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- Hot and Tired -
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Tuesday, August 31, 2004
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Not to be confused with Tired and Hot.
I'll be paying bills, taking a bath, and trying to do that thing called....oh wait....uh, it's....relax! That's it, relax.
Oh, and the midweek WonderBlog ponder:
What in the hey is going on over at the OZ lately? I'm afraid it makes my head hurt just thinking about it. I suppose now, ignorance was bliss.
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- That's Short Track -
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Monday, August 30, 2004
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....*le sigh* the sport I love.
Before I head off to work, I was two-stepping around the net and found this OLD (well, 2002) article that was written by a hilarious summabitch named Dave Barry on the Washington Post.
Dave...dude. You're my new hero, and the reason I'll be registering free with Washingtonpost.com.
In all honesty, I don't remember ever seeing this article, but running into it 2 1/2 years and a little more ST savvy later, it's friggin' journalistic genius.
I have a side ache from giggling so hard.
No seriously, I may need medical attention.
This has got to be the funniest cover outline I've ever read, and knowing more about short track makes it even more funny. Read this article from start to finish, and tell me that's not the funniest sh!t you've ever read...not to mention it's so true.
Ice Escapades How the press corp rose to the challenge of short track speedskating
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- Once Upon a Summer Day in Cali -
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Saturday, August 28, 2004
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**This is a transcript from an actual phone call made to The Heat Offended Organization and Team Support Center aka HOOTSC. The name of the caller has been altered to attempt to disguise her identity.
HOOTSC rep: Thank you for calling the Heat Offended Org--
Abril: HeLlO? Omg...hello?! There better be someone on the other end of this--
HOOTSC rep: Ma'am, Ma'am, please. Calm down, take a deep breath, let me know how I can help you.
Abril: Oh, you wanna help do ya? Well fill me in on how I put out the flames that have engulfed my skull from this triple-digit heat...
HOOTSC rep: Flames, huh? Wow, haven't had a call like this since the summer of '85
Abril: Can we FOCUS here?
HOOTSC rep: Ok Ma'am, is there any kind of water source nearby, a faucet, a hose...
Abril: Water? What the hell is that? Besides, I can't touch anything, I'm combusting, remember?
HOOTSC rep: *cleans her teeth* Welp...I think I can have a dispatch out to you, however this is the busy season.
Abril: When should I expect this circus to get here?
HOOTSC rep: Ooh, probably around early October...until then, stop, drop, and roll and I'll mail you some change of address & state forms.
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- WTF? Friday: Olympic Edition -
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Friday, August 27, 2004
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I can't believe it's possible that a leader would suggest someone give up their gold, in lieu of someone else's mistake.
How much sh!t has this poor kid been through?
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- Welcome Back -
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Thursday, August 26, 2004
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I friggin' LOVE him.
And his new album is off the hook. Check out the track "Breathe, Stretch, Shake". Holy Cripes, I love that song. He's always had the most smooth flow to his rap, and if there is such a thing, he's got a cute voice.
It doesn't get any better than a guy that's not afraid to say he puts God first, spits in the face of stereotypes, and still jumps back on the hip-hop scene and takes 'em to school.
Ma$e, you rock my world, man. Welcome back, dammit.
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- Gettin' back at it -
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Wednesday, August 25, 2004
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...well, sorta.
I knew that I started work this week - been there, done that, got the memo...literally. However, those memos are notorious for being very vague. I get up early, head to the Preschool and run into the secretary in the office.
It went a little somethin' like this:
Me: "Hey [insert sec's name here], are we supposed to be in today?
Secretary: "Uh, didn't you get the memo?"
Me: *fighting the urge to huff* Yes, I did, but I was out of town and the memo was a bit confusing.
Secretary: "Oh. Well, yeah, you don't come into work til Friday, so go home and go back to bed."
I walk out of the building, banging my head against parked cars as I go by.
So yeah, Molls, I could have stayed up to finish our chat :P It's all good, at least I know I have two more days to finish my Excel spreadsheet homework, clear out my room to be painted, and work on an official site.
