It's Been A While

Hello Friends, Family and Family that are Friends,

This morning I write under watchful eye.  The weapon is not necessary though.  I know it's been a while since I've written and I'm working to change my lax ways.

I found this guy washed up the beach the other day and decided he must come home with me.  At the time I didn't realize he was the blog writing enforcer or I might have left him.

Life here has been about the same.  Jak is doing okay.  We've been walking about a mile every other day and keeping it shorter in between.  Yesterday I thought I noticed his gait to be a little off again so I will keep an eye on that and make sure he gets his rest today.

I had a job interview at the beginning of last week.  My first since I have been here and I think it went well.  Actually I think it's hard to say how it went as I am unable to assess what the interviewers are looking for.  Instead I will just say that I gave honest answers and did not walk away from it feeling like I said something I shouldn't have.  Since the interview, in casual conversation a few people have mentioned that I should apply at this company so perhaps that is a good sign.  I also stopped to visit previously mentioned family friends in the next town and she kept saying "I have a good feeling about this."  I'll take all the positive thoughts and enthusiasm I can get.  It's time for me to get back to work.

Last night I attended the Coke Zero 400, the same race I went to last year that really was the start of my journey to make the move down here.  I ended up sitting between two older gentlemen that I will refer to as my two dads.  The guy on my left kept offering me candy, Breathsavers, Altoids.  I finally asked if he was the 7-11.  He laughed and said no, that he's a recovering addict that's trying not use.  I told him to do whatever he needs to to stay clean.  He made the trip up from Del Ray alone and was driving back again last night.  I hope he had a safe trip.  On the other side of me sat Richie.  He explained to me that he was wearing a Jeff Gordon hat not because he was a fan but because he got the hat at a yard sale for $.25.  I could certainly appreciate that.

I realized this morning that the appeal of going to the race was not to see who would win, but to just be in that atmosphere and soak it in.  I love the roar of the cars on the race track.  I love to watch the people around me.  It's a culture I grew up in and though I don't devotedly watch all of the races anymore, being at the track is a place I feel at home.

The following are some pics I took last night at the race (for my picture book blog readers).  The first two are the front stretch pre-race.  The third one, I just liked the clouds and was thankful they were puffy white and not bringing rain.  The fourth shot was the flyover and the last shot was the flags waving in honor of the 4th of July.

Among my ambitions for the day is to clear off my kitchen table.  It seems to be suffering from the "clutter a flat surface" phenomenon.  I've already sorted through and thrown away a tree's worth of receipts.  (Please don't tell Rick - he'll come find me and give his paper wasting presentation.)

I hope everyone has had a safe and happy 4th of July weekend. 
Until next time...
Peace & Love,
Hope

P.S.  My two dads.  First picture is of 7-11, second picture is Richie, both taken covertly.