That's right... 2009 is almost done.
I've not posted much for me lacking the ability to put the words into some sort of order that would resemble some kind of arrangement that wouldn't sound confusing.
I'll be working on the "year in review" tonight and should have something posted. I hope.
I'll be going away next week, so I won't get around to much else, but should have some fun pics and stories to share.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Slacking on things
With the coming cold winter weather fast approaching we begin to slow things down, become less active. I've actually been busier than I expected. That means that it's only one reason why I've not posted in a while. Mostly though, I've just been lazy.
Since the last post I made my yearly trek to Bowling Green, KY to the National Corvette Museum. This year was the 1st time I got to take the Z06 to the museum for this fall trip. Also, this is the 1st time I've not stayed the weekend. I did a whopping 735 miles on the 1st day, leaving the house and heading to BG driving thru the night, arriving there @ 7 AM local time. I stayed a few hours, talking to a friend that works there, and then seeing the new changes there and then headed to Kim's house. I had some great backroads to explore on the way and it was amazing.
We spent the rest of the day together, having a nice Birthday dinner and then decorating her Christmas tree and watching a classic movie.
The next morning we did a bunch of fun activities that morning and then it was back on the road again. I had beautiful weather all weekend and it was a perfect end to a great driving season in the Vette. Making it special was seeing Kim 2 weekends in a row. We're trying to make it where we can see each other as much as possible and hopefully, it's working :)
The recent holiday weekend was a pleasant one, as I got to spend it with some great friends and have some great food to boot.
I have a busy couple weekends coming up before the holidays. The cruise is only 5 or 6 weeks away, and I still have alot ot get done. Passport is on it's way, snorkel mask is being ground for my perscription, and all I need now is more of a 'cool' wardrobe to go along with my new trip.
On top of all of this... I've had a resurgence of an old love... muscle cars, and model building.
I picked up a copy of "Muscle Car Review" magazine a couple weeks ago mainly because it had a beautiful 1970 Olds 442 on the cover. I remembered just how COOL those old cars are and miss hanging out in those circles. While the Covette guys are great, the muscle car guys are even more diverse and spread out. I also had a great refresher @ the Corvette museum about how cool model building can be. There was a cool display that was themed around Corvettes and a 'shop' that had various models built to look in various states of repair. Really was a great thing to see. Made me want to dive back in a bit over the winter in my 'free time' and have some fun.
Like I need another hobby....
Since the last post I made my yearly trek to Bowling Green, KY to the National Corvette Museum. This year was the 1st time I got to take the Z06 to the museum for this fall trip. Also, this is the 1st time I've not stayed the weekend. I did a whopping 735 miles on the 1st day, leaving the house and heading to BG driving thru the night, arriving there @ 7 AM local time. I stayed a few hours, talking to a friend that works there, and then seeing the new changes there and then headed to Kim's house. I had some great backroads to explore on the way and it was amazing.
We spent the rest of the day together, having a nice Birthday dinner and then decorating her Christmas tree and watching a classic movie.
The next morning we did a bunch of fun activities that morning and then it was back on the road again. I had beautiful weather all weekend and it was a perfect end to a great driving season in the Vette. Making it special was seeing Kim 2 weekends in a row. We're trying to make it where we can see each other as much as possible and hopefully, it's working :)
The recent holiday weekend was a pleasant one, as I got to spend it with some great friends and have some great food to boot.
I have a busy couple weekends coming up before the holidays. The cruise is only 5 or 6 weeks away, and I still have alot ot get done. Passport is on it's way, snorkel mask is being ground for my perscription, and all I need now is more of a 'cool' wardrobe to go along with my new trip.
On top of all of this... I've had a resurgence of an old love... muscle cars, and model building.
I picked up a copy of "Muscle Car Review" magazine a couple weeks ago mainly because it had a beautiful 1970 Olds 442 on the cover. I remembered just how COOL those old cars are and miss hanging out in those circles. While the Covette guys are great, the muscle car guys are even more diverse and spread out. I also had a great refresher @ the Corvette museum about how cool model building can be. There was a cool display that was themed around Corvettes and a 'shop' that had various models built to look in various states of repair. Really was a great thing to see. Made me want to dive back in a bit over the winter in my 'free time' and have some fun.
Like I need another hobby....
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What a difference a week makes
Well,
The past week has been a whirlwind of excitement and change here. Kim and I did a lot of talking and after everything that's gone on this past month, she decided that with ME is where she wants to be. I couldn't have been happier.
While we're still working out the little details of things, the big picture is looking good. I'm working getting things to where we can see each other every other weekend and now that I've gotten my passport applied for, she invited me to go along with her on a cruise after the 1st of the year. It will be my 1st time for alot of things... 1) first cruise 2) first time out of the country ( other than Canada when I was 13 ) 3) first time to try snorkeling
On top of all that... I've even tried to expand my food choices. Kinda. I know I'm a picky eater and that my food tastes have always been a big issue for dating and such. I'm trying to change that. Baby steps are the key with that for me.
The past week has been a whirlwind of excitement and change here. Kim and I did a lot of talking and after everything that's gone on this past month, she decided that with ME is where she wants to be. I couldn't have been happier.
While we're still working out the little details of things, the big picture is looking good. I'm working getting things to where we can see each other every other weekend and now that I've gotten my passport applied for, she invited me to go along with her on a cruise after the 1st of the year. It will be my 1st time for alot of things... 1) first cruise 2) first time out of the country ( other than Canada when I was 13 ) 3) first time to try snorkeling
On top of all that... I've even tried to expand my food choices. Kinda. I know I'm a picky eater and that my food tastes have always been a big issue for dating and such. I'm trying to change that. Baby steps are the key with that for me.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A new week
Well, I made it thru the weekend and it seems I'm still in one piece.
That was probably one of the roughest 3 days I've had in my memories. I spent the weekend trying to keep busy, and thru it all nothing worked. Everything I thought of reminded me of the very things I was trying to block out ( not forget ) and it all came to a head on Sunday when I took the Vette out for a drive.
I set the nav to a specific endpoint, but didn't follow its suggestions. When it told me a turn was coming, I'd look, and decide then if it was the right direction. In doing so, I found some incredible little back roads that wound thru farmlands and valleys and small towns in my area. I'd go 10-15 minutes before I'd see another car at times and only saw 1 car that had a light bar on the roof the whole trip that lasted 4+ hours.
