As I'm writing this, it's August 17th - you know, let me try to figure out that first week before I go on, it'd be a shame if my first diary back wasn't strong -- When I last wrote, I had just won $1200 playing blackjack in a casino. That was a great motivational start to my vacation. But because of that trip (didn't get home until very late), I had to push back driving to Ohio by a day. I had fun relaxing in Hoboken; I cleaned my apartment and had a burrito for dinner. Life is sweet. On the drive to Ohio, my Jeep was thirsty! I filled it up (20 gallons) in Hoboken, then had to fill it up again halfway there and then again, 20 miles from Steubenville! That's 60 gallons and seventy dollars! Something was amiss.
Monday I made an appointment to get the car looked at. The rest of that day was spent playing with the new dog my brother and family just acquired.
Dogs are cool too
She's a darn nice dog, very playful and energetic. Towards the end of the day I ordered a car stereo. Nothing fancy, just a simple tape deck. The Jeep's old radio (am/fm/cb only) wasn't cutting it anymore. The last couple trips to Ohio, I brought a boombox with me to keep me entertained.
Tuesday I woke up early, got in the car, turned the key and - nothing. It was dead. The battery is new and the headlights came on, so I knew it wasn't dead but that's where my auto expertise ends. I got in my Mom's car and drove to the garage to tell Bill (mechanic) my problem. He told me it was either my ignition or my solenoid. And he proceeded to teach me how to hot-wire my own car! I love this kind of stuff! It feels like I'm working on my own car but actually I'm not doing anything. Oh the mind-games we play on ourselves. Anyway, the first 'test' didn't work, so I had to do a more complicated test. I had to cross and touch two screwdrivers together (this causes an ugly spark) over a, I don't know, some kind of terminal. I did it! I was nervous but I did it. Funny how my car broke down on the same morning that I had an appointment. I got a great tune up and she really runs smoothly now, much better. I'm hoping this will help my fuel economy.
Wednesday I can't remember what I did.
Thursday I went to Kennywood amusement park in Pittsburgh with my brother George and his sons, Lucas and Jacob.
Bob went to Kennywood!
Despite it being crazy hot and humid, we had a great, great time. However, a "Bob moment" did occur. We were getting on the racer, two roller coasters that sit side by side, I was on one side with Jacob, and George was on the other side with Lucas. Everybody was getting in and getting locked into place by the lap safety bar. Let me tell you, the seat on this old coaster is like sitting in a child's booster seat - it was for me anyway. So, I jam my fat ass into the seat as best as I can (picture an 18-wheeler parking in a compact spot). The workers came by to see if the bars are locked into place. Mine won't lock; it's dealing with some resistance, my flesh. Needless to say, I'm embarrassed. They had us move to the car behind us and finally, after putting my legs sideways, the bar locked into place. I looked over at my brother, who witnessed the whole thing, and I just put my head down in shame. Emotionally, I did not need this to happen. But, what can you do? I got home and my car stereo arrived! I also heard about the blackout when I got home. I was glad I missed that bit of New York chaos. They believe it started in Ohio - oops.
Friday I woke up and started the stereo installation process. I won't bore you with everything but I will say that it took a lot of time, mostly because it's an old car with a different wiring system. Friday night, Lucas and Jacob came over for a sleepover, we watched Shrek.
Saturday morning, more stereo -- a lot more. Saturday night I helped my Mom baby sit the kids, two full days with kids, I love 'em but I need some Bob time. Oh, I watched Shrek again.
Sunday I finished the stereo! It sounds 100% better! Just the thing for those long drives. Before the new stereo I always just listened to Stairway to Heaven, now I can feel Stairway to Heaven. I played Splinter Cell the rest of the day and then had dinner with my friend Tim.
And that brings us to Monday the 18th. Come hell or high water, Monday was going to be my day. I don't know what that means. The plan was to get my car out on the road for a bit so there'd be no surprises when I drive back to NJ this week. She was flawless, without flaw. It was great! I was going to go to Boardman (that's by Youngstown) but I decided to drive to Kent State University instead. They were kind enough to let me graduate back in 1995. I wanted to see my friend/teacher, Dave McCoy. We lost touch the last couple of years. It was great to drop in and see him again. A lot has changed in the TV studio since I was there but that's a good thing. And Dave and his wife just had a baby girl a few months back! I couldn't have been happier for them. Dave's 46 and just had his first child, thus making Dave my new role model, ha ha. I was going to drive by my old apartment but then I remembered the last time I did that, I got depressed. My college years were spent worrying about possibly flunking various classes. Thank God for TV or I'd probably still be there. I drove up to Cleveland to go to this cool toy store, Big Fun. That was kind of pointless but what the hell, I'm on vacation. From there, I drove to Boardman and had dinner at a fast-food seafood joint, mmmmmm. All in all it was a pretty good day.
