Voice Mail

Wishing her number actually showed up on my phone so I could call and apologize for any stress she received after hearing my vibrant voicemail.  That was before the beep.  This is what happened after the beep.......

FYI:  Bought the SIM card from an AT&T store in Frisco, TX.  My phone is black, not blue.

Driving Ms Daisy

(deep breath)  8 days - 3000+ miles.  Madison, WI - Indianapolis, IN - Columbus, OH - Dayton, OH - Cleveland, OH - Harrisburg, PA - Cleveland, OH - Chicago, IL - Indianapolis, IN - Jacksonville, FL

The US Youth Soccer Month tour is taking me everywhere.  And FAST.  Have seen some cool people and places along the way.

Favorite story from yesterdays 15 hour marathon drive:  IN KENTUCKY (use your imagination here)  Pull up to a gas station that doesn't have another car at a pump (red flag #1) and proceed to fill my tank.  Walk inside to get some water and coffee, as it's early in the morning.  The woman working the counter is sitting back in her chair smoking a cigarette (red flag #2--how long ago did they pass laws in most states to stop smoking inside of public places??!!??!).  She smiles and in her cracked voice says 'mornin.'  I ask where the coffee is.  She says "ours is pretty old, you should try the restaurant" and points. I ask for water.  She says "again, you don't want our water, I'd see the restaurant" (add Kentucky drawl here.)  She points again.  Woman working restaurant counter is in one of her 80th years and kindly helps me with both water and coffee, she says "you must be a beginner" as she hands me a half coffee/half milk glass.  Moral of story:   I love Kentucky!

Yes, I did buy chocolate here.  And yes it is even better than you can even imagine!

You have to love the marketing efforts done here in Hershey, PA.  Check the light posts!!

Myra, Kelly, Jim (check photo in Myra's hand) are my awesome peeps in Cleveland that I stayed with!

US Youth Soccer

For the month of September I'll be on the road in the US promoting US Youth Soccer Month at soccer tournaments, Sports Authority stores and other sweet festivals.  Thus far been through Madison, Chicago, Indy, Dayton, Columbus and in Cleveland. 

Headed to Pennsylvania next.  Bring on Hershey's chocolate!

My new ride for September

This is what I set up at events.

Notice the GIANT inflatables!

Sweet kickwall that every kid imaginable LOVES!

Volunteer.

Ever wanting something more to do with a few hours of your day?  Put down the remote and volunteer.  You'll meet some incredible people if you're willing.

One that has impacted my life is Big Brothers Big Sisters.  'For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.'

Met Shaya in the fall of '08 and plan on knowing her, well, for the rest of my life!  Shaya is an incredible 13yr old girl!!!

Cuba opening to American travelers?

Interested in visiting the mysterious island only 90 miles away from US coastline.  Read the latest and greatest CNN article and see how you feel.

Are Americans free to do as they choose?  Should Americans be allowed to enter Cuba?  (ps it's the US government holding us back, not Cuba's)

Will Americans destroy the countries culture, lifestyle and eco-tourism spots due to an enormous influx of tourists (est. 500,000 people the first year) when the gates do open?

Dominos for all, in the park, any time and any day!