The destination was a goal, but NOT the final outcome. It felt good to get the car out and drive without purpose or a time limit. What was normally a 45 minute drive turned into almost 2 hours. It gave me time to think, as I do some of my best thinking while I'm on a drive. I had the time to think about the choices I've made, the ones I want to make, and understanding not only the result of those choices, but the ramifications of them.
I ended up in Ohiophyle State park just past Frank Loyd Wright's Fallingwater masterpiece. I still have yet to go IN the place, but I've been on the grounds.
I spent about 2 hours walking around Ohiophyle, watching the rapids, the people kayaking, fishing and hiking thru the area. It's beautiful there any time of year but fall is the best even if the leaves were all but fallen by the time this weekend came. There are great trails to bike or walk that have some great scenery. There are all kinds of natural trails along the river to hike and get some excercise. I mainly just was hanging out taking it all in. Went to another area called "Cucumber Falls" and saw some great views there. The area has changed alot since I was a kid, but most of the BIG things haven't.
I took a different route home and found more great roads.
Thru it all... with all the intent of keeping things OUT of my mind, it just solidified my resolve and reminded me that teh passenger seat was empty, and that the person I wanted to share this all with was very far away ( further than usual ) and was doing the same as me in a way... and as it turned out, we were doing the same thing... wishing the other was there to share what they were experiencing. Our minds are WAY too much alike at times...
So... the week has started and while nothing's really "changed" I DO feel things are different, and that's not a bad thing. I don't know what the coming days,weeks or months have in store, but I'm not worried about that right now. I'm not going to rush things and either of us make hasty decisions. Yes, it's not easy... but nothing worth the struggle is ever easy. And I STILL know it's worth every minute of whatever I have to go thru.
Check back tonight for some pictures
That was probably one of the roughest 3 days I've had in my memories. I spent the weekend trying to keep busy, and thru it all nothing worked. Everything I thought of reminded me of the very things I was trying to block out ( not forget ) and it all came to a head on Sunday when I took the Vette out for a drive.
I set the nav to a specific endpoint, but didn't follow its suggestions. When it told me a turn was coming, I'd look, and decide then if it was the right direction. In doing so, I found some incredible little back roads that wound thru farmlands and valleys and small towns in my area. I'd go 10-15 minutes before I'd see another car at times and only saw 1 car that had a light bar on the roof the whole trip that lasted 4+ hours.
The destination was a goal, but NOT the final outcome. It felt good to get the car out and drive without purpose or a time limit. What was normally a 45 minute drive turned into almost 2 hours. It gave me time to think, as I do some of my best thinking while I'm on a drive. I had the time to think about the choices I've made, the ones I want to make, and understanding not only the result of those choices, but the ramifications of them.
I ended up in Ohiophyle State park just past Frank Loyd Wright's Fallingwater masterpiece. I still have yet to go IN the place, but I've been on the grounds.
I spent about 2 hours walking around Ohiophyle, watching the rapids, the people kayaking, fishing and hiking thru the area. It's beautiful there any time of year but fall is the best even if the leaves were all but fallen by the time this weekend came. There are great trails to bike or walk that have some great scenery. There are all kinds of natural trails along the river to hike and get some excercise. I mainly just was hanging out taking it all in. Went to another area called "Cucumber Falls" and saw some great views there. The area has changed alot since I was a kid, but most of the BIG things haven't.
I took a different route home and found more great roads.
Thru it all... with all the intent of keeping things OUT of my mind, it just solidified my resolve and reminded me that teh passenger seat was empty, and that the person I wanted to share this all with was very far away ( further than usual ) and was doing the same as me in a way... and as it turned out, we were doing the same thing... wishing the other was there to share what they were experiencing. Our minds are WAY too much alike at times...
So... the week has started and while nothing's really "changed" I DO feel things are different, and that's not a bad thing. I don't know what the coming days,weeks or months have in store, but I'm not worried about that right now. I'm not going to rush things and either of us make hasty decisions. Yes, it's not easy... but nothing worth the struggle is ever easy. And I STILL know it's worth every minute of whatever I have to go thru.
Check back tonight for some pictures
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Long Weekend... but not the kind I want
So I'm sitting here typing away for reasons I can't quite explain.
Keeping a log of my weekend to share later.
This is the 1st weekend in a LONG time that Kim and I haven't been in constant contact with each other. We both know it needs to be done and see what comes of it. She THINKS that it's going to re-assure her of a few things about what she wants and all that. I KNOW it's killing me.
Minutes used to go by without us talking. We'd get antsy if 5 minutes went by without an email response. Now... it's been 15 hours since the last txt message and it feels like it's been 2 weeks.
I know... i'm pathetic, but those of you that still read this already know what I'm like, so that shoud be NO shock. Those that stumble on this, well this isn't really for you anyway.
Sunday night is a long ways away for me right now. That's when we've agreed to talk again. 36 hours... is going to feel like a month.
Keeping a log of my weekend to share later.
This is the 1st weekend in a LONG time that Kim and I haven't been in constant contact with each other. We both know it needs to be done and see what comes of it. She THINKS that it's going to re-assure her of a few things about what she wants and all that. I KNOW it's killing me.
Minutes used to go by without us talking. We'd get antsy if 5 minutes went by without an email response. Now... it's been 15 hours since the last txt message and it feels like it's been 2 weeks.
I know... i'm pathetic, but those of you that still read this already know what I'm like, so that shoud be NO shock. Those that stumble on this, well this isn't really for you anyway.
Sunday night is a long ways away for me right now. That's when we've agreed to talk again. 36 hours... is going to feel like a month.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Losing your grip
You always hear people say if you want something, you need to loosen your grip, or the tighter you hold on, the quicker it will slip away... I get that.
It's been a hellish 2+ weeks here. I won't lie and say that things haven't been tough, and because of my personality I make it tougher on myself. My heart and mind are at a civil war within themselves, fighting for control and the rights to the decision making processes.
It seems that no matter what I do, it only makes things worse. If I hold on and stand fast to my beliefs and what I know to be the right course of action... I lose.
If I let go and just let things happen natually, hoping that things will work themselves out... I lose. I refuse to believe that there isn't a way thru things and a solution that will work for us both, and yet I find myself doing exactly what I told myself I wouldn't do. Lose it.
Some things I still don't understand and I need to give up trying to and just accept it.
It feels dark and cold when I'm in the sun's light. I feel alone in a crowd of people. I don't interact with the world outside me, because without what I need and love... none of it is of any consequence to me.