Tuesday the 19th started off with a big old bowl of Frosted Flakes and listening to the greatest hits of Rush. Damn if they don't have some catchy tunes. I was really looking forward to today, as it was Mother/son day. In other words, Mom and I loaded up the truck and headed to the local casino! I won't give you my great tales of slot machine skill and expertise; I'll just hit you with the facts. I went up with $300 (money that I had leftover from my blackjack win). I was down $200 before dinner. After dinner, I found a hot quarter machine and hit for $500! I played a few more machines and walked out with a total of $800. I'd now like to officially declare Mother/son day a success! I enjoy winning money.
Wednesday the 20th. If I see another story about the "Free Willy" whale again in my lifetime, I'm going to scream. I love all of God's creatures but come 'on already! Hey, I went to the zoo today. My sister-in-law Liz, the kids, myself got in the old van and did all things zoo. It was pretty cool. I even fed a giraffe! I'd like to give you some line about how I lived through the kid's eyes but the truth is, I almost knocked those kids over to get to that giraffe.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, my Photos of the Day for the next two weeks will be Zoo/amusement park related. Today was my nephew Jacob's birthday. He's six. I got him a Hulk toothbrush that glows in the dark; I bought it as a "stocking stuffer" type gift. He thanked everyone for their gifts and then said something like this to me, "Thanks for the crappy toothbrush." What the F@*k?! I thought it was cool. I didn't think I was that out of touch with the six-year-old set but apparently, I am. I'm toying around with getting a personalized license plate. I have it narrowed down to two choices: SEXY B or NUTS2U. Maybe this is something I should sleep on.
Thursday the 21st. It was hard for me to get going today. I had a late breakfast and played some games. Then my Mom reminded me that I promised to concrete some cracks on the front walk. She reminds me of this on the most humid day thus far but she's Mom so what can you do. She pointed out the cracks and off I went. I was fixing the cracks and she came out to check on my work, I had stuff by the cracks I was repairing. I finish and then much, much later she starts yelling at me because I filled the wrong crack! She saw what I was doing as I was doing it - what the F?! I was pissed. But then I calmed down after I remembered that it wasn't my sidewalk, ha ha! Take that Mom! We had a lovely dinner later and all was fine. I'm still thinking about this personalized license plate thing. BOB5150 and BOB1969 entered my mind today. I know it's a waste of money but I also know that I'm going to get one anyway. Tomorrow is my last day in Steubenville - I can honestly say I'll be sad to go. Something about home, you know?
Friday the 22nd. Today was spent picking up cat food and doing some last minute car stuff. But first I had to fix the crack in the walk. Afterwards I started my car and it did the same damn thing it did earlier this week, nothing. I did the same method of "hot-wiring", drove it to the garage and of course the problem wasn't there when Bill (mechanic) tested it out. At least I know how to start it if it ever happens again; hopefully it was just a gremlin. I got an oil change and was on my way. I bought some stuff from Wal-mart, filled up my gas tank, went home and packed up all my stuff. Tomorrow, I drive.
Saturday the 23rd. I'm sitting in my car this morning ready to make the eight-hour trek back to Hoboken. The cats are by my side and my Mom and brother are looking on, giving me a proper send off. I put my key in the ignition and turned her over - nothing. Son of a bitch. Here's a photo my brother took of me driving to the garage.
The car wouldn't start for Bill (mechanic) either, finally proof that I'm not just a garage groupie! He ordered the new solenoid to replace the new solenoid that was put on a few days before. I was out of there by 11 o'clock. I decided to stay another day in Steubenville rather than getting back to Hoboken around 6 or 7 pm. I'll pack everything tonight, again, and leave very early tomorrow.
Sunday the 24th. I woke up early, kissed my Mom goodbye and hit the road. No surprises, my Jeep ran like a bastard. But I did notice that it takes me forever to drive eight hours now. Driving at a top speed of 70 and stopping for gas every other mile has cut into the, "Wow, you made it in great time" factor. But I'm not complaining, I'm having fun driving that thing and my cats seem to love it.
OK, so they just like it
I got back around 4:00, called my friends and got a burrito for dinner. Now, I rest up for work tomorrow.
I like vacations.
Have a great day.
Stay gold,
Bob
