10 years and one month to the day, I set foot in the state of Georgia for the first time.
The day started by me and my dad driving east on I-20 in Louisiana and stopping for gas and a McDonald's to start the day. We drive from Louisiana to Mississippi, and we get stuck in a mid afternoon traffic jam in Jackson along the way. There's a part of Jackson where I-20 and I-55 merge to become one freeway, and we were on that for a time.
We pass I-55, then we get to a point of the freeway where I-20 and I-59 merge to become one freeway just before Meridian, Mississippi. We would be on I-20/I-59 well into Alabama for a couple of hours.
We pass through Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Home of the University of Alabama) and just before we get to Birmingham, there is a sign on the freeway that says "I-459 NORTH (t0) Atlanta". Just like that, we were getting close to our destination.
We take the I-459 bypass in order to get to our destination faster. There wasn't much along I-459 to look at while we were on the road, but it got us back on I-20 on our way to Georgia.
We passed by Leeds, Alabama (Hometown of Phoenix Suns great Charles Barkley) and by Talladega (Home of the famed superspeedway).
Finally, it was getting darker and we got into the state of Georgia. The drive through East Alabama seemed forever. It was my first time that I remember ever seeing the state of Georgia in my life. Getting through West Georgia seemed like an eternity. We eventually got past the Western half of I-285 and shortly thereafter got past I-75/I-85 at night. To my right, I saw the night lights that shined on an empty Turner Field.
We sort of got lost in Atlanta because we missed the on-ramp of I-75/I-85 NORTH; instead, we got off at Memorial Drive and hopped back on I-20 Westbound to get to where we needed to go. We eventually got on I-75/I-85 and Got past Downtown Atlanta. We got past the Brookwood Split (Where I-75 and I-85 go their seperate ways). We aso got past the Northern part of I-285 and Stopped at a Howard Johnson's Hotel off of Delk Road (Exit 261) and checked in for the night.
I saw my first Atlanta Hawks telecast on the old WHOT-TV (Channel 34). Hawks beat the Knicks that night at Phillips Arena. Phillips Arena looked magnificent on Television.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
From Midland to Shreveport
On March 2, 2000, my dad and I leave Midland Texas with a new set of fuel injectors and off we go on to Altanta.
We finally jump back on I-20 eastbound, and it took forever to get through WEST TEXAS. We finally pass Abilene before the sun sets. It gets dark where we pass I-30, I-820, I-35W, Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, I-35E, I-45, I-635, and out of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In East Texas, we encounter a massive thunderstorm and we were tuned into KRLD-1080 for the latest weather reports. We were worried that we were going to be caught up in the eye of the storm, but the strom passed by the time we got to Tyler, Texas.
More success came when we got into Louisiana. Just outside of Shreveport, I see big bright lights at the Isle of Capri Casino to my right, right off I-20. We pass Shreveport and stop for a late late dinner at a Denny's.
I fall asleep after a midnight dinner and my dad and I stop at a motel just east of Shreveport. I fall asleep again and I don't get to enjoy the news from station KTBS.
Next Stop, ATLANTA!!!!!!!!
We finally jump back on I-20 eastbound, and it took forever to get through WEST TEXAS. We finally pass Abilene before the sun sets. It gets dark where we pass I-30, I-820, I-35W, Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, I-35E, I-45, I-635, and out of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In East Texas, we encounter a massive thunderstorm and we were tuned into KRLD-1080 for the latest weather reports. We were worried that we were going to be caught up in the eye of the storm, but the strom passed by the time we got to Tyler, Texas.
More success came when we got into Louisiana. Just outside of Shreveport, I see big bright lights at the Isle of Capri Casino to my right, right off I-20. We pass Shreveport and stop for a late late dinner at a Denny's.
I fall asleep after a midnight dinner and my dad and I stop at a motel just east of Shreveport. I fall asleep again and I don't get to enjoy the news from station KTBS.
Next Stop, ATLANTA!!!!!!!!
Stuck in Midland
On March 1, 2000, a few things stood out in mind: I had CNN to watch at a Chevrolet dealership in an effort to get my car fixed, I had all the soda I could drink, and I was going NOWHERE on this day.
