This is like live blogging while watching an old game.
I loved the way Nela could win any ball by shielding for it. She was excellent at putting her body between her opponent and the ball to win the ball. Danielle S. was also really good at that I thought.*
*my soccer thoughts are usually irrelevant and wrong, but occasionally really right.
On one occasion I was really really right. I remember telling someone that Nela needed to start in my opinion. They followed the team very closely and they said "No way!" as if to say I was delusional. Turns out Nela was the leading goal scorer that year..while not starting until almost halfway into the season. As a matter of fact Nela has played professionally in Sweden...and scored goals there. I'm not totally wacky.
I also think we lead the league in shots from 35-40 yards out. Sometimes possessions would end in games of kickball homerun derby.
Don't kill me for negativity or anything. This is in the past. We should be able to make fun of it now.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
While we are at it
Just a simple lesson for all soccer players.
The simplest goals are ones off of rebounds or deflected crosses inside the box and just outside of it. The reason you need to be fit as a player is so that you can run up the field and support the attack and be there if there is an opportunity in and around the box.
I don't know how a coach can have any use for a forward that fails to hustle and put themselves in place to score the easiest goals. I can score in 11 v 11 just by following up shots.
I can. I swear I can. Even me. An uncoordinated dummy like me can score.
If I was a coach I'd make it a rule that not following a shot equals a lap around the field and a sprint at the end of practice. If you don't make it a habit to hustle in a game then you should be given the habit of doing it in practice to remind you and persuade you to do so in a game.
Its also great that I can write whatever the hell I want now.
The simplest goals are ones off of rebounds or deflected crosses inside the box and just outside of it. The reason you need to be fit as a player is so that you can run up the field and support the attack and be there if there is an opportunity in and around the box.
I don't know how a coach can have any use for a forward that fails to hustle and put themselves in place to score the easiest goals. I can score in 11 v 11 just by following up shots.
I can. I swear I can. Even me. An uncoordinated dummy like me can score.
If I was a coach I'd make it a rule that not following a shot equals a lap around the field and a sprint at the end of practice. If you don't make it a habit to hustle in a game then you should be given the habit of doing it in practice to remind you and persuade you to do so in a game.
Its also great that I can write whatever the hell I want now.
Marquette 2010
So I'm doing a project and I happen to be watching threw the 2010 Marquette game. The game that Elise hit off the post and Kacey hit off the cross bar. A game I felt should have been a tie or maybe even a win, but certainly not a loss.
Oh well. I could make a list so long of games like that. I won't because it's depressing.
As I'm watching the game for probably the sixth or seventh time in my life, and first time in a couple of years, I continue to uh curse when something doesn't go right, or look right.
So far we gave up two dumb corners.
So far Becky and Nela have been absolutely awesome. One time Becky won the ball and played a great ball into space in the box that the Marquette keeper barely got to before Nela and Clark could. Nice chance.
Nela did a lot of little things already to just hustle and disrupt or keep the ball. Becky is all over the field.
P.S. I don't watch soccer video in free time. This is a rare occasion for a project, but I must admit, I enjoy it.
Oh well. I could make a list so long of games like that. I won't because it's depressing.
As I'm watching the game for probably the sixth or seventh time in my life, and first time in a couple of years, I continue to uh curse when something doesn't go right, or look right.
So far we gave up two dumb corners.
So far Becky and Nela have been absolutely awesome. One time Becky won the ball and played a great ball into space in the box that the Marquette keeper barely got to before Nela and Clark could. Nice chance.
Nela did a lot of little things already to just hustle and disrupt or keep the ball. Becky is all over the field.
P.S. I don't watch soccer video in free time. This is a rare occasion for a project, but I must admit, I enjoy it.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
NWSL
There is a new Women's Soccer League.
They just had a draft and I wish it well. I hope it succeeds.
I don't know how it's going to succeed. I don't know where the market is for the game. Hopefully there is a much different business model going forward. Hopefully no games played in football stadiums. Hopefully smaller front offices and hopefully more money involved.
It will help that US Soccer is more involved in the league. That is a great change for the league.
However, I would like to see more changes.
Women's Soccer can't do the same thing and expect it to work.
I would like to see a television partnership with a national sports channel. Not just Fox Soccer Channel, but Fox Sports, or NBC Sports or ESPN. ESPN is certainly in my mind a long shot.