I'm trying to let things run their course. I'm trying to let the natural process of going from someone's loved one to an old photo of someone's past. I fight it because I BELIEVE in something more than what it laying before me. I get that "well, if it's meant to be, it will work out" line and I want to die. Nothing just works itself out. It takes work, committment, struggle, frustration and patience.
If I let things go as they are now, I could lose big. Ruining any chance of things making their way back to what we both have said that we see as a possible future.
If I fight it... I WILL lose everything I want. Everything I need and love.
There's just one thing I want, need... love. And I'm helpless to make a difference.
It's been a hellish 2+ weeks here. I won't lie and say that things haven't been tough, and because of my personality I make it tougher on myself. My heart and mind are at a civil war within themselves, fighting for control and the rights to the decision making processes.
It seems that no matter what I do, it only makes things worse. If I hold on and stand fast to my beliefs and what I know to be the right course of action... I lose.
If I let go and just let things happen natually, hoping that things will work themselves out... I lose. I refuse to believe that there isn't a way thru things and a solution that will work for us both, and yet I find myself doing exactly what I told myself I wouldn't do. Lose it.
Some things I still don't understand and I need to give up trying to and just accept it.
It feels dark and cold when I'm in the sun's light. I feel alone in a crowd of people. I don't interact with the world outside me, because without what I need and love... none of it is of any consequence to me.
I'm trying to let things run their course. I'm trying to let the natural process of going from someone's loved one to an old photo of someone's past. I fight it because I BELIEVE in something more than what it laying before me. I get that "well, if it's meant to be, it will work out" line and I want to die. Nothing just works itself out. It takes work, committment, struggle, frustration and patience.
If I let things go as they are now, I could lose big. Ruining any chance of things making their way back to what we both have said that we see as a possible future.
If I fight it... I WILL lose everything I want. Everything I need and love.
There's just one thing I want, need... love. And I'm helpless to make a difference.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Things that need said
I know, I say it alot.. "never wait to tell someone how you feel" "life is short", blah blah blah...
Well, the past weeks I've had 3 deaths of people I've known. I had a neighbor across the street that I've known my whole life pass. Great man that was always great for a story about his travels thru life. Always complimenting me on how nice my cars always look and that I always get the neatest toys.
I close friend of mine from my distant past's mother passed on the week before that. She was someone that was always there to listen to me and my problems. Offereing advice on life, love and the odd story. I hadn't seen the family in years and it was like I had never left for some, and others couldn't believe that I made it... but how can I not?
My buddie's mom died of cancer 2 weekends ago and that was a sudden shock for us all. Such a great lady that always opened their home to us for cards, beer, quad riding and bonfires.
All of them are missed for their own reasons.
I've had some changes in my life as well. My travel companion, girlfriend, love and best friend and I have decided that it might be time for her travels to move on along a new path. Long distance is hard... being in two different places in our hearts and minds is harder.
It's no one's fault. No one fought, no one did anything wrong. Just got to the point where 2-3 days every other week ( or 4 ) isn't enough, yet if we were living in the same town, I'm sure it would be TOO much time together for where we're at.
It's not a matter of not loving one another. It's not a matter of us not missing each other, wishing the other one was there to share in something that only WE can 'get'. It's about time and distance. Too much distance, and not enough time.
We tell each other "I love you", "I miss you", " I need you" and mean it.
Maybe time will show that what we have is bigger than all this and can work itself out, and maybe there's someone else right around the corner that will be the one.... I don't know. If I did I'd be playing the lottery.
All I know is that I'm here... I'm not going anywhere... I love her dearly. I miss her more than I can put into words. I hope one day again we can travel not only the roads with concrete, but life's road once again together.
Maybe I'm stupid.
Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic.
Maybe I HOPE I know what I'm doing and know there's a bigger map that will prove that our roads are still on the right route and will merge again down a few more exits. All detours do.
Before it's too late, those 3 words that we all long to hear are what binds our hearts and souls. It makes us smile, it makes us cry and it makes us whole. Before it's too late... we all need to hear them.
Before you run out of days.... Don't let things go unsaid, please.
Well, the past weeks I've had 3 deaths of people I've known. I had a neighbor across the street that I've known my whole life pass. Great man that was always great for a story about his travels thru life. Always complimenting me on how nice my cars always look and that I always get the neatest toys.
I close friend of mine from my distant past's mother passed on the week before that. She was someone that was always there to listen to me and my problems. Offereing advice on life, love and the odd story. I hadn't seen the family in years and it was like I had never left for some, and others couldn't believe that I made it... but how can I not?
My buddie's mom died of cancer 2 weekends ago and that was a sudden shock for us all. Such a great lady that always opened their home to us for cards, beer, quad riding and bonfires.
All of them are missed for their own reasons.
I've had some changes in my life as well. My travel companion, girlfriend, love and best friend and I have decided that it might be time for her travels to move on along a new path. Long distance is hard... being in two different places in our hearts and minds is harder.
It's no one's fault. No one fought, no one did anything wrong. Just got to the point where 2-3 days every other week ( or 4 ) isn't enough, yet if we were living in the same town, I'm sure it would be TOO much time together for where we're at.
It's not a matter of not loving one another. It's not a matter of us not missing each other, wishing the other one was there to share in something that only WE can 'get'. It's about time and distance. Too much distance, and not enough time.
We tell each other "I love you", "I miss you", " I need you" and mean it.
Maybe time will show that what we have is bigger than all this and can work itself out, and maybe there's someone else right around the corner that will be the one.... I don't know. If I did I'd be playing the lottery.
All I know is that I'm here... I'm not going anywhere... I love her dearly. I miss her more than I can put into words. I hope one day again we can travel not only the roads with concrete, but life's road once again together.
Maybe I'm stupid.
Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic.
Maybe I HOPE I know what I'm doing and know there's a bigger map that will prove that our roads are still on the right route and will merge again down a few more exits. All detours do.
Before it's too late, those 3 words that we all long to hear are what binds our hearts and souls. It makes us smile, it makes us cry and it makes us whole. Before it's too late... we all need to hear them.
Before you run out of days.... Don't let things go unsaid, please.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Already 1 year down.
Today marks one of those shifts in my life. A year ago today, I bought my 1st Corvette. Those of you that know me, know that this has been a LONG time coming and that I've taken full advantage of having the car in my garage.
This picture was the day after I brought it home....
And this is one a few weeks ago....
