Trackside & Other Stuff With Melli

4:16:46 PM PDT
Feeling Happy

                       

*NOTE: Below is the E Mail I sent to Nascar Scene after I read in the *letters* section that Mark shouldn't have come *back* from retirement.  I made it very clear that Mark never retired, he cut his schedule back to 26 races a year, to breath, hang with his son Matt and spend time with wife Arlene and his other kids, and just STOP for a little bit and he did.  During that time Mark went to the 01 Army car and shared that ride with Regan Smith then DEI bought Ginn Racing and the 01 was taken over by Eric Allmora for another 26 weeks. Jr. leaves DEI, Mark was asked to take the 8 as it was going to be a mess with this fans and the only person they felt comfortable with was Mark.  Of course he said yes, but not before talking to Jr about.  So, we are now to this year, Mark and Eric have done the sharing gig, but this is about to change as we all know by now, if not you've been under a rock or on a deserted island some where.  Mark was asked by Rick Hendrick to please come over for 2009 and take over the #5 Kelloggs car as Casey Mears is not coming back. 

Now, when you get a call asking to drive one his (Mr. Hendricks) staple cars, you think about it, ask the wife, make sure it's cool with the son, and you say YES!!! My God, who wouldn't?  Read below the rest lol and I really hope I don't have revisit this subject again, but I know that won't happen :)

(Sent to Nascar Scene on July 19th via E Mail)

Let’s set the record straight once and for all, as Mark has done for the past 2 years, and then we can move on to more pressing issues facing all of us.

1st, Mark did NOT retire, never once did he announce with Jack Roush that he was retiring, Mark was stepping back and taking a break from the 20+ year grind of full time cup driver, he wanted to do a part time gig and he wanted to do it with Roush, but for reasons we (GQ public) will not fully know, that wasn’t going to happen, but Mark did sign on for an extra year in 05 to help his good friend and mentor Jack as Kurt Bush was jumping ship, so he stayed.  Mark did the “Salute to you” tour as in US his fans and he knew staying with Roush that extra year through the cutting back to part time into a frenzy but he did a great job and kept his trusted word to Jack.

As for the comments made twice in this current issue and in last month’s we get that Tammy Moore from somewhere doesn’t want Mark back from *retirement* well, get over it, and you being the lone nah voice, Mark did not retire. 

Welcome back bud, you rock and are an inspiration to us 50+ who now  know it’s possible to do anything we want too even at 50.  Mark is in better shape than anyone in the garage, the exception to that would probably be Carl E but Mark was his inspiration to get his fit on.

2nd NO one has the right, fan or not to make another’s decision what is best for them, I just don’t get why the majority of the letters are TELLING the drivers what to do lol. <shaking head here>

Having been on the inside of Nascar for many years, I appreciate the passion fans have for a driver, but the booing, the nasty letters and comments are a bit much. 

This is my first letter and probably my last to the Scene, I love this racing rag and couldn’t let another issue go by after reading some of the silly comments and not have my much needed rant.

For years I have heard and seen it all, and I am amazed at the pure passion all the drivers have, the tunnel vision focus to compete in Cup, and there are only a precious few that can step up and do it well.

So Mark!!! Go out there next year with Hendricks (oh by the way Tammy, would you walk away from Millions) and NOT answer the request from Mr. Hendrick????? Remember, Rick asked Mark to drive for HIM!!!! NO you wouldn’t so hush already, and give Mark Martin a big CHEER and Kick @## *oleman* lol

Ciao

 

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4:17:27 PM PDT
Feeling Thankful

 

 

 

Enjoy the below from Dr Schuller my pastor most of my life in Orange Calif.  This is the short version to the entire piece, go to www.HourofPower.com you can read it there

 

I Am the American Flag

By Robert H. Schuller

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." – Galatians 5:1 <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

In 1972, Dr. Robert H. Schuller delivered an original, inspiring, patriotic message on the Hour of Power entitled, "I Am the American Flag." The Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge awarded him the 1973 Principal Award for the most outstanding sermon in the United States for this inspiring message. Here is a short excerpt from Dr. Schuller's award-winning message:

I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG. I speak from the wisdom of a long life. I first felt the vigor of wind on my multicolored face when I unfurled my thirteen stars over two hundred years ago.

Since then, I have known forty-three presidents. I have traveled across continents, oceans, and deserts, and have soared through space and stood proudly on the moon. I have lived long and traveled far to bring peace and freedom to oppressed people of the world.

I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG. I have earned the right to speak. The price paid for my freedom is a million or more bright, beautiful, young men and women who died for me. I have wrapped them in my love and draped my honor over their caskets. I fly proudly over their graces, as people pray that wars might end forever.

