Happy Memorial Day, everybody. I went to Indiana to visit my college roommate Beth and to be indoctrinated into her family’s tradition of watching the Indianapolis 500. I will admit, I’m so clueless about racing that I thought that the Indy Racing League and Nascar were synonymous until Beth, in horror, educated me. I decided to root for Marco Andretti for the sole reason that he was driving an Indiana Jones car. It turned out to be as good of a reason as any, because he came in third! AND, to boot, when he took off his helmut, I was speechless: the cute, 21 year old race car driver looks just like Nathan Hale! If that whole “racing” thing doesn’t work out for him, maybe he’ll consider a career in acting. ;)
Well, I just wanted to say happy Memorial Day, everybody! On the drive to and from Indiana this weekend, my heart was really warmed as I travelled through the heartland of our country, and just took in all the quiet little towns and farms that make up America. I know a lot of you who read The Dreamer don’t live in America, and it makes me sad when I think about how our country must look from overseas. Firstly, we do not all live in New York or L.A. In fact, most of us have never been to either. We don’t look, dress, act, or dance like Britney Spears. And I don’t even want to start talking about what everyone else thinks about our foreign policy…! But most Americans live in rural, small towns and live quiet, unspectacular lives. But our nation is absolutely breathtaking. And I really believe that our people are good at heart. I was just appreciating it all from the highways today. And I was thinking about what Memorial Day is all about–remembering all the men and women who have given their lives in the defense of this country. We’re all going to die, the question is what for? I think that in service to your country (if you love it) is a good answer.
My great, great, great… grandfather was a Captain in the 1st Continental Line during the Revolutionary War. (You’ll get to meet him on friday!) And I had another great grandfather who served as an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War. My cousin’s husband has served several tours in Iraq. To them, and to everyone else leaving the same legacy, I say thank you. And to all of you who are serving in the armed forces today, from The Dreamer crew to you, thanks. For real. I just sit at a computer and draw comic books…!
I hope you all enjoy your holiday!!
So much Nathan Hale lately! That’s pretty awesome.
My own cousin’s in Iraq right now, actually. I may not be all into the war, but I’m completely in support of the people who enlist and go out there. (Now -and- back in the 18th century).
So I HAD to look up Marco Andretti after you said that…very cute indeed-I’m still “uneducated” about racing-want to share the knowledge? ;)lol
I know what you mean about the U.S. Sometimes I even feel myself wondering what’s going on with us, but somethings are in the marrow and never leave, and love for my country is one of them.
I’m going to post a poem on deviantart soon-I wrote it years ago, but it’s relevant to Memorial Day so I thought I’d put it up. Don’t poke fun-I’m a terrible poet. lol
Well, I’ll post the poem if I ever figure out how…:/
*clap* I love Indiana Jones…and Nathan Hale. I need to start watching racing!!
Can’t wait to “meet” your great, etc. grandfather on friday :)
It was awesome having you here this weekend Lora. Marco does indeed share a likeness to Nathan Hale, plus you can’t go wrong with an Indiana Jones car. Oh, and to anyone with questions on racing… direct them my way and I’ll be happy to answer them.
lol I don’t know what questions to ask-that’s how clueless I am about racing. :P
Well, the first distintion in racing is that there is two very different leagues. There is NASCAR which races what are known as stock cars and then there is the Indy Racing League which race what are called open-wheel race cars. NASCAR cars look like regular cars and have steel rollcages in them to help reinforce the safety of the car. They usually run races at about 169-175 mph and you’ll often see the drivers bump each other and stuff like that. Indy Racing League cars look nothing like regular cars. The wheels and supension system are all out in the open and the driver slides down into a cockpit but their helmets are still exposed to open air. They run races at an average speed of about 224 mph (if you’re a really fast driver). They can not bump each other because one bump could send you into the wall and basically destroy your car and possibly you. So it takes really good reflexes to be a IRL driver. The Indianapolis 500 is part of the Indy Racing League series and is the type of racing that I grew up on. As a whole NASCAR is more of the money series but the Indianapolis 500 is known as “The Greatest Spectacle In Racing.” It’s generally the most well know race there is. If you want to see what a IRL car looks like go to http://www.indycar.com. So, that’s a quick synopsis. Oh, and Danica Patrick is my favorite driver. But if you’re looking for a driver that looks a little like Alan then go to http://www.indycar.com and look up a driver by the name of Will Power… no joke… that’s his name.
Andretti? I figured you root for Danica, though she didn’t finish the race, she never did drop lower than 13. Did you see her power walk after her car was wrecked? She looked like she was going to jack someone up! But, I have to say that NASCAR is more fun than Indy.
You have a colorful American lineage Lora! I can see why you’re so proud of it too. I hope your trip was well too.
Hey, I actually know what different kinds of cars you’re talking about! lol Will Power? That’s an AWESOME name. lol
Will Power is a cruel name. A cruel, cruel name given by unloving parents. ;)
And, Alan, seeing Danica almost go to town on that guy was awesome. I told everyone before the race started that since it was the first time I’d ever watched any such thing that I wanted to see lots of wrecks! There was some serious action in that race, much fun. But when Marco pushed that other dude into the wall, I was outside talking to Mike on my cell. :( What a bummer I missed it!
Well, if Will had a problem with his name he could change it. How do we know William wasn’t the name of some great family friend or relative and had nothing to do with puns? :D
Nuh, after all the wrecks I’ve seen and ones my family members have been in (No car wrecks for me yet. I’ve only been hit by a car twice-on the sidewalk and in the parking lot at Baylor) I’d never want to watch them on the telly.
I wanted to see Danica jack someone up.