Thank My Lucky Scars by Ward Foley:
To read a bit more about this book, please check out my daily blog at www.destinybooze.com
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
I met the creator of Trebark Camo! Here's what he had to say...
It was a wonderful interview. Read all about it on my daily blog at www.destinybooze.com
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
This has been an especially wonderful Thanksgiving for me. Be sure to follow my daily blog the next couple of days to find out why. You can check it out at www.destinybooze.com
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
You cannot be a parent unless you are a teacher.
To find out what I am talking about today, visit my website at www.destinybooze.com .
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
No longer Daddy's little girl?
Today I am blogging about a conversation I overheard my Dad having. I think he finally sees me as an adult.
Want to hear what I overheard? Check out my daily blog at www.destinybooze.com
Want to hear what I overheard? Check out my daily blog at www.destinybooze.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Darin Rickman Lands a Dream Job for a Young NASCAR Fan.
This is an article I wrote for The Fincastle Herald.
This story is about my younger brother! I'm so proud of him!
Have you ever answered your cell phone and heard Larry the Cable Guy on the other end saying that he was ready to be picked up at the airport? Have you ever acted as Brendan Frasier’s escort for a day? It isn’t in most people’s job descriptions to pick up celebrities at the airport or walk them around. Darin Rickman has performed both of those duties during close to five years with Motorsports Authentics – the souvenir company for NASCAR.
Rickman grew up in Buchanan and graduated from James River High School without much of a plan for his future. Through a friend, he learned about an open position with the souvenir company for a driver. He had just turned 21 and didn’t have his commercial driver’s license (CDL) yet.
Contingent on getting his CDL, the company chose to take a risk on a new and inexperienced driver and hired him. “It kind of fell into my lap,” he said.
For a young man that had yet to travel practically anywhere beyond a family vacation and that loved watching racing, it was the perfect job. “My first two years were great,” he said.
During his time in that position, he drove the souvenir truck for Elliot Sadler, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. He described seeing the country, new and beautiful places, meeting new people and living a dream job. That he worked in the shadow of some of his personal racing idols like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was another perk. “I got to see and touch and do things I’d only seen on the Discovery Channel,” he said.
He befriended his supervisor Josh Willis. Willis became Rickman’s mentor, teaching him about the inventory and computer systems on all the souvenir trucks. It was an informal apprenticeship that paid off when he was promoted after only a couple of years into his current position as Information Technology Manager. The new position required that he oversee all the trackside computer equipment and the sales operation. He was responsible for supervising approximately 70 employees.
Within a few years, Rickman suddenly found that he was relatively high on the corporate ladder. He – small town boy without a college degree – was suddenly the one in charge at the track. When there was a problem, it was his number that they called. The racecar drivers had his number programmed into their cell phones. He was the one called when a celebrity would be by the track to announce the infamous first words at the beginning of any NASCAR race – “Gentleman, start your engines.”
Does he feel like a big corporate executive? “No,” Rickman answered with a laugh, but he definitely doesn’t feel like the same Buchanan boy he had been when he graduated either. Does he wish he had gotten a college degree? Well, that answer wasn’t as simple. If he had gone to college, he was sure he wouldn’t have chosen computers to study. Does he feel disadvantaged without a degree? Sure, he admitted. “It takes a lot more effort to get where I am.”
Some of the greatest places he has visited on the road were narrowed down to a top three list – New Hampshire, Texas and Las Vegas. New Hampshire he described as extremely pretty and not overly inhabited. Texas he said is worth seeing because of its drastic changes in landscape from desert to greenery. As for Las Vegas, he said it is true that it is a city that never sleeps.
Still, his favorite place from all across the United States is home where he lives in Roanoke, near Bonsack. He said, “When you travel for work as much as I do, it makes you respect home. I can’t wait to get home.”
His favorite part of his job is the constant momentum and differences of each day. No day is ever the same. The most challenging part of his job is very similar to what he loves about it – the continuous change and movement, and doing what he referred to as keeping up with the lifestyle of long hours and long days. “Before you know it, you haven’t had a day off in a couple months.”
So, what’s meeting famous racecar drivers like? Well, he admitted the glamour wears off quickly. The environment he meets the drivers in or any celebrities in is a completely professional one.
Rickman has made a successful career with Motorsports Authentics. From here, he plans to work on getting in a more stationary position, perhaps settle down, and perhaps even start a family. He’s happy.
“I’m in a great place. If there’s anyone that takes pride in their work, they always want to do better. I’m satisfied where I am,” he said. “It’s an incredible experience.”