I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG. I fly in places of learning, listening to children pledge their allegiance to me in their classrooms.

You see me flying in legislative halls, courthouses, and churches, as the rustle of my stars and stripes cries out to every boy and girl, every man and woman, "Dream your dreams! Dare to believe You can make it in America!"

Without God, my stars would be clouded, my stripes would fade, my glory would depart, and freedom would erode and die. I, the American Flag have known humiliation, too. I've been stained, torn, spit upon, and defiled by my detractors when our country was torn by war after war after war.

What has kept this country standing on her feet through these trying times? Where does this courage come from?

You cannot explain the courage, the faith, or the toughness of this country without taking into account her churches, her temples, and her Bibles. More than we know, the explanation of her national strength is "In God We Trust." Today, a strong surge of spiritual faith and courage is needed to keep this country powerful and great.

Pray that our country's unquenchable, indestructible, imperishable spirit of human freedom may spread to the uttermost parts of the world.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

* * *

Thank you, Lord, for the United States of America where we enjoy so many freedoms that do not exist in other parts of the world. You have blessed us abundantly and we do not take Your blessings for granted. Bring peace and harmony to places in the world that need it today. We pray in the loving and strong name of Jesus. Amen.

* * *

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9:59:47 PM PDT

 

If you are a Nascar fan and haven't heard the latest exciting new's that veteran driver Mark Martin is going to return to a full time schedule in 2009 driving the Kelloggs #5 replacing Casey Mears.

Now, as you all know those of you that have followed my Journey within Nascar, know that I am so excited for him.  But, now I will be receiving the #5 stuff which is always nice and I love it, but I've had to start my own little racing museum for him and the wonderful things I've acquired over the last 20 years. Mark wife Arlene gave Mark her blessing as did his son Matt who raced too, but now is doing teenager stuff and not racing anymore for now. 

I sit here puting my thoughts together for this blog and I'm smiling thinking at what a charmed life I've been blessed with and look at where Mark is in his life, he turn's 50 this year (i think i've lost track) and to be able to continuing doing what you love in such a highly competitive sport is just amazing to me. 

Just a side note here and this is my rant for the night I promise.....there are some very young guns coming into both cup and nationwide series and that is causing me concern.  I feel that the age limit needs to be 20 or 21, when the driver has grown hair and other things lol and shaves.  There is a deep divide that I have seen in Cup for the past 4 years and it's just getting worse.  It's not that I don't think the younger drivers aren't capable of getting the job done, it's the lack or RESPECT they show the established drivers.  As Jimmy Spencer said last week "There are some very good young drivers coming to Cup and there are some PUNKS in the mix, the show the lack of respect compared to the days I raced. I think the fathers of the Punks need to be taken behind the barn and you all figure out the rest" lol

I had known of the change for Mark Martin a few weeks ago just a guy feeling <wink>WTG Mark

Have a great day and Happy Birthday again American

Ciao for now

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9:28:05 PM PDT
Feeling Chillin'

Happy Birthday American

What a wonderful country we live in....the home of the brave and land of the FREE.  We can not lose focus on that very important fact.

Even with all the uncertainly right now with the oil problem, employment we as American's dig our heels in when it get tough, that's what the country was founded on.  Our fore fathers fought and died so that we can enjoy the FREEDOM we have today.  We need to just dig down and do what we must to make her a stronger country even while those who are trying to knock us down will NOT prevail.

This Country was and is the best of the best in the world regardless of the other's say.  I thank God for her and pray for our country daily.....we will prevail and even be stronger.

So, as we celebrate today the birth of this grand land we all live, stop and really think of the past and say a pray and thank you for those that have Died so WE can have the FREEDOM we all enjoy.

Have a wonderful day and that God for our blessed country

Ciao for now

 

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7:31:35 PM PDT

Scott Kalitta died yesterday during final round qualifying for NHRA in Englishtown N.J he was 48.....he is the son of famed drag racer of the 60's and 70's Connie Kalitta.  It's a great loss for the racing community our thoughts and prayers are with the Kalitta's during this very hard time.

Rest In Peace Scott you went out doing what you loved

Melli

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9:42:58 PM PDT
Feeling Chillin'
Hearing The TV watchin You've Got Mail

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Here is my rant for the evening, and please this is how most of us God Fearing American feel right now, and thank you John for sending this to me.  It's time that this precious Nation stand UP and take back control of OUR land, I'm thinkin it's time. 

Please read, and Ciao for now

 

Amen to this!!

E-Mail of the Year!!  

 

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV
AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING
SPEECH?

"My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime
has been completed.

Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our
mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American
forces from Iraq This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now
time to begin the reckoning.

Before  me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which
have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short .
The United Kingdom , Spain , Bulgaria , Australia , and Poland are some
of the countries listed there.

