Colorado Springs, where?

Ape and I get to Colorado Springs friday night and hit up the fam bam. All this time, I've got my aunt chillin in CO Springs and have never visited her. She lives 5 miles from the Training Center. She works at the airport. She sees him cycle and job around her neighborhood in the summertime. She sees Apolo all the time. She thinks he's a sweet young man. What tha? Coincidence? I think not. *insert Twlight Zone music here* So, it's basically family bonding time Friday night as Ape and I get ready to head out for Wheat Ridge the next morning. We're excited. I'm even more excited because I got an awesome drawing (see pics below) from April she drew of Apolo and I for my birthday. It is unbelieveable. (Ape...you are the bizzomb girl).

New Accounts Here?

We get up bright and early and drive to Wheat Ridge. It's about an hour drive from CO Springs. Ape and I get there a little early and go to McD's for some coffee. It's a little after 10 am. There's radio stations and an ambulance (?) in the front. There's 2 big freakish WAMU mascots walking around scaring small children. Ape and I call them Blimpy and Pokey. They are scary. We see the IceFreak statue. 'What the hell is that?' we think. We go in. Apolo's signing for some fans, lookin so fresh and so clean in the AM. Dressed all in black, I get visions of Apolo Ninja dancing in my head. Oh. *Molly gets back on track*. We go up...he sees us and gives us that 1000 watt smile. I ask him, 'Is there where we open New Accounts?' He laughs, and says 'Sure!' while motioning with his hands, 'right here'. Ape and I are almost passed out and crippled from our weak knees and nauseousness. We talk about a lot of things. I then ask for a signature on the Ape pic. He sees it and says 'Wow...that is great'. He hesitates on if he should even sign as he is so impressed with it. An onlooker says to Ape, 'Did you draw that?' and Apolo says, 'She's so talented'. Me and Ape are dying inside. He asks where he should sign it, I'm still trying to form complete sentences, and Ape says, 'Molly, tell him where to sign it'....I'm all...uh...Just sign it all over your chest. Gah. But Molly is a happy camper. We have more small talk, Apolo asks us if we're going to Marquette (you KNOW we are, Apolo!!), I tease him on his H2 dance, some other stuff, and take a couple pics, and I ask him if it's cool for us to stick around and take some shots for the website. Apolo says, 'Yeah, that's cool'. So we do. It's good times.

The rest of the signing was spent talking to fans, meeting other fans from Colorado, including Kaori and her beautiful family, Corin and Torrie, whom I've never met, and whom are very cool cats. Apolo is talking to us throughout the day, and every once in a while, looking over to our group and givin us a 'Hey, you guys cool?' kinda look. Apolo says to us at one point that Allison is coming (like we were leaving or something...lol). Near the ending of the signing, Allison shows up. She was stuck in that Colorado Springs traffic. But the signing is pretty much over, so it's just us, and the Washington Mutual peeps. We all go outside to 'ponder' the IceFreak statue and Apolo is goofing around with it. We take some pics with 'it' and then it's time to go. Ape and I say we gotta get going and Apolo is talking to Torrie. He hears it and says to us 'You guys are leaving?', Ape says, 'Yeah, we're gonna get goin'. Apolo says 'Thank you guys for coming and comes over to Ape and gives her a big ol' hug. He then comes over to me and does the same. Perfect ending to a great day. Thanks Apolo. You are the bizzomb.








posted by Molly at 12:45 PM | | |
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*whew* What a weekend. Spent a great weekend in Colorado Springs with my family and April. We went to the Apolo appearance on Saturday and man, was he cool. (Thank you Apolo!) Didn't get to into the Olympic Training Center as all day on Saturday was spent at Apolo's signing, and Sunday, the Training Center is closed. Sunday, we got to check out Colorado Springs a little with the family. But, I'll write more later and share pics cuz I'm beat from the wonderful weekend. *falling asleep*



posted by Molly at 1:55 AM | | |
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Wow, it's been almost a week. And what a crazy week it's been. Seems like a month has gone by with everything going on. I don't like to get too political, but this war sucks, and it just depresses me more talking about and watching it on TV. It's inevitable that it was going to happen sooner or later, and I'm thankful for the brave men and women who are overseas fighting for OUR freedom and safety. God speed and God Bless them.