Another change would be to work hard to get a partnership with NIKE. I think NIKE can do a lot for the league. If not NIKE either Adidas or Under Armour. A big apparel company needs to be involved, not Puma. I think this is vital. In my opinion the league should take less money for a deal with a bigger apparel brand. An big name apparel brand can get lots of exposure for the league. Something like PUMA can't do that.
I hope the league makes it. I expect it to last a few years. Anything beyond that is progress.
They just had a draft and I wish it well. I hope it succeeds.
I don't know how it's going to succeed. I don't know where the market is for the game. Hopefully there is a much different business model going forward. Hopefully no games played in football stadiums. Hopefully smaller front offices and hopefully more money involved.
It will help that US Soccer is more involved in the league. That is a great change for the league.
However, I would like to see more changes.
Women's Soccer can't do the same thing and expect it to work.
I would like to see a television partnership with a national sports channel. Not just Fox Soccer Channel, but Fox Sports, or NBC Sports or ESPN. ESPN is certainly in my mind a long shot.
Another change would be to work hard to get a partnership with NIKE. I think NIKE can do a lot for the league. If not NIKE either Adidas or Under Armour. A big apparel company needs to be involved, not Puma. I think this is vital. In my opinion the league should take less money for a deal with a bigger apparel brand. An big name apparel brand can get lots of exposure for the league. Something like PUMA can't do that.
I hope the league makes it. I expect it to last a few years. Anything beyond that is progress.
Which would you prefer?
So I had an interesting thought as I was instant messaging a friend about his girlfriend and how they met.
Turns out they are both Mets fans.
Isn't that boring?
Wouldn't it be more fun if you and your significant other didn't root for the same teams? I think it would be much much much more fun if there was some trash talking and betting going on.
If your team loses you would both be depressed. That's depressing. Plus it would be pretty boring if you both wanted to sit at home and watch your favorite baseball team play.
Spice things up and don't date someone who likes your teams.
I think it would be much more fun that way.
Maybe you disagree, but I would prefer a little bit of differences in favorite teams.
Turns out they are both Mets fans.
Isn't that boring?
Wouldn't it be more fun if you and your significant other didn't root for the same teams? I think it would be much much much more fun if there was some trash talking and betting going on.
If your team loses you would both be depressed. That's depressing. Plus it would be pretty boring if you both wanted to sit at home and watch your favorite baseball team play.
Spice things up and don't date someone who likes your teams.
I think it would be much more fun that way.
Maybe you disagree, but I would prefer a little bit of differences in favorite teams.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Interesting week in sports...
Interesting week in sports. We had steroids and fake girl friends.
I'm not going in great depth, just giving a few of my thoughts.
As I have written before, I am not at all shocked that Lance Armstrong cheated. I am pretty sure I said he more than likely cheated, but that I hope I never know.
Now I know.
It's really hard to believe that someone won the Tour de France seven times after battling cancer and doing so cleanly against a bunch of dirty competitors.
Lance Armstrong was never a hero of mine and he had nothing to do with my love of cycling, but certainly it hurts the sport of cycling.
Hopefully we don't forget all of the good that Livestrong did.
Than we have Manti Te'o. I have many different thoughts. I am all over the place. I think in the end that if Manti Te'o had an interview with Jeremy Schapp and if Jeremy Schapp thought he was telling the truth, then I guess I will believe most if not all of what Manti Te'o said.
I don't get it. But I'll believe it was a hoax he was not in on.
I do wonder about his logic though.
I also as a habit don't particularly trust football players. With a few exceptions you probably shouldn't trust them. I sort of think I am missing something, but anyway...
I don't understand why Te'o would want to have a girlfriend that he had never met for a year or more. I don't know of many people who would consider ever publicly saying they have a significant other if they had never met them in person. I really don't understand that. I don't know how you can develop a deep and meaningful relationship with someone you have never met in person and only spoke to over the phone.
In the end I believe Te'o, but do question if he had some other motives. I do question his line of thinking if he thought that a women he had never met and only spoke to over the phone was his girlfriend.
Te'o put out the fire for now, but there is still a lot of smoke to me.
I'm not going in great depth, just giving a few of my thoughts.
As I have written before, I am not at all shocked that Lance Armstrong cheated. I am pretty sure I said he more than likely cheated, but that I hope I never know.
Now I know.
It's really hard to believe that someone won the Tour de France seven times after battling cancer and doing so cleanly against a bunch of dirty competitors.
Lance Armstrong was never a hero of mine and he had nothing to do with my love of cycling, but certainly it hurts the sport of cycling.
Hopefully we don't forget all of the good that Livestrong did.
