It's More Than Just Being at Daytona...It's My Career and Life on the Line
What's supposed to be a calm week of anticipation has turned into the worst-case scenario where that dream, could die and the fear of disappointing everyone once again.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For the record, I'll buy a domain or jump into another web building site when time permits. It'll mean I need to make new business cards, but if it means I'll get "over," then it's not a bad investment.
All week it has been a war between me against the dreaded snow, and it's inching closer of being a fatal blow that I cannot afford, which is flight delays and/or cancellation.
Nothing seems to be going my way as the forecast keeps getting worse and worse. Now the worst fear is coming into fruition, not being able to cover the Daytona 500, the biggest event that I can ever cover, all because of poor conditions.
My flight leaves Tuesday morning, but just reading, seeing and observing the weather over the past 72 hours has brought new levels of anxiety that I haven't experienced in over five years.
Now some people don't care what I do, and to be frank, some want me to fail. I don't want to fail myself nor those that I care for. I want to prove myself that I belong in my profession and by covering the Daytona 500, it's a huge leap for my career because I would have that cherished experience under my belt for years to come.
But Luis, it's snowing! What's the big deal?
It is to me. I hate flight delays! The gold side of me wants to follow the itinerary as best as possible. I already have my interviews locked up, and what I'd like to cover while representing Motorsports Tribune. I'm ready to be at Daytona International Speedway and live the dream!
However, "the Idaho Gods" are against me of achieving my goals and they want me to fail once more.
What does Idaho have anything to do with Washington's torrential snow?
It's no secret ever since I graduated from that university, I haven't had the nicest things to say about the area and rather than saying why, let's just say with the exception of a radio station and one or two advisers, I felt that I've received no support.
I've gotten myself to where I am the hard way. Day in and day out, I have to work my absolute hardest to get myself "over" and prove that I belong in the world of journalism and mass media. It's an ongoing battle to prove to my alma mater, my critics and everyone that knew me in some capacity, that I am valuable. Not a fraud!
Over the past year, I've made tons of progress to show my worth to those who care and I'll continue to do so this year. I know my worth!
I just hope Mother Nature doesn't rear its ugly head and hear me out what it means to get from Seattle to Daytona Beach, FL in one piece.
Hopefully, all this bad luck I've endured means when I get to Daytona, it'll be an absolute dream week where everything that I'd hoped for comes true.
Fingers crossed, and hope everyone that reads this, gets why I hate the snow right now. It's more than just being at Daytona, this is my life, my career, my future that's all on the line in a few days!