The Colorado trip was wonderful, despite the yucky weather.
our view from the rental driving down W. Academy
Who would have thought it would be thundering and pouring in August? All that aside, Garden of the Gods is so beautiful. My heart always skips a beat when I see those ruddy rocks in the foreground of the Rocky Mountains. Born and bred in the city life, I get easily mesmerized by the scenary and wondering what it would be like to wake up to that everyday.
I have a new found respect for the US short track team. This up coming season is going to be more exciting than the last.
LUPES - Our bet is still on, girl. Three months and counting. And you know you gonna owe me some Jacksons soon *wink*
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- Viva la Mexican Dinner Party! -
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Tuesday, August 24, 2004
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Those skater girls are some crazy, fun chicas!
MOLLY, we missed you!!!!!
l to r: Allison Baver, Brigid Farrell, Maria Garcia (hiding), Hyo Jung Kim aka Hallie, Cherise Wilkins, and Marin Austin
Colorado Springs, August 21, 2004
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- Ten on Tuesday -
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10 Sports That Should Be In the Olympics
1. Cooking
2. Double Dutch
3. Paintball
4. Whining (and Phelps thinks he can pack the medals? *points to self*)
5. Inlining
6. Skeet Shooting (if your nickname is Skeet, you better start running)
7. 5 0'clock Traffic in California
8. Checkers
9. Flamango Dancing
10. Napping
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- Colorado Springs -
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Saturday, August 21, 2004
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*dying*
Two more days til it's time to head back to home to Cali, and I wish I didn't have to leave. This has been the most incredible trip.
Never been so happy and tired in the same day.
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- I'll be Bach...? -
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Monday, August 16, 2004
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Today wasn't a good day for Howard and Kevin.
Crap.
And did anyone witness this?
Maybe my eyes fail me, but in the wake of excitement after these greek divers took the gold, they did just about everything but tongue each other. Dude. That's some kinda friendly.
And I confess (I feel horrible), but WTF was up with the Chinese? I was cracking up (hence feeling bad). They lead for 4 rounds, and the guy on the left did a half-gainer no brainer into the pool. It looked as though half way through the dive, he just said "ah sh!t, forget it..." and whirled himself into the water. Yikes.
Ah well. I'm quite happy for them freaky greeks. It's there time to shine.
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- The Olympic 'Hit' -
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As the lovely, half-baked but never charbroiled Molla stated in her bloggy, watching the Olympics is similar to getting a drug fix.
And with all the events going on, my head's gonna fall off trying to keep up on TV and the net. The main events I've been chasing:
-Basketball
-Swimming
-Diving
-Beach Volleyball
-Track and Field
I also want to give a look at Men's Doubles in Badminton, since Apolo's little friend Howard (well, shouldn't say little, cuz he's older) will be working his stuff. Family friends came by yesterday to watch the Olympic basketball game of USA vs. Puerto Rico.
In a word, spanked.
Yet, USA did none of the spanking.
Them Puertoricano's can really play ball! Those are my peeps as well, but I had to hang my head in shame witnessing USA's Shawn Marion miss an ASS LOAD of easy lay-ups. I was really proud, however, of AI and Duncan who showed much class in the Opening Ceremonies saying "it's an honor and priviledge to play here in Athens". So many top b-ball greats were invited, but declined, and that saddens me.
The highlight of the game was a Puerto Rican Hottie McHotHot named Carlos Arroyo. Sweet Lord, can that man mess with people's heads...and my heart rate for that matter. He was behind-the-back passing and pump-faking all over the damn place, making the USA seem like they were sleeping standing up. An amazing player, and he looks like a mix between Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, and...well, someone else really hot.
Of course, always to true to form, I find the only shot of him from behind. Yowser. Lucky number 7.
Mentioned on NBCOlympics:
"But the Puerto Rican men's basketball team now has something no other nation will ever be able to claim -- the first Olympic victory against Team USA since the original Dream Team of NBA players took the court in 1992. It's only the third time that a team has beaten the U.S. in Olympic basketball, and few expected the tiny island's squad to do it -- let alone so convincingly, 92-73. Goliath has fallen ... thanks to the handiwork of an unsung group of players playing the role of underdog quite well."
