With race season drawing to a close, I am no longer forced to focus on the 3B as I sit down to write. Although this summer proved to be one of the most enjoyable race season yet, I am glad to see the leaves changing as the checkered flag has finally dropped on the 2009 season.
Don't get me wrong, I have a passion for racing like no other and to be able to sit down and share that with each of you as well as Nic, his family, and fans has been amazing. I am, however, anxious to be able to write about another one of my passions a little more regularly for a few months........myself and my life ;-)
My goal now, with things slowing down briefly for Bidinger Motorsports, is to be able to catch up with my personal writing. A lot has happened in my life the past few months and I am excited to share. I apologize, as I probably won't be able to include all the happenings I would if I were writing as I went, but I will try to touch on the most important things. The biggest of which will be final tomorrow and I am very excited to write about that very soon!!!
*hugs*
~Jen
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Hangin' With Cooper
A few months back I received news that my long lost Chicken Soup buddy was going to be a daddy. Although, I was very happy for Jamie, thoughts that I had had when he told me he was making the move to San Antonio came flooding back...
"No, you moron!"
"You know she's not right for you."
"I haven't met this chick, but I don't like her."
"What the hell are you thinking?!?"
"Go ahead and head to TEXAS, check out the big hair, the chicka that doesn't get give-and-take, you'll be back in no time."
"San Antonio, ha, you move to Texas you'll be goin' through the Big D and straight back to the WU Sidelines."
...I could go on and on, but you get the point.
For the first few months after JO left for Texas, I knew that he wasn't happy and thought for sure he'd want to come running back home. He found a job that left him traveling a lot and I knew that wouldn't fly with Supermom for long considering what's the difference between always traveling and living in another state - REALLY?
I remember phone call after phone call from lonely hotel rooms and trade shows along the road. I was lost at HPT and he was lost somewhere between room service and the next airing of SportsCenter. Gradually, the phone calls slowed, then stopped, then came the email they bought a house, then the family was growing (WELCOME MIA), then the bomb........Supermom was going to have a baby......."WHAT?!? This really is working? Could he really be happy now, he hasn't been happy for as long as I've known him.......hmmm"
Now, Cooper James Overocker, the cutest little boy in the world, has arrived! He's here and for the first time in the 3 years I've known him, JO looks happy...
"No, you moron!"
"You know she's not right for you."
"I haven't met this chick, but I don't like her."
"What the hell are you thinking?!?"
"Go ahead and head to TEXAS, check out the big hair, the chicka that doesn't get give-and-take, you'll be back in no time."
"San Antonio, ha, you move to Texas you'll be goin' through the Big D and straight back to the WU Sidelines."
...I could go on and on, but you get the point.
For the first few months after JO left for Texas, I knew that he wasn't happy and thought for sure he'd want to come running back home. He found a job that left him traveling a lot and I knew that wouldn't fly with Supermom for long considering what's the difference between always traveling and living in another state - REALLY?
I remember phone call after phone call from lonely hotel rooms and trade shows along the road. I was lost at HPT and he was lost somewhere between room service and the next airing of SportsCenter. Gradually, the phone calls slowed, then stopped, then came the email they bought a house, then the family was growing (WELCOME MIA), then the bomb........Supermom was going to have a baby......."WHAT?!? This really is working? Could he really be happy now, he hasn't been happy for as long as I've known him.......hmmm"
Now, Cooper James Overocker, the cutest little boy in the world, has arrived! He's here and for the first time in the 3 years I've known him, JO looks happy...
......that smile on his face and sparkle in his eye is unmistakable.....perfect really.
So, JO - I never thought I'd see this day come or things unfold the way they have, but I'm so happy for you! It's funny how things work out isn't it?!?! I can't wait 'til Cubby starts learning how to talk so I can teach him the Rock Chalk chant! Miss you tons! *hugs*
Check out more JO & Cubby happenings at hanginwithcooper.blogspot.com! It is so much fun to watch as JO & Supermom go through things for the first time and to see Cubby grow right before your eyes from states away!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Ideas
I have just a few ideas for upcoming posts and hope to get them up as soon as I can.
-Thunderhill Speedway Drops the Checkered on the 2009 Season Bringing the Mike Henry Era to an End
-How Many Different Ways Do You Have To Tell A Guy You Are Not Interested Before He Gets It?
-Mary Kay - A Cult Or A Small Business Opportunity? Makeup & Money.......Maybe?
-Burnout! How To Keep A Story Fresh When The Results Are The Same.
-My Take On "Hangin With Cooper"
-Why is it the guys you want in the 'friend-zone' want out and the guys that you are interested in just want to be in the 'friend-zone'? AND What's with the random pop back into your life moments?
-HOUSE SHOPPING!!!
The more I type this little list, the more ideas that come to mind. I am going to stop there, as I'm not sure I can keep up if I give myself too much to write about.
