"BAM" takes on new meaning

Calculations.  I would have to say the funniest thing that happened to us on the ride over from Texas was when we finally arrived on thursday night at the hotel in Lakeland, FL.  It was dusk, we were tired and weary from the road.  We pull the 'Bodacious Box Van' partially into the drivearound at the hotel, which was slightly congested with cars.  The boat racing professionals, Roddy and Johnny, exchanged glances and opinions about the clearance of the box van's air conditioner unit on the top of the truck and whether it would or would not clear the overhang.  Agreement was made between the 2 guys in some magical/telepathic man way to move forward.  That's what I'm calling it since we can't talk blame here...(touchy subject).  Roddy then starts pulling forward towards the front doors of the hotel.  BAM!!!! well, it was actually more like CRUNCH....  Yep, you guessed it- it was totally mashed in and inoperable.  Score:  Boat Racers- 0, Air conditioning unit- 1.  I'm told in boat racing there are literally hundreds of thousands of calculations that are made to win a race.  Whether its motors, props, water temp, OR air conditioning unit clearances, one must always calculate correctly!  Hard but expensive lesson to learn!  Not funny when it happened, extremely funny to us now!

"how fast does that there boat go?".....

Attraction.  It's a common occurrence that happens around the world everyday.  Haven't you seen guys bring puppies or babies to a park to watch the girls swarm?  What is it that works in this way for guys?  The answer is a race boat ladies and gentlemen.  Everywhere, and I do mean everywhere- gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, state agricultural stops on the freeway, rest stops, parks, sun pass toll booths, etc. there are always guys that wanna get close to that thing.  All male walks of life:  young, old, fat, skinny, toothless- whatever- they are like moths to a flame.  Usually it starts with them walking over and asking the most predictable question of all, "how fast does that there boat go?"  (hello- I am using my best redneck dialect here folks).  I think it's hilarious that they think I actually drive it- when they say next, " are you scared little lady?"    REALLY? 

Bodacious Box Van Bonanza! last Wed am- Thursday night

Focus.  2 days in a box van with excited race boaters is quite an experience for a girl.  First off- kudos to Roddy for even buying the box van in the first place to transport us- it's awesome!  Our box van has a RV- like middle with a bed, tv, microwave, sink and frig!  Comfortable for sure!  In the back there is an open mechanics section for boat racing stuff.  It's really easy for them to get what they need, store it, have shelter to work on things if they need it.  What's really great for me as a BR (boat racing) wife is that I can be slightly separated from all the endless 'gearhead' talk that evidently always happens on these trips.  Roddy and Johnny talked, discussed, argued, dreamed, reminisced and whatever else you could do during the trip- the true constant- non-stop boat racing talk.  It went a little like this:  drive your shift while talking about boat racing for hours, pee or food break while continuing to talk boat racing memories, check on the boat straps, trailer, etc. and discuss more boat racing and REPEAT.  Thank God they love to stop and look at the boat alot- that means extra pee breaks!  whew!

Monday Morning Press! Lakeland Leger Article March, 7, 2011

Check out the article written in the Lakeland Leger on the win at Orange Cup Regatta, Lakeland, FL

I can tell you it was an emotional race- right after the press came over to interview Roddy. 

Boat Racing Wife 101

Ok, so we aren't yet boat racing, but everyone knows there's alot of prep work that goes into these races.  We (Roddy and I) started the journey from Austin yesterday morning.  Our next stop was to pick up our crew chief, Johnny Calley in Pasadena, TX.  While there we had a nice lunch with his wife, Carolyn before heading straight east to Florida.  Carolyn is a legendary boat racing wife with over 20 some odd years in the businesss.  She was glad to give me some pointers on being a boat racing wife.  Very interesting.  Let me just describe Carolyn- (she's tiny, adorable lady and I got that she doesn't like swearing) - so I thought, uh oh- I better watch my mouth since I do believe she was walking around with a 'switch' in her hand.  hehe.  Anyway- she tells me its very essential for me to know information about my husband's boat:  type:  Pugh Tunnel boat, motor horsepower:  90, motor type:  Evinrude, class that he races:  SST 60.  Ok, got it - check.  she says everyone including moms, wives, good looking guys and kids will ask me these things and it's important for me to at least look like I have an idea about what's up.  (Good idea).  Next and lastly- she's takes me away separately from the group and says, " sometime Roddy will be an obnoxious butt head "...." you'll need to put your hands on his shoulders, look at him and say that you love him and that he needs to settle down"......   Words to live by!!!!