04/07/2008 I left Texas at 12:10 P.M. after a "Murphy's Law" morning. I packed the car and made my final rounds telling everyone goodbye. Figuring it a good time to leave at 11:00 A.M. I strolled to the car. Fumbling through my pockets to realize my keys were missing. After a frantic search I traced my steps to remember that I had gotten into my bag and then locked my car. Thankfully I still have friends in law enforcement that were able to open my car for me. Unzipped my luggage and voila! Thinking this a bad omen I decided to press on anyhow. And a well placed call from a good friend and mentor helped boost my spirits just when it seemed like me against the world. Thanks man, much appreciated. So I set out on my almost 400 mile trip. Worried that it would cost more in gas then it turned out. For you technical minded people, I averaged 30.8 MPG with an average speed of 65 MPH. Not as bad as I first thought. After a 6 1/2 hour trip, with minimal stops (damn coffee), I arrived in New Orleans. Curious to see the place that is so well known throughout the world I head straight for the French Quarter. Keeping in mind this is a Monday at almost 7 P.M. now. Hundreds of people are walking all through the town. Bars are full speed ahead and people are all over the streets. Apparently some of these people were raised in Amish communities because as thousands of pounds of American made muscle hurls through the streets they don't move! Maybe some were practicing their billfighting abilities. Realizing that you have to own a hovercraft to park in this area I began my search for shelter. I arrived at the Canal Street Hotel just about 12 blocks from Harrah's Casino (my future "home"). Working the front desk is a young woman who will introduce me to "Nawlins" charm in a first class way without even realizing it. I ask what the cheapest rate is and she informs me the exact amount is $87.57 after tax. Knowing this is more than I budgeted for originally I accept and inquire as to where I may find cheaper accommodation later. The young lady without batting an eye says she could give me her employee price and instantly saves me $30. She further told me that if I needed to stay a 2nd night the rate would remain the same. Aahhhhh, my luck is already changing as I am now $30 in the black. Not much you say? Maybe I should have mentioned I left with almost $300 in my pocket to pursue this dream. After settling in I decide to venture further and see if I can get better acquainted with my surroundings. After driving circles around Harrah's I realized the Impala is a hinderence so I park it back at the hotel. So now I'm walking solo through New Orleans checking out the scenery. I must say it wasn't quite what I expected. The amount of homeless people around this area is sad. I actually did have one run in with one during this outting, but was very different from others i've had in the past. A simple "I can't help you was sufficient". He quickly moved on. Quick self-bio of me. Former Marine in the early 90's. I haved lived and played on the streets of New Britain, Connecticut; Okinawa, Japan; San Diego & Ocean Side, California; Tijuana, Mexico and so on and so on. Not to mention spent nearly a decade as a Police Officer in Texas. So needless to say, i've seen and been through a lot. However, the people here are very different to say the least. Being 6ft tall, 260lbs with a shaved head while looking as though I have lived the life I did doesn't hurt either. I call it the serial killer on crack look. Anyhow, my search for gainful employment starts bright and early Tuesday morning. I have an interview with Harrah's for a position I fit perfectly. We all know that even if it makes perfect sense we don't always get what we want. So tomorrow will be filled with job hunting. When I get to a point I can buy-in to a game I will post more information here and try not to bore you all with long drawn out stories. Unless it involves women, whips or motor oil! Wish me luck guys! And if anyone can take just one thing from my life story. It would be to always follow your dreams no matter how much the deck seems to be stacked against you.

Tags: Chasing Dreams