-Thunderhill Speedway Drops the Checkered on the 2009 Season Bringing the Mike Henry Era to an End
-How Many Different Ways Do You Have To Tell A Guy You Are Not Interested Before He Gets It?
-Mary Kay - A Cult Or A Small Business Opportunity? Makeup & Money.......Maybe?
-Burnout! How To Keep A Story Fresh When The Results Are The Same.
-My Take On "Hangin With Cooper"
-Why is it the guys you want in the 'friend-zone' want out and the guys that you are interested in just want to be in the 'friend-zone'? AND What's with the random pop back into your life moments?
-HOUSE SHOPPING!!!
The more I type this little list, the more ideas that come to mind. I am going to stop there, as I'm not sure I can keep up if I give myself too much to write about.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wow - It's Been Awhile!
Life has been crazy busy lately. I have not had a lot of extra time and when I do I tend to go for sleeping! ;-) When I do have time to sit down and breathe, it never seems like I have words...thus, I have not written a new blog entry for some time.
I will do my best to get back on the bandwagon! I am hoping that once race season comes to an end, I will have more time to dedicate to blogging. At this point in time, all my words go to the Nic Bidinger Racing Fan Club.
Stay tuned!!! Hopefully you will find some great new entries in the very near future!
*hugs*
~Jen
I will do my best to get back on the bandwagon! I am hoping that once race season comes to an end, I will have more time to dedicate to blogging. At this point in time, all my words go to the Nic Bidinger Racing Fan Club.
Stay tuned!!! Hopefully you will find some great new entries in the very near future!
*hugs*
~Jen
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Adventures
I had another article published last week. It was a feature on Nic Bidinger. Nic is a local dirt track racer...and major hottie might I add! ;-) Ok, seriously, that's a completely different blog! ANYWAY! The story on Nic not only went on midwestdirt.com as did the Mike and White article, but it also was placed on inthepits.net. The links to both are below! Aside from this article, I have also created a couple of Fan Club pages on Facebook to moderate. One is for Nic...he is going to try to help keep it updated, so he thinks, but the boy is super busy, so it will stay on the top of my list for awhile. The other is for Kyle Covert...I'm pretty sure Kyle is great with me keeping it up-to-date for him! :-) Be sure to check them out and JOIN!!!
midwestdirt.com: http://www.midwestdirt.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=1574&sid=6acfb2f590a7427356f5562510e8a167
ITP: http://www.inthepits.net/features293.html
midwestdirt.com: http://www.midwestdirt.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=1574&sid=6acfb2f590a7427356f5562510e8a167
ITP: http://www.inthepits.net/features293.html
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Published!
FULL STORY AS PUBLISHED: http://www.midwestdirt.com/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=1506
Mike and White Productions Gears Up to Get Fans Up-Close and Personal with Midwest Dirt
By: Jen Brown
Mike Higley and Rodney White are average race fans, but the work they are doing for racers on Midwest dirt is anything but average. Higley and White realized a need and with the right equipment and a passion for dirt racing the two set out to capture racing on dirt from a new angle - on video.
Mike and White Productions is bringing Midwest dirt to your finger tips. The thrill ride provided by their videos is sure to get you through the work week and to your local track the first chance you get.
“Our videos are all over the place and that is what makes it interesting and exciting because you never know what is coming next. If that brings a smile to someone’s face then we have done our job,” said White.
Drivers are the priority for Mike and White Productions. The goal is showcasing racers as superstars, and providing exposure to new markets and fans. The digital promotion will take dirt fans to a new seat at the track - behind the wheel.
“We believe that Joe Saturday Night racer is as special as Dale Jr., or Jeff Gordon,” said Higley.
The duo seeks to capture a night under the lights from a racers point of view. The unique look at dirt racing will bring a new level of excitement as fans wait for the next green flag to drop.
Buckle up and settle in for a great ride around the smooth Midwest dirt in the latest production from Mike and White.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g-XHanUbgg
*Thanks to Rodney and Mike for giving me the opportunity to do this story and to Wiggy for posting it on midwestdirt.com*
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thunderhill Speedway
Today has been a rather sad day for me as I just sent the following letter via email to Mike and Joey Henry regarding my future involvement and the current situation at Thunderhill. This was a very hard and well thought out decision and I wish them all the best.
-------------------------------------
Mike and Joey,
After a lot of prayer and consideration I have arrived at the conclusion that it would be best for me to remove myself from the current situation at Thunderhill. You both, as well as Cheryl, have done a lot for me personally and in the racing community over the years and it is very hard to watch what is happening at the track as of late.
In wishful thinking and knowing the potential Thunderhill has, I thought for sure the first week this season was a fluke and everything would be turned around in a timely manner. However, this has not been the case. I know that Thunderhill could be a top-notch place for dirt track racing in the area as it was not so long ago. In order for this to occur changes must be made. I have not seen the effort in having these changes take place.
