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Stealing From Home Depot
When I was 10, my father took me to Home Depot, for his usual supplies. We came across an employee behind a stand. He showed us this new product to clamp cables down for construction. I was fascinated by how it looked, and without realizing, I put my hand back in my pocket, along with a handful of the clamps. It wasn't until I was getting ready for bed that I realized I had them in my pocket. I immediately showed my parents, only to get a 2 hour lecture about stealing. I never stole again. -
My Father Coming Home From Afghanistan
I was in CV Starr at the time, walking with my class to art class. Right before I entered the classroom, The Assistant Principal pulled me aside and asked me to come with her to the office. I was terrified that I was in trouble for something I had done. I followed her into the office, only to spot a very recognizable man leaning on the front desk. It was my father, with his uniform on, fresh from the the Air Force Base. I was so excited to see him, after 8 months without him. -
Learning To Drive Stick
A month before this day, my father picked up a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. We spent most of the time getting it road ready. After getting it registered, my father took my down to the circle by our house. It was a large transition going from my dirt bike to a 5 speed Jeep. I had the concept down, but a hand style clutch was much easier than adding additional pedals and changing gears into the picture. It took me almost 2 hours to finally start off, and another hour to finally shift into second gear. -
My Father's 2nd Deployment
This day marked my father's second deployment overseas. He was stationed in Kuwait for 9 months. Throughout those 9 months, my brother totalled two cars, and my mother had to raise and take care of us alone. We just moved into a new home, after 3 years spent building it, and My brothers and I had to maintain the house and finish uncompleted projects.I was in charge of fixing his truck, and mowing the lawn. While in Kuwait, we decided to finish the deck to surprise him when he got back. -
Getting Kicked Off Track
Every year, all the JV runners go to a meet called Jfest, while the varsity runners go to a selected meet. Our coach, Sceli, goes with varsity to the selected meet, while we are stuck with the assistant coach. I thought it would be a good idea to fool around during a 400m race. I started off by jogging, and finished in last by "falling" onto the track at the end of the race. My coach was furious and asked for me leave track and not come back for the season. This was a big failure of mine. -
Being On A Sinking Row Boat
One day after school, my buddy Lloyd and I found a boat on the other sides of Ice Pond. We decided to walk around Ice Pond and take it cross to the side where our friends were. The boat was registered, but in pretty beat up shape. We used rotten logs as ores, and set off to the other side. Shortly afterwards, we realized the back was filled with water. At this time we were center of the Pond with water up to our ankles. We didn't think we would make it, but in the end we did. -
Leaving The Squad
From 5th grade all the way until sophomore year, I played football. I loved playing, and loved staying in shape. Sophomore year, I lost my position to someone in the grade below me, and lost the drive to continue. I knew I wasn't going to be a starter for junior or senior year. I decided to make sophomore year my last year. I couldn't handle the competition toward the game. I look back and regret that decisions, leaving a family, and becoming just a friend to those I spent years with. -
My First Car Accident
My parents were dropping my brother off at camp so I was home alone. This wouldn't be my first time taking my parents cars for a joyride. I came back from a nice cruise, flying up my driveway at 55mph. My driveway transitions into a sharp turn on the edge of a cliff, with only a guardrail in front. I thought it would be a good idea to tailfish around the turn, but I decided to slow down, and my brakes locked up, sliding me right into the guardrail, just as my parents were coming up the driveway. -
My First Car
Everyday, for the past 5 months, I was on Craigslist searching for my first car. I had my mind set on a Monte Carlo SS. I wanted an old muscle car I could drive and throw money into. I wanted to find a project car for a good price. I met with many owners and test drove a handful of Monte's, but all of them were roaches. I finally found one in New Haven for $5000. I stopped by, only to spot a perfect opportunity for my first car. I brought the guy down to $4250, and loaded it onto our trailer. -
My First Job
I mostly worked with my father: Framing houses and excavating. However, after buying my first car, I completely out of money. I needed a part time job to pay for all the car parts I needed. I decided to apply to Thunder RIdge Ski Area. It was only a few miles from my house, and it was a simples job. They trained me to be a lift operator, which was basically standing in the cold watching people go down a mountain. My boss wasn't exactly friendly, but it helped me get the experience down.
