Suzanne_Marques's Blog

I had no idea I was going to be flying on a trapeze Tuesday morning.

I guess you could say I was given some notice... if you count waking up in the morning at 2:30am and calling the desk while half-asleep to ask what story I would be covering that day. 

Drake on the other line, "Oh!  Good thing you called."

I can't remember verbatim, but it was along the lines of, find something that you'd wear to a work out.  About four hours later, I'm standing on a tiny platform more than two stories high on the Santa Monica Pier getting ready to fly.

So how does this gal - with no upper arm strength - prepare to swing from a bar, pull up their legs to hang and then do a blind backflip into a net?  It's the pressures of live tv, folks.  There are two choices.

1.  Freak out and lose it and make everyone have a good laugh at home.  (Always fun to watch by the way.  Especially when anger is involved or tears are spilled.)

2.  Man up.

I may be a girly girl, but I love a challenge.  As long as I'm not risking serious injury or mutilation, I'll give it a go.  I love a thrill.

I acknowledge that for some people, flying on the trapeze is risking serious injury, but many many moons ago, I took gymnastics and dance.  While I was never a serious gymnast, I loved the double bars.  I loved to swing and jump from bar to bar.  The main drawback was the pain of calloused, blistered, shredded hands.

I nearly forgot about my gymnastics training until the instructor with Trapeze School NY told me while were practicing, "don't pike off the bar," which means straightening your legs to dismount.  I wondered why I did it that way instead of what one naturally does - curl up in a ball to get off the bar.

He said gymnasts dismount that way, and I was so proud my body remembered even better than my mind.  It's guess it's kind of like riding a bike.  You think you can't remember how to do it and then your body takes over.  Isn't that cool?

So before I trained for the big jump, I figured that training would be intense like skydiving.  Taking notes, reading manuals, doing drill after drill to drill the info into your head so you don't make a mistake and die.

Oh no.  It took five minutes.  We had a mat with a low bar hanging over the ground.  He told me to hang from the bar, curl into a ball, hang from the bar, then grab the bar again and then release your legs and hang again.  He spotted me while I did it with his help.  Then he told me to do a backflip out of it.  We didn't practice that.

A few minutes later, I'm putting on a belt.  Just a belt!  And climbing and endlessly long ladder up to my destiny.

Once I got up there, it wasn't bad, because I'm not really scared of heights.  Good Day LA producer Josh Kaplan informed me humans have two innate fears.  The fears of falling and I can't remember the other one.  Sorry.   I remember it wasn't heights.

Well my fear of falling kicked in when I faced and held the bar and leaned forward.  I shifted my weight over the platform grounded by the instructor holding onto the back of my belt.  That left me a bit petrified and you can hear it in my whimper on the video. 

They said bend your knees and then do a little hop and then just hang and let gravity take over while keeping your legs together and toes pointed.  Legs together, toes pointed = every gymnast and dancer knows these instructions because it creates a prettier line.  And if I'm going to fall or slip, I'm going to do it as gracefully as I can!

They shout commands at you for every step.  That was a comfort because it helps you stay in the moment, focused and relying on one voice leading you the whole way. 

The hardest part was the little hop off the platform.  After that, I was focused on remembering the next step. The fear was still there, oh yes it was, but my determination was stronger than my fear.

The scariest part came when I had to do the backflip.  I hadn't practiced my tuck.  It's kind of impossible to do unless you practice on the trapeze and I wanted to authentically fly for the first time live.  If you're going to tackle something big like that, why not let the audience experience it with you?  That's why I like fear factor.  Watching people facing their fears and still going as the fight or flight syndrome kicks in.

I just followed the instructor's orders and did as I was told the best I could.  While my backflip could've been better, at least I didn't do a face plant into the net.  I saw someone do that - whose identity I will protect :) - and it was hilarious!

Then, I flew with a catcher.  The catcher was one of The Flying Casares with The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.  (In LA next week!)  We didn't practice beforehand, but he did reveal he normally gives female flyers a kiss on the cheek if they are caught successfully.  I said, right on!  Not just for the kiss, but if he can lift me while hanging from a trapeze, I want to be able to brag about it.