The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the
world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be
distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those
nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved
during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the
Iraqi war. THEN EVERY YEAR THERE AFTER IT'll GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY
SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world
Hell holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine ? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France .

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this
money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home .
On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we
will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face
of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with
France , Germany , and Russia . Thanks for all your help, comrades. We
are retiring from NATO as well. Bonne chance, mezamies.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many
UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid
parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped,
shredded a nd crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to
this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those
tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be
turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New
York

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are
likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to
try not pissing us off for a
 change.

Mexico is also on List 2 its president and his entire corrupt
government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple
extra thousand tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where
I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty -
starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for
oil in Alaska- which will take care of this
  country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist
who o pposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country
and move there.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own
citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying,
'darn tootin.'

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the
world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on
the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America It is time to
eliminate homelessness in America . To the nations on List 1, a final
thought. Thank you guys. We owe you
 and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to
speak Arabic.

God bless America .. Thank you and good night."

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in
English, thank a soldier.




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9:55:41 PM PDT

It's been some time since I've added my rants lol.....so much has happened in the last 6 months....Last Oct. a dear friend died suddenly from unseen Pancratic Cancer....In Feb of this year my husband was in the hospital (where I work) with a tummy problem, and with great care from his wonderful doctor, he is all better now. 

Taking care of my dad who's 88 on Sunday Happy Birthday daddy...just life in general it some times feels like the walls are closing in....but...I have a strong faith in God and when I let him take the big problems, I am able to keep moving forward. 

I'm not happy with the raging out of control fuel prices, but there's not a damn thing we can do about it.  Instead of complaining all the time we as American's who live in the land of the free and plenty should thank God for what we do have, stop, and look around and smile.  Find the positive is your day, if you are working full time and getting a pay check YEAH....if your kids are healthy, going on with their lives with school, be greatful, say Thank YOU!!!!

STOP complaing about things we have no, nada,0, control and find soultions that will work for you.  When the weather is beautiful, it's warm outside, and the birds in spring are busy with their young, say Thank YOU for experiencing them. 

I will not get on the *wooo is US crap* that media is shoving down our throats....I am turning the news OFF and getting a good book and read, or watch the Food Network which I love.  It's up to ALL of us to come together as a whole nation and find soultions to OUR problems in a positive, pro active way.

It works for me and I know it will work for you....if you feed the negitive you will get the negitive back....if you turn on the positive with a smile and prayer for a strong future it will be.

Nascar was a big part of our lives for many years, and with this being my first year totally out it for a much needed break and rest, I discovered there is life after Nascar.  Mark Martin is seeing that and is loving his part time gig.  It is a big adjustment, it's like going though withdrawls from your fav coffee lol it's hard, but it's not fun anymore.

Not many are going to spend the price to go to the races with the state of the ecomony more folks are choosing to stay home and watch on TV, which we do now when we are home.

I was so shocked and sadden to see Humpy Wheeler retired or step down as President of Lowes MSW, but it was time, as he also said, it's NOT fun anymore and he's going to go and do what he wants, and have fun doing it.  It's sad to see the way Bruton Smith just walked away from a good, loyal friend of 40 years with not one word to the media on how Humpy built one of the best tracks in the country, sham on you BS, and he fits his initals BS.

Well, thats my rant for tonight and I will be back soon. 

Ciao for now

Melli

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8:54:59 PM PDT
Feeling Quiet
Hearing Sound Track from The Holiday

HAPPY ST. Patricks DAY :)

It's been to long since I've left my rants on any given subject lol, so with that I'm going to try and catch up what has been keeping me away for 6 months.

When I last went on a rant it was something Tony did to Kevin H which was funny at the time, but when I went back a re-read some of my blogs, I can see I was in deep pain. 

Oct 26th,07 we lost a precious friend and wonderful physician Dr. Dave was the director of the ER at the hospital I work in here in our small, sweet town.  When he died it just knocked me down, again. 2007 was not good for me in the regard I lost 6 close friends and family which for anyone is hard.  Moving on, we got through the holidays which I love and hold dear, but I didn't put my pretty tree, I just wasn't in the mood.  Brian and I went to Norfolk VA to spend a week with our best friends Gary and Maria and have a wonderful time.

Amazing, it's 2008 and I haven't watched a full race yet lol God I must be getting old....anyway in the last 3 weeks my husband was in the hospital was there for 8 days and is on the mend (Thank the good Lord)

All is well at the hospital, there are some exciting things for us this year and I will share more later on that.  Now, onto Nascar, hm.....

To say that I've lost interest isn't really fair, I still do what I do inside but the thrill is gone. Today was Dale Jarrett's last race of his 20 year career, which was sad to see him give it up, but it's time, he's at the milestone 50 and it's time to go and have fun with his family.

