Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

D – Dallas North Tollway

Published on April 4, 2013April 3, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle33 Comments

According to my research, the Dallas North Tollway was constructed in 1966, but it didn’t make its way up to my part of town until early 1990’s. The reason the DNT was so specially is because it took you from Plano, Texas (where I grew up) to Downtown Dallas (where I wasn’t allowed to drive to) in 20 minutes. It was a straight shot.

“WoooWooo,” I walked out of the DMV.

“Did you get it?” my mom said.

“Of course.” I headed towards the driver side.

“What do you think your doing?” Mom said.

“I’m drivin.” I got in the car and started it before she had a chance to protest any further.

“Ok, you can drive to school.”

“No, let me drive you to work and I’ll pick you up after school.” She agreed without to much more coaxing.

I drove to her office without incident. She hesitated to get out.

“Mom, school’s 3 miles down the street.” I tried to convey the look of a responsible teenage.

I turned out of the parking lot.

I put the windows down and proceeded towards school. It was a warm December.

Drivin myself to school, how cool.

But, when I drove up to the entrance to the school, i didn’t turn. Up in the distance, I saw it. The Dallas North Tollway. I could drive downtown, take myself to lunch and be back before afternoon classes. Am I crazy, yes. Am I going to do it, or course I am. I kept going.

I turn left and am on the entrance ramp. I drove this road during drivers ed., but this is my first solo. The most exciting moment of my life.

I stay in the right lane, but as I pick up speed and get more comfortable, I venture into the middle lane. The cross streets are zooming past me, Plano Parkway, Frankford, Arapaho, Beltline, SpringValley. I hit 635, I am half way there. I feel like a race car driver, hugging the curves staying in my lane.

I ride and ride and ride, feeling the freedom that only comes from being a licensed driver. It was perfect.

If I hadn’t been pulled over by a cop and given a ticket, my parent’s would have never known.

BTW, don’t take photos as you drive, it is dangerous. Do you remember the day you got your driver’s license?

C – Cowboy Stadium

Published on April 3, 2013April 2, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle21 Comments

My insecurity stems from my subject for the day. I am an insecure sports fan. We have a new season coming up, a new defensive coordinator and a quarterback with a totally underserving new contract. Why is this relevant to IWSG? When I feel good, I write good. When I feel bad, dissapointed and dejected, I write not good. The Cowboys are going to suck. That’s my hot sports IWSG opinion.

I hope Alex excuses my levity in this months IWSG post considering the pressure of the A to Z Challenge.

“Look at it.” Hailee pointed up at the metallic structure. “It does look like the death star.”

“No it doesn’t.” Brian tried the door, but it wouldn’t budge. He pushed the next door, again, locked.

It’s round, ominious.” Hailylee placed her hand on the structure. “I bet Darth Vader’s in there right now reading out thoughts.”

“Darth Vader controls thoughts, he doesn’t read them.”

Brian tried another door. Locked, “What’s so precious in there that every door has to be locked.”

“Here, let me try.” Hailee put her hand on the next door and pushed. It opened.

He grabbed her hand, “Come on.”

They walked into the structure. The energy flowed from the structure through him. It practically buzzed.

“You feel that?” Hailee said. “It’s alive. Just like the Death Star.”

Rolling his eyes, he pulled Hailyee down the corridor. Feeling the smooth metal walls along the way. They were cold to the touch. Strange considering it was 90 degrees outside.

The hall took a sudden left turn. The light from outside did not.

“I think we should go back.”

“Let’s keep going.” Several feet more, there was a faint light visible in the distance. The comfort of the light encouraged them to walk faster.

Brian dared to take his eyes away from the light for a second to make sure Hailee saw what he saw. As they drew closer, they could feel the warmth. They entered a large open space, but didn’t notice, they were mesmerized. The light, warm and inviting, bobbed up and down in the middle of the space.

Hailee reached for it, but Brian pulled her hand back. “No, don’t touch it.”

“I have to, it’s so beautiful.”

“No must not touch,” It was hard for him to articulate because every ounce of his being wanted to touch it, too.

“Why?” Hailee whispered.

“Because, we haven’t earned the right.” As soon as the last syllable left his lips, the light exploded into a thousand lights. The blinding light knocked Brian and Hailee down.

The roof parted and sun shined brightly in there eyes.

“Yes,” a voice from above said. “You have not earned the right, but you will, I promise, you will.”

Brian and Hailee laid there, on the star, basking in the greatness that is Cowboy Stadium.

I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to visit 26 of 32 NFL stadiums, so I am fully qualified to declare Cowboy Stadium is the coolest stadium in the world, and not just because the local media refer to it as The Death Star.

I am done with sports and stadiums for awhile, at least until I get to V. What’s your favorite stadium? Any insecurities to share?

B – Ballpark at Arlington

Published on April 2, 2013April 2, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle38 Comments

The Ballpark at Arlington is the home of the Texas Rangers. When it comes to sports, I am a total homer. I love my home town teams. This building is amazing and so unique for this area. You will understand better when you see what sits next door, tomorrow.

“Dude, she’s here.” Adam said while pushing me out of the dugout.

“I know. I see her.” Truth is, I had spotted her as soon as she entered the stadium. Three games in a row, she was here. Sitting in the same seat. Her red hair and pale skin was a contrast to the darker complexions in the stadium. She came alone and sat alone on the 3rd base line.

“You going to go talk to her?”

“Adam, I am a professional baseball player and I have a game to play.”

“Your a chicken shit.” He yelled and trotted out to left field. He turned back one last time and tossed the ball to me.

“If you don’t by the end of warm ups, then I will.”

I threw the ball purposely over his head so he would have to jump to catch it. When he came back down, he tripped over the 2nd base. I looked over at her and she was laughing at him.

I walked over and kicked the third base. I yelled for Samson on first to throw me the ball. It hit my glove with a thud. I retrieved it, threw it to Davis on second. Davis threw it back to Samson on first and back to me again, thud. I loved the sound of that thud.

I peaked behind me and she smiled at me.

I guess this was my chance. I headed over to the stands and handed her the ball, “First practice ball of the game goes to the prettiest girl in the stands.”

She laughed. I walked back to the base and continued with warm ups.

After warm ups, I look over to the red headed girl one more time before heading in the dugout. She tossed the ball to the third base coach.

“Damn it.” I said out loud. Defeated, I went back into the locker room.

“Dude, what happen?” Adam asked.

“I guess she was immune to my charm.” I turn towards the 3rd base coach yelling my name.

“Smith, here.” He tossed a ball at me. Instinctively, I caught it, thud.
I watched coach leave the locker room laughing.

“What?”

“Look at the ball, dumb ass.” Adam said.

Happy you finally took a swing. Home run. Call me. Amanda 555-4823

The Ballpark can be a romantic place.

A – Addison Circle

Published on April 1, 2013March 31, 2013 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle45 Comments

First of all, A is for Arlee Bird, the creator of the A to Z Challenge. Please help me in showing Lee some love and a to thank him for being a supportive presence on the world wide web.

I hope you enjoy my A to Z Challenge Theme: Dallas – Ft. Worth Past & Present.

Addison circle is a hip and happening place in North Dallas. In a state that prides itself on its suburbs with 1/2 acre lots and where people have to have a car to get around. Addison was the first urban community in Dallas.

In Addison Circle, you can live, work, dine, and get culture all within a 1/2 mile radius.