Day 190 – My Visit to New York City on 9/11 Weekend

It will go down as the day that lives in infamy, our generation’s version of Pearl Harbor. It will forever be etched in our memories.  No matter where you were, or what you were doing, you can remember exactly what was happening when you heard/saw/felt the events of September 11, 2001. My journey to New York started when I arrived at JFK airport, on Saturday morning, September 10. Surviving the Great Blackout of 2011 (See Day 189), I felt very tired, as I usually have a hard time sleeping on planes. But having some time to rest in one of the Delta Skyclubs, revitalized my energy and I was ready to go.My first stop was to meet up with Gary Herman, a man who has attended an average of 350 sporting events a year the last 15 years. Gary knows the best ways to get tickets (some for free), best seats, restaurants, parking, transportation as he has visited every MLB Ballpark, NFL Stadium, and NBA and NHL arena in North America and Canada. Gary is a walking sports fan encyclopedia and being a sports fanatic myself, it was such a true joy to learn so much from the master himself.My journey started I took the AirTrain JFK to Jamaica Station. There I transferred to the E subway train to Roosevelt Ave. I went upstairs and transferred to the 7 train to Citi Field. Gary was there waiting for me by the big Apple.I also had the pleasure to meet Laura Wall who is the VP Development & Marketing for the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation. SADS are genetic heart rhythm abnormalities conditions that can cause sudden death in young, apparently healthy people – who are undiagnosed.  Thank you Laura for bringing more awareness about this very deadly disease. For more information about SADS, please visit: http://www.stopsads.org

As Gary and I entered the ballpark to see the New York Mets host the Chicago Cubs, security was prevalent. This beautiful ballpark was amazing as I toured through the Mets museum, watching highlights of the two Mets Championships in 1969 and 1986.

Once we reached our seats, I met “The King”, who gets his name as he is just 115 games short of attending 7,000 baseball games in his life.  The King does a unique chant for every Mets strikeout, which I noticed other Mets fans have come to expect. And I learned the beauty of doing the Baseball scorecard as Gary, The King, and three other fellas around were busily helping each other as needed keeping score on every play. As Gary says, “Teamwork makes the dream work”. What a great bunch of guys!

As far as the game, the Mets had a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the eighth, only to lose the game in the 9th by a score of 5-4.  Another disappointing loss for a Mets team that have lost more games this way all year. But it was a great experience. Thank you Gary and the fellas! Follow Gary on his blog: http://royaltytours.blogspot.com

My next stop was to the heart of Manhattan, in Times Square. I boarded the number 7 train and got off at 42nd Street. There I met Kirk Abrigo, whom I have introduced in a previous blog (See Day 158).

It was great to reconnect with Kirk, as we talked about becoming a motivational speaker, the greatness that is New York City, and the trials and tribulations of dating women. We ate at a place called Dallas BBQ, which was a true delight. Jam packed, the prices were affordable but more importantly the food was absolutely delicious. I would recommend anyone to try this place out!

Afterwards, we walked Times Square, which is a colorful, high energy intersection of art and commerce. Stopping to see the lights, the people, and the stores makes this place truly amazing. We saw employees building a crowd by dancing in front of a clothing shop, and stood on a platform overlooking where the ball drops every New Year’s eve. We also went inside a very unique Toys R Us, which is part a tourist destination/experience, and part toy store. We saw a giant T-Rex ,a giant Transformer, a ferris wheel, 25-foot lego displays, an ice cream parlor and an employee doing tricks with a sqiggle worm.  And reminders of 9/11. It was a very fun, yet emotional night. Thank you Kirk! Follow Kirk on his website: http://www.speakerkirkabrigo.com

On Sunday morning, I met with John Castagnini, the founder of ThankGodi, in the lower East Side of Greenwich Village. ThankGodi is a worldwide community dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals by sharing and teaching the importance of gratitude. As I completely resonate with this way of living, it was a great joy to talk to John, and find out what exciting things are coming up that will have a major impact in people’s lives. Thank you John. Follow ThankGodi at: http://www.thankgodi.com

Having some free time on my own to roam the streets of New York, I walked up Broadway to 14th Street and sat down on the steps of Union Square. This is a great people watcher spot, as I saw some very interesting people. And I did meet a guy named Harry, who has been out of work for over a year but serves his community, while trying to make ends meet. Keep doing what your doing Harry!

I then boarded the subway train and headed toward Queens. Getting off at Broadway, I met up with Gary again to attend another sporting event. This time it was a football game at the Meadowlands in New Jersey as the New York Jets were hosting the Dallas Cowboys.We first boarded the subway to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. Then we took a full bus to the Meadowlands. The Jets faithful were in full force as green was the color of the day. The security lines were long but expectantly so on this day. Entering the stadium, I could feel the excitement as fans poured inside for this sellout game of over 80,000 on this home opener.Before the game, a recorded message from actor Robert DeNiro was broadcast on videoboards reminding fans that “we honor those brave men and women by continuing to show our unity and strength as a country. Then former President George W. Bush praised the rescue workers of that day then did the coin-toss honors. Later on, during an emotional halftime, Five For Fighting performed an acoustic, piano version of “Superman”.

As for the game,the Jets kept the game close into the 4th quarter before eking out a 27-24 win over the Cowboys with a 50-yard Nick Folk field goal. And Gary kept working on the scorecard the whole game. What an amazing guy!

It was a great visit to New York. I want to thank the heroes of the city, the brave men and women of the New York Fire Department, and the New York Police Department. And on this day, September 11, 2011, on the 10 year anniversary, I especially want to remember the men, women and children who were in the World Trade Center who were living their lives and pursuing their dreams, and they, too, are remembered as heroes.