So, in the past year, the car has been all over the country with me... As far west as Nebraska, and south as Tennessee. I've had it to the Corvette Museum and to the plant where it was made. I've driven it all over and enjoyed every second in the car and it's been part of some of the best memories I've made over this year.
I've joined the local Corvette club, I've hung out with some very cool and interesting people, and even made some new lasting friendships with it.
Here's to many more years of enjoyment
This picture was the day after I brought it home....
And this is one a few weeks ago....
So, in the past year, the car has been all over the country with me... As far west as Nebraska, and south as Tennessee. I've had it to the Corvette Museum and to the plant where it was made. I've driven it all over and enjoyed every second in the car and it's been part of some of the best memories I've made over this year.
I've joined the local Corvette club, I've hung out with some very cool and interesting people, and even made some new lasting friendships with it.
Here's to many more years of enjoyment
Monday, September 28, 2009
And now for something completely different
I've kinda had a one track mind lately, and for that I apologize.
So, in that theme, I'll add something I've not done for a while. I'm passionate about a few things and yes, cars are one of them. Something else is music. Now, my music doesn't really fit in with alot of popular opinions and tastes, and most of my friends can't take it. I've always listened to different things and these days it's kinda been on a more quiet note.
That's not to say it's easy listening, but compared to some of the stuff I listen to, it's quite tame.
My latest CD purchase ( you kids remember what those are right? ) is from a band I've been listening to for some time now. A band called Porcupine Tree. They really aren't able to be locked into one style or the other, as each CD is a bit different than the last.
Their music is built around haunting, sometimes very graphic lyrics, sweeping changes of music rangin from atmospheric mood setting music to hard rock/metal riffs and Zappa style time signature changes.
With this new release "The Incident", the band took more of a 'concept' approach and while sometimes the songs could've been delvoped further, they fit the piece and set the tone for the next part.
Dead center in the CD is probably one of the most relevant pieces for me that I've heard in years, called Time Flies. Without quoting the words, it's basically ( from my view at least ) all about looking back on your life and realizing that you rush so fast to grow up and get on with life, that when you're an adult, you find yourself looking back more and more at your youth ( or various points in your life ) and it feels like in a blink of an eye, you've spent the better part of your life waiting for something to happen. Waiting for things to come to you instead of going out and making life happen for you.
As we get older, we live with regret. We live with denial of those regrets ( sometimes ) and hope that if we ignore those things, that they'll go away, or not bother us.
Not taking that risk for that job that you wanted, but were afraid to fail.
Not telling that person what you really thought in fear of them being mad, sad, etc...
Letting good things in your life slip away due to insecurities, fear, pride or the worst thing... thinking that if you wait longer, something better might come along.
I think that in the grand scheme of things, I've gotten better at making life happen for myself. I've got a great job, a beautiful girlfriend that treats me far better than I feel I deserve, and I have a hobby that has opened my life up to so many new experiences, people, places and opportunities.
I need to get better, and time is short for us all.
So, in that theme, I'll add something I've not done for a while. I'm passionate about a few things and yes, cars are one of them. Something else is music. Now, my music doesn't really fit in with alot of popular opinions and tastes, and most of my friends can't take it. I've always listened to different things and these days it's kinda been on a more quiet note.
That's not to say it's easy listening, but compared to some of the stuff I listen to, it's quite tame.
My latest CD purchase ( you kids remember what those are right? ) is from a band I've been listening to for some time now. A band called Porcupine Tree. They really aren't able to be locked into one style or the other, as each CD is a bit different than the last.
Their music is built around haunting, sometimes very graphic lyrics, sweeping changes of music rangin from atmospheric mood setting music to hard rock/metal riffs and Zappa style time signature changes.
With this new release "The Incident", the band took more of a 'concept' approach and while sometimes the songs could've been delvoped further, they fit the piece and set the tone for the next part.
Dead center in the CD is probably one of the most relevant pieces for me that I've heard in years, called Time Flies. Without quoting the words, it's basically ( from my view at least ) all about looking back on your life and realizing that you rush so fast to grow up and get on with life, that when you're an adult, you find yourself looking back more and more at your youth ( or various points in your life ) and it feels like in a blink of an eye, you've spent the better part of your life waiting for something to happen. Waiting for things to come to you instead of going out and making life happen for you.
As we get older, we live with regret. We live with denial of those regrets ( sometimes ) and hope that if we ignore those things, that they'll go away, or not bother us.
Not taking that risk for that job that you wanted, but were afraid to fail.
Not telling that person what you really thought in fear of them being mad, sad, etc...
Letting good things in your life slip away due to insecurities, fear, pride or the worst thing... thinking that if you wait longer, something better might come along.
I think that in the grand scheme of things, I've gotten better at making life happen for myself. I've got a great job, a beautiful girlfriend that treats me far better than I feel I deserve, and I have a hobby that has opened my life up to so many new experiences, people, places and opportunities.
I need to get better, and time is short for us all.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Nationals Final update
Hi all,
I was asked to do a write-up on my experience @ the 2009 SCCA Solo National Championships for my Corvette Club.
So, in it I have provided some pictures and links to video, as well as a little story.
http://www.ccwp.org/pages/events_motorsports.shtml
Enjoy!
I was asked to do a write-up on my experience @ the 2009 SCCA Solo National Championships for my Corvette Club.
So, in it I have provided some pictures and links to video, as well as a little story.
http://www.ccwp.org/pages/events_motorsports.shtml
Enjoy!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Nationals Wrapping up
Just got in from a night of watching the football game and hanging out with some local autocrossers.
We will be leaving sometime tomorrow afternoon, and should have a little write up later in the beginning of the week about the trip.
It's been alot of fun and made soem new friends and got to see some people I only get to see once or twice a year.
Hard to believe it's done already
We will be leaving sometime tomorrow afternoon, and should have a little write up later in the beginning of the week about the trip.
It's been alot of fun and made soem new friends and got to see some people I only get to see once or twice a year.
Hard to believe it's done already
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The updates keep coming...
Well, day #2 of my runs didn't go very swimmingly. Actually, they DID, as there was rain on our run group and there was alot of water on the course.... so much so that we had our hands full just to keep the car from becoming an off shore boat.
My co-driver was one of the few that got one decently dry run, and his was still not bone dry. Each car going out lost 1 second each... By the time the 2nd drivers came to the line it was very wet. I had one clean run out of the 3 ( which totaled ONE run of 6 for the whole event ) and that made my times slower and dropped to next-to-last. My co-driver jumped up 10 spaces to the bottom section of mid-pack.