To read more stories like this, check out my daily blog at http://www.destinybooze.com
This story is about my younger brother! I'm so proud of him!
Have you ever answered your cell phone and heard Larry the Cable Guy on the other end saying that he was ready to be picked up at the airport? Have you ever acted as Brendan Frasier’s escort for a day? It isn’t in most people’s job descriptions to pick up celebrities at the airport or walk them around. Darin Rickman has performed both of those duties during close to five years with Motorsports Authentics – the souvenir company for NASCAR.
Rickman grew up in Buchanan and graduated from James River High School without much of a plan for his future. Through a friend, he learned about an open position with the souvenir company for a driver. He had just turned 21 and didn’t have his commercial driver’s license (CDL) yet.
Contingent on getting his CDL, the company chose to take a risk on a new and inexperienced driver and hired him. “It kind of fell into my lap,” he said.
For a young man that had yet to travel practically anywhere beyond a family vacation and that loved watching racing, it was the perfect job. “My first two years were great,” he said.
During his time in that position, he drove the souvenir truck for Elliot Sadler, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. He described seeing the country, new and beautiful places, meeting new people and living a dream job. That he worked in the shadow of some of his personal racing idols like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was another perk. “I got to see and touch and do things I’d only seen on the Discovery Channel,” he said.
He befriended his supervisor Josh Willis. Willis became Rickman’s mentor, teaching him about the inventory and computer systems on all the souvenir trucks. It was an informal apprenticeship that paid off when he was promoted after only a couple of years into his current position as Information Technology Manager. The new position required that he oversee all the trackside computer equipment and the sales operation. He was responsible for supervising approximately 70 employees.
Within a few years, Rickman suddenly found that he was relatively high on the corporate ladder. He – small town boy without a college degree – was suddenly the one in charge at the track. When there was a problem, it was his number that they called. The racecar drivers had his number programmed into their cell phones. He was the one called when a celebrity would be by the track to announce the infamous first words at the beginning of any NASCAR race – “Gentleman, start your engines.”
Does he feel like a big corporate executive? “No,” Rickman answered with a laugh, but he definitely doesn’t feel like the same Buchanan boy he had been when he graduated either. Does he wish he had gotten a college degree? Well, that answer wasn’t as simple. If he had gone to college, he was sure he wouldn’t have chosen computers to study. Does he feel disadvantaged without a degree? Sure, he admitted. “It takes a lot more effort to get where I am.”
Some of the greatest places he has visited on the road were narrowed down to a top three list – New Hampshire, Texas and Las Vegas. New Hampshire he described as extremely pretty and not overly inhabited. Texas he said is worth seeing because of its drastic changes in landscape from desert to greenery. As for Las Vegas, he said it is true that it is a city that never sleeps.
Still, his favorite place from all across the United States is home where he lives in Roanoke, near Bonsack. He said, “When you travel for work as much as I do, it makes you respect home. I can’t wait to get home.”
His favorite part of his job is the constant momentum and differences of each day. No day is ever the same. The most challenging part of his job is very similar to what he loves about it – the continuous change and movement, and doing what he referred to as keeping up with the lifestyle of long hours and long days. “Before you know it, you haven’t had a day off in a couple months.”
So, what’s meeting famous racecar drivers like? Well, he admitted the glamour wears off quickly. The environment he meets the drivers in or any celebrities in is a completely professional one.
Rickman has made a successful career with Motorsports Authentics. From here, he plans to work on getting in a more stationary position, perhaps settle down, and perhaps even start a family. He’s happy.
“I’m in a great place. If there’s anyone that takes pride in their work, they always want to do better. I’m satisfied where I am,” he said. “It’s an incredible experience.”
To read more stories like this, check out my daily blog at http://www.destinybooze.com
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A Smile Every Sunday
In keeping with the Sunday tradition of posting a joke or funny story, today I have posted a cute poem entitled Black November. Please check out my daily blog at www.destinybooze.com to read it in its entirety.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Power of Gratitude
It is amazing what a little Gratitude can do in you life. Check out my blog at http://www.destinybooze.com/ to discover 5 ways Gratitude can change your life for the better.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Good friends are hard to come by.
I have a friend that is truly a blessing. Read about her here, www.destinybooze.com
Do you have a friend that means a lot to you? Comment me and let me know what makes them special.
Do you have a friend that means a lot to you? Comment me and let me know what makes them special.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
November's addition to my creative corner...
Today I added a poem to my website. Its An Old Love by Matthew Cory. You can read the poem in its entirety at www.destinybooze.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
What should I put in my newsletter?
