Boynton Beach/Fort Lauderdale, FL
Today was a busy and exciting day. I rose early to hit the links with Grandpa and two of his golf buddies. We teed off at 7:45 and whipped around to finish 18 by 10:55. I played OK and really enjoyed myself. I am hyper competitive golfing, but today was a day when my score didn’t matter. I was relaxed and we all had a good time. It was good to hear stories of different times and places.
As soon as the round finished, I talked with the writer from the Miami Herald. We were set for lunch. We zipped back to Grandpa’s, I hit the shower, and hit 95 to Fort Lauderdale. A little G-Love blared out as I barreled down the road I’ve become quite familiar with. I was nervous for this interview. I was used to asking the questions, not answering them. We met at a nice restaurant on Los Olas in Lauderdale. I called a journalist friend of mine to try and prep myself. He helped, but I still was sweating and it wasn’t because of the weather.
I parked my car and of course something had to go wrong. I reached into my ashtray for change to feed the meter. No quarters! How can I not have any quarters? I went into the store I was parked in front of. No dice. “I don’t have enough.” Whatever. 4 quarters dude. He told me to go to the restaurant I was already going to. So I went. And of course, outside the restaurant is my lunch partner.
She and I had talked and emailed a few times prior to this. I was impressed by what she’s told me she’s done. I told her I wanted to interview her. I was prepared with my tape recorder. The smooth guy that I am, “Hi, it’s great to meet you. I need to get some change to feed the meter…”
I made the walk and joined her at our table outside. I’ll let her tell you how the interview went. If and when an article comes out, I’ll link it. I think it went pretty good, but I never feel good when I do all of the talking. I asked her some questions, but not enough. I will say it was quite surreal for me: to be sitting at this nice restaurant in Fort Lauderdale talking to this beautiful reporter from a major newspaper about me and my journey. Never would I have thought that. As nervous as I was, it turned out to be fun and she turned out to be very cool.
She had an appointment so we left after talking for about an hour and a half. I headed back to old 95 and back to Boynton. Grandpa showed me around the town and more of the incredible houses that are along the beach. Everywhere you go in this state; find the water and you’ll find some jealousy. I still can’t get over the water and the houses here.
We came back to the house, had a Manhattan, and walked down to the outdoor patio dinner place. After a mega grouper sandwich, we did some more walking, ran into some boaters who were enjoying a little too much wine, and then headed out for ice cream. We had good talks about women, religion, and life. I love talking to people about that stuff. Me being a fence rider on a lot of things, other people’s opinions are always good to hear.
We then went for ice cream and I dragged him to Kmart and Target for a couple of things. We just spoke to my folks and we are now watching the Marlins and Astros. I’m whipped. I have a big day tomorrow with three interviews in three different cities.
A busy day but one that I will remember for a long time.