Than we have Manti Te'o. I have many different thoughts. I am all over the place. I think in the end that if Manti Te'o had an interview with Jeremy Schapp and if Jeremy Schapp thought he was telling the truth, then I guess I will believe most if not all of what Manti Te'o said.
I don't get it. But I'll believe it was a hoax he was not in on.
I do wonder about his logic though.
I also as a habit don't particularly trust football players. With a few exceptions you probably shouldn't trust them. I sort of think I am missing something, but anyway...
I don't understand why Te'o would want to have a girlfriend that he had never met for a year or more. I don't know of many people who would consider ever publicly saying they have a significant other if they had never met them in person. I really don't understand that. I don't know how you can develop a deep and meaningful relationship with someone you have never met in person and only spoke to over the phone.
In the end I believe Te'o, but do question if he had some other motives. I do question his line of thinking if he thought that a women he had never met and only spoke to over the phone was his girlfriend.
Te'o put out the fire for now, but there is still a lot of smoke to me.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Picks
So
Patriots
I can't pick against Tom Brady. I like the Ravens and think they will make the game closer than people think. They were a field goal away last year. The Ravens always play well in the playoffs and play teams tough, but then so do the Patriots.
49ers
Two things I like to pick against in this game, an inexperienced quarterback and the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs. I think this game is more of a toss up. The 49ers looked really good. I didn't see the Falcons. As much as I hate picking an inexperienced quarterback to win this game, I will.
Patriots
I can't pick against Tom Brady. I like the Ravens and think they will make the game closer than people think. They were a field goal away last year. The Ravens always play well in the playoffs and play teams tough, but then so do the Patriots.
49ers
Two things I like to pick against in this game, an inexperienced quarterback and the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs. I think this game is more of a toss up. The 49ers looked really good. I didn't see the Falcons. As much as I hate picking an inexperienced quarterback to win this game, I will.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Baseball Hall of Fame
My brief thoughts on this whole Baseball Hall of Fame vote.
I have no issue with players not being elected to the hall if they had any connection at all to steriods.
If I could vote...which I sure as heck can't
Craig Biggio would have gotten my vote.
Mike Piazza probably would have gotten my vote as a Mets fan. He'd definitely have it if there were absolutely NO suspicion that he did steroids. There isn't much suspicion on Piazza but there is some. Same goes for Jeff Bagwell. I believe both admitted to using "andro" for a little bit. Andro is a steroid. However they (I know Piazza did and I assume Bagwell) claimed they stopped using it after no noticeable gains from it.
I have never been a fan of Mark McGwire in the Hall of Fame. He doesn't even have 1,700 hits. Sammy Sosa also is not someone I would have voted for. Too much evidence of steroid use and I don't think his numbers would have been as good without using.
Barry Bonds is interesting. I could make a case against him pretty easily. He pretty much without a doubt cheated.
However, before the 2000 season in which Bonds numbers started to go up magically, Bonds was probably a Hall of Famer. He also has the most career walks, which actually in some ways is hall of fame worthy. (I am sure steroid use lead to him being walked more because he was a more feared hitter with steroids than with out them)
I doubt I would have voted for Bonds but I wouldn't have been mad if he got in.
There was also a caller on a New York radio show that compared the Baseball Hall of Fame not taking anyone due to a witch hunt to find steroid users is wrong and is like McCarthyism. This is just the latest proof that fans are nuts. Don't compare the two.
I have no issue with players not being elected to the hall if they had any connection at all to steriods.
If I could vote...which I sure as heck can't
Craig Biggio would have gotten my vote.
Mike Piazza probably would have gotten my vote as a Mets fan. He'd definitely have it if there were absolutely NO suspicion that he did steroids. There isn't much suspicion on Piazza but there is some. Same goes for Jeff Bagwell. I believe both admitted to using "andro" for a little bit. Andro is a steroid. However they (I know Piazza did and I assume Bagwell) claimed they stopped using it after no noticeable gains from it.
I have never been a fan of Mark McGwire in the Hall of Fame. He doesn't even have 1,700 hits. Sammy Sosa also is not someone I would have voted for. Too much evidence of steroid use and I don't think his numbers would have been as good without using.
Barry Bonds is interesting. I could make a case against him pretty easily. He pretty much without a doubt cheated.
However, before the 2000 season in which Bonds numbers started to go up magically, Bonds was probably a Hall of Famer. He also has the most career walks, which actually in some ways is hall of fame worthy. (I am sure steroid use lead to him being walked more because he was a more feared hitter with steroids than with out them)
I doubt I would have voted for Bonds but I wouldn't have been mad if he got in.