I learned that it would take over a day just to get the new fuel injectors shipped from Dallas to Midland to get my Chevy Cavalier fixed. I waited all day at the dealership for nothing.
In the end, I get a nice dinner, all you can eat salad, and local news from several Midland-Odessa television stations in my Holiday Inn room. I at least got a different perspective on how West Texas covers the news.
I learned that it would take over a day just to get the new fuel injectors shipped from Dallas to Midland to get my Chevy Cavalier fixed. I waited all day at the dealership for nothing.
In the end, I get a nice dinner, all you can eat salad, and local news from several Midland-Odessa television stations in my Holiday Inn room. I at least got a different perspective on how West Texas covers the news.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Dreaming of San Diego again
Last Sunday, I was dreaming that I was in San Diego again. Kelly and I were in this dream of a journey to where we were meeting one of her old friends there.
I was on I-805 heading North and I needed to get on HWY 94, but I mssed the exit. I had to keep going and there was a sign that said I could go SOUTH on I-15 going Northbound on I-805. I was pumped about the idea and I took it.
Later on in the dream, we were inside this apartment meeting one of her friends. We were playing on a computer, surfing the internet, and we were heading out to the pool.
In reality, You can't go SOUTH on the 15 going NORTH on I-805. The freeways in San Diego aren't built that way.
I haven't been to San Diego since October 2008, and I don't see myself going back there this year.
I have plans to go back on board a cruise in Florida and to visit my family in Oklahoma this year.
I was on I-805 heading North and I needed to get on HWY 94, but I mssed the exit. I had to keep going and there was a sign that said I could go SOUTH on I-15 going Northbound on I-805. I was pumped about the idea and I took it.
Later on in the dream, we were inside this apartment meeting one of her friends. We were playing on a computer, surfing the internet, and we were heading out to the pool.
In reality, You can't go SOUTH on the 15 going NORTH on I-805. The freeways in San Diego aren't built that way.
I haven't been to San Diego since October 2008, and I don't see myself going back there this year.
I have plans to go back on board a cruise in Florida and to visit my family in Oklahoma this year.
Feb. 29, 2000; From EL PASO TO MIDLAND
The majority of the first day was driven on Interstate 10. We move forward from El Paso on our way to Atlanta.
Before we left, I think I got the free breakfast from the Red Roof Inn. It was probably good. I like free motel/hotel breakfast anytime I can get it.
My dad and I were in El Paso for seemingly a long time this Tuesday Morning. We stayed on Interstate 10 for a few hours. The next town from El Paso going Eastbound was Van Horn, Texas. Literally it's the next town listed on the map. After 2.5 hours of long and boring driving on the freeway, my dad and I stop at a local McDonald's and get a few chicken sandwiches. I remember the food being good and the restaurant being a little filthy.
Food was good and the driving would continue. My dad and I got onto Interstate 20 somewhere in West Texas. Interstate 20 would be the major freeway that would lead us to our ultimate destination.
The drive for the first two days of this journey was for the most part, smooth. We decided to fill up on gas at a Texaco station. After the stop, we continued to go on I-20. One minute I was riding along and listening to Filter's "Picture" on the radio, and the next minute I hear some really bad noises inside my car. At first I thought my dad was playing a funny joke on me. I even told my dad to stop messing around. Unfortunately, the joke was on my dad and I. Our car, the Chevy Cavalier, started to slow down on its own. After a couple of minutes, we were driving from 20mph all the way down to zero.
There were a few failed restarts on the car. Simply turning the ignition would not get us back on the road where we needed to be, and so we were standed out on the side of I-20. Several friendly Texas police officers were wondering if we were o.k., and we were. However, we really needed help and needed someone to get us back on the right track. I had the audacity to walk all the way from the freeway to a FINA gas station and get a tow truck out where we were on I-20 somewhere in West Texas.
Finally, mid-afternoon, help arrived in the form of a friendly tow truck driver and we got to a tow truck shop where my car would sit for at least a day. I brought out my trusted teddy bear "Neddy" and we got another ride to a local holiday inn.
I got scared after a while. I had 6 days to arrive at the CNN Center in Atlanta for my first day on the job. I realized something at that point: I was stuck in Midland, Texas.
