Costco cool, DL day, wake up for win
Saturday morning I was up at 3:45 to head out to time another race. This is one of my favorite races to time since it is put on by the same people that organize a local PGA tour event. Since they organize events for a living, working with them for this race is normally very easy. There were a few glitches I had to figure out at the finish line but for the most part things went well.
So during the day Saturday I worked on getting a number of things cleaned up that were bothering me. By the time 5 o’clock came around I had made a good dent in things.
My Costco card showed up in the mail during the day so I thought I would have a rocking Saturday night checking out our local store, I never had been in it. I asked Ali if she wanted to come along, she never was there before either.
Although when you first walk into the store you get a very similar feel as Sam’s Club with a big warehouse environment, it doesn’t take long until you notice the differences. The first thing I noticed was the employees seemed really friendly and upbeat. Perhaps that is because unlike Sam’s Club, Costco employees actually get paid a decent wage (average of $17 an hour) and are provided with health insurance.
As we walked the aisles I noticed that Costco seemed to have a much larger variety of items. Their food selection was most impressive, as it included a ton of healthy organic choices.
When we got to the toys section my eyes lit up when I spotted a Green Machine. Growing up the Green Machine was my favorite riding toy. It’s rear steering configuration while touchy, also allowed you to do fantastic power slides, something any young boy appreciates.
I sat on the display model, skeptical if it would hold a full size adult. It actually felt pretty comfortable holding my weight. They have improved the Green Machine in the 35 years since I had mine. It now sports a rubber front tire, a caliper brake, more precise steering linkage and a transmission style front wheel. All of this awesomeness only costs $69.99!
There was a strong urge for me to make a totally impractical decision and pick up a Green Machine. My logical self won out however as I realized that other than a couple joyrides up and down the driveway, what exactly do I need a Green Machine for at nearly 45 years of age? Of course I don’t need it, not even a little bit. Still, if my logical side is asleep at the wheel for a few minutes the 10 year old that still lives in my head might swoop in and snatch one up. 🙂
I picked up a few items that I actually did need while I was there. I left the store quite happy I finally decided to ditch Sam’s.
I had the dogs on Sunday. One of the first things I did was give them both a bath, they stunk. Trying to wash a dog in the tub yourself is a logistical challenge. I emerged from the process with thoroughly wet and fur covered clothing.
I knocked around the house doing various things until the Eagles game started. I was very tired and wound up falling asleep through almost three quarters of the game.
When I awoke the team was in the middle of their typical free fall, allowing the Buccaneers to score 21 unanswered points after the Eagles had a 10-0 lead. I was not surprised and was quite confident the Eagles were on their way to their 9th loss in a row. I was quite surprised to witness what came next, a comeback.
I can not tell you the last time the Eagles won a game with literally a last second TD pass. I am not sure if McNabb ever did it, I don’t think Vick has either. Leave it to Nick Foles to deliver, hitting Maclin cleanly in the side of the end zone as time expired. For the first time in two months plus I raised both fists triumphantly as I sat on the couch. Finally, a reason to cheer.
Foles had a monster day stat-wise, throwing for nearly 400 yards with a couple td’s. It was really cool to see him deliver and deliver in the clutch, something that Eagle fans value above all else. However I am also realist. I saw the sure, game killing interception he threw that was luckily dropped by a stone handed Buccaneers defensive back. Foles has a lot to learn and it is far too early to hang our hat on his 6’6″ high head.
I remember a very similar scenario years ago when Bobby Hoying dazzled at the end of one season, was appointed as the franchise QB and then drove off a cliff the next season. Of course I hope Foles is the real deal. It would be great to have a young QB to build a franchise around. The one thing that is pretty much assured is Mike Vick’s stint in Philly will be coming to an end. He has done noting to earn the HUGE contract that was laid at his feet last year.
Andy celebrated the TD pass like he won the Super Bowl. I am not sure if I ever saw that much emotion out of him, ever. Is there a chance that Andy could still save his job? I really don’t see how after the edict Jeff Lurie delivered before this season. The only out I can see is placing the blame on the number of injuries on the offensive side of the ball.
For sure, all those injuries, particularly the offensive line injuries crippled the team, however, the defense, which remained healthy all year has been mostly dreadful. The big name free agents that were signed for defense have been major disappointments and that falls on Andy’s shoulders as well as putting Juan Castillo in charge of the defense last season.
I think if somehow the team would once again end the season by winning out it COULD save the Fat Man’s neck.
I need to really get my Xmas shopping done this week. I don’t like the uncertainty of it all. I will be hitting various online establishments quite heavily to accomplish the task.
Today I will be renewing my drivers license, something I have not had to do in person since moving to Florida. The first time I had to do it I could just click a couple buttons online. Well with new security measures that are now in effect the process is much more invasive and inconvenient.
You used to be able to just walk in with your old drivers license, flash it and get a new one after passing the vision test. Now you are required to bring with you the following items:
Birth certificate
Proof of SS number
Two utility bills or documents that verify your residency in the past 60 days
I am lucky I even knew where my birth certificate was, not to mention my original SS card.
In a way it will be sad to get a new license with an updated head shot. I sort of liked having my license garnishing a picture from 12 years ago….