There was also a caller on a New York radio show that compared the Baseball Hall of Fame not taking anyone due to a witch hunt to find steroid users is wrong and is like McCarthyism. This is just the latest proof that fans are nuts. Don't compare the two.
Tommy Mac 5k
Ok, so it's a long ways away from the running of this event since it took place for only it's first time in September.
However, I am going to do a plug for this event.
This is a great 5k in honor of a great man and it benefits a great cause.
I can not wait to participate in the event at some point. I don't know when that will be, but as long as I can be in the area on the day of the race I intend to take part in it.
I hope you spread awareness for this event and think of it when September comes around again.
http://spffafightingburns.org/upcomingevents/2012tommymac5krace.html
Tom McCabe was a great man. He was a close friend of my fathers and the McCabe's are close family friends. Tom McCabe was someone who I will remember as extremely helpful, energetic and fun to be around.
However, I am going to do a plug for this event.
This is a great 5k in honor of a great man and it benefits a great cause.
I can not wait to participate in the event at some point. I don't know when that will be, but as long as I can be in the area on the day of the race I intend to take part in it.
I hope you spread awareness for this event and think of it when September comes around again.
http://spffafightingburns.org/upcomingevents/2012tommymac5krace.html
Tom McCabe was a great man. He was a close friend of my fathers and the McCabe's are close family friends. Tom McCabe was someone who I will remember as extremely helpful, energetic and fun to be around.
The most interesting athlete
I declared a freshman athlete at the school I work at now, the most interesting athlete at our school.
I called her that after she would wear pink socks, or tell me she hadn't showered in five days, or read with her feet up, or slouched so far down in her chair that you couldn't see her.
She was always full of energy, could solve a rubiks cube and always came up with fascinating answers to questions.
I think she even drove a blue Jetta with blue interior headlights. She was a character.
It turns out Ellie Sheffield liked her nickname. I found out today that she would sign things as "The most interesting athlete...and sometimes put...according to Tim."
I'm thrilled that the nickname stuck. It's too bad she transferred closer to home. She will be missed.
Ms. Sheffield was quite an interesting and smart person...She's an honors student too.
I called her that after she would wear pink socks, or tell me she hadn't showered in five days, or read with her feet up, or slouched so far down in her chair that you couldn't see her.
She was always full of energy, could solve a rubiks cube and always came up with fascinating answers to questions.
I think she even drove a blue Jetta with blue interior headlights. She was a character.
It turns out Ellie Sheffield liked her nickname. I found out today that she would sign things as "The most interesting athlete...and sometimes put...according to Tim."
I'm thrilled that the nickname stuck. It's too bad she transferred closer to home. She will be missed.
Ms. Sheffield was quite an interesting and smart person...She's an honors student too.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Sad Scene
I have to say that I felt really bad for some female student-athletes today who played a college basketball game after a men's game.
The moment the buzzer sounded after the men's game everyone left.
The women's team is trying to come on to the court to get ready for the next game but they are blocked by the mass exodus of people from the fieldhouse despite the announcement of a game coming up for the women's team.
One of the women's starters was trying to get people to stay. She was saying to those around her that there was another game coming up. No one seemed to listen. People just filed out.
Never have I seen such a carelessness towards female athletics. I knew it existed, but it was just unbelieveably sad to watch people get out of the arena, and actually block the entrance of the women's team. The team was going upstream through the exiting crowd trying to get on to the floor.
Can you imagine all of the time and energy that the female student athletes put into their game? Their whole lives have been spent preparing themselves to compete.
They were shown how much the public and society didn't care about them today. The public decided to flee the stands and block the team from warm ups.
It's sad. It's really sad. I felt so bad because it's pretty humiliating to have people run out on you.
The moment the buzzer sounded after the men's game everyone left.
The women's team is trying to come on to the court to get ready for the next game but they are blocked by the mass exodus of people from the fieldhouse despite the announcement of a game coming up for the women's team.
One of the women's starters was trying to get people to stay. She was saying to those around her that there was another game coming up. No one seemed to listen. People just filed out.
Never have I seen such a carelessness towards female athletics. I knew it existed, but it was just unbelieveably sad to watch people get out of the arena, and actually block the entrance of the women's team. The team was going upstream through the exiting crowd trying to get on to the floor.
Can you imagine all of the time and energy that the female student athletes put into their game? Their whole lives have been spent preparing themselves to compete.