I don't want to bag on Midland. I think it's a nice town and everything, but I needed to get past that point to get to my ultimate destination: Atlanta.
Before we left, I think I got the free breakfast from the Red Roof Inn. It was probably good. I like free motel/hotel breakfast anytime I can get it.
My dad and I were in El Paso for seemingly a long time this Tuesday Morning. We stayed on Interstate 10 for a few hours. The next town from El Paso going Eastbound was Van Horn, Texas. Literally it's the next town listed on the map. After 2.5 hours of long and boring driving on the freeway, my dad and I stop at a local McDonald's and get a few chicken sandwiches. I remember the food being good and the restaurant being a little filthy.
Food was good and the driving would continue. My dad and I got onto Interstate 20 somewhere in West Texas. Interstate 20 would be the major freeway that would lead us to our ultimate destination.
The drive for the first two days of this journey was for the most part, smooth. We decided to fill up on gas at a Texaco station. After the stop, we continued to go on I-20. One minute I was riding along and listening to Filter's "Picture" on the radio, and the next minute I hear some really bad noises inside my car. At first I thought my dad was playing a funny joke on me. I even told my dad to stop messing around. Unfortunately, the joke was on my dad and I. Our car, the Chevy Cavalier, started to slow down on its own. After a couple of minutes, we were driving from 20mph all the way down to zero.
There were a few failed restarts on the car. Simply turning the ignition would not get us back on the road where we needed to be, and so we were standed out on the side of I-20. Several friendly Texas police officers were wondering if we were o.k., and we were. However, we really needed help and needed someone to get us back on the right track. I had the audacity to walk all the way from the freeway to a FINA gas station and get a tow truck out where we were on I-20 somewhere in West Texas.
Finally, mid-afternoon, help arrived in the form of a friendly tow truck driver and we got to a tow truck shop where my car would sit for at least a day. I brought out my trusted teddy bear "Neddy" and we got another ride to a local holiday inn.
I got scared after a while. I had 6 days to arrive at the CNN Center in Atlanta for my first day on the job. I realized something at that point: I was stuck in Midland, Texas.
I don't want to bag on Midland. I think it's a nice town and everything, but I needed to get past that point to get to my ultimate destination: Atlanta.
The Big Move 10 years ago today, from MESA to EL PASO
Yesterday 10 years ago was my final full day ever living in Mesa, Arizona. I slept to a Phoenix Coyotes/Vancouver Canucks game, and my Coyotes lost in Vancouver.
February 28, 2000, my dad and I leave our Mesa, Arizona house for the big move to Atlanta. We started our journey going west on U.S. 60 on Higley Road. Then we took 60 out to where it meets interstate 10. We go Eastbound towards Tucson and before we reach Tucson, we stop at a Cracker Barrel in Casa Grande, Arizona. It was the first time I've ever been to a Cracker Barrel. That is where I became hooked on the Hash Brown Casserole.
The first big milestone on this trip was we crossed the Interstate 8 intersection in Casa Grande. Then Mid-day, we reach Tucson and be blow past there within 30 minutes. Another important milestone is that we pass Interstate 19.
Later in the day, we cross into New Mexico. We cross Las Cruses, pass interstate 25, and head on our way into Texas. To my left in Las Cruses, I see the Pan-Am Center in Las Cruses (home of the New Mexico State Aggie basketball team).
Early afternoon, we cross Texas. We reach El Paso and my dad and I decide to stop in a Red Roof Inn for the evening.
My dad and I rest and relax before dinner at another Cracker Barrel. If I'm not careful, I'll be addicted to Carcker Barrel.
Overall, this was a successful first day on our journey to Atlanta.
NEXT STOP: DALLAS!!!
February 28, 2000, my dad and I leave our Mesa, Arizona house for the big move to Atlanta. We started our journey going west on U.S. 60 on Higley Road. Then we took 60 out to where it meets interstate 10. We go Eastbound towards Tucson and before we reach Tucson, we stop at a Cracker Barrel in Casa Grande, Arizona. It was the first time I've ever been to a Cracker Barrel. That is where I became hooked on the Hash Brown Casserole.