So, the awards banquet was tonight and while that was fun, it wasn't as much fun as if we'd have both driven as good as we could and known that the weather decided many of our fates, not just ours. So...
Tomorrow and Friday is just days of relaxing and helping out some other local drivers if they get rained on. Heading back home Friday night/Saturday morning. Should be back on Saturday night to start back to work on Monday.
The wi-fi here is a bit slow, or I would have a few vids up by now. Maybe once I get back.
My co-driver was one of the few that got one decently dry run, and his was still not bone dry. Each car going out lost 1 second each... By the time the 2nd drivers came to the line it was very wet. I had one clean run out of the 3 ( which totaled ONE run of 6 for the whole event ) and that made my times slower and dropped to next-to-last. My co-driver jumped up 10 spaces to the bottom section of mid-pack.
So, the awards banquet was tonight and while that was fun, it wasn't as much fun as if we'd have both driven as good as we could and known that the weather decided many of our fates, not just ours. So...
Tomorrow and Friday is just days of relaxing and helping out some other local drivers if they get rained on. Heading back home Friday night/Saturday morning. Should be back on Saturday night to start back to work on Monday.
The wi-fi here is a bit slow, or I would have a few vids up by now. Maybe once I get back.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
2009 Nats update
It's been a long day, so I've not had the energy to update right now... pics, vids and text entries will be done tomorrow night once I get more time and energy.
Hope you all understand
Hope you all understand
Monday, September 7, 2009
Nationals 2009 - Day 2
Today's main focus was just walking. And more walking.
And more walking.
we walked for hours around the courses and got ideas and game plans for what we need/want to do for the event. Later in the day we did a seminar that one of the driving schools put on. Got some great feedback on what we thought we knew about the courses and also some tidbits we never thought of.
Also, we had a driver's welcome party that was incredible. The party itself wasn't much to write about, but the location was incredible for a car guy/gal. It was a huge autmotive museum that was cars, bikes, auto memorabilia and toys and anything esle related to it.
http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com/index.shtml
3 floors of history that was immense. Too much to see in a short time and to much to take in. I was greatly impressed. If you're in Lincoln Nebraska and like cars... this is a must see.
Tomorrow's day #1 of competition. It's an early day for us and we think it's going to be a great day... no matter the outcome.
More to come.
And more walking.
we walked for hours around the courses and got ideas and game plans for what we need/want to do for the event. Later in the day we did a seminar that one of the driving schools put on. Got some great feedback on what we thought we knew about the courses and also some tidbits we never thought of.
Also, we had a driver's welcome party that was incredible. The party itself wasn't much to write about, but the location was incredible for a car guy/gal. It was a huge autmotive museum that was cars, bikes, auto memorabilia and toys and anything esle related to it.
http://www.museumofamericanspeed.com/index.shtml
3 floors of history that was immense. Too much to see in a short time and to much to take in. I was greatly impressed. If you're in Lincoln Nebraska and like cars... this is a must see.
Tomorrow's day #1 of competition. It's an early day for us and we think it's going to be a great day... no matter the outcome.
More to come.
2009 Nationals Diary - Day #1
http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm308/AverageVetteNut/2009%20Nationals/
Above is a link of some pics that Ryan and I took yesterday during the practice sessions, and also the Pro-Solo finale.
We are in Lincoln Nebraska competing in the SCCA Solo National CHampionships. For those of you wanting to follow the action as it happens, there's a semi-live link on SCCA's site. THat link will be posted below.
http://www.scca.com/event.aspx?hub=3&event=13555
Just find the link for EVENT RESULTS and "SS" class is at the top. #s 85 and 185 ss ( Super Stock ) is our cars.
Today is just a day of walking the courses and figuring out where to go fast. Tomorrow and Wednesday, is our competition days. That night, we'll know how we stack up to the nation's best and know where we need to work on things.
more pictures, videos and stories to follow.
Above is a link of some pics that Ryan and I took yesterday during the practice sessions, and also the Pro-Solo finale.
We are in Lincoln Nebraska competing in the SCCA Solo National CHampionships. For those of you wanting to follow the action as it happens, there's a semi-live link on SCCA's site. THat link will be posted below.
http://www.scca.com/event.aspx?hub=3&event=13555
Just find the link for EVENT RESULTS and "SS" class is at the top. #s 85 and 185 ss ( Super Stock ) is our cars.
Today is just a day of walking the courses and figuring out where to go fast. Tomorrow and Wednesday, is our competition days. That night, we'll know how we stack up to the nation's best and know where we need to work on things.
more pictures, videos and stories to follow.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Big updates to come
Stay tuned here all week as I'm going to be not only posting up why I've been so bad about writing here, but also what I'm up to this week.
My summer's been a busy one here, but here's the cliffnotes :)
Monday thru Thursday... work
Friday thru Sunday... Either a) Racing b) Visiting Kim c) Kim visiting me.
Rinse and repeat... always rinse and repeat.
It's been a fantastic summer here. Kim and I haven't gotten to see each other as much as either of us liked, but we made it work. She's made this summer the best I've had as far back as I can recall.
I've been all over the eastern and mid-west part of the country autocrossing ( I'm in Lincoln, Nebraska as I type this ), and while the results have been mixed, the car is finally clicking with me and I'm hoping the results this week will reflect that.
Kim and I have been to some really great spots this summer both around her place, around mine, and in between. I showed her around a big corvette show/party last weekend, and to Gettysburg, PA as well. I think we're going back to there in a month.
Like I said... more to come. More pics, stories and thoughts.
My summer's been a busy one here, but here's the cliffnotes :)
Monday thru Thursday... work
Friday thru Sunday... Either a) Racing b) Visiting Kim c) Kim visiting me.
Rinse and repeat... always rinse and repeat.
It's been a fantastic summer here. Kim and I haven't gotten to see each other as much as either of us liked, but we made it work. She's made this summer the best I've had as far back as I can recall.
I've been all over the eastern and mid-west part of the country autocrossing ( I'm in Lincoln, Nebraska as I type this ), and while the results have been mixed, the car is finally clicking with me and I'm hoping the results this week will reflect that.
Kim and I have been to some really great spots this summer both around her place, around mine, and in between. I showed her around a big corvette show/party last weekend, and to Gettysburg, PA as well. I think we're going back to there in a month.
Like I said... more to come. More pics, stories and thoughts.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Beyond the norm
We all have our ideas of what 'normal' is all about. Whether it's when you're thinking about what is normal at work, with friends/family, or with life in general.