We'll see how cocky Team USA will be now. Psh.
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- Relieved -
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Sunday, August 15, 2004
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...just friggin' relieved.
God sure moves in mysterious ways.
Linda J, if you're reading this, keep an eye out next week for your ST Gear promos.
I'm still alive. I'm just over here dying in my pile of laundry...again. Dude, if any of y'all know a hot guy, 6'2", ripped, wears a speedo, and loves to do laundry, hook a sister UP. Please.
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- Words to sleep on -
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Saturday, August 14, 2004
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Inspired by Salt Lake 2002; given deeper meaning by Athens 2004:
"An obstacle is something you see when you take your eyes off the goal."
"As soon as you find the courage to say you can....you can."
"A person who aims at nothing has a target he can’t miss."
"A smile is the same in any language."
...and the clintcher?
"A winner makes commitments. A loser makes promises."
Yes, despite it all, I'm quite inspired.
In some ways, it feels like reaching a new level of your humanity, or even your existance. There's something inherently noble about the inner strength to never give up.
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- WTF? -
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If this had been an actual emergency, the message relayed would have been in red.
So, no need to panic. Nope, no need at all. I mean, really, you blog-watchers get so spooked sometimes.
I am, however, pulling hair out wondering if I'm about to reschedule flight plans.
Well, at least in route to a WTF emergency test, it's nice to have plenty of operatives on land, sea, and in the air (and with cell phones). So here I wait, on pins, needles, and jackhammers for [insert olympic athlete's name here] to give the green light.
Hell, I'd take a yellow light, at least I have a chance of blowing through the intersection. Oh, by the way, did I mention I'm back home in Sac-town?
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- Santa Monica, someday here I come -
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Wednesday, August 11, 2004
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Today had somewhat of a plan in the beginning, but usually the best plan is to work without a plan.
Get it?
yeah, me neither.
I've been deliriously happy with the weather here in SJC, which has been the upper 80's. That's a friggin' far cry from the triple digit heat that Sacramento is dealing with in my absence. I knew that I wanted to head out with the family to Hollywood today, besides my younger sister is bound and determined to harass a celebrity before we leave town. So, off to Hollywood we went. Crusin' Sunset Blvd, and my sister begins to squeel:
Younger Sis: "Wha? Where's all the famous people? Where are they?"
Me: "Uh, what do you think they're gonna do, pop out the bushes and flag you down?"
Younger Sis: "Well, this is the Sunset Strip, near Hollywood and Vine, they should be here somewhere!"
Me: *Chokes* Whatcho know 'bout some Sunset Strip and Hollywood and Vine?"
Younger Sis: "Hey, I read J-14 magazine!"
So, while my sister kept her eyes glued to the tinted windows inspecting every Lexus, Mercedes, and Limo that passed, I snapped a few shots around town. We went through the Strip, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Brentwood. We simply couldn't finish for the day without going to the Santa Monica Pier. I love Santa Monica. It's the best of both worlds: the city life, the beach life. As we made our way closer to the ocean, the temp dropped to a bloody perfect 74 degrees; sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. The family has definitely named this pier as their new favorite hang out. I got an awesome shot of the beach with the city in the background. I couldn't imagine (ok, maybe if I tried) living near this 24/7. The Sacramento heat and pollen have damn near fried my brain, and I just love how I feel when I'm near the ocean. I saw a ton of people inlining (Jo-izy, I thought of you!), and I could kick myself for forgetting my skates. Girl, we could inline a STORM around this place, from SM pier to Venice Beach.
I will live near this town, someday. Life's too short to not have that scene around you.
On our way out of town, when went back through Sunset Blvd and spotted a glorious sight for a musician family - the largest Guitar Center in the country. This place is like, Disneyland for musicians. They have what's called the "Rock Walk" out in front of the building, where many Rock greats have their hand prints displayed on the sidewalk. My dad and I gawked at their section of vintage Les Paul's, some 1950 models pricing at $22,000! Yipes.
So, lesson learned? If your neighbors are having a garage sale, and they're selling their old guitars for $50 a pop, buy them. That may head you into an early retirement.