He warned me before the jump to release my legs once he grabbed my arms, but that was the one thing I forgot to do... and boy am I paying for it today.  I have two "circus scars" - their lingo - bruises on the backs of my knees because I forgot to release my legs from the bar, they caught for a second and he said, "let go!"  I listened, and everything else went smoothly.  He did kiss me on the cheek and on the air it looked like a smacker on the lips, but it wasn't.  :)

And no, my husband wasn't upset.  He is in love with Jessica Alba and I'd let her kiss him on the cheek if she ever wanted to.

Thank you Trapeze School!!!  They are open 7 days a week on the Santa Monica Pier.  It's open to all ages and all day and into the night.  Wouldn't it be fun at night with the ferris wheel over your shoulder?  It's so much fun.  I recommend it wholeheartedly.  Just take  a nice long bath afterward :)

www.trapezeschool.com

 

26-year-old Danica Patrick is the first female winner in IndyCar history!  She won the Indy Japan 300 with just over two laps to go in the 200 lap race. 

Patrick finished nearly 6 seconds (technically 5.8594 seconds) ahead of pole sitter Helio Castroneves.  Remember when he won Dancing With the Stars?

When she got out of the car, tears were streaming down her face.  The first thing she said to the ESPN interviewer was, "I feel like a wuss crying, but it's been a long time coming. Finally ."   I love that soundbite.  She's always asked... "When are you gonna win?  When are you gonna win?"

It's her 50th career IndyCar start.  50 time's a charm.  I'm so proud.

The last time she took the checkered flag was in 2002, when she won the Professional Division of the 2002 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Long Beach Grand Prix.

One day before I turned 16, my dad took me to an empty lot in Norwalk to teach me how to drive a stick shift.  Before that day, the closest I had come to being behind the wheel was the simulator at Downey High School. 

The simulator was a little booth with a video screen, not unlike other booths I've heard of where you watch questionable videos.   It featured an ancient 60's video featuring surprises like balls popping into the street and children chasing after them.  The best part was the steering wheel about 24 inches in diameter.  It was kind of tough.  I used to imagine it being a big gold lowrider. 

So back to learning to drive.  I imagined sitting comfy inside a big friendly Chevy Impala.  My father put me inside his Mustang 5.0 with the tightest stick shift I've commanded to this day.  Why not a Honda, dad?  You can tap the stick into place.  With the 5.0, I had to grip the stick, and force it to change gears with my noodle arms.  The clutch was no easier.  I got a cramp in my left leg just trying to get it to work without stalling.

Because my dad was a former race car driver, I had a handsome reward once I I learned how to shift gears without stalling.  We drove through puddles, did spin outs and sharp turns.  It's a lesson that haunts me to this day....

When I turned 16, I got 4 speeding tickets and nearly had my license suspended.  I was chasing the thrill I got in that abandoned lot.

I did get that thrill the same year, when a driver slammed on their brakes while I was cruising down Brookshire.  I slammed on mine too (still have never gotten into an accident like that, defensive driving people!)  but forgot one of the tires in back was a donut.  That 5.0 spun around in a 180 so fast, I was facing the driver behind me in a flash.  I was scared, but it was thrilling!  I'll never forget that feeling!

So let's get to the point already, if it hasn't already been humming underneath....

I love fast cars.  I can't sit & watch an entire race on tv, but if you've ever been to one in person, you know what I'm talking about.

I love the rumble of the cars that rattles your bones, the screeching sound of the engines - idling! - that makes my heart race, the elation when the cars whiz by, the thrill when a race car makes a pit stop.

My parents raced in the 60's and 70's at tracks all over SoCal.  They are quick to remind me it was back when you could have an average job & pinch pennies to buy a Sunbeam and even a Porsche.  Nowadays, it takes serious dough for the kind of racing they used to do.