I've been thinking a lot about the direction I want to take in my life, career wise. I've been working for the same company for 10 years. That's a long time. And I've been pretty fortunate to have gained so much knowledge during that time. I've gained almost the equivelent of a college education through this company. All the training and development they've invested in me is unsurpassed. But at the same time, I feel like I've done pretty much everything I want to do here. I've been fortunate to change different job titles over the years and gotten experience in almost all areas of this company. I'm grateful for that because I get bored easily and need new challenges to keep me motivated. Career changes are tough. And I really don't know what I want to do. Even though this job is ho-hum, routine, whatever, I'm comfortable. That's basically what it comes down to. The benefits, the money, being the 'big-boss' here....so why mess with that, right? *sigh* This all came up because I'm contemplating moving. To another state. I have the option to move with the company, but don't know if I want to. I'm not in a rush, so I've got time to think about it I guess.

I've just got a bunch of stuff to ramble on about...so here goes:

* Watching the Oscars last night was weird. But props to that 'Pianist' guy for makin out with Halle Berry during his acceptance. That guy's got some balls. High five brother. I probably would have done that to Keanu Reeves. Damn that man looks good. And HOW old is he now? *whew*

* My sister and I cancelled our trip to New York because of the war. Bummer. But we're going to Seattle instead...to watch the Yankees play the Mariners in May. I'm excited. Maybe I can get my hair braided at Yuki's. Ok, maybe not.

* I went on a CD buying frenzy last week. How hot is that new R.Kelly CD? Chocolate Factory. Tight. I know R's a perv. But damn, he can remix the hell outta stuff. Listen to Track 13. And track 10. That is off da heezy fo da sheezy. I also picked up Kid Rock - Cocky, NKOTB - Greatest Hits, Chicago - Chicago's Greatest Hits, Journey, Fat Joe, Snoop Dogg's new one (good) and some other ones, i can't remember. I can't survive LA traffic without my music.

* After New York, I get to go home...to Hawaii for a while. Hawaii will always be home to me. No matter where I live. It always makes me feel better and re-energizes me.

* We got this new computer system at work. It sux. A lot. And not cuz it's new. It just plain sux. Let's just say, it's like taking 20 years off Windows and putting into a 20th century business. Can you say 'Atari'? It feels like we're playing an Atari game all day with this crap.

* I didn't get to 'watch' the Short track this weekend. I love ya guys, but not that early in the morning I don't. Thank god for updates and chats. It's too bad the US Team and Apolo didn't do that great. I think they were upset over the abduction of Beata's sister's moped. That would throw anyone's skating off for sure. But WAYGD? (Rusty, give the damn moped back for the love of moped's dude).

* I'm turning *bleep* this week Wednesday. Yes, that's my public announcement that it is my birthday on Wednesday. Ain't no shame in this game, shooooot. I do accept monetary donations and you can email me for the account number at Bank of America.

* I've been obsessing on the Homestarrunner.com site. Why is that some of the funniest shit EVER? Thanks April, for the link. I've learned about a whole new exciting world that is Homerunner. Thank god I bookmarked the site. Wouldn't want it to get BAHLETED!

Man, I'm a freakin freak with all this writing. I'ma stop now. For realz. But I will post up some pics we took in Arizona last weekend. My rockin crew out there, luv you guys!! Ladonnia! Thank you so much for the hospitality girl. I had too much fun and Arizona betta recognize when we rollin deep!!! LOL



posted by Molly at 5:11 PM | | |
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What is happening peeps? I saw this picture and it brought back some fond ol' memories. Good times. It's so inviting. God is good. All the time. Ok, back to work.



posted by Molly at 1:18 PM | | |
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I'm driving home in LA traffic today, so I had about 57 hours to kill. I'm reflecting on the past week. It's been one of those weeks, I guess. Work is work. But in the Male persuasion department, things are...confusing. Saturday, I met this nice guy, but almost TOO nice. Wednesday, I saw someone I've been seeing who I shouldn't be seeing. He's ALL wrong, but that's why he's right. Me like the bad boys. Dammit.

I guess my thoughts can best be summed up in the 1985 Mute Records Release 'Somebody' by Depeche Mode. Although this music makes me want to stab myself in the forearm, damn those boys from Essex speak the truth. Tell it on the mountain brothas!

