CRIBS -- Mark Shugar

Sacramento, Cali. -- I know, I know. I've been slacking on the posts. There was actually a public outcry, be it from one person, about my laziness. That's a good sign for this blog. I'm glad some of you reading this out there care.

FYI- I seized an opportunity to fly back to Cincinnati this weekend and see Mary. That may sound crazy to most of you, but a weekend staring at four walls, with no Internet/TV, no excess money to spend and being unable to work -my press pass is being mailed to me-- just wasn't my idea of fun.

Thanks to my dad's connection with Delta, I was able to fly easily and almost for free (just had to pay parking for the Escort) back across the country and see Mary, who was nice enough to allow me to spring such a insane idea on her with less than 12 hours notice.

All in all, it was a good weekend, and I was very glad, of course, to see Mary!

My 'official' Internet connection should arrive today, thankfully, along with my press pass. So work will be starting up this week. My boss has already floated the general idea for my first batch of stories, so I've been able to do some research. I'm just anxious to get out to the park and immerse myself more in the job and people.

As promised, here are a few pictures of the apartment (there's plenty of space for visitors if anyone is looking for a place to stop over in California this summer):

This is the view from just past the entry to my place. That's the 'bedroom' to the left, flanked by my 'office.' Beyond that is the 'living room,' with the bathroom being through the door. To the right is the 'kitchen' which boasts a sink/garbage disposal, range, fridge and toaster over I brought.

The 'bedroom,' up close and personal. My dad and I found a great deal on a queen-size bed that was actually cheaper than a twin. A ridiculous, but welcome, surprise for a tall guy like me.

A closer look at the 'office.' The chair/desk combo was another steal found at the same furniture place. I figure a place to work and a bed is all I need out here really, so it was a smart buy.

This is the infamous closet I've spoken to a few of you about. It's 16x8 feet, and I think my horrible attempt to fill this monster illustrates that quite nicely. If anyone is looking to sublease a place in California this summer, I could let you have this space for cheap!

I will post more pictures of Sacramento, the apartment and other local this-and-that's as they come up (namely the ball park, Raley Field). I'm thinking I may find some place to just post pictures online, since I am posting a lot of pictures frequently on here. I will keep you updated on that link if it is created.

Again, thanks for stopping by...and I have an address now. It can be found in my Facebook profile and AIM profile, so don't hesitant to write!