One promising aspect of racing is drifting.  I don't know much about it, but when I did the preview for the Long Beach Grand Prix, they were the cool crowd.  Young,  fun, driving souped up cars that you also see on the street.  From wikipedia, I learned one of the first Drifting competitions was held over a decade ago at Willow Springs Raceway.  My parents used to race there & that's where I attended racing school.

My mother just informed me that she quit racing when she found out she was pregnant with me.  :)  My older brother informed me she often beat my dad in time trials by a second.  A fact my dad doesn't bring up, but I hear from anonymous sources that he's secretly proud.

I really need to take racing lessons again.  Serious ones.  Can't wait.  Go to my album for photos from our LB Grand Prix Preview Day!

Below is a photo of me & Tanner Foust.  He's a drifter who did stunt work in Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift.  He took me for my first ride drifting!

Me & photojournalist Julio Duran having too much fun.

Photojournalist Brett Babcock really wanted to get inside the Indy Car.  So did I.  When we learned the seat was molded to the driver's body, we didn't ask to try it out... darn!

Me and Wilmer Valderrama.  He's so cute and always a gracious interview.

Brett Babcock rode in the pace car & filmed too.  He's a trooper! :)

Julio Duran has the big camera.  He got some great shots!

Mazda unveiled a new Le Mans car.  It's wicked!

I worked the morning shift Friday, but stayed awake especially for sports... hoping my alma mater would appear... and it did!  Downey High bravely took on Dominguez Hills and got killed.  By like 40 points.  I couldn't be prouder!
I made the shoutout last week, hoping DHS students would vote to be featured on FoxHilitesLA.  I didn't realize Downey would be playing Dominguez.  Sorry guys!  I kinda feel like I sent lambs to slaughter. 
Since I attended there - like 100 years ago - Dominguez has been kicking our butts.  The rare times when we won, we were a bit surprised.
After all, Tyson Chandler graduated from Dominguez High & went straight to the pros.  Some things never change.
But I loved seeing the mighty Vikings working their red and gold on the court.  You guys looked great!

Okay, so it was windy and cold outside today.  But once I walked into the Coliseum, I was all warm & toasty with my Trojan spirit.  I know I'm getting a little sentimental here, but it's the holidays, people.

I even felt a little compassion for the Bruin fans, who were tucked into a little corner of the stadium.  They were sitting in the shade where it was extra chilly.  Even the cheerleaders were wearing their jackets.  Thank goodness the band was there because when the Bruins had a good play you could hear some sort of noise that wasn't the Fight Song... but I didn't feel that bad. 

I was so happy to look around and see nearly every seat filled with a fan wearing red.  My only issue is that we're looking a bit like Team Gryffindor from Harry Potter. 

Yes, I've read a few of the books.  Shhh.. don't tell anybody.  I really like the red and gold striped scarves.  I even bought one today & wore it on the air tonight.  But the label even says, "Potter Scarf."  That's the label from the USC Bookstore.  My goodness.

Anyway, right before I went on the air tonight, Brian in our control room told me I look Christmassy in my red jacket and striped scarf.  Now I don't feel so silly.  I feel that Trojan spirit again... and it feels good, oh it feels so good, huh!

(that was a cheer)

I had the most fun I've ever had at a game... ever!

I've been covering the Angels in Anaheim since Friday night, when the Mariners won.  Again on Saturday, when we don't need to mention again who won... so I was more worried about who was going to win Sunday's game than what would happen afterward.

Now, I've watched the celebrations on TV & naively thought that the reporters might get hit by a bit of a spray as the players doused each other.... but I didn't expect to get soaked!

I thought when a reporter is interviewing a player... it's kind of a sacred thing.. like let us get a great soundbite!  But little did I know it just made us one big target.  

While I'm interviewing Howie Kendrick, I'm thinking... Poor Howie is getting soaked during this interview... but he's giving great soundbite!

That was until I was sprayed with what felt like a garden hose that had been left out in the winter. 