He will be in the booth like Rusty Wallace did so that will be interesting....DJ is very well spoken and I look forward to seeing him in a suit.

I'm NOT thrilled with the new car, it's a big tank, drives like Chit (ALL the drivers have expressed this lol) it's ugly period and I'm glad that Tony S got the attention of Good Year.  It was a long time coming...Good Year Nascar engineers work very hard on creating the right compound for the 36 different tracks we travel to, which include the weather.  Tony was right ( In the Tony Stewart) way and he got their attention, and it's not personal it's all about winning a race, he feels he lost due to the tire.

The Dir of the Racing division from Good Year said this weekend they are going to work with him to make sure he understands what goes into the first and foremost, Driver Safty. 

Have a great week, I'll be back soon

Ciao

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10:05:53 PM PDT
Feeling Happy

Ok, LOL I'm soooooo confused with all the merging in Nascar Cup let me see if I can keep this straight.

The biggie news is DEI merged with Ginn Racing, which acquired the 01 and 14 (I think lol) which pulled owner's points for Paul Menard.  Mark Martin will stay with the 01 Army car with Eric Almarola as his co driver in 08, which doesn't set well with me, but what do I know?>??? lol   Then there's the still open seat for the Dale Jr's 8 next year, and that's not to say that the #8 is staying with DEI or following Jr over to Hendricks. (with me so far?) Good, I'm lost.....on ward we go.....

Now, we have RYR merging with Lanagin, Newman, Haas the power house of open wheel, and I'm am soooooooo excited to see Ole blue eyes in Nascar, and I have a gut feeling we are going to see a HUGE manly man pissing contest next year lol   RYR will once again be a force. 

The Hendrick changes will be Dale Jr and Nation will be joining the now Cup powerhouse, it will be interesting to see how Dale does over there with a new sponsor Visa on board, I am looking forward to it.  I'm a change freak, I love change, change is how we grow and get better as a nation and people, so I'm not freaking out with all this I'm thriving on it lol.

The big question is where in the world will Kyle Bush go??? He is a raw talent how acts like a 22 or 23 year old, he just grew hair for God sake, give the kid time to mature into the man and then race car driver, he's still having growth spurs, leave him alone and who ever gets him will have one of the best to come along in a very long time. 

Now, for my last rant on Tony LOL Tony Tony Tony....what can I say but Tony!!! Here is a man that is one of the best, he IS a racer and doesn't CARE what the media thinks of him, he use too and that was the problem, he was not being himself, Tony, who say's it like it is, from the hip, you may not like what he say's but you have to respect him for be nothing but honest, so we all can take cue from him.  I'm not condoning what he said during his interview after the Brickyard....but they should have had the 5 sec delay as a safe guard, they know Tony's temperment and he didn't dissapoint, and that ain't NO BULL SHIT!!! lol oooops did I just say that???? YES I did

Ciao for now

 

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9:29:30 PM PDT
Feeling Quiet

I was asked today by a good friend if I believed in Mircles?  And I said yes we have to have HOPE for the tough time we all go through.  As a good friend we are just facing the fact that our dear friends husband has Pancreiatic Cancer which he is starting treatment in Calif.

At this point in time I just don't know what to say, and someone shared with me today "Melli it's not what you say to him it's the fact that you made the effort to say something".  This is like being sucked back into a horrible dream, as I've share here in the past few months that my youngest brother died of colon cancer which he was diagnosised last May and passed away Dec. 9th 06 at the age of 49.  My friend just turned 50 and was just diagnosed this past May, I was so shocked by this I cried all day last week.  He's been a dedicated doctor in our small town for 17yrs, so giving and caring and always there for the community, now he needs our prayers. 

We may still go to Sonoma for the road course race at Infinion but I'm not sure as he may be coming home and we did to be here for the family to help if needed.  Is there Hope? Of course there is, with every prayer on our lips and heart there's hope in that whatever happens to him, he will be at peace and know that so so so many of love him.

There is always Hope, and to keep a positive attitude during a time of crisis is the key.  I was talking to Dr. Dale today about this, as his close to our friend....I asked, why is this happening Dale? He said "Melanie it's always been there sweetie, you are just now seeing as you are getting older and your generation (55) is now starting to fade off."  And It's hard to watch, and I just refuse to let my age bring me down, I will NOT go there.  I have changed, I see myself looking at my life so differently, I want to make the most of every day. 

It feels like I'm running a race, or running away from some evil thing and it's call death, but it's always there, and for me, it's becoming so clear that this life is so short, make the very best of it while you can, in a blink of an eye it can be all gone.

Ciao for now.

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