Wednesday, April 29, 2015

3500

I usually write a post on the day a milestone occurs.  But I did not think I could get 28 laps yesterday. I was able to get 29 on Monday to put me within 28 of 3500. I got some motivation at the beginning of the day and again with 8 laps to go from Carlene B. She knows what to say to get my competitive nature to kick in. The rest of the Pit Crew also helped me count down to 3500. 
I also got a surprise visit from some TVG friends. Dave C., Eddie and Damian. They saw how the crew makes fun of me from time to time.
I started the day at 10:10am. I got 8 laps before my first break from 12:10pm to 12:23pm.
Got 15 more laps before my last break from 5:35pm to 5:40pm. Then got the last 5 laps and 3500 at 7:20pm. I went around and got the first round of Pit Crew photos before leaving for the day. 
In the first 4 months last year, I had a total of 505 laps. This year I'm at 728. I've been to the park 55 times for an average of 13.2 laps per visit.
If I can reach 4000 by mid July, I think I'll have a good shot to reach 5000 by the end of year.


Carlene and Catalina early in the day

Damian and Eddie from TVG

Kimmy

Frances 

Raymundo 

Paul

Jared 

Heyse 

Emily

Alejandra 

Allison

Shelly 

Alea 

Greg 

Jenny 

Oliver 

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Star Wars Celebration

ITook a few days off from Racers to attend the Star Wars Celebration at the Anaheim Convention Center. Celebration takes place every 2 years and when it was announced it would be in Anaheim, I knew I had to attend. Some of my close friends showed up. Ken and Sandra White, Heather H. And her boyfriend Jon. Mike Garcia. And some of my Racer family. Ruth C, Phil P, Cian, the 2 Yesenias, Bryan, Chris, And Amos. Saw some great panels with Carrie Fisher, Billy D Williams, the new creative team of the upcoming Star Wars movie, Rogue One, and Anthony Daniels. Also took lots of photos. 
I saw that my 2 favorite Star Wars characters were signing autographs. Did not think much about a signature. But then I saw a chance to get a photo with Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill. Leia and Luke. This was a once in a lifetime chance I could not pass. I thought I could bring anyone with me for the photo. So I invited my Racer friends to join in. When we all showed up, I found out only 4 people per photo ticket. I did not want to let anyone down, so I bought another one. It was the least I could do for my friends that have given me so much in my Racer journey. I even wore my Racer jacket and the hat the crew all signed.
The shot turned out great and Carrie and Mark shook all our hands and thanked us. 
It was 3 days I will never forget. 
So back to Racers tomorrow to continue my race to 5000 laps.

Photo with the Skywalker twins















Monday, April 6, 2015

A Packed House.

I thought last Monday was crowded at Racers. Was I mistaken. Today is the busiest day I've been this year. And I have visited California Adventure 44 times this year. It's a good excuse to have a blog post, since I'm waiting in line. 
The morning started out great. Only 10  or 15 minute wait. But by 1pm, the wait is 40 minutes or more. I've turned 11 laps as of 2:15pm. Not a good lap total for over 6 hours of waiting. Today, I even question how I can continue with this adventure. I just keep sight of that number out there I want to reach. 5000. I don't know if I will laugh or cry when I reach 5000. Maybe a little of both. I'm glad the Pit Crew likes to take photos and talk to me. They make the time waiting bearable. Plus they thanked me for bringing them chocolate cookies today. We kind of help each other. 
As if this post, I'm at 3314 all time. Nineteen more to my next sign of 3333.

Carlene and Catalina
Andrew
Greg and Ruth
Greg and Stephanie
April and Cian