Not only do I worry for the safety of our drivers, I also have a concern for the staff and fans. The fire crew has left a lot to be desired and their lack of attentiveness and response is unacceptable. The stands need more than a little TLC...with old wood that is shaky at best, it made me nervous to climb to see my dad who had strategically placed him self at a point over the metal structure in hopes that if the boards gave out he'd save himself from a fall. The scoring tower is not only completely unsightly and rotted away, but it is unacceptable and dangerous. You should not put your announcer or scoring staff in such an unsafe place, let alone allow fans to come into the structure to collect 50/50 monies and other prizes. I understand that it is the plan to replace the tower when the weather cooperates, but as things seem to be going, I cannot hold my breath for that while praying I don't fall through the current one at any given moment.
It breaks my heart to walk away from a great family, great friends, and a facility with all the potential in the world. However, I don't know what else to do. I cannot put myself in that situation or watch as our drivers are put in a situation I feel is unsafe. Should a repeat of Grant Junghans 2008 HPT fire occur on the back-stretch or a heart attack and infield crash that required CPR and a life-flight like what occurred back in 2000 or 2001 (I can't remember the exact date for sure) happen again, I'm not confident that the on track staff and fire/safety crew would be able to properly react. Are you...really? In making this decision someone asked me when will it be enough...when does it cross the line...is it when someone you care about is in a ball of flames or they've barrel-rolled down the front-stretch and the fire crew still doesn't respond or is it now before you have to witness such a thing? I hope that situation never occurs, however, we all know that it is a possibility...I can't sit back in a falling tower and watch that...I'm sorry.
We are all pulling for you and want to be there every Saturday night, but we just can't with things the way they are. I say we meaning, myself, fans and drivers that you and I both know have made their way to HPT or Valley or elsewhere to date and anyone else that shares these thoughts, feelings, and hopes.
You have my continued support and I wish you all the best as you move forward this season and want nothing more than for you to make steps needed to keep Thunderhill not only open and operating, but doing so successfully. Please, start showing the racing community signs that there isn't a self-destruction in progress.
Love you guys!
Blessings!
~Jennifer
-------------------------------------
Mike and Joey,
After a lot of prayer and consideration I have arrived at the conclusion that it would be best for me to remove myself from the current situation at Thunderhill. You both, as well as Cheryl, have done a lot for me personally and in the racing community over the years and it is very hard to watch what is happening at the track as of late.
In wishful thinking and knowing the potential Thunderhill has, I thought for sure the first week this season was a fluke and everything would be turned around in a timely manner. However, this has not been the case. I know that Thunderhill could be a top-notch place for dirt track racing in the area as it was not so long ago. In order for this to occur changes must be made. I have not seen the effort in having these changes take place.
Not only do I worry for the safety of our drivers, I also have a concern for the staff and fans. The fire crew has left a lot to be desired and their lack of attentiveness and response is unacceptable. The stands need more than a little TLC...with old wood that is shaky at best, it made me nervous to climb to see my dad who had strategically placed him self at a point over the metal structure in hopes that if the boards gave out he'd save himself from a fall. The scoring tower is not only completely unsightly and rotted away, but it is unacceptable and dangerous. You should not put your announcer or scoring staff in such an unsafe place, let alone allow fans to come into the structure to collect 50/50 monies and other prizes. I understand that it is the plan to replace the tower when the weather cooperates, but as things seem to be going, I cannot hold my breath for that while praying I don't fall through the current one at any given moment.
It breaks my heart to walk away from a great family, great friends, and a facility with all the potential in the world. However, I don't know what else to do. I cannot put myself in that situation or watch as our drivers are put in a situation I feel is unsafe. Should a repeat of Grant Junghans 2008 HPT fire occur on the back-stretch or a heart attack and infield crash that required CPR and a life-flight like what occurred back in 2000 or 2001 (I can't remember the exact date for sure) happen again, I'm not confident that the on track staff and fire/safety crew would be able to properly react. Are you...really? In making this decision someone asked me when will it be enough...when does it cross the line...is it when someone you care about is in a ball of flames or they've barrel-rolled down the front-stretch and the fire crew still doesn't respond or is it now before you have to witness such a thing? I hope that situation never occurs, however, we all know that it is a possibility...I can't sit back in a falling tower and watch that...I'm sorry.
We are all pulling for you and want to be there every Saturday night, but we just can't with things the way they are. I say we meaning, myself, fans and drivers that you and I both know have made their way to HPT or Valley or elsewhere to date and anyone else that shares these thoughts, feelings, and hopes.
You have my continued support and I wish you all the best as you move forward this season and want nothing more than for you to make steps needed to keep Thunderhill not only open and operating, but doing so successfully. Please, start showing the racing community signs that there isn't a self-destruction in progress.
Love you guys!
Blessings!
~Jennifer
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