This is more about something that has been slighted greatly in the press and altering the public's opinion about... the american auto industry.
This weekend, I spent the weekend with my girlfriend in Kentucky... Bowling Green to be exact. The home of the Corvette for the past 27 years now. As people know me know, this isn't the first time I've been there. It's not been the 1st time this year...
It was a great weekend strictly because I got to spend it with Kim. Didn't matter if we sat and watched ants walk up and down the sidewalk, and that we got to do something that we BOTH enjoy. Her Corvette club had a trip to BG to see the plant and get a tour, and get a special tour @ the Corvette Museum, which is right across the highway from the plant.
Kim had never gotten to do the plant tour before, so it was special to me since I'd get to see how SHE reacted to things there. I was very pleased to find that she had a great experience and learned a thing or two along the way... we BOTH did ;)
That GM schedules a tour of their plant for the public is fantastic. That they will let you watch YOUR Corvette be built as it goes down the line is amazing... After her club finished the tours, we all got a special treat of sitting down with the new plant manager, Tom Hill. Very nice guy, and very passionate about keeping Corvette strong on his watch. He talked at length about any questions we had, responded to comments about various Corvette things, and in the end, met us out in the lot to check out our cars and let us see his... a pre-production 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible.
Very nice indeed.
The rest of the weekend aside from a museum tour was just US for the most part. It was nice and I miss that terribly. I've been slacking on posting this as I got busy and have had alot going on here as well. ( This all took place at the end of June over Father's day weekend... I know, I'm a chump )
So, now I've got almost 2 weeks until I see her again, and I can't wait. We'll have another 4 week span before we can get together again and neither of us are happy about that.
More to be posted later this week... I'm working with only 2 1/2 hrs sleep right now.
This is more about something that has been slighted greatly in the press and altering the public's opinion about... the american auto industry.
This weekend, I spent the weekend with my girlfriend in Kentucky... Bowling Green to be exact. The home of the Corvette for the past 27 years now. As people know me know, this isn't the first time I've been there. It's not been the 1st time this year...
It was a great weekend strictly because I got to spend it with Kim. Didn't matter if we sat and watched ants walk up and down the sidewalk, and that we got to do something that we BOTH enjoy. Her Corvette club had a trip to BG to see the plant and get a tour, and get a special tour @ the Corvette Museum, which is right across the highway from the plant.
Kim had never gotten to do the plant tour before, so it was special to me since I'd get to see how SHE reacted to things there. I was very pleased to find that she had a great experience and learned a thing or two along the way... we BOTH did ;)
That GM schedules a tour of their plant for the public is fantastic. That they will let you watch YOUR Corvette be built as it goes down the line is amazing... After her club finished the tours, we all got a special treat of sitting down with the new plant manager, Tom Hill. Very nice guy, and very passionate about keeping Corvette strong on his watch. He talked at length about any questions we had, responded to comments about various Corvette things, and in the end, met us out in the lot to check out our cars and let us see his... a pre-production 2010 Corvette Grand Sport Convertible.
Very nice indeed.
The rest of the weekend aside from a museum tour was just US for the most part. It was nice and I miss that terribly. I've been slacking on posting this as I got busy and have had alot going on here as well. ( This all took place at the end of June over Father's day weekend... I know, I'm a chump )
So, now I've got almost 2 weeks until I see her again, and I can't wait. We'll have another 4 week span before we can get together again and neither of us are happy about that.
More to be posted later this week... I'm working with only 2 1/2 hrs sleep right now.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Playin 'catch-up"
This title is quite relevant for me in that not only I'm trying to catch up on this, but trying to catch up on life in general.
Since the last time I posted, I've been quite busy with attending a driving school to make sure I keep progressing and get more used to the car. I had a good outing @ the school and learned alot about what I was doing right and wrong not only as a driver, but with the car. I was able to learn to trust the car more as well as trust my instinct and driving.
The following week was a wild one personally. My girlfriend had a really rough week and it hurt to not be there in person to help. I know I can't fix everything and maybe there was nothing I could do even if I was there... but still didn't make me feel better.
So, on Friday I got a great surprise in that she wanted to come visit and get away for a few days. While I had alot going on, it was all stuff that was even better that she was there to share in it with me. We spent the day together and in the evening went to my cousin's place for dinner. His the ladies sat on the porch with some margaritas while us guys took the Z06 for quick shakedown drive.
My cousin was driving the Z for the 1st time @ an event and wanted to get a feel for the car on the street 1st. We had a great dinner that we cooked out on the grill... burgers, chicken and corn on the cobb.
In the morning we all went out to the autocross and had a great time. I even got an added surprise in that another cousin brought his wife and kids out to watch too. I think everyone had a great time. Kim and my cousin both came for rides in the car on runs and seemed to enjoy it.
Ryan had me in the car on his 1st 2 runs and after that , he needed NO more instruction. He had a great drive in the car and is a Corvette convert for sure. In the end, he nipped me out as a result of my pushing too hard on my last runs, but I was extatic that he drove so well. That bodes well for our other events this year as I wanted to make sure he enjoyed the drive.
Mission accomplished.
Other aspects of the past week or so have been a bit tough, but we're getting thru it. We've been thru alot together over the past 8 months and we'll get thru this as well. She's completely worth it.
Since the last time I posted, I've been quite busy with attending a driving school to make sure I keep progressing and get more used to the car. I had a good outing @ the school and learned alot about what I was doing right and wrong not only as a driver, but with the car. I was able to learn to trust the car more as well as trust my instinct and driving.
The following week was a wild one personally. My girlfriend had a really rough week and it hurt to not be there in person to help. I know I can't fix everything and maybe there was nothing I could do even if I was there... but still didn't make me feel better.
So, on Friday I got a great surprise in that she wanted to come visit and get away for a few days. While I had alot going on, it was all stuff that was even better that she was there to share in it with me. We spent the day together and in the evening went to my cousin's place for dinner. His the ladies sat on the porch with some margaritas while us guys took the Z06 for quick shakedown drive.
My cousin was driving the Z for the 1st time @ an event and wanted to get a feel for the car on the street 1st. We had a great dinner that we cooked out on the grill... burgers, chicken and corn on the cobb.
In the morning we all went out to the autocross and had a great time. I even got an added surprise in that another cousin brought his wife and kids out to watch too. I think everyone had a great time. Kim and my cousin both came for rides in the car on runs and seemed to enjoy it.