The first big milestone on this trip was we crossed the Interstate 8 intersection in Casa Grande. Then Mid-day, we reach Tucson and be blow past there within 30 minutes. Another important milestone is that we pass Interstate 19.
Later in the day, we cross into New Mexico. We cross Las Cruses, pass interstate 25, and head on our way into Texas. To my left in Las Cruses, I see the Pan-Am Center in Las Cruses (home of the New Mexico State Aggie basketball team).
Early afternoon, we cross Texas. We reach El Paso and my dad and I decide to stop in a Red Roof Inn for the evening.
My dad and I rest and relax before dinner at another Cracker Barrel. If I'm not careful, I'll be addicted to Carcker Barrel.
Overall, this was a successful first day on our journey to Atlanta.
NEXT STOP: DALLAS!!!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Fear and snowing in Atlanta
February 12th was my first big taste of snow in 2010. Getting home from the remnants of the snowstorm would be the scariest thing I've ever experienced in my car.
I should have taken the free room at the Omni because of the weather. Instead, I braved the cold and ice for Kelly and our 2 cats Daniel and Gadget.
I was cruising at about 40 MPH on I-75 from the Williams Street on ramp to just after the Barrett Parkway exit.
I witnessed a large traffic jam just before the Chastain Road Exit, and I thought it was a mssive traffic accident. I was WRONG on that guess.
I literally guessed wrong when I slowly proceeded with caution onto a bridge on I-75 NORTHBOUND before the Chastain Road exit. I remembered that I was near the Kennesaw State University Campus and I slowly and painfully skidded out of control at the bridge.
I was skidding to the left near the guard rail and I had no control of my vehicle. My right leg was shaking up and down like never before. I had to tell the KSU police officer on duty in a loud, demonstrative voice that I had no control of my vehicle. Everytime I would hit the gas, I would spin and skid. I could not move the car straight on my own.
My inability to drive on the black ice was causing a massive traffic jam in back of me. I felt bad for myself and for the other drivers behind me.
I had to get help from the KSU police officer by him pushing my vehicle while I steered it and did not hit the gas. I was able to get back on solid ground on the freeway
As long as I didn't get over 8 miles per hour, I would not skid on the road. I had enough of the freeway I would get off of it one exit early at Wade Green Road instead of the usual HWY 92 exit I take to go home.
I was saved by the red light at the Wade Green off ramp. I would turn left ever so slowly so that I would not skid on the overpass. I would take side streets at 4-7 miles per hour in the snow and ice to get home. That long, slow journey alone took over 30 minutes. The one think that comforted me in the journey was listening to the THIS WEEK IN 1982 countdown on Sirius Channel 8 (the BIG 80s).
The big payoff was for me to come home and walk into the loving arms of my beautiful girlfriend, Kelly Sanders. I also got to hear the welcoming meows of Daniel T. Cat and Gadget M. Cat.
From now on, I want to live somewhere tropical with Kelly and the Cats.
I should have taken the free room at the Omni because of the weather. Instead, I braved the cold and ice for Kelly and our 2 cats Daniel and Gadget.
I was cruising at about 40 MPH on I-75 from the Williams Street on ramp to just after the Barrett Parkway exit.
I witnessed a large traffic jam just before the Chastain Road Exit, and I thought it was a mssive traffic accident. I was WRONG on that guess.
I literally guessed wrong when I slowly proceeded with caution onto a bridge on I-75 NORTHBOUND before the Chastain Road exit. I remembered that I was near the Kennesaw State University Campus and I slowly and painfully skidded out of control at the bridge.
I was skidding to the left near the guard rail and I had no control of my vehicle. My right leg was shaking up and down like never before. I had to tell the KSU police officer on duty in a loud, demonstrative voice that I had no control of my vehicle. Everytime I would hit the gas, I would spin and skid. I could not move the car straight on my own.
My inability to drive on the black ice was causing a massive traffic jam in back of me. I felt bad for myself and for the other drivers behind me.
