Fightin' through it...
There's been a lot going on in my life, and its all been a bit overwhelming at times. My birthday month is always a bit depressing for me, but this year has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of mental stress and unease. I can't explain why it happened, but somewhere I've lost my spunk... my confidence, that fire that normally burns within me. I've been very lack-luster feeling lately, just outright depressed. I dont like to be a whiner, so I opted to not blog you to tears about the struggles I've been internalizing for the past month. Thankfully, my birthday is over... and I thank those who remembered and sent me birthday messages. Now, I just need to find my Mo-jo and get back in the Groooove of things.
RACING NOTES: I've been out testing every weekend with the Thunderbird at Phenix City. Going through some learning curves, which has been frustrating for me and mentally draining. Its taken some getting used to, and I've stressed Dan out to the max resulting in a vapor-lock between us at times, but I know that he means well and we are just different in terms of how we learn. I appreciate all his effort and his faith in me even in my FUNK-EN-NESS. This weekend, we tried a little different approach, and I finally felt much more comfortable and at ease in the car, making the Sunday event a lot of fun. To add to that, it was Piston vs. Rotor day at Phenix City, with many cars coming up from Orlando for the event. I got to see a lot of the people I knew from home, and it was good to see some familiar faces again, which was a boost of energy to me from the normal rut I've been in lately.
This coming weekend is the NMRA Reynolds event. I've been given the ok to test there by the NMRA, but am debating whether it would be better to remain at Phenix City to test in terms of time/runs available. As of now, everything is looking good for the Fun Ford Weekend debut in Commerce, GA April 6-9. I'll be in the private test session on the Thursday before the event as well hoping to make some good 1/4 mile passes. Been pretty busy trying to get things in order for this race... NHRA paperwork, fresh tires, etc... geeesh this isn't cheap! There may be some good things to come following the Commerce event, cross your fingers-- I'll fill you in after I know more! ;)
Worked with a local photographer named Mark Daffin last week on some shots for a team photocard. Mark is a local restaurant owner and also belongs to the band, TRIPWIRE. I've seen the initial photos he posted on his myspace, and can't wait to see the cd this week. I'll be posting the shots up later this week, and those who are looking for a photog should definitely look Mark up! Thanks Mark!
WORK: I've finally started moving into my new position at work. I'm not sure how I feel about it now... yes, its more mooohlah, but its also kinda scary to transition into something when I had my area running so smoothly & effortlessly. I'm sure it'll only be a short amount of time until I'm comfy in my new area, but still... the unknown!
THOUGHTS & PRAYERS: My troubles are really taken into perspective when tragedy strikes on the racing homefront. Paul Dana, IRL Rahal/Letterman driver & teammate to Danica Patrick, was killed this past weekend in a high speed crash while living his dream on the racetrack. It was to be his rookie season, and first start in IRL-- he was anxious to get started and prove he belonged. Its heartbreaking to know he didn't get to see his dream come to light of starting at the Brickyard in INDY, but he was doing what he loved, and as racers know, I'm sure he would not have wanted it any other way. My prayers to his wife & family...
More prayer requests for my Papi, who has begun radiation treatments again and is having difficulties with the effects of the radiation. I feel so helpless being so far from home... I miss them so much. I've never been as homesick as I am right now...
Enough gloom. Back to work!