Ryan had me in the car on his 1st 2 runs and after that , he needed NO more instruction. He had a great drive in the car and is a Corvette convert for sure. In the end, he nipped me out as a result of my pushing too hard on my last runs, but I was extatic that he drove so well. That bodes well for our other events this year as I wanted to make sure he enjoyed the drive.
Mission accomplished.
Other aspects of the past week or so have been a bit tough, but we're getting thru it. We've been thru alot together over the past 8 months and we'll get thru this as well. She's completely worth it.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
It’s been a while since I posted, but it’s been a very busy month or so. I’ve been working hard to get the car ready for the new season, I’ve been working, and over the past weekend I actually had some relaxation in with some racing.
This weekend was the annual Cruise-in for one of the Forums I am on. There’s a lot of great stuff to do there, and between road tours, poker runs, drag racing, autocross and tons of food, drink and friendship it was a great time. Kim and I had a great 5 days together making new friends and getting to catch up with people we’ve met along the way.The weather was beautiful for the entire time while there, and only rained on the day we went back to her place. The additions to the museum were top notch and the staff as usual were great to all of us.
. I decided this year that I would compete in the yearly autocross there and it was quite a day. The guys there are a bunch of really good drivers and a number of them were past winners there. I was just hoping to keep close to the top guys. 2 other cars were on racing tires like I was, and one car had 4 drivers, so I had 5 others to compete directly against.My 1st run there was hairy and I made a big mistake and it cost me time. My 2nd run was much more controlled and while I wasn’t really “happy” with it, I was only 1 tenth of a second behind the leader. Our last runs saw me drop 7 tenths and now it was their turn to catch up.
In the end, I came out on top with 2nd and 3rd not far behind. I never won anything outright like that, and I have to admit it was a great feeling. I had a lot of genuine congratulations while there, and a number of people came up to me the rest of the weekend to say “good job”.
We later had a great dinner with 60+ of our fellow Corvette friends and then some go-kart driving. Kim did really well, and while there was no official “winner” she was very fast and in my eyes won.
The rest of the weekend was Kim and I getting to spend some time on our own. That was perhaps the best of the whole weekend. We had time together the whole weekend, but we had something to do or somewhere to be until Sunday. We napped… washed her car, we got to work on it and show her how to do some new tricks to the car. Had a nice dinner together , and then watched a movie. It was a great quiet night with just the two of us. Monday morning we had a nice breakfast @ our favorite spot and after fighting with her van’s headlight to replace it was time for me to go.
The fact that the rain was there most of the drive home was fitting, as that was my mood. I had a really great time, and didn’t want it to end. But like everything in life, it has to sometime.
So, now we have at least 3 weeks before the next visit and more of that thru the summer. Niether of us are thrilled about it, but so far we’re making it work. I hope it goes easier than I have thoughts about.
I’ll post some pics up here as well
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Cades Cove
This past weekend, I made a trip to TN to visit my beautiful lady and she had a very nice surprise in store for me. All I was told was that I was to be ready to leave by a certain time, and that I wasn't driving my car on the trip.
We went to a state park called Cades Cove State Park http://www.cadescove.net/ and it was amazing. A ver nice leisurely drive thru the Smokey Mountains and the park itself is basically based around a mid-1800s settlement that peaked and faded like many small towns thruought the US at that time.
While out there, we read that there was alot of wildlife out there including deer, and black bear. We Ended up seeing both! As you can see from the pics I got relatively close to them. With the zoom maxed out, that was the best I could get and that was from about 50-75 yards away.
While out there, we read that there was alot of wildlife out there including deer, and black bear. We Ended up seeing both! As you can see from the pics I got relatively close to them. With the zoom maxed out, that was the best I could get and that was from about 50-75 yards away.
It was a wonderful day together. We had a nice lunch that was packed, a sunny day in a convertible and some very great history and insight into just how tough our ancestors had it back then. It's amazing what they all endured and had to overcome to make a life for their families. Walking around the various churches it became evident of how hard it was. Many children didn't survive long, sometimes seeming as many parents tried unsuccessfully to keep a family growing. It was quite sad and at the same time it was a reminder to me of just how lucky we are that we have what we do, and that we as a people are able to thrive and make a life.
Makes all the 'little things' seem that much smaller.
Makes all the 'little things' seem that much smaller.
Now we have 4 weeks apart and that is NOT something either one of us are looking forward to. Hope it goes fast.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Back for more
I'm sorry I've been absent the past few months. I've really not had the urge to vent about my personal happenings. This year has been a bit crazy and the few thoughts and feelings I've had worth sharing have only been shared with those that are closest to me.
Spring is here and that means racing season is starting back up. I've been working behind the scenes trying to get the new car ready and start planning the trips. This is going to be a VERY busy year and an exciting one at that.
Next.. work has been a very strange place. We're not very busy compared to how we've been the past few years. We've been doing alot of re-organizing and taking this downtime as a GOOD thing at a great time for us to make the good things that work better, and weed out the bad things we've been dealing with but not had time to fix.
I've been able to work a deal out with my bosses to allow me to still work 40 hour weeks, but do it over 4 days instead of 5. That gets me more time to travel to the events and on the weekends that we're not racing, I can work on the car, cut grass, etc... or travel to see Kim.
In that arena.. where do I start. I've never been in this situation before. So deeply immersed in someone that everything we are finds it's way into each aspect of my life. It's been a big learning curve for me and while I've been trying to adjust and 'do the right thing', I've not been nearly the person I should've been from the start. The intent was there, but the execution was not. That's something I've worked on to correct and I hope I'm getting things right.
We've tried to make this long distance relationship work the best we can, and while not always easy, it's the effort that counts. We try to visit each other as often as possible, and sometime that means 4 weeks between visits. We do what we can and in the end, I can't ask for anything more.
The summer is going to prove very interesting in that we've both got things we want to do together, and on our own ( more due to necessity than choice ), and I'm sure that if we work as hard as we are now at it, we can get thru it just fine and make us closer.
I'll try to keep this updated and post pics and stories along the way.
Thanks for not giving up on me. I've not given up on this.
Spring is here and that means racing season is starting back up. I've been working behind the scenes trying to get the new car ready and start planning the trips. This is going to be a VERY busy year and an exciting one at that.
Next.. work has been a very strange place. We're not very busy compared to how we've been the past few years. We've been doing alot of re-organizing and taking this downtime as a GOOD thing at a great time for us to make the good things that work better, and weed out the bad things we've been dealing with but not had time to fix.
