What a Week!!!

 

Monday, February 3     Just another manic Monday, but with a twist—a short work week ahead! The day flew by, filled with productivity and everything I love about what I do. Wrapped up the work grind just in time to scoop Barrett up from school, and we were off—homeward bound. Packing was on the agenda, the kind where you’re shuffling and organizing for everyone to head out in their own direction.

As the evening began to whisper its arrival, I sneaked outside, feeling the last warmth of the day on my skin. My flower beds were calling, the earth begging to be stirred. With each rake of leaves, a secret was revealed. The ground was waking up! There, nestled in the soil, were the first hints of spring—tulips poking through the earth like little promises, and hyacinths already spilling their scent into the cool air. The quiet magic of it all was just the reminder I needed that the seasons are shifting, and with them, hope springs eternal.

Tuesday, February 4     A day of reconnection, indeed. From start to finish, my time at work was consumed by the task of untangling files within files—each one moved for some reason or another, each a small mystery waiting to be solved. It’s tedious, yes, but with my trusty camera phone in hand, I’m able to capture the file paths and reconnect them to their new homes. It feels a bit like piecing together a puzzle, one digital link at a time.

But it wasn’t all just work. As the hours passed, my thoughts wandered to a different kind of reconnection—the one waiting for us in Charlotte. The excitement builds with each moment closer to our trip. The bonds we’ll rekindle, the familiar faces and places that will make us feel like we’re right where we belong. It’s a mix of anticipation and nostalgia, a reminder that connections—whether in files or with loved ones—are what keep us grounded and full of hope.

Wednesday, February 5     Most people dread a dentist visit, but not when yours is a car guy. I actually look forward to my appointments just to hear about his latest project and to share mine. It’s like having a conversation about engines and horsepower while getting your teeth cleaned! That’s one visit I don’t mind.

After the dentist, we packed the car to the brim, getting ready to hit the road. We were ready for an adventure, so as soon as we left the house, we were set to head out of town. Our first stop was the Optimist Club meeting, where the speaker shared fascinating details about Russian submarines in the Gulf during World War II. It struck me how silent the whole situation was—why didn’t they blackout to protect the merchant ships? So many lives could’ve been spared, yet it felt like nothing was done to prevent the sinking of so many vessels. The United States, it seems, was caught off guard by a war on its own soil. It left me wondering—are we prepared now?

After the meeting, we drove north toward Concord, NC—the home of NASCAR and the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway. The buzz of race cars and the spirit of speed filled the air as we made our way. By the time we reached Atlanta around 6 pm, we were ready to relax. We found our hotel, settled in, and had planned to stretch our legs with a walk, but with the game on, we decided to stay put. The excitement of the road had led to a quieter evening, but sometimes that’s the best kind of rest.

 

Thursday, February 6      We hit the road early, determined to get to Charlotte with plenty of time to spare. Since check-in wasn’t until 4 pm, we made a trip to Dairy Queen for lunch with Vicki and Art. It was a nice, low-key way to fuel up before the next adventure.

Our afternoon was all about cars. We toured the Hendrick Heritage Center, which houses Rick Hendrick’s private collection, along with the public collection at the Hendrick complex. Rick’s collection is absolutely breathtaking—a staggering 220 high-performance, rare, and classic cars, each one a testament to automotive history. The 58,000-sf museum felt like stepping into a time capsule of car culture, with replica venues capturing key moments from his life.

This year’s trade show had a fun twist—prizes for visiting every booth and collecting stamps. It turned the event into a bit of a scavenger hunt, making it more engaging and exciting. But beyond the thrill of the stamps, it gave us the chance to connect with the people manning each booth. Conversations flowed naturally as we stopped by, learning more about what they were offering while exchanging a few stories and insights along the way. It was a perfect balance of exploring, networking, and having a little fun in the process.

As the day wound down, we attended the evening program, starting with the Directors' Welcome Reception at the hotel. The menu was a carb lover’s dream—a pasta bar with all the fixings and a tempting array of desserts. But this wasn’t just about food. It was a moment for local Regions and Chapters to come together and make their annual donations to either the AACA or the AACA Library. A great way to wrap up a day filled with passion for cars and community.

 

Friday, February 7      The 2025 AACA Convention was officially underway, and the day kicked off with a series of seminars that kept us on our toes. I dove in with Terry Bond’s “Paper Automobilia,” followed by Dave Robertson’s “Road to Your First Nationals,” and wrapped it up before lunch with Walt Kostrzewa’s “The Wonderful World of Woodies.” Each session was packed with fascinating details, feeding my passion for cars and history.

After lunch, we headed into Charlotte to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum. We had a mission: find Curt’s brick and explore the city a bit. But to our surprise, our encounter with Jewell, the ticket taker, turned into something unexpected. After chatting with her for a bit, she handed us tickets and simulator passes for the day—an unplanned bonus! We had a blast on the simulator the first time around, though the second time, it felt like a demolition derby with all the other drivers crashing into us.

The evening continued with the Regions and Chapters Dinner, a chance to relax and enjoy great company. But the fun didn’t stop there. After the dinner, we stepped into the hallway and were transported to the Roaring ‘20s Speakeasy Casino Night. The atmosphere was electric—cards flying, people laughing, and the excitement palpable. After two hours of playing, I was still holding onto $10,000 to trade for raffle tickets. It was a night full of surprises, laughter, and a little bit of luck!

Saturday, February 8    It was a day packed with learning and honoring tradition. I spent most of the morning attending three back-to-back judging schools: the National Senior Masters Judges School, the Chief Judge School, and after a quick lunch, the Team Captain CJE. My mind was buzzing with all the new knowledge, but there was a brief escape during lunch when I stepped outside to check out the local car club member display. About 20 cars, all from the year 2000 and older, were on display—each one a snapshot of automotive history.

After the seminars, we had a short break before heading into the General Membership Meeting. It was a memorable moment when Vicki Bolton was installed as the Executive VP of AACA, with plans to take on the role of President in 2026. Her journey is an inspiring one, and we were lucky to witness it firsthand.

That evening, we attended the National Awards Banquet—a grand affair with at least 500 people gathered to receive their hard-earned awards. It was humbling to be in such company, and I was proud to be part of the evening. I had the honor of receiving the Master Editor Award for the monthly newsletter, The Exhaust Whistle, for the Great Southern Region in Birmingham, Alabama. But the night didn’t stop there—Darrin’s 1955 Chevy Bel Air two-door wagon was nominated and selected for a National Award as well! Walking across the stage to receive that recognition was such a special moment, knowing how much passion and effort had gone into it. It was a celebration of hard work, camaraderie, and the love we all share for cars.

 

Sunday, February 9    The long 9-hour drive home was a time for reflection, but it didn’t take long to dive straight back into the rhythm of everyday life. As soon as we got home, the familiar household chores took over—laundry, dinner, dishes, and everything in between. It’s always a reminder that life keeps moving, even after a week full of adventure and excitement.

But even with the return to routine, I couldn’t help but smile thinking about the amazing week we had. From the seminars and car shows to the awards and new connections made, it was a week to remember. A little chaos at home doesn’t take away from the joy of those moments; it just makes me appreciate the balance of life a little more. What a fantastic trip it was!