Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Hialeah, here I come

There's something to be said for losing one's job.

It really frees up the social calendar.

That thought hit me the other day as I was contemplating what to do after departing unexpectedly, and unexplained, from my position at the North Carolina newspaper where I'd worked for nearly 11 years to the day. But what to do with my time?

Ah, Hialeah.

Historic Hialeah Park and Race Course reopened for Quarter Horse racing on Nov. 28 after some eight years on the shelf. Its last thoroughbred race was run in 2001.

So, sometime between now and the close of this "resurrection meeting" on Feb. 2, I shall venture to South Florida and stand trackside at a true American racing treasure. I won't be able to see any races run over more than a few hundred yards. But I can check out the distinctive architecture, the infield flamingos, the statue of Citation and learn a little bit about handicapping Quarters.

I haven't picked a date yet, though the quick trip won't take place between Christmas and New Year's. So the month of January or closing weekend, Feb. 1 and 2, are most likely. ... And I might as well hit Gulfstream Park while I'm in the area. Racing there resumes Jan. 3.
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16 comments:

  1. Valerie GrashDecember 3, 2009 at 12:22 AM

    Glenn, I'm sorry to hear about the job situation :( Hopefully something even better comes along soon. Best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glenn CravenDecember 3, 2009 at 8:00 AM

    Thanks for the sympathy, Valerie. While I do need to find other employment, I'm going to use the next few weeks at least as bit of a vacation, something I've enjoyed rarely in the last 20 years. I do believe that something better lies ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousDecember 3, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    If you're a railbird, you'll love Hialeah

    There's no swale between you and the racers:

    http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V7IT9bKqNuA/SFaFboGE47I/AAAAAAAABic/uweip2QKwv8/s320/Dad11Hialeah.jpg

    4 days/ week, Friday~Tuesday, November 28 ~ February 2

    Good luck with the job search and in the meantime, just do it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Glenn CravenDecember 3, 2009 at 10:01 AM

    Thanks for the tip. And the picture link. What a great photo! That has to be filled with memories. ... Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The_Knight_SkyDecember 3, 2009 at 11:01 AM

    When life hands you a lemon. Make lemonade.

    I'd do exactly as you are doing this winter:
    Go to Florida.

    Unfortunately I have a job.
    And that job is contributing to this blog. ;-)
    Keep the chin up.

    ReplyDelete
  6. coeurdeferDecember 3, 2009 at 12:05 PM

    Glenn,

    Give me a call when you get a moment (you've got it).

    In the meantime, tough times for you can be a situation where one door closes, another one opens.

    Hialeah?...what a chance!

    Always, Best wishes.

    D. Masters

    ReplyDelete
  7. frank mitchellDecember 3, 2009 at 2:57 PM

    Glenn, they could use you as "Blogger in Residence" contributing columns and notes to papers and pimps across the country. Ya never know ....
    Good luck,
    Frank

    ReplyDelete
  8. John P. SparkmanDecember 3, 2009 at 6:09 PM

    Sorry to hear about the job situation, Glenn....Times are tough all over, but that doesn't make it any easier.

    Hope something comes along soon.

    Hard to make a living as an inveterate gambler!

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownDecember 4, 2009 at 2:37 AM

    Glenn,
    Very sorry to hear about the job situation. Hopefully for us, you will land something that will allow you to write more about racing.

    Have a great time at Hialeah. If you've never been to a QH race before, I think you're in for a treat. Along the rail during a QH race you should feel the difference.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousDecember 4, 2009 at 1:28 PM

    Hey Glen: Enjoy your trip to Hialeah Racetrack! Hialeah is my favorite Racetrack & I'll bet you will fall in love with it's beauty like I did and so many others have. Take lots of photos and enjoy the pleasant weather.

    ReplyDelete
  11. David M. MillerDecember 4, 2009 at 8:44 PM

    Glenn,

    My hope is you will be employed once again in the near future as you have far too much talent to escape the notice of an editor and an accompanying assignment. Enjoy the Florida sojourn -- we all look forward to reading your impressions.

    ReplyDelete
  12. sid fernandoDecember 5, 2009 at 5:26 PM

    Glenn had FBooked me of his situation before this post.

    Glenn, sorry to report that the feelers I've put out haven't amounted to anything.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Glenn CravenDecember 5, 2009 at 5:55 PM

    Thanks, Sid. Tough time to be in the job market anywhere; media no exception.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Gene KershnerDecember 7, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    Sorry to hear about the job, Glenn. I'll be at Gulfstream on Sunshine Millions Day (Sat, Jan 30th) would love to say hello if you're in attendance.

    Geno

    ReplyDelete
  15. Glenn CravenDecember 8, 2009 at 1:47 AM

    Geno,

    Thanks for the sympathy. And that would be a great weekend to choose, wouldn't it? Sunshine Millions and all?

    -- Glenn

    ReplyDelete
  16. E-manDecember 9, 2009 at 1:56 AM

    Hi Glenn -- sorry to read about your employment woes. A lot of newspapers and newspapermen are taking it in the teeth these days, from what I understand. James Lileks sometimes touches on such issues at lileks.com. Hopefully there are opportunities for you buried amid the debris -- perhaps even at Hialeah ;-)

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete

I welcome comments, including criticism and debate. But jerks and the vulgar will not be tolerated.

Thanks!

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