I've been able to work a deal out with my bosses to allow me to still work 40 hour weeks, but do it over 4 days instead of 5. That gets me more time to travel to the events and on the weekends that we're not racing, I can work on the car, cut grass, etc... or travel to see Kim.
In that arena.. where do I start. I've never been in this situation before. So deeply immersed in someone that everything we are finds it's way into each aspect of my life. It's been a big learning curve for me and while I've been trying to adjust and 'do the right thing', I've not been nearly the person I should've been from the start. The intent was there, but the execution was not. That's something I've worked on to correct and I hope I'm getting things right.
We've tried to make this long distance relationship work the best we can, and while not always easy, it's the effort that counts. We try to visit each other as often as possible, and sometime that means 4 weeks between visits. We do what we can and in the end, I can't ask for anything more.
The summer is going to prove very interesting in that we've both got things we want to do together, and on our own ( more due to necessity than choice ), and I'm sure that if we work as hard as we are now at it, we can get thru it just fine and make us closer.
I'll try to keep this updated and post pics and stories along the way.
Thanks for not giving up on me. I've not given up on this.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Stay Tuned...
I know I've not written in a while, but I've kinda been blank... almost a writer's block if you will...
Haven't given up on this, but haven't been too focused on this lately either.
Haven't given up on this, but haven't been too focused on this lately either.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Post 2008 wrap up....
I am kinda taking a cue from a fellow blogger in starting of this post where I started...
I can't believe that I've been doing this for over 2 years now. The person I was then is someone I barely recognize now. I started this back at the end of 2006 as a way to flesh out the thoughts, frustrations and demons that I had within me and had no outlet to get things done. It was either THIS... or see a shrink.
Since then there's been many changes in my life.
2008 was probably one of the most amazing, roller-coaster ride, emotion filled years I've had in my life. It started on quite a low note and ended on one of the highest moments of my life. This past year has made me really re-evaluate what I have always thought I was as a person and refine it and let it evolve and roll with things as they came up. I was never that good at it in the past, and for whatever reason... I found a way to embrace change, uncertainty and the unknown future and deal with it.
My job seemed to solidify and smooth out to let me find my place and let alot of the BS that I have usually let get to me and undermine my work. I've had the good fortune of my job being very busy thru the year and while I worked ALOT of overtime thru the year, I always made time for myself between travelling for myself, for racing, and with friends.
I was able to develop my car and the nut behind the wheel that always gets loosened and thru the year became more focused and confident. That shown thru the events I drove at and the various cars that I had the privilage to be allowed to drive. By the end of the year, I was able to make improvments in how I was placing thru the ranks and my understanding of what I needed to do became more defined.
That led me to finally realize of one of my long-standing dreams... to finally own my own Corvette. I bought the spefic car I did solely based on using it for fun cruising, road trips and for autocrossing. Now, I have no excuse for placing bad in competition... if I don't do well, I did something wrong.
This leads me to the last, but certainly NOT least important thing this year. I'm sure any of you that have been following this blog this year have figured out that I met someone that means a great deal to me. She is probably THE best thing that has happened to me in more years than I can dare to count. She's given me the confidence in myself that I have never been able to find. Having someone that cares for you, believes in you and puts their trust in you is an incredible thing. I've always been used to being the strong one and being there when someone needs ME... and knowing that you have someone that you can lean on and share your thoughts and ideas and all the light and dark things in your life is an amazing thing.
Thru this year, we went from a casual aquaintence, to friend, to close friend and beyond... to someone I really don't want to think about having days in my life where she's not part of them. That's a thought that is both scary and freeing at the same time. I'm a better person because of her, and I hope I have been able to make a similar impact on her life as well.
So, with 2008 behind me and the new year well underway... I have HOPE... for the future, for my life, and for all that is good in it. I said good bye to 2008 with her at my side, and hello to 2009 the same way. I hope that it's a prelude of good things to come this year.
I hope you all are able to share those types of good things in your own lives.
I can't believe that I've been doing this for over 2 years now. The person I was then is someone I barely recognize now. I started this back at the end of 2006 as a way to flesh out the thoughts, frustrations and demons that I had within me and had no outlet to get things done. It was either THIS... or see a shrink.
Since then there's been many changes in my life.
2008 was probably one of the most amazing, roller-coaster ride, emotion filled years I've had in my life. It started on quite a low note and ended on one of the highest moments of my life. This past year has made me really re-evaluate what I have always thought I was as a person and refine it and let it evolve and roll with things as they came up. I was never that good at it in the past, and for whatever reason... I found a way to embrace change, uncertainty and the unknown future and deal with it.
My job seemed to solidify and smooth out to let me find my place and let alot of the BS that I have usually let get to me and undermine my work. I've had the good fortune of my job being very busy thru the year and while I worked ALOT of overtime thru the year, I always made time for myself between travelling for myself, for racing, and with friends.
I was able to develop my car and the nut behind the wheel that always gets loosened and thru the year became more focused and confident. That shown thru the events I drove at and the various cars that I had the privilage to be allowed to drive. By the end of the year, I was able to make improvments in how I was placing thru the ranks and my understanding of what I needed to do became more defined.
That led me to finally realize of one of my long-standing dreams... to finally own my own Corvette. I bought the spefic car I did solely based on using it for fun cruising, road trips and for autocrossing. Now, I have no excuse for placing bad in competition... if I don't do well, I did something wrong.
This leads me to the last, but certainly NOT least important thing this year. I'm sure any of you that have been following this blog this year have figured out that I met someone that means a great deal to me. She is probably THE best thing that has happened to me in more years than I can dare to count. She's given me the confidence in myself that I have never been able to find. Having someone that cares for you, believes in you and puts their trust in you is an incredible thing. I've always been used to being the strong one and being there when someone needs ME... and knowing that you have someone that you can lean on and share your thoughts and ideas and all the light and dark things in your life is an amazing thing.
Thru this year, we went from a casual aquaintence, to friend, to close friend and beyond... to someone I really don't want to think about having days in my life where she's not part of them. That's a thought that is both scary and freeing at the same time. I'm a better person because of her, and I hope I have been able to make a similar impact on her life as well.
So, with 2008 behind me and the new year well underway... I have HOPE... for the future, for my life, and for all that is good in it. I said good bye to 2008 with her at my side, and hello to 2009 the same way. I hope that it's a prelude of good things to come this year.
I hope you all are able to share those types of good things in your own lives.
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