I would love to know what you would like to see in my newsletter!! Please stop by http://www.destinybooze.com/ and let me know.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The first snowfall !!!
Today I am blogging about the now that fell here overnight. Check it out at http://www.destinybooze.com/
Monday, November 17, 2008
This is a truly heroic guy!
The Fincastle Herald/July 2008/Destiny Booze
What makes a “man of steel,” a man of heroic character and strength? Michael “Mike” Brogan had nerves of steel as an ironworker until an accident in 1996 left him as a bilateral amputee. Now, he is a man of courage, which he demonstrates daily as he determinedly manages with a disability. Oh, and as a hobby, he started driving a racecar at Natural Bridge Speedway after his accident. Yes, Brogan is a racecar driver.
The accident occurred on October 17th. Brogan was only thirty years old. An unstable concrete support shifted, causing the iron structure where Brogan was working to collapse. He fell 25 feet. Both of his legs were crushed and he was airlifted to the hospital.
He almost bled to death, according to the physicians’ notes upon examination at the hospital. He was immediately rushed to surgery to stop the bleeding in his legs. It was apparent right away that the legs would probably have to go.
Brogan’s first concern upon waking in the hospital was whether or not he was paralyzed. He knew he could not feel anything in his legs. The doctors had to break bad news. Brogan had a choice to make – his life or his legs. He described the decision as easy. He wanted to live. He had a two-year-old daughter at home that he had every intention of seeing grow up. He told the doctors to take his legs.
Many surgeries and months of rehabilitation followed. He remembered struggling through all the rehab at the same time as actor Christopher Reeves, known for playing Superman. Reeves was rehabilitating after a paralyzing accident in 1995. Of course, Reeves was in worse shape and still fighting to walk again. It essentially became a motto and motivator for Brogan. “No matter how bad a shape you are, there’s always someone else worse than you are. You just keep on and don’t give up,” he said.
So, why did Brogan choose to start racing? He grinned and shrugged in answer. “I tried it to have something to do.”
The speed, rush and excitement of racecar driving is a family tradition. Brogan knew about cars as a young boy by watching his dad race and working on his dad’s pit crew. He and his older brother, David, worked on the cars together. David was already racing, and Brogan was ready for his turn.
It was Brogan’s friends and family that helped him to customize a racecar with hand controls. The brake and gas are accessible where a gearshift would normally be, yet there are still challenges. Managing a curve with one arm at racing speeds is very difficult. If it was not for Brogan’s amazing upper body strength because of his disability, he probably wouldn’t be able to control the car.
Brogan found a sponsor, Lewis Sifford, a realtor for Long and Foster to help support the cost of racing. Sifford, a friend as well as sponsor, said, “His determination to do what he wants in spite of his disabilities is incredible. I have never heard an excuse, or if I had my legs I would.”
Brogan is definitely known to do whatever he sets his mind to doing. After the accident, he was told he would most likely be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. That is not the case. Though he has a wheelchair, he uses prosthetic legs to help him get around the majority of the time. Or even more determinedly, when he needs to do something without the chair or the prosthetics, he just takes them off and uses his arms to get around. He works on his racecar by using the creeper in the garage to get around. Whatever it takes, Brogan gets the job done. Recently, he just worked on putting vinyl siding on his house.
Virginia, Brogan’s mom described her family as a team, a crew on the track and off. “I’m so very proud of all my children. They pulled together in time of need.” Brogan agreed. “Family and friends, I wouldn’t be able to race if it wasn’t for them,” he said.
It has been hard on Brogan’s family to see someone they love suffer. “Words cannot describe how hard it is at times to see Mike have to struggle with certain things or not be able to do certain things that he used to do and get frustrated because he can’t do them,” Angela, Brogan’s sister said. She often wrestles with the why of it all. Why him?
Brogan’s smile is a source of his strength and character. He loves life, loves fishing, loves racing. The why may never be known, but at least now we know what makes a “man of steel.” It’s his support system.
The Brogan Racing Team – Addison and Virginia, David, Mike and Angela – is a team stronger than kryptonite.
Want to learn more about some of the personal interest stories I do? Check out my previous blogs at www.destinybooze.com
What makes a “man of steel,” a man of heroic character and strength? Michael “Mike” Brogan had nerves of steel as an ironworker until an accident in 1996 left him as a bilateral amputee. Now, he is a man of courage, which he demonstrates daily as he determinedly manages with a disability. Oh, and as a hobby, he started driving a racecar at Natural Bridge Speedway after his accident. Yes, Brogan is a racecar driver.