We're back at the house in SJC, and I'm dead from all our walking and car time. On the menu tomorrow? I believe it may be a day on the sail boat and kayaking in Dana Point. But of course, the best plan...well, you know the rest.
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- Bustin' a San Juan Cap -
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Monday, August 09, 2004
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Alright, made it to San Juan in nearly one piece.
I was reminded rather quickly why I compare Los Angeles 5 o'clock traffic to a slow death burning in hell while enclosed in a tuna can. While turning the corner of the Grapevine, I had this funny itchy feeling. Cursing myself under my breath for not changing laundry detergents, I shrugged it off and keep driving. Only later did I deduce, from the melting skin that was sliding down my body, that perhaps it was the 104 degree INFERNO I was driving through and not my Tide for colors. I was just praying that I would make it passed San Fernando with enough skin to at least graph a 4" x 6" replica in my memorium.
But I love ya, helL.A., I really do.
It's great to see the fam, it's been too long since we've been down here. Also, hating to eat, sleep and run, but I'd like to get back home in time to watch the Athens opening ceremonies. But not before terriorizing the city of angels for a spell.
Letting my family loose on LA could be hazardous, and heat - You're at 10, I need you at a COOL OFF!
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- Southern Comfort -
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Sunday, August 08, 2004
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It's been slow-moving Sunday at my house.
I've been doing laundry, paying a few bills online, and getting packed to head to Southern Cali tomorrow. Almost annually, I take off to visit my aunt and uncle in San Juan Capistrano, CA. which is about an hour south of Los Angeles. I'll be gone for about a week, but the laptop wil be in toe ;)
I arrived home late last night from San Francisco. Molly had invited me to come to the Aloha Festival at Presidio Park, just below the Golden Gate Bridge. Had a great time with Molla in San Fran drivin' all over the place. I'm learning how to become an efficient driver in Downtown San Fran, despite every driver's intention to run you clean off the road. And let me just tell you, the downtown hobo's are brutal! These guys, complete with their not-shaved-in-years-yet-manage-to-be-wearing-NIKE sneakers and Charles Mason-esque hair coif, they are truly making a corporation out of hitting up the general public for cash. And of course, the usual would be to spot them on the intersection island, or near a high-traffic underpass.
Is that good enough for these SF pushers? I'll take "Hell No" for 400, Alex.
These fools straight dive into oncoming vehicles, knowing full well you're not about to run them over - you've got a busy enough schedule as it is today - and proceed to knock on your window. Some able-bodied, smelly, bridge troll is coming to knock on your window, and you're telling me you're going to stick around to find out what he wants?
You can scoff, You can roll the window down to throw them some change, or you can do what I do...hit the gas and let out a shrek of terror. I saw many souls giving hand outs, and as an added bonus for your generousity you get half-hearted 'Thank You' followed by a face full of second hand smoke, courtesy of that Charles Mason chimney that's now slinking off your lunch money.
Now, don't get me wrong - there's nothing more amazing than extending your hand to help those in need. But these individuals are in need of an extended foot in the ass for harassing downtown traffic and attempting to insult my intelligence with "out of money, out of luck, please help". Some of those signs are older than me. And their excuses for not becoming a part of the rest of the hard-working society even older still.
Anyway, where was I? Let's see....AH...the festival.
Molls was delirious from sleep deprivation, I was delirious from how freakin' good the Festival's kettle corn was, and both of us were enjoying the view of smoldering hot polynesian men. When the day was through, Molls, Molls' Mom (aka Moms), and myself kicked it at the IHOP across the street from the hotel. Lots of grub, laughs, and examining the sunburn I realized I had. OUCH! I'm tellin' you, this Puerto Rican-Paddy can't handle the sun like the polynesians.
Well, back to doctor this burn, and finish packing. August is going to be FULL of crazy, wonderful things.
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- WTF? Friday -
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Friday, August 06, 2004
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Thanks to Neets for creating the wonderful, the useless, but oh-so worthy of our time meme called WTF? Friday.
WonderBlog's first installment:
I guess you've gotta be pretty hungover to pay for free drinks.