They were shown how much the public and society didn't care about them today. The public decided to flee the stands and block the team from warm ups.
It's sad. It's really sad. I felt so bad because it's pretty humiliating to have people run out on you.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Never used my camera
One gift I gave myself for finding a job was a camera. I enjoy picture taking, especially of nature, Americana and obviously Sports. I have taken the most shots of sports so far, although I need a nice new $10,000 lens before I could get really good close ups. (so I need to win the lottery)
I guess as a New Englander I like Norman Rockwell. Have to love his pictures of life. I also learned about Ansel Adams and he would be someone whose work might make me want to enjoy capturing the beauty of our country and of nature. One day I hope to just travel New Hampshire during the summer and fall with my bike and my camera.
I like filming sports and taking pictures of sports as well. I just do. I love sports.
I'd also probably like capturing photos of people living their lives and just being themselves which leads me to something I thought about from New Years.
This New Years I took out my camera but I never used it. It was a great thing because I didn't use it because I was too busy enjoying the company of those around me. Taking a picture would have been nice, but if I had been busy taking pictures I would never have enjoyed myself.
It's fun to look back at pictures, but at the same time social media has caused people to take too many pictures and post them too often. Sometimes I think people are so self conscious that they need to post pictures of themselves doing things or with someone every time they go out. The point of going out should be to enjoy life and the company a person is with. It shouldn't be to proof that you went out, had a drink etc.
I'm not saying not to take pictures. Many things should be photographed. If you can be photographed sky diving or doing something spectacular or being with family or a friend or someone famous than take the picture. Pictures are important.
But we shouldn't stop enjoying the moment to pose for a picture. Sometimes it's ok not to take a picture. Sometimes you just need to enjoy what you are doing. I was happy I didn't find time to take my camera out on New Years.
I guess as a New Englander I like Norman Rockwell. Have to love his pictures of life. I also learned about Ansel Adams and he would be someone whose work might make me want to enjoy capturing the beauty of our country and of nature. One day I hope to just travel New Hampshire during the summer and fall with my bike and my camera.
I like filming sports and taking pictures of sports as well. I just do. I love sports.
I'd also probably like capturing photos of people living their lives and just being themselves which leads me to something I thought about from New Years.
This New Years I took out my camera but I never used it. It was a great thing because I didn't use it because I was too busy enjoying the company of those around me. Taking a picture would have been nice, but if I had been busy taking pictures I would never have enjoyed myself.
It's fun to look back at pictures, but at the same time social media has caused people to take too many pictures and post them too often. Sometimes I think people are so self conscious that they need to post pictures of themselves doing things or with someone every time they go out. The point of going out should be to enjoy life and the company a person is with. It shouldn't be to proof that you went out, had a drink etc.
I'm not saying not to take pictures. Many things should be photographed. If you can be photographed sky diving or doing something spectacular or being with family or a friend or someone famous than take the picture. Pictures are important.
But we shouldn't stop enjoying the moment to pose for a picture. Sometimes it's ok not to take a picture. Sometimes you just need to enjoy what you are doing. I was happy I didn't find time to take my camera out on New Years.
I Like RGIII
I am a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan.
I like Robert Griffin III. I actually don't hate a Washington Redskin. I have so much respect for him.
I will same the same thing about Victor Cruz. I like him even though I ABSOLUTELY HATE AND DESPISE the New York Giants.
I can't remember saying this about any player in the NFC East before.
I believe in Robert Griffin III. He's a winner. One day he will bring a Super Bowl Championship back to the Nations capital.
I like the Redskins. They are on a role and I'm crazy enough to say they meet, but lose, to the Patriots in the Super Bowl this year. The Redskins were the best team in the NFC East and for a strange reason I may root for them this year.
This weekend
Redskins
Packers
Texans
Colts
I like Robert Griffin III. I actually don't hate a Washington Redskin. I have so much respect for him.
I will same the same thing about Victor Cruz. I like him even though I ABSOLUTELY HATE AND DESPISE the New York Giants.
I can't remember saying this about any player in the NFC East before.
I believe in Robert Griffin III. He's a winner. One day he will bring a Super Bowl Championship back to the Nations capital.
I like the Redskins. They are on a role and I'm crazy enough to say they meet, but lose, to the Patriots in the Super Bowl this year. The Redskins were the best team in the NFC East and for a strange reason I may root for them this year.
This weekend
Redskins
Packers
Texans
Colts
10 Hour Drive
I did two 10 hour drives in the past three weeks all by myself. 10 hours of driving.