The accident occurred on October 17th. Brogan was only thirty years old. An unstable concrete support shifted, causing the iron structure where Brogan was working to collapse. He fell 25 feet. Both of his legs were crushed and he was airlifted to the hospital.
He almost bled to death, according to the physicians’ notes upon examination at the hospital. He was immediately rushed to surgery to stop the bleeding in his legs. It was apparent right away that the legs would probably have to go.
Brogan’s first concern upon waking in the hospital was whether or not he was paralyzed. He knew he could not feel anything in his legs. The doctors had to break bad news. Brogan had a choice to make – his life or his legs. He described the decision as easy. He wanted to live. He had a two-year-old daughter at home that he had every intention of seeing grow up. He told the doctors to take his legs.
Many surgeries and months of rehabilitation followed. He remembered struggling through all the rehab at the same time as actor Christopher Reeves, known for playing Superman. Reeves was rehabilitating after a paralyzing accident in 1995. Of course, Reeves was in worse shape and still fighting to walk again. It essentially became a motto and motivator for Brogan. “No matter how bad a shape you are, there’s always someone else worse than you are. You just keep on and don’t give up,” he said.
So, why did Brogan choose to start racing? He grinned and shrugged in answer. “I tried it to have something to do.”
The speed, rush and excitement of racecar driving is a family tradition. Brogan knew about cars as a young boy by watching his dad race and working on his dad’s pit crew. He and his older brother, David, worked on the cars together. David was already racing, and Brogan was ready for his turn.
It was Brogan’s friends and family that helped him to customize a racecar with hand controls. The brake and gas are accessible where a gearshift would normally be, yet there are still challenges. Managing a curve with one arm at racing speeds is very difficult. If it was not for Brogan’s amazing upper body strength because of his disability, he probably wouldn’t be able to control the car.
Brogan found a sponsor, Lewis Sifford, a realtor for Long and Foster to help support the cost of racing. Sifford, a friend as well as sponsor, said, “His determination to do what he wants in spite of his disabilities is incredible. I have never heard an excuse, or if I had my legs I would.”
Brogan is definitely known to do whatever he sets his mind to doing. After the accident, he was told he would most likely be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. That is not the case. Though he has a wheelchair, he uses prosthetic legs to help him get around the majority of the time. Or even more determinedly, when he needs to do something without the chair or the prosthetics, he just takes them off and uses his arms to get around. He works on his racecar by using the creeper in the garage to get around. Whatever it takes, Brogan gets the job done. Recently, he just worked on putting vinyl siding on his house.
Virginia, Brogan’s mom described her family as a team, a crew on the track and off. “I’m so very proud of all my children. They pulled together in time of need.” Brogan agreed. “Family and friends, I wouldn’t be able to race if it wasn’t for them,” he said.
It has been hard on Brogan’s family to see someone they love suffer. “Words cannot describe how hard it is at times to see Mike have to struggle with certain things or not be able to do certain things that he used to do and get frustrated because he can’t do them,” Angela, Brogan’s sister said. She often wrestles with the why of it all. Why him?
Brogan’s smile is a source of his strength and character. He loves life, loves fishing, loves racing. The why may never be known, but at least now we know what makes a “man of steel.” It’s his support system.
The Brogan Racing Team – Addison and Virginia, David, Mike and Angela – is a team stronger than kryptonite.
Want to learn more about some of the personal interest stories I do? Check out my previous blogs at www.destinybooze.com
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Mothers
For the past two days I have been blogging about Mothers. Today I posted a funny Mom story I found online. Check it out on my website at: http://www.destinybooze.com/
As some of you may notice, I have a new web address. I am so excited!! Still the same content, just a little easier to remember :)
As some of you may notice, I have a new web address. I am so excited!! Still the same content, just a little easier to remember :)
Friday, November 14, 2008
What else is going to go wrong???
Maybe I shouldn't even ask that question lol.
To see what has gone wrong in my world this week, check out my daily blog at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~destinyrae/
To see what has gone wrong in my world this week, check out my daily blog at:
http://home.earthlink.net/~destinyrae/
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Oh No!!! I have been nominated for the worse name!!!
Seriously!! Can you believe it?? Check out the link on my website and see for yourself. I am a little bit shocked but hey, its free publicity ;)
Check it out here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~destinybooze/
Check it out here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~destinybooze/
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Character Counts!!
Today I am blogging about Character. No, not a character I write about but, Character, you know, moral fibers so to speak.
Feel free to check out what I have learned about Character on my website:
http://home.earthlink.net/~destinyrae
How full is your bucket??
Feel free to check out what I have learned about Character on my website:
http://home.earthlink.net/~destinyrae
How full is your bucket??
