:: Mindrella's Life ::

:: Tuesday, August 12, 2003 ::

Okay, I'm a dork. In the below post regarding my Fanda experience, I totally forgot to thank Jondon for his participation. I have, hopefully, remedy that situation by the following:

THANK YOU JONDON FOR MAKING FANDA SO MUCH FUN!!!!

There, my conscious is clear. I can move on with my life.

Also, I am aware that the pictures below will not "appear." No, no one is doing anything wrong. It's just that my blog has decided to be stubborn and ornary and refuse me any pleasure in showing off my pictures. Because we all know it's NEVER operator error right? hehehe! So please enjoy the lovely red x's and I will either try to fix the situation or link to another photo site so you may view pictures.

Okay, that's all. I'm out and good night to all.

:: Melinda 11:04 PM [+]

The Beginning:

Well, lets see, where do I begin. I left San Diego on Thursday, flying on a United companion pass, which basically means I flew standby. I didn't get on my original flight out of San Diego, which, again, means I landed at 8 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. Poor Linda, who landed in Denver at 3:30 and already had to wait 2 hours for me, ended up waiting a total of 5 hours at the Denver airport. She really got to know that Denver airport. Who loves you girlfriend! (Although visions of my trip to Virigina to see Apolo flashed through my head!) We got our rental car, took a shuttle to the rental car lot, which was dark and there was absolutely no one to help us so we weren't sure which car to pick (of which we had only 2 choices, a Chevy cavalier and a Daewoo). We finally found someone to ask, who basically said he didn't know anything and he had to go ask someone. We finally headed out to Colorado Springs at around 9 p.m., taking the toll road, which made us stop and pay a $1.75 three times! What's up with that? Oh well, it was fast even if it was dark and we couldn't see anything.

We arrived at our hotel, the Wyndham, at around 10:15. Of course, it was too late to call anyone but I did call Dyan, Rob and Gimoy - the SkinsuitsNSkates gals and the rest of Team Fanda - and left a message at their hotel to see what was on the agenda for the morning. It was too late for the jacuzzi so Linda and I found a grocery store (because I hadn't eaten all day except for a protein bar in the car on the drive to Colorado Springs), got some food and provisions for the room and then went to bed.

Friday:

Woke up, went for my run and talked to Rob to see what was on my agenda for that day. I had to find a dollar store and buy some supplies for the picnic on Saturday. Of course she couldn't tell me where there was a dollar store but I found one and almost got into an accident in the process. It was pretty much "Oh look a dollar store . . . . (as she swerves to enter the parking lot and narrowly misses being hit by another car). After that I was free and on my own. Linda and I headed to the Training Center. I wanted to see Matt, my USOC rep for my Apolo auction, and say hi. When we got to the Training Center, I called Matt only to find out there was a problem with the daycare for his kids, so he was home, not at work. Bummer. Maybe next time.

I decided I wanted to go into the Olympic store since I had bypassed that last time I was there, to look around. While I was browsing in the store, I looked up from what I was looking at, right at Derek who was staring right back at me. He had his parents and his grandmother with him so introductions (and hugs) were made (and given). Derek's parents told me how much they liked his website and that I had done a good job. I asked how his lunch with Sooz and her nephew Robbie went and he replied "Great!" Linda came over and introduced herself to Derek and his parents (after making a smart ass remark to me that Derek was in the store and standing right next to me in case I didn't notice).

Team Fanda and crew had a thank you dinner for the skaters and coaches on Friday night which was a lot of fun. I finally got to meet Carl Cepuran, who I had heard a lot about from Rob. It was fun to personally meet and get to know all the skaters taking part, Tony G (who's a riot), Carl and his family (especially his youngest Ethan), Bill Kellick and his wife and daughter and to finally see Rob, Dyan and Gimoy again too. We surprised Dy with a birthday cake. I really think if she could've gotten away with it, she would've killed us all. hehehe! Derek had invited us to watch them practice, but since Linda had the car to see Apolo, I had to pass.

Saturday:

Saturday started with a rush of last minute preparation for the picnic. Rushing to Walmart Superstore to pick up a "few" things. Then rushing back to the hotel to get Linda, pack my skating bag and head off to the picnic grounds. And of course I got lost. I found the park okay, just not *where* we were in the park. Finally found where we were supposed to be. We lit the Fanda flame (ala the bbq pit) and Fanda was officially started. Torrie and Corin showed up to share the festivities with us along with Sooz and her nephew Robbie, who's really funny and very smart. At one point we were comparing scars on our legs. My scars from my "freak" spinning accident won. Derek and Jondon were there as well and we ended the afternoon by wearing mardi gras beads and throwing water balloons. I really hope Jondon's truck and Corin's camera recover.

Fandamonium:

Saturday night at the arena was so much fun! Rob introduced all the skaters and Tony G to the 15+ fans that showed up. Fandamonium consisted of Derek Gray, Caroline Hallisey, JP Kepka, Jondon Trevena, Eric Flaim, Eric Cepuran and Tony G. To really make the night special, Bridie and Rusty happen to be in town that night and showed up to help out. Thanks to both of them for the unexpected surprise. It was greatly appreciated. And thanks to to Eric Flaim for flying out, just for that night (he left at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and arrived at 4 p.m. on Saturday). So basically he was there just for Fandamonium. We love you for that Eric!

Tony ran the skaters through different drills that they did. Most impressive drill for me was one that they do where they jump from one blade to the other. It's pretty incredible. When JP does it it's really loud and sounds like the ice is going to crack. Coming from someone who still struggles with her balance and crossovers, it was pretty incredible to witness. The other amazing things to watch were Jondon's 3-point start and Derek's kangaroo start. Both are pretty amazing. The PA system sucked so we invited everyone to come around to the heat/hockey box to watch and ask questions. Eric F and Tony G played off each other very well and all the skaters were eager to answer questions. I, of course, was on the ice trying to stay out of everyone's way.

All the skaters and Tony G stayed around and skated with the fans that were willing to get out on the ice. As the night progressed though, it seemed like the rink kept getting colder and colder. By the end of the night I was numb! But it was fun to just hang out with Derek, Rusty, Caroline and the other skaters. We passed out autographed stuff that we had, more mardi gras beads and took lots of pictures. Unfortunately, the battery for my camera died which seems to have affected the focus on my camera. Translated: all of my skating pics came out blurry. Bummer! I'm hoping that others got clear pictures of Derek and the others skating because I didn't. Oh well. Live and learn. Maybe next year I'll have a digital.

All in all, every expectation I had for Fanda was exceeded. I can't wait to get started on next year's event which will be at the Pettit in Milwaukee. I want to thank Derek, Caroline, Bridie, JP, Rusty, Eric F., Eric C. and Tony G. for participating and helping Team Fanda make the First Annual Fandamonium a success. Thanks to goes to Linda J for taking tickets for us at the door and Kathy for being our "connection" in Colorado Springs and making a lot of what happened that weekend actually happen. I appreciate what everyone did and thank all of you very very much! Okay, I'll be corny and say "from the bottom of my heart!"

:: Melinda 12:35 AM [+]