I want somebody to share, share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts, know my intimate details
Someone who'll stand by my side, and give me support
And in return, he'll get my support
He will listen to me, when I want to speak
About the world we live in, and life in general
Though my views may be wrong, they may even be perverted
He'll hear me out, and won't easily be converted
to my way of thinking, in fact he'll often disagree
But at the end of it all, he will understand me

I want somebody who cares, for me passionately
With every thought, and with every breath
Someone who'll help me see things, in a different light
All the things I detest, I will almost like
I don't want to be tied, to anyone's strings
I'm carefully trying to stay clear of those things
But when I'm asleep, I want somebody
who will put their arms around me and kiss me tenderly
Though things like this, make me sick
In a case like this, I'll get away with it

Amen.


posted by Molly at 6:28 PM | | |
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Whoa Nelly...what day is it? I'm finally back in the land of the living. Being sick SUCKS. No, it SUCKS ASS....Hmm...ass? Apolo? Wha? Oh. Whew. Back to the ass, er, subject at hand. *insert woozy face here* Ok, for reals. Hope you all had a nice weekend. I felt better on Saturday, so a friend and I went to watch 'Bringin Down the House' with Queen Latifah and Steve Martin. Pretty funny, but I'm still partial to 'Old School'. Stupid humor + Will Ferrell = Good times. Heh. My friend I went to the movies with got her tongue pierced earlier that day, so it was starting to swell. I don't know, it sounds like a cool thing to do, but after seeing her tongue swell and the amazingly hard time she was having trying to eat, no thanks. Cece, girl, you crazy. Your boyfriend better give you more than a wink and smile for that kinda pain. So it was time to hit the clubs, so we rounded up the gals and went out. I met a nice boy there. *insert giggly girl laugh here* He gave me his number but I haven't called him yet. We'll see.

I've actually been working this week, but as promised, Day 3 of Bay City and more pics. Apolo in the Gray skinsuit. Praise the Lord for gray. Whoever designed that bad-boy needs a medal of some sort. Lord have mercy. Thanks Liz for the 'Apolo in Focus' pic. That smile, that skinsuit, that ass in the skinsuit. Damn. Hot Damn. Me likey. Oh, and just my two cents on the McD's commercial....ROFL!! Apolo is so precious. The end just had me in stitches. He drives off looking so 'lost in space' with his Big Mac, Fries, and the ever-so-absent Coke.

AND -- I'm so excited the Zoutou site has launched. Thank you April, Lucinda and Joanna for letting me be a part of this special, special project. Please visit the Zoutou site to find out how you can help!! http://www.st-gear.com/zoutou

Ok, on to Day 3.....

Day 3 Bay City - Apolo RULES!

Me and Beata got to the arena a little, um, late on Sunday? Heh. But luckily, the peeps at the OZ 'reserved' seating saved some seats for us. They so cool! Sunday was actually the most fun because after the morning heats, the relays were just for our entertainment. Before that, though, we watched Barry Winslow just kick ass in his race. Even though he came second, it was like he won a gold medal or something. He provided the loudest cheers from the crowd! This kid almost had me in tears as I watched him skate to a second place finish. It was exciting to watch. Even the 'Elite' skaters had to come have a 'look-see'. So after that, the relays, which were super fun to watch. It was nice to see the skaters just enjoy themselves. We also got to see them joke around with each other. At one point, there was a false start on 3 of the 4 teams, so just to 'finish' that theme, Shani false started the fourth team. That got big laughs. After the races, we waited around to wish Apolo and the other skaters good luck in the World Cup in Poland. We found out later that Rusty left right after, which was a bummer, but he had a schedule to keep to. Apolo stayed a good hour, maybe even 2, after the races to sign autographs and talk to fans. I thought that was really nice. I also said congrats to Allison, who remembered me from SLC! That was pretty cool. We all left the arena and went back to the hotel. So, as I was waiting with Judie in the hotel lobby for her limo to arrive for the airport with some other OZer's, to our surprise, out walks Apolo. Of course, he's in a hurry and running to get to his ride. Looking so fresh and so clean with the wet slicked back hair. Yum. I just said, 'Bye Apolo!' and he said, 'Bye guys!' and was out. Later that evening, during dinner, Judie called me to tell me she had sat behind him on her flight. You lucky gal. Did ya get a stroke of the hair at least? ha ha jus kiddin. So that's pretty much the Bay City experience. Except for the 3 hour delay I had in Chicago O'hare the next day, it went pretty well! Thanks again Beata for bein my partner in all this. You are the bestest eVeR. (Steph, if you're out there, we missed ya there).