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Poem
Today on my blog I have added a wonderful poem written by an unknown author. Feel free to check it out on my website at http://home.earthlink.net/~destinyrae/
You can also view all of my daily blogs at the above link.
Thanks so much and God Bless
You can also view all of my daily blogs at the above link.
Thanks so much and God Bless
Monday, November 10, 2008
Keep that smile!
I grew up in a house where a frown was called a frog face. I don’t want to look like a frog, so I smile a lot. For the most part, it is usually returned. Occasionally, however, I get a reaction of nothing or even a grimace. I can sympathize though. Let’s face facts; in today’s world, there is way too much to frown about.
One place in particular I personally find a smile challenging is the grocery store. It is far from the inviting image the bright yellow rollback smiley faces portray on one grocery chain’s commercials. In my opinion, the atmosphere is akin to a headache and incidentally, I always leave the store with one. Still, I continue to smile.
A typical shopping trip for me usually begins with grabbing a broken buggy that violently jerks to the right every few feet as I make my way through the store. Then, the truly fun part begins. The joke is always on me when the store decides to rearrange everything every few months so I can’t find the items on my list. As I look, I dodge a countless number of other customers who also have broken buggies and are suffering from “buggy rage.” Don’t worry. It happens to even the best of us. Just keep smiling.
The best part of the shopping adventure is standing in the checkout line for forty-five minutes to an hour because there are only four lanes open and fifty customers in line. It’s during this time in the store that my son grows antsy and begs for me to hurry up so we can leave. He spies all the items hanging by the registers for purchase. He wants one of everything, especially the candy bars. I smile as brightly as I can by this point as I tell him no.
When it is finally my turn to checkout, I try to load my groceries in my buggy as quickly as possible so I can leave. By the time I turn back around to pay, the customer behind me has moved up to the cash register and I am forced to jam my hip into their buggy so I am able to reach to swipe my check card. I won’t mention what it was like the time the cashier actually asked to see the signature on the card and my check card was so old that the signature had rubbed off, so we had to start over again. Ha-ha. That day was truly a test in smiling through the pain.
On my way out of the store, with my new headache and a load of groceries to load in the car and unload at home, I smile. For just a split second, it even turns into a real one when the door greeter mutters, “God Bless you.”
I believe that my smile is important and I choose to smile in the grocery store because when I glance down at my son I see him watching me and learning from me. A smile is often a challenge for me, but it truly is a gift I can give even when it hurts. I think it is worth the pain, so I keep practicing.
If you liked reading this, please visit my daily blog at my website. http://home.earthlink.net/~destinyrae/.
One place in particular I personally find a smile challenging is the grocery store. It is far from the inviting image the bright yellow rollback smiley faces portray on one grocery chain’s commercials. In my opinion, the atmosphere is akin to a headache and incidentally, I always leave the store with one. Still, I continue to smile.
A typical shopping trip for me usually begins with grabbing a broken buggy that violently jerks to the right every few feet as I make my way through the store. Then, the truly fun part begins. The joke is always on me when the store decides to rearrange everything every few months so I can’t find the items on my list. As I look, I dodge a countless number of other customers who also have broken buggies and are suffering from “buggy rage.” Don’t worry. It happens to even the best of us. Just keep smiling.
The best part of the shopping adventure is standing in the checkout line for forty-five minutes to an hour because there are only four lanes open and fifty customers in line. It’s during this time in the store that my son grows antsy and begs for me to hurry up so we can leave. He spies all the items hanging by the registers for purchase. He wants one of everything, especially the candy bars. I smile as brightly as I can by this point as I tell him no.
When it is finally my turn to checkout, I try to load my groceries in my buggy as quickly as possible so I can leave. By the time I turn back around to pay, the customer behind me has moved up to the cash register and I am forced to jam my hip into their buggy so I am able to reach to swipe my check card. I won’t mention what it was like the time the cashier actually asked to see the signature on the card and my check card was so old that the signature had rubbed off, so we had to start over again. Ha-ha. That day was truly a test in smiling through the pain.
On my way out of the store, with my new headache and a load of groceries to load in the car and unload at home, I smile. For just a split second, it even turns into a real one when the door greeter mutters, “God Bless you.”
I believe that my smile is important and I choose to smile in the grocery store because when I glance down at my son I see him watching me and learning from me. A smile is often a challenge for me, but it truly is a gift I can give even when it hurts. I think it is worth the pain, so I keep practicing.
If you liked reading this, please visit my daily blog at my website. http://home.earthlink.net/~destinyrae/.
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