February 16, 2004 Just a day for me Northern California has been having the most unbelievably weird weather, particularly Sacramento. I went to San Fran on Saturday and it was breath-taking skies, slightly breezy at about 67 degrees. I met up with some friends, spent the whole day hitting Chinatown, "little Italy", and ended it with foccacia bread and a sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder. And it's a good thing I was out of town, because Sac town has been gloomy and today was no exception. I don't even watch the weather on the news anymore, because I've discovered they are pathelogical liars. What began as "slight chance of rain for sat/sun" turned into "let's wait until your holiday monday, when you really want to get things done, and we'll bring on the horizontal down-pour". Light rain? Uh, only if your name is NEMO. After a ton of arrands that would seemingly never end, I landed up at my starbucks, corner of Truxel & Natomas Crossing. I love it because that coffee house reminds me of Cheers. I know everyone that works the mid-day/late shifts, and I practically have my order waiting for me as I'm pulling up. My little asian hottie (well, he's not little - he's 28) wasn't working today, then it dawned on me that he mentioned he would be out of town monday. So, sadly all my attention was given to my laptop, with my web work and project coming along. I can't believe Cleveland is almost here. I'm starting to get buzzed about seeing everyone again, and I need to strategize how I'm going to knock myself out for my red-eye flight to Ohio. Anita, Jennie, any other Ohio folk - please clue me in on what to wear. This california girl is going to be WAY outta place.

posted by April @ 9:32 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - WonderBlog's PhotoMonday Theme: Things that make you say "I need a moment to myself..."

posted by April @ 2:00 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Friday, February 13, 2004 Salute your shorts skinsuit? Man, is it too soon to be completely thrilled about Tornio 2006? Short Track is more addicting than caffeine. potato chips. Yahoo! Pool (so I hear). and crack cocaine combined. Who knew that I'd fall victim to the novel idea of people with butcher knifes soddered to their feet, fully clad in skinsuits that are as thick as one's epidermal layer of skin. And because of all the hype of Salt Lake, 2006 will be similar to a Old Western shoot out...expect I'm pretty sure that the admittance of spurs and leather chaps (much to my dismay) won't be permitted. Or, maybe Torino will play itself out like a good ole' grade school brawl, complete with an oh-so spine tingling note of invitation. Hmm, I can see it now: I'm just itching to see SOMEONE's boxers end up hanging from the flagpole torch.

posted by April @ 11:01 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - What a difference a morning makes I used to loathe early mornings. Not slightly dislike, or don't really care for... loathe. I was forever scared and mentally deranged from my childhood mornings, which every day consisted of my extremely, WAY too chipper parental units attempted to wake me with a song. Or a dance. Heck, even a smile would have made me roll over in disgust. I don't know why I've been that way, all I know is that I'm damn good at it. But I'm slowly learning that mornings are my friend. A hideously peppy friend that you try to refrain from slapping every now and then, but a friend even still. I had the early shift at work today, and peeling myself out of bed at 6:30am was sounding good, only compared to it's counterpart - a root canal. I woke up, predictably cursing under my breath, and then I look at my window. DUDE. Pardon my high school jargon, but what a Freakin' off-the-hook sunrise there was! And being the easily amused person that I am, I rushed for my camera. And with that I learned a lesson from that sunrise. I can't let the beauty in life pass me by, especially in this world where we find ourselves screaming at the microwave to kindly speed the hell up. Needless to say, my day was great. And the mention of a three day weekend for me is almost making me chipper. Almost.

posted by April @ 1:16 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Monday, February 09, 2004 From head to nails Somewhere in my busy life I found the time to do some "overhaul". Today I went and had my hair snipped, and got my nails done (in pink/red French manicure for V-day) I'm the world's biggest moron (no surprise to my faithful readers) and I went apartment hopping to see all the new modules here in the Natomas area of Sacramento. I'm not sure if it's more motivation to make my career move, or more depressing, but I tortured myself none the less. I looked at the 2 bdr, 2 bath and I fell in love. I'm shooting for around december 2004 to finally get my own place, but I'm notorious for shooting blanks. But the apts I loved, called the Villagio, are coincidentally right down the street from my favorite starbucks...Annnnd there's an asian/hawaiian hottie that works the swing shift that I love to "visit" as I'm doing my laptop work. Tee hee. What? Hey, he knows how I like it. Caramel Frapp, whip cream, with an X-tra shot of caramel.

posted by April @ 10:58 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Friday, February 06, 2004 It's Friday. Need I say more.

posted by April @ 11:23 AM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Wednesday, February 04, 2004 SPIKE it to me, Lee First, it was a "wardrobe malfunction". Now she says the whole thing was all her idea to change the finale, but it all went terribly wrong. Can you just hear me rolling my eyes? I'm beginning to believe that the new laws of nature are, a) never stick your nipples in a light socket, b) always pay your taxes, and c) NEVER trust a Jackson. I know that the whole Janet Jackson Breast Flop is everywhere, but I read this article from AP news that really caught my attention. It had comments from Spike Lee that made me sigh in relief that we still may have some sane people in this world when it comes to gauging talent. No one stands up to this shit, but I'm glad that a well-known film director did. If making it big in this entertainment world means you must have a huge rack, plunging v-neck, and be willing to dry-hump someone on stage, then screw talent, right? Who needs to actually have any? Eh, I'll stop before I go off...keep reading. NEW YORK - Film director Spike Lee criticized Janet Jackson's surprise breast-baring during the Super Bowl halftime show last weekend as a "new low" of attention-getting antics by entertainers.... Lee, speaking at Kent State University's regional campus in Stark County, Ohio, on Tuesday night, said there has been a decline in artistry. He said it's not enough to be a good singer, and that entertainers "have to do something extra" _ such as the openmouthed kiss Madonna gave Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during the MTV Video Music Awards in August. "What's gonna be next? It's getting crazy, and it's all down to money. Money and fame," said Lee, the director of "Malcolm X" and "Do the Right Thing." "Somehow the whole value system has been upended."

posted by April @ 10:56 PM [[ 0 comments ]]

- - Tuesday, February 03, 2004 Ack. Ape is still breathing behind this curtain. I'll be back with a real post...really.

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