Birthdays are a special time of the year that never seems to get old. The 19th birthday celebration isn't quite the same as the 9th birthday party, but there's still a feeling of excitement that comes in the days, hours, and minutes leading up to the point when the clock strikes midnight on the day of one's birthday.
The agenda for the day consisted of a baseball game. Shocking, I know. This whole weekend actually is chock full of baseball, with games in the next two days as well in the Bronx and Staten Island. Tonight's action came from Coney Island in Brooklyn, home to the Mets' class A Short Season affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones. MCU Park, home of the Cyclones, which are named after the historic wooden roller coaster seen beyond left field, is located right on the ocean and provides a very fun-filled, dare I say carnival-like atmosphere to an extent. I have been several times now over the years and it is always a very enjoyable experience, but there is one thing about Brooklyn that always is frustrating to my grandma and I.
She lives in Westchester County, north of the city. Brooklyn is on the eastern edge of New York City on Long Island. You can't avoid NYC and the miles of traffic that come with it.
On this given night, the following hurdles were in the way:
1. rush hour traffic from seemingly every direction possible
2. Yankee traffic for that night's game in the Bronx
3. Friday night heading towards Long Island = weekend getaway = traffic!
4. probably 10 other reasons I can't think of now.
Now usually, a smart person would take the subway to get in and around of NYC. That's like the number one rule of life in a city like New York. NEVER DRIVE IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO!!! Coney Island also is serviced by the subway, but the walk between the subway and the ballpark after a game (which is like 10ish if one is lucky) is kinda creepy and is a walk that is best avoided if need be. On top of that, having to subway hop and train hop at that hour is hard because if something happens and a train is missed...the station's concrete floor provides a comfortable sleeping spot. So we drove....it took us three hours to make an almost 40 mile journey. We got there however.
And then it rained.
And thundered.
Lightning struck too.
But as with most summer storms, it lasted all of 10-15 minutes, the tarp was taken off the field and the delay took an hour. The game itself was a pitcher's duel with Brooklyn's Brian Harrison smacking a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth to give the Cyclones a 2-0 win. Overall, a great night considering the pre-game festivities.
Also, to make the birthday sweeter, as I log into Facebook I see a notification which says the following:
"_________ and x number of friends have written on your wall." :)
Now, I'm trying to keep a level head in the matter. A birthday is not measured by the number of people that write on one's facebook wall. However, I'd be lying completely if I said that I wasn't touched at all by the thought and kindness that people displayed by wishing me a happy birthday. Guys, I love each and every one of you! Know that, remember that. It really does mean a lot to me and it was the icing on the cake of a great day, no pun intended.
Although, ironically, I have not eaten any cake yet. Hmmm......
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