Dammit, I wrote a freakin novel. Sorry guys. Hope the pics make up for it....I got a Misi Toth pic that's pretty tasty too. I must say, he's a fine Hungarian boy. That Gough guy ain't too bad either. That lovely group pic was taken at the arena on Sunday...Anita, Janie, Beata, Molly, Judie and Sooz.






posted by Molly at 9:17 PM | | |
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Hey now, where's the Molla? Girl, last time we talked you slipped into the blackness of cyberspace lol. *hugs* Miss ya, so ...yeah, POST already!

Ape's out.

posted by April at 8:36 PM | | |
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Woo Hoo! I'm part of the MoLLy bLoGs HeRe team? I think I'm gonna have a moment here, lol! Thanks Molls, I promise to keep the blog clean and always lock the door behind me.

ApEy LuV MoLLy. ;)

posted by April at 8:27 PM | | |
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ADVENTURES IN BAY CITY Day 1 - Where are we going again? I just returned from lovely and very cold, Bay City, Michigan. As a result, I am at home, sick. This island girl has a hard time with -10 degree weather. Anyways, I flew into Chicago on Friday morning on a JAM packed United flight from LAX. I swear, everyone and thier mama was on that flight. I got seated next to the SnoreMaster, but amazingly, I slept the whole way. Beata picked me up and it was off to Bay City. I don't know what is is with driving and that chick. I'm skerd. But she only got one ticket. But it was in Indiana, so I don't know if that really counts. We stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat, and dammit, I would pay big money for that place in LA. That is some good down home luvin' food. Anyways, we got to Bay City in time for the reception held at the host hotel. The people of Bay City are SO nice. They literally rolled out the red carpet for us. A few drinks later at the hotel bar, though, I think they wanted to roll it back up and tell us to get the hell out. Ha! Jus playin....I think.

DAY TWO - It's ON! Next day, races. The venue was SO small I couldn't believe it. It was cool though, cuz it was so intimate. We were RIGHT up in the action. And to our surprise, our OZ section was graced with the awesome OZ banner Mr. Izykowski made us. How cool is that guy?! It was different than SLC in that this was all US skaters. So it was hard to root for people, cuz you want them all to win and do well. But there was definately still a 'competition' feel to it. This was serious business, and the pay off was the World Cup team. Apolo is so good it's almost offensive to the other skaters. He is definately in a class of his own. Watching him is amazing. He makes it look SO easy. The banquet that night was unbelievable. Apolo accepted numerous awards and during one of his speeches, he specifically thanked US. The FANS. Pointed to the 'internet community that takes a big part of thier lives to travel around and support us' table and it was unreal. We were elated. It spoke volumes for us, and that's everyone, whether you were there or not, it was for ALL the fans. I was able to talk with briefly and thank him for saying that. I also promised my good friend April that I would deliver a gift she made for him and from his reaction you can see in the pics, he seemed to really love it! That was way cool.

The rest of the night was spent having a ROCKIN good time with all the fans there. That DJ at the bar didn't know what was goin on! We gave a new meaning to the word requests on the songs, yo! I think the official anthem of the OZ is the 'Cha-Cha Slide'. LOL Good times. Beata: Do you think Gough needs another drink? Heh heh. Rod: you owe me some karaoke brotha! But no Jack & Coke please. 'I love it when we're boozin' together'!! Kimo: What? You like dance? Jan: I think it's time to take him home. *wink* Anita: You work it girl. Ohio represent!! Janie: What was your name again? Elainey? Judie: My sista...good job on stayin off the wine this time. Sooz: You rock so hard sister girlfriend. Junko: You'll be teaching us to dance soon! Keiko/Dave: Please turn that camera OFF!!! LOL Noelle: Where is that schmoozin gal? Work it!! LizLoved talking to ya! Yano:Turn off the AM radio yo! FM Frequency ONLY!!!

Banquet Pics - Bay City, Michigan, Saturday, March 1, 2003



These 2 skaters were so fun to watch. The first one is Barry Winslow. AKA - Apolo's Threat. heh heh. This kid has so much heart and we LOVED watching him race. The second kid is Matt Hotchkiss. AKA Big RED. Unfortunately, he injured his arm during Saturday's races, but we still love ya Red. Get well soon and get back on the ice wit you BIG RED self.



posted by Molly at 4:11 PM | | |
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