Howie's a star.. because he sounded so eloquent while getting doused.  When I tried to talk... first, I couldn't open my eyes because they were stinging so much... then, I couldn't catch my breath because it was so cold.

But you know what?  That was absolutely the most exhilirating time I've had since who knows when.  There's nothing like being in the locker room with a winning team!

When was the last time you felt this way?

My awkward years were in middle school.  That's when I had a had a poofy spiral perm and went through the awkward stages of puberty.  When I think back to middle school I cringe.

I was so unsure of myself back then, I was the perfect target for bullies.  I remember a girl pulling my hair in the hallway and wanting to start a fight with me.  I was so scared I just stood there and started crying a few minutes later.  I remember riding my bike home and a group of teenage girls chasing me in a minivan.  Those years were not very fun. 

I have been covering local high school football games for our new website - www.foxhilitesla.com.  Thankfully, high school brings back great memories.  If I were covering middle schools I think I would break out in an instant case of pimples and trip in the hallway, with my stuff flying everywhere.

Do you remember going to high school games?  As you walk in, parents are selling hot dogs and cokes for a buck.  At the Azusa game they were grilling the hot dogs over an open flame - nice touch!

There are clusters of friends and families in the stands, and the band is up there with them, playing as the flag team dances to their music. 

On the field, the cheerleaders perform a mix of chants as the football players go at it on the field.  This week, even the Azusa football players were doing their own cheers.  One of them would start saying "Defense, defense," and the team would join in.  Do they do that in college?   I don't think so.

After the game, I talked to a few of the guys, matching their numbers with their names, and to me they were so young!  Can it be that long ago?  I remember feeling so grown up in high school.  Sheesh, I was such a kid. 

After the game, we all went to a local church for what was called, "5th Quarter."  They would serve pizza and coke for a couple of bucks and play music.  I think it ended with a prayer, and it was also the spot where guys would meet for fights after the game.  Kind of funny - instead of meeing at the bleachers for a brawl.... let's settle this at church! 

Are most of your great memories from high school, or was it like my junior high year?  Or were you one of the lucky ones - king of the hill all through life.  Maybe your awkward years are yet to come!

Does life get any better than this?

It's sunny with a lazy breeze, the smell of hot dogs circles around me and from time to time, the cheering of thousands of fans swells from the stadium.  I'm at the Dodger's game! 

Both my heart and my stomach take a little flip.  I have to get my hands on one of those Dodger Dogs!

Don't you love being inside the stadium? Excitement electrifies the air.  Everyone acts very un-LA, smiling at each other.  Even in the elevator, everyone's chatty & friendly cracking jokes.

One guy is wearing a sombrero with LA emblazoned on the top cone.  When he looks up, it reveals Dodgers written inside of the brim.  An infant is stuffed into a tiny cheerleader uniform, Chicago Cubs stitched across the front.  I could sit and watch the fans all day.

As I score countless interviews - gotta love those fans! - I run into my coworker Steve, who has a baby in each arm.  One has a Cubs cap, the other wears a Dodger's hat.  Oh boy, I can't imagine the rivalry at his house!

Gotta run!  The game's just ended & I'm doing a live shot for Extra Innings! 

Ok I'm back, if a bit heartbroken.  The Cubs won 4-2.  I knew the Cubs were on a roll when they hit two back-to-back homers in the 2nd inning. 

At least I got my hands on a Dodger Dog.  It was scrumptious.  Ray also brought tamales for the crew from some place near Sunset & Echo Park.  They were the best. 

Gotta run, heading off to tonight's story!

So, this was my first time filling out a sports bracket.  

I didn't know what a bracket was until it was explained to me, okay?  I'm being truthful.

I've jumped into the March Madness ring and it's fun!

I filled it out looking at the rankings, but keeping two schools in the race to have a final showdown...  USC vs. UCLA.

They would be my dream picks at the end.

Will it happen?  Probably not, but since this is my bracket I'll do what I want to! 

(Insert song: It's my party and I'll cry if I want to....)