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- Bike ride, anyone? -
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Thursday, August 05, 2004
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Here at WonderBlog, we stay true to our name. We often wonder about a plethora of things.
Why do people double-park?
If something is hot enough to burn off layers of precious epidermus, why do we insist on touching it anyway?
Why is the male species so damn delicious?
In honor of that latter 'subject of wonder', WonderBlog will have a moment of silence for this photo.
*warning* photo link referenced to in this edition of WonderBlog features extreme action shots of a near-flawless male form. Clicking is not suggested for those persons with heart conditions, dizziness, or those that profusely sweat when aroused....dude, don't get that on my blog.
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- New Kid On The Block -
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Wednesday, August 04, 2004
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New Layout. Cleveland Tribute. Good times.
Also, would like to extend a blogger welcome to Neets. Fellow Short Track 'Enthusiast', Holiday Inn Lobby Buddy, and all around great friend.
She has given into the peer pressure, and now swears her allegance to the WWW.
Ladies, our mission to take on the world is nearly complete.
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- Murphy's Law -
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Tuesday, August 03, 2004
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I've found the hair cut that I must have.
My hair is just about that color now. I just adore anything that Brittnay comes up with when it comes to coifs and clothes. Of course, this girl is beautiful enough to pull off just about anything. She's uber stylish, yet sophisticated.
Now, the dilemma:
To find a hairstylist that won't interpret this cut into a blunt bob. *gags* The sad part is I've invested in nightmares ranging from $13 to $73, and both times walked out as if my world was falling.
See the cut, BE the cut. It's simple really. And if I was freak-show enough to have eye in the back of my cranium, then I'd just do it myself.
EDIT: I hope the picture link is fixed!
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- Sierra/Nevada Mountain High -
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Sunday, August 01, 2004
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I ain't no John Denver, but that'll have to do.
Finally settled in returning from Lake Tahoe, CA. (some photos in the ApeCam)
Man, how much does Ape miss the mountain air? Wowser. As an on-going allergy sufferer, I still don't know why I haven't gone to live near the mountains. Or under a rock. Or anything away and void of direct sunlight. Vampire tendencies, maybe, but let's just venture to say that I don't invite Blazing Heat over for drinks and a movie. I breathe like I'm taking in air for the first time when I'm at that altitude - and since I'm used to the ice pick in your forehead pain of sinus pressure, my head felt so good, so light, it was damn near a buzz. I'm still trippin', and yes, I will be finding ways to bottle that shit and will be selling it to pushers nationwide.
The scenary never disappoints, and the lake was looking as beautiful as I've ever seen it. It's the only lake, I believe, that makes an Ocean wanna run to it's mommy. Tahoe natives boast that it's the clearest lake in all of California, which gives it that astonding blue color - I think they're right; paradise personified. It was a clear day when we arrived at 8:30am, and a near perfect 65 degrees. We took some family friends and visited the Pondesrosa, which is the legendary ranch from which they filmed the late 50's television series, Bonanza. The ranch rests on the Cali/Nevada border city of Incline Village. Since Lake Tahoe is shared by both California and Nevada, it was awesome to see it from the Nevada state line.
On our way back, we passed through the cluster of casinos that serves as the border of the two states. Harrahs, Caesers, you name it. No gambling on this trip, however the concerts playing at The Lounge were pretty intriguing. I mean, when can you see three has-beens from three different decades all in one casino? Neva gonna happen. I can't say enough how much I enjoy the weather in Tahoe, and when you learn that Sacramento was close to triple digits that day, I just saved myself a hospital trip.
I'm in massive need of more art supplies, this I have just realized after being shocked by my empty art bins. Yikes. I'll be grabbing some heavy weight canvas paper and some larger sketching sheets for some fun stuff. I'm getting the bug to do a few cartoons, so that will be soon to follow.
I do have a sketch that I did last night, which shows what I imagine Apolo would be doing if he was left to stand still for more than 2 minutes. That boy is always telling us how tired he is, and it'll make for some funny cartoon skits - but for now, just a visual ;) Wanna little thigh?
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Name: April
