1. Travel: Lots of it this month. I went to VA for work - caught up with a former colleague - good to see you ! Not much else to report on that trip... Seeing CM was the highlight.
2. NASCAR: I took the boys to Charlotte the week before the race, and we met Jimmie Johnson. I am not normally star struck, nor am I normally one to do such a thing (fan events and such), but this time it was for the boys. The twins are big time HMS fans. Not so much Dale Jr (as most are), but Jimmie and Jeff.
The first day, we went to the HMS Museum and store. (Pics are on Facebook. If you're my friend, you can see them.) The boys were completely blown away by the "real race cars" they got to see up close. My oldest son has been a 24 fan forever, and was amazed by seeing the "Rainbow Warrior" era cars from Jeff's championships.
Day two, and I think the boys were so fired up that I was afraid they would wake up all of Concord. It didn't help that it had rained the entire day before, but suffice it to say, any fears I had that they may not enjoy this were allayed. We went to HMS, the boys had an awesome time, and it really went by way too quickly. The highlight was during Q&A when Alex (6 y/o) mustered up the courage to ask Jimmie (on microphone):
"Hi Jimmie. I am um.... (pause because he heard his voice on the speakers and I think it freaked him out a little) ...Alex from Georgia. I want to know if you and Jeff Gordon are still best friends."
The room exploded with laughter and cheers / applause. Jimmie said that was the best question of the day - and by the way said "yes they are". We also heard some very insider stuff t that I won't repeat here.
That day was a TON of fun, and the boys are still talking about the day they met Jimmie Johnson. It really is people like this, and fan focus like this that makes NASCAR what it is. Before the redneck comments come piling in - keep in mind, it is arguably the biggest sport in America (based on attendance and TV). So, if it's a redneck sport, and the biggest sport, does that make us all rednecks?
3. Milestones: My mom and step-father reach their 25th in November. Quite an accomplishment I must say. I have little confidence that I will reach it, based on my most recent experiences, but to them, I lift a glass. Congratulations Mom and John.
Another milestone: I am 43 years old today. Big freaking deal... :) The milestone part is that I have lost 50 pounds since February, and although I have reached a plateau of sorts, now weigh less than I did 20 years ago. I feel great, my life is coming back together after a rather disastrous year, and I can again see the light at the end of the tunnel. Let's just hope it's not the proverbial train...
finis.
2 comments:
Of course 43 is a big deal -- you're no longer the answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything. I'll join you in a few weeks.
Happy belated B-day Big Man (though you're no longer so big). I'll never understand car-racing fans, not matter how many of them there are. Just because something is popular does not mean that it is not stupid. This phenomenon is what makes America America. Pop culture is full of embarassingly stupid things.
Tiberius
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