Open Air
I always smile when I think back to what I wanted to be when I grew up. I haven’t thought about it in a long time, but this morning’s commute brought that old memory right back.
When I was in 4th grade, each student had to write a 4-5 page report of the career path we hoped to take. As I recall it was towards the end of the year and the report was to account for a large part of our grade. My classmates chose doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers – the majority of them being the more ‘normal’ career choices.
When the time came to turn in our reports, I asked my mother to look mine over beforehand. “A race-car driver?” she asked. I answered very seriously, “I know one day there will be women race-car drivers and maybe I’ll be one of them.” I remember detailing Richard Petty and his career, and Cale Yarborough as well.
More than anything, I wish I still had that report. I got an A.
I didn’t grow up to be that race-car driver – at least not professionally. In all seriousness, at the time I yearned to do it and furthermore believed I could do it. It’s good to have those hopes and dreams as a kid, to believe that you can do something and perhaps even be the first of your kind to do it. In this crazy day we’re in, I wonder how many poverty-stricken children have their hopes and dreams crushed by the stress of the rough economic times. Sometimes hopes and dreams are all you have to hang on to, and it could be the one thing that pushes you forward. Life just seems so much harder now than it was back then, in simpler times.
So what spawned the memory of that 4th grade report?
On my two-lane highway this morning. Eyes dart up ahead left, up ahead right. Scrutinize, which lane’s faster. I can judge speed like a human radar. I want up front. Sunday drivers. Feels free up front. Open air. I love my car. My car loves me back. Oh yeah. Picked the right lane.
Tribute to Number 3
Happy Race Day, everyone. Hope everyone who watches enjoys… and may God be with all the drivers and keep them safe.
It’s post-race now, but I wanted to share a pic of the heartwarming tribute by fans on lap three. All hands were in the air, it was really something…
©DOUG MURRAY, REUTERS / February 20, 2011
Don’t forget to name your posts
The day is bright and springlike outside. No fires in the fireplace this weekend, more like shorts, tank tops and flips! The trees and flowers are starting to bud… but there will surely be some frost to come to snap us all back into reality. Even so, I’m gonna ride this sprint of Spring for all it’s worth. Besides, I still have a few more poundages to lose before it finally does get here!
Later today we’re going to see K’s mom for her birthday and get a bite of dinner. I absolutely adore her, and we’ve actually got a lot in common. She, too, embarked upon a new life not so very long ago – and she’s managing that new life quite well.
Tomorrow ushers in the beginning of the prize of the South… NASCAR season. I don’t follow it like I used to, gosh we used to be at those races about every time the gates were open. Unfortunately I most enjoy napping in front of a race now. The Daytona 500 though… well, ya just can’t miss that one. And Dale Earnhardt, what can I say about him. Doesn’t seem like ten years have passed since he lost his life at this track. Now there’s an icon that’ll never be matched…
Springlike, yes. Sunday afternoon… yeah that sounds good too. Enjoy this new one from Rascal Flatts’ most recent album – and everyone enjoy each other… and the days ahead.
Life of Bon 
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