10 hours of driving by myself.
I remember the begining of both trips very well. Both times my reaction was, well, I will be sitting here for awhile.
I also thought a lot about my destination.
On the way up I remember going through Southern Virginia and seeing just how deserted it is. South of Petersburg is in the middle of nowhere. I had my Ipod on shuffle and my Iphone connected via bluetooth. I cranked up the music and kept the cruise control on at about 68. I could have gone faster, but my car gives me instant miles per gallon readings. 68 was getting me better miles per gallon.
Hunger set in about an hour into my trip, so I had a pre made peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I absolutely hate spending my hard earned money on food prepared by someone else. I don't normally like going out to eat. The PB&J hit the spot and made me satiated. I washed it down with some water and kept on going.
I was looking for cheap gas on the way up and a place to wash my car. I was eagerly anticipating bringing my new car home for my dad to see for the very first time. I wanted it to arrive clean. Spotless. I wanted it to look brand, brand, brand new since I really wish my dad, who loves cars, was there when I picked up my first new car. I had planned to find a Sheetz on the way up somewhere before Richmond to fill up on cheap gas and get a car wash. I missed the station, which was ok. I ended up speaking on the phone with a friend for a while (using Bluetooth and keeping my eyes on the road...My car has a microphone that picks up my speaking). They made Virginia feel like a smaller state than what it really is. Even though I missed the station I didn't need the gas, (but wanted the car wash) so I decided to just keep on going.
I hit Washington D.C. around 3:30 or 4. I hit traffic because of an accident. When you travel 550 miles you have to expect traffic. I grew restless in traffic. I was getting great mileage and knew that sitting in traffic was giving me worse mileage and making me sit in my car longer.
I finally got through Washington. I traveled over the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge and took a look at the Capitol Building in the distance. I had thought about stopping just after D.C. because I really had to pee but decided to keep going. I wanted to get through Baltimore next. I didn't know what traffic would be like. It turned out that Baltimore was fine. I got through there and then stopped at a Sheetz in Joppa, Maryland about 6 hours after I left North Carolina. I got myself some junior mints and a Pepsi in case I needed any caffeine to keep me going. I finished up some Pizza from the night before for dinner, filled up with gas for $3.15 and made my way North to New Jersey where I got to meet up with a friend. Not long after leaving Joppa I saw my first sign listing the miles until New York. That sign was uplifting to say the least, even though it said about 140 miles...which is about two hours. I used my IPhone directions to get me to a Starbucks where I got to meet a friend. I have to say that stopping and seeing a friend on the trip made the trip that much better. I got a chance to rest and talk to someone. It broke up the trip nicely and gave me something to look forward to on the way. It was like hitting a benchmark.
I left there at about 9:45 and called my sister to let her know when my estimated time of arrival would be. I was very much awake and alert. I was energized from seeing my friend and maybe even more importantly, being kept awake by 20 ounces of Hot Chocolate in my bladder. I had to go by the time I hit the Vince Lombardi rest stop in North Jersey. There I got more cheap gas, but in my excitement of being close to home I just decided to hold it and keep going. I raced home from there. I got over the George Washington Bridge without any traffic. It was like god had to have decided to move all of the cars to the side of the road so that I could get through. I then went on the Major Deegan and drove through the Bronx and where my grandpa used to have a clothes cleaning business.
Then I had fun once I hit the Cross County Parkway and the Merritt Parkway. These roads are older and have more curves in them. I loved taking the turns in my car. I felt a little racy by the end of my trip. Every exit felt like I was that much closer to home. I felt like I was leaping home, rather than inching home. I saw gas for a dollar and a penny more than what it was when I had filled up last in North Carolina. I knew I was getting close to home! I saw the exit for the Westchester County Airport, my favorite airport in the world! I then saw the sign welcoming me to Connecticut. I was overjoyed to see that. After four months I was finally in Connecticut again. (Longest amount of time away from my home state) I saw the exit in Greenwich that we used to go to my Grandma's old house. I saw the exit that I took for my job in Greenwich. I saw the Round Hill Road exit which is a road that leads to where some of my ancestors lived. Then I saw the exit for Den Road. I was one exit away. I sped past a car and got to the off ramp. I was back in Stamford. Finally. I couldn't believe it. I remember being shocked that I was at my driveway. I was shocked I had just backed my car into the garage. Finally, many hours later I was home. I listened to so many songs. Listened to some sports radio as well. I thought about my life and reflected on it. I thought about my future and looked forward to planning some fun things to do at home. I also saw that I got 37.1 Miles Per Gallon for the trip. I was so happy.