I had to get help from the KSU police officer by him pushing my vehicle while I steered it and did not hit the gas. I was able to get back on solid ground on the freeway
As long as I didn't get over 8 miles per hour, I would not skid on the road. I had enough of the freeway I would get off of it one exit early at Wade Green Road instead of the usual HWY 92 exit I take to go home.
I was saved by the red light at the Wade Green off ramp. I would turn left ever so slowly so that I would not skid on the overpass. I would take side streets at 4-7 miles per hour in the snow and ice to get home. That long, slow journey alone took over 30 minutes. The one think that comforted me in the journey was listening to the THIS WEEK IN 1982 countdown on Sirius Channel 8 (the BIG 80s).
The big payoff was for me to come home and walk into the loving arms of my beautiful girlfriend, Kelly Sanders. I also got to hear the welcoming meows of Daniel T. Cat and Gadget M. Cat.
From now on, I want to live somewhere tropical with Kelly and the Cats.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dreaming of being on a treadmill
Last Night/This Morning, it was a dream. In my dream, I was on the treadmill for 70 minutes.
In reality today, I was on the treadmill for 53 minutes. I would have stayed on just a bit longer, but it was snowing and I had to get to work.
I envision myself going the full 99 minutes on the treadmill. Go team.
In reality today, I was on the treadmill for 53 minutes. I would have stayed on just a bit longer, but it was snowing and I had to get to work.
I envision myself going the full 99 minutes on the treadmill. Go team.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Dreaming of Vegas
This is one of the shortest dreams in my blog. It was early Saturday Morning, and I was still asleep listening to CNN about a story on Vegas.
My dream had me near Las Vegas Boulevard where I was approaching an unnamed high rise hotel. I was about to grab some delicious brunch there. Later in the dream, I was about to get onto I-15 going south. Next thing I know, I woke up.
The reality, I had to get up early so that my beautiful girlfriend Kelly could take her car to the Honda dealership in Woodstock, GA and get an oil change. I got in a good workout at L.A. Fitness in Woodstock, had a good lunch at Subway, and went home.
I want to take Kelly to Las Vegas and give her a good time there. We'll have to settle for watching "The Hangover" on DVD over and over until we're really ready to go to Vegas.
My dream had me near Las Vegas Boulevard where I was approaching an unnamed high rise hotel. I was about to grab some delicious brunch there. Later in the dream, I was about to get onto I-15 going south. Next thing I know, I woke up.
The reality, I had to get up early so that my beautiful girlfriend Kelly could take her car to the Honda dealership in Woodstock, GA and get an oil change. I got in a good workout at L.A. Fitness in Woodstock, had a good lunch at Subway, and went home.
I want to take Kelly to Las Vegas and give her a good time there. We'll have to settle for watching "The Hangover" on DVD over and over until we're really ready to go to Vegas.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Dreaming of train rides
I like riding on trains and subways. I wish I could ride on a train to and form work everyday from Acworth, GA to Atlanta and back. For now, I'm just driving to and from work every day.
My dream was rather scary. I was with Kelly somewhere in New York. One minute we're standing on a train platform. Next thing I know, I'm inside a train and I take off in the train without her. I was mad and sad. I was going eastbound on the train to Brooklyn and later Queens. I found myself having a friendly conversation with the train operator. He reminded me of the van driver that Kelly and I had in Chicago in real life.
In my life, I've ridden the 7 train to a Mets/Braves game in August of 2009. I rode the C train and later the $5 Air train to JFK Airport's Federal Circle car rental complex. I love riding trains and I rode them in Chicago and New York (as well as in Atlanta from CNN Center to the Airport on multiple occasions).
My dream was rather scary. I was with Kelly somewhere in New York. One minute we're standing on a train platform. Next thing I know, I'm inside a train and I take off in the train without her. I was mad and sad. I was going eastbound on the train to Brooklyn and later Queens. I found myself having a friendly conversation with the train operator. He reminded me of the van driver that Kelly and I had in Chicago in real life.
In my life, I've ridden the 7 train to a Mets/Braves game in August of 2009. I rode the C train and later the $5 Air train to JFK Airport's Federal Circle car rental complex. I love riding trains and I rode them in Chicago and New York (as well as in Atlanta from CNN Center to the Airport on multiple occasions).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)