Busy... Yet Boring

I am way to busy for my own good. However, that doesn't mean that I am doing anything fun. My life is just more of the same: class (even though it is the end of the first summer session so I am working my ass off to get everything done), homework, and working at the bookstore (yet, somehow I am still broke). Hopefully, I will have a real post in a day or two.

Only in NYC

I had a blast at the Belmont Stakes; despite the fact that Smarty lost. I almost cried. Seriously, there were tears welling up in my eyes. Regardless of the outcome, the day solidified my love of horse racing and I am going to have to make more trips to the track. Especially since I have now figured out how to bet, after having a guy waiting in line and the women in the betting window explain it to me. By the end of the day I was wagering like a pro. I only won $11, though (on two races that my horses won). However, earlier in the day on the 3rd or 4th race I decided not to bet because I was too lazy to walk to the window. From my place near the rail (where we were at all day, an excellent spot) it was hard to weave through the crowds. However, I picked a horse to root for anyway. The horse went off to 20-1 and that old nag decided to run the race of his life. What do you know that fucker won!! My $2 bet would have won me $40!! I learned my lesson and I bet on the rest of the races of the day. None nearly as profitably though. Ugh.

After the races we went to another part of Queens to visit one of Jason's friends, Christina (a militant bi-sexual who was fucking awesome!) who worked at a liquor store. It was her last day and some of her regulars decided to visit. They bought a bottle of Champaign and broke it open in the middle of the store. They shared with Jack and I and we drank it out of Hennessey glasses. After we finished that one we cracked open another. So here I was drinking Champaign in the middle of a Queens liquor store with Jason, a militant bi-sexual, an artist, an Englishman, a middle age internet security guy who was Christina’s new boss and worked at a club in the ‘80’s where the Ramones played (He and Joey were tight), and the Latino guy who worked in the back! Only in New York.

That night I slept on a futon in a warehouse owned by Christina’s boss. The place was great for a warehouse. It had awesome skylights. I have never slept in a warehouse before and probably never will again. But at least now I can say, “When I was in college I spent the night in a warehouse in the middle of Queens.” How many people do you know that can say that. Hehe. It was a great weekend and not one I will soon forget.



[Big thanks again to Jason... better watch out I may show up again next year. ;-)]

Childhood Dreams Do Come True!!

Ok, I have something to confess. I love horse racing! Not just love it, I have an obsession. When I was little and my dad was watching TV, he would flip through the channels and if there was horse racing on I would scream and cry until he turned it back. As my father likes to tell it he missed many endings to TV shows and movies because of me.

But my obsession goes deeper. I have seen every Triple Crown race on TV since I was 10. Yes that’s right. Every single one. If I wasn’t home I would tape it and avoid all radio and Television until I was able to get home to watch it. Just in case I accidentally caught who won. Sick I know.

Well, since I have been alive no horse has won the Triple Crown (basically the highest honor in Horse racing). In fact no horse has won in 26 years. Many have come close; 6 actually within the past 8 years have won the first two legs, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, however none has won the true “Test of Champions” the Belmont Stakes. This year another horse, Smarty Jones, a Philadelphia bred, just might do it. He is heavily favored and doesn’t have much strong competition. This year will hopefully be the year. *Fingers crossed*

Despite my obsession I have never been to any of the Triple Crown races. Despite Brian living 30 min from Pimlico where the Preakness takes place. Actually I have never even been to a horse race. Sad, huh? Well this weekend a dream of mine will finally come true. I am going to the Belmont!!!! I am overly excited. You have no idea. So watch the Belmont this weekend. If you see a short very excited blond girl on TV that would be me. Most likely you will see Jason first, he is 6’5”, much easier to spot in a crowd. He is going with me and letting me crash at his house. Thank you Jason, I am forever in you dept. You have made this little obsessed fan very happy.

So anyway, watch the Belmont and “Go Smarty Jones, Go!”