Only two drivers really pissed me off. One got the finger. (You do lose your patience on 10 hour trips) The other was going 30 below the speed limit. They were lost or going to get themselves hurt. I went around them and felt bad for them.
The trip back was different and for your sake I will cut out some of the details. It was bittersweet embarking on the journey home. Although I was amazed that I had no traffic through the George Washington Bridge and Northern New Jersey. Just before the George Washington Bridge I saw the sign and building of the clothes cleaning company my grandpa had. I got to Newark Airport in about an hour. I was amazed. I thought I would be home in no time. Then I got stuck in traffic twice. The traffic killed me so I decided to stop at the last rest stop in New Jersey and get gas. I relaxed at the same time and called a relative to thank them for a gift and catch up with them. I called another relative when I hit traffic in Maryland. It was great to catch up and great to have something to take my mind off of traffic. It was nice to have another human to talk too. I got through all of the major cities after that with ease so it felt like I had to be close. I stopped in Northern Virginia for my last stop just to give myself a break. I checked my phone, social media, email etc. Saw some scores too. I had some candy and then got on my way. I hit rain soon after and I started to get tired and antsy. I finally gave in and had my Pepsi. (I love Pepsi but don't drink soda that often and try not to unless it's a special occasion) The rain was annoying. It slowed me down and made visibility worse. It made driving through rural Southern Virginia long and boring. I listened to music and amazingly, New York Sports Radio 660, WFAN to kill the time. I loved hearing the sports radio with the New York accents and of course the talk about the disaster that is the New York Jets. Northern North Carolina was also desolate. Then all of a sudden Durham popped up from the middle of nowhere. What once was 140 miles away was finally 0. I pulled in at 1am, unpacked my car and got to bad around 2:30. I woke up at 8:45, had breakfast and got back in my car to head to work.
What I learned is that it's possible to drive that far by yourself. You have to plan for some traffic and plan to leave at a time that minimizes traffic at the big cities. Taking a break now and then is vital. Having a friend to see along the way or someone to call makes things better. Most importantly make sure you have a full Ipod/Iphone, a good radio and good speakers.
10 hours of driving by myself.
I remember the begining of both trips very well. Both times my reaction was, well, I will be sitting here for awhile.
I also thought a lot about my destination.
On the way up I remember going through Southern Virginia and seeing just how deserted it is. South of Petersburg is in the middle of nowhere. I had my Ipod on shuffle and my Iphone connected via bluetooth. I cranked up the music and kept the cruise control on at about 68. I could have gone faster, but my car gives me instant miles per gallon readings. 68 was getting me better miles per gallon.
Hunger set in about an hour into my trip, so I had a pre made peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I absolutely hate spending my hard earned money on food prepared by someone else. I don't normally like going out to eat. The PB&J hit the spot and made me satiated. I washed it down with some water and kept on going.
I was looking for cheap gas on the way up and a place to wash my car. I was eagerly anticipating bringing my new car home for my dad to see for the very first time. I wanted it to arrive clean. Spotless. I wanted it to look brand, brand, brand new since I really wish my dad, who loves cars, was there when I picked up my first new car. I had planned to find a Sheetz on the way up somewhere before Richmond to fill up on cheap gas and get a car wash. I missed the station, which was ok. I ended up speaking on the phone with a friend for a while (using Bluetooth and keeping my eyes on the road...My car has a microphone that picks up my speaking). They made Virginia feel like a smaller state than what it really is. Even though I missed the station I didn't need the gas, (but wanted the car wash) so I decided to just keep on going.
I hit Washington D.C. around 3:30 or 4. I hit traffic because of an accident. When you travel 550 miles you have to expect traffic. I grew restless in traffic. I was getting great mileage and knew that sitting in traffic was giving me worse mileage and making me sit in my car longer.
I finally got through Washington. I traveled over the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge and took a look at the Capitol Building in the distance. I had thought about stopping just after D.C. because I really had to pee but decided to keep going. I wanted to get through Baltimore next. I didn't know what traffic would be like. It turned out that Baltimore was fine. I got through there and then stopped at a Sheetz in Joppa, Maryland about 6 hours after I left North Carolina. I got myself some junior mints and a Pepsi in case I needed any caffeine to keep me going. I finished up some Pizza from the night before for dinner, filled up with gas for $3.15 and made my way North to New Jersey where I got to meet up with a friend. Not long after leaving Joppa I saw my first sign listing the miles until New York. That sign was uplifting to say the least, even though it said about 140 miles...which is about two hours. I used my IPhone directions to get me to a Starbucks where I got to meet a friend. I have to say that stopping and seeing a friend on the trip made the trip that much better. I got a chance to rest and talk to someone. It broke up the trip nicely and gave me something to look forward to on the way. It was like hitting a benchmark.
I left there at about 9:45 and called my sister to let her know when my estimated time of arrival would be. I was very much awake and alert. I was energized from seeing my friend and maybe even more importantly, being kept awake by 20 ounces of Hot Chocolate in my bladder. I had to go by the time I hit the Vince Lombardi rest stop in North Jersey. There I got more cheap gas, but in my excitement of being close to home I just decided to hold it and keep going. I raced home from there. I got over the George Washington Bridge without any traffic. It was like god had to have decided to move all of the cars to the side of the road so that I could get through. I then went on the Major Deegan and drove through the Bronx and where my grandpa used to have a clothes cleaning business.
Then I had fun once I hit the Cross County Parkway and the Merritt Parkway. These roads are older and have more curves in them. I loved taking the turns in my car. I felt a little racy by the end of my trip. Every exit felt like I was that much closer to home. I felt like I was leaping home, rather than inching home. I saw gas for a dollar and a penny more than what it was when I had filled up last in North Carolina. I knew I was getting close to home! I saw the exit for the Westchester County Airport, my favorite airport in the world! I then saw the sign welcoming me to Connecticut. I was overjoyed to see that. After four months I was finally in Connecticut again. (Longest amount of time away from my home state) I saw the exit in Greenwich that we used to go to my Grandma's old house. I saw the exit that I took for my job in Greenwich. I saw the Round Hill Road exit which is a road that leads to where some of my ancestors lived. Then I saw the exit for Den Road. I was one exit away. I sped past a car and got to the off ramp. I was back in Stamford. Finally. I couldn't believe it. I remember being shocked that I was at my driveway. I was shocked I had just backed my car into the garage. Finally, many hours later I was home. I listened to so many songs. Listened to some sports radio as well. I thought about my life and reflected on it. I thought about my future and looked forward to planning some fun things to do at home. I also saw that I got 37.1 Miles Per Gallon for the trip. I was so happy.
Only two drivers really pissed me off. One got the finger. (You do lose your patience on 10 hour trips) The other was going 30 below the speed limit. They were lost or going to get themselves hurt. I went around them and felt bad for them.
The trip back was different and for your sake I will cut out some of the details. It was bittersweet embarking on the journey home. Although I was amazed that I had no traffic through the George Washington Bridge and Northern New Jersey. Just before the George Washington Bridge I saw the sign and building of the clothes cleaning company my grandpa had. I got to Newark Airport in about an hour. I was amazed. I thought I would be home in no time. Then I got stuck in traffic twice. The traffic killed me so I decided to stop at the last rest stop in New Jersey and get gas. I relaxed at the same time and called a relative to thank them for a gift and catch up with them. I called another relative when I hit traffic in Maryland. It was great to catch up and great to have something to take my mind off of traffic. It was nice to have another human to talk too. I got through all of the major cities after that with ease so it felt like I had to be close. I stopped in Northern Virginia for my last stop just to give myself a break. I checked my phone, social media, email etc. Saw some scores too. I had some candy and then got on my way. I hit rain soon after and I started to get tired and antsy. I finally gave in and had my Pepsi. (I love Pepsi but don't drink soda that often and try not to unless it's a special occasion) The rain was annoying. It slowed me down and made visibility worse. It made driving through rural Southern Virginia long and boring. I listened to music and amazingly, New York Sports Radio 660, WFAN to kill the time. I loved hearing the sports radio with the New York accents and of course the talk about the disaster that is the New York Jets. Northern North Carolina was also desolate. Then all of a sudden Durham popped up from the middle of nowhere. What once was 140 miles away was finally 0. I pulled in at 1am, unpacked my car and got to bad around 2:30. I woke up at 8:45, had breakfast and got back in my car to head to work.
What I learned is that it's possible to drive that far by yourself. You have to plan for some traffic and plan to leave at a time that minimizes traffic at the big cities. Taking a break now and then is vital. Having a friend to see along the way or someone to call makes things better. Most importantly make sure you have a full Ipod/Iphone, a good radio and good speakers.
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