Day 65 of Beard

Not really getting too many looks from the ladies at this point, but then again I'm not leaving the house that much either.

For All You Britney Fans!!!

She'll make a comeback!!!

Not Cool Man!!!

Happy Fun

One of my favorite Krux commercials:-) Brings back the good old days

How to Build a Mini Ramp in 5 Minutes

Chili Bowl

This year's Chili Bowl was INSANE. At the beginning of the contest, they announced that this year's Chili Bowl was dedicated to Phil Shao (I'm sure some fires were lit amongst the skaters entering the contest). All the skaters in every heat had something to bring to this contest, but it wasn't until the very end were anyone of the top six skaters could of taken first. Those 6 killed that bowl. and I think Phil was looking down that day thinking the same thing. Checkout some of the footage on the Thrasher site. If you live in the area, be on the lookout for the Chili Bowl next year.

Two Ways to Know Phil Shao

Longtime friends from Slap and Thrasher magazine have put there footage and stories on the web to give you and idea of how special Phil Shao was to them and many others. Slap Magazine editor and longtime friend Mark Whitely wrote his thoughts in his blog on the 10 year day which you can find on the Slap website. The other longtime friend is Schmitty from Thrasher magazine. He went interviewing friends of Phil to put together a small video trailer of how amazing Phil Shao was. Both Mark and Schmitty are rad friends of mine that knew Phil Shao well. Both links to either Mark's blog or Schmitty's video will give you a great insight of how Phil Shao effected our lives for the better, how inspiring he was on a skateboard and how he will remain in our hearts forever. "We miss you Phil. R.I.P."
-colt

Never Forget Phil Shao

I wish I could write about Phil from a friends point of view. I look back on how nervous I'd get around him and how it got in the way of getting to know him. I have been fortunate enough over the years to know and skate with Phil's good friends. They'd tell me stories of them hanging out, skating parks or just doing what ever. To sum up what Phil Shao was to me, he was my idol. To this day, he is still one of the best skaters I have ever seen on a skateboard. He has and will always stay in my heart. Please checkout the Thrasher website tomorrow. A memorial video of Phil Shao made by some of his closest friends will be available for a limited time to watch. Thanks

Phil Shao
December 28, 1973–August 22, 1998 R.I.P

Last Ankle Update for a Bit

So I got my stitches pulled out today and was hoping for
the doctors to tell me more good news, but the doctors
weren't even there. Today was just stitches and staying
on the same path.

The Path: For this past week, I've been using a motion
machine (pictured bottom left) to move my ankle 10
degree's back and forth so that scar tissue doesn't build
up on the repaired tendon. I use this machine 3 times a
day, 20 minutes a session. No weight what so ever on
my ankle and no movement of my body that could
trigger my tendon to flex.

So the next time I see the doctors will be Sep 3rd.
That's when we'll go over my progress and hopefully
start physical therapy. Still can't estimate when I'll be
skating, I'm just hoping for a full recovery. So until then,
it's chill time. So if any of you are bored like me, drop
me a line, it would cheer me up. Thanks.

Change Our Ways or Logo?

Thanks Lauren

Reflection Time

I was over my computer and had to chill for a second.
The dogs hungout for a bit too and the camera was
right there. I shot this photo and went right back to
my computer haha. Reflection time over.

Slap Magazine Goes "www"

That's right! After reading this announcement, Slap Magazine
will soon cancel it's paper subscription and go world wide web
(www) only. Growing up with this magazine, it hurts to see it go,
but I feel it may be a new direction that could benefit skating and
the mag. Good luck Slap on your new adventure, you have my
support. Please click the image to enlarge or click here to read
an interview with Slap's editor Mark Whitely.

Old School Baby

I couldn't tell you what year this was, maybe 2001. What ever the year, this is a great reminder of how amazing skate camp is. This is me and Dave Rosenberg (aka my dad) driving up with (I'm pretty sure) Jon Old (photographer). Later that night I got yelled at by the great "Screaming Lord Halba". He thought I was talking too much while we were trying to sleep. Great memories. Checkout more pics where I got this from at scratcherscratcher.com

New World Record

I am sad to say, I haven't been following the Olympics like
I should. Competition at a world class level usually get's me
excited, now I remember why. Please click on the photo or
the "link" to watch one of the best relay races I have ever
seen. Some software may be required to watch the video,
but it's free, quick and worth it. Thanks Tommy for the
reminder. enjoi

Photo Addict

So I'm freaking out about surgery. The pain is going to be way worse after they cut me, so it's time for some meds. I lost my first prescription because we delayed the first scheduled surgery and must of miss placed them. After the actually surgery, I took no chances and got another prescription. Turns out I found the first prescription, so now I'm stuck with 90 pills of hydrcodone (aka Vicodin kinda). I've taken this stuff before and it doesn't do anything for me. So before I throw these out or give them away, I had to shoot them with my Canon G9 in total studio mode. I only had one leg lamp light to work with, but I feel the shot came out good. What do you think?

My first beard:-)

Day 4 of the beard:





















Day 45 of the beard:

I just got my first shoe bomber joke today. It wasn't too funny, but I had to go with it. I'm not sure how long the beard will get, but I don't care. I've never had a beard before, so go big or go home right?. I'm already home, so I'll just go big until I skate again. Doubt I'll get it Jesse Erickson long.

I told you they shaved it

My first close up of my ankle since yesterday and it's not looking
all that bad. Is this a new look? Can I start a trend? Do chicks
really dig scars? So many questions, so little interest in them.
For some reason I can't upload any other photos of my foot
because of network problems, but I'll try again tomorrow. I get
more details on the surgery and recovery time on monday, so
stay tunes for more ankle gossip. "OH YEA"

They shaved my ankle!

I maybe got 2 hours of sleep because I was so nervous for today. It's 6am and I don't know what to think. I'm thirsty and hungry because I wasn't allowed to eat anything 8 hours before surgery. I walk into an empty building with one lady giving me forms to fill out. "Sign here so were not liable for your death". Haha great way to start the morning.

They take me in the prep room and gave me a cool gown and steezy hat as you can see pictured above. Then proceeded to remove all the hair off my left ankle for a fresh new look. The anesthesiologist came in to setup my IV (Intravenous therapy). He explained the after effects and what was gonna be pumped through my veins. Just after I got to meet both doctors (Dr Oloff and Dr Dillingham) before the surgery to go over the procedure. I made sure to let them know how much I appreciated their help and that I really wanted them to take care of me. Kinda my moment of peace to feel reassured this was going to work.

I was then rolled into the room where all the magic happens. Nothing too special about the room. Two huge over head rotating lights. Enough sharp objects to hunt a herd of buffalo and MRI photos all over one wall. The anesthesiologist came in again saying the surgery was about to start so count backwards. I didn't know what number to start from so I thought about 10. Right when 10 popped in my head, I woke up in the first room I was prepped in with a huge bandage around my ankle.

So I'm now getting home writing this blog. My ankle feels fine. I'm just elevating it and trying to ice it when I can. I wrote a myspace bulletin last night asking for as much support as possible and the response was amazing. So many of you care about my recovery and it helps me out more then you know. So keep checking in for updates and please keep sending me positive messages. Thanks for everything.

5:30am

I maybe slept 2 hours. No turning back now Ninja's.

The Big Day is Tomorrow!!!!

I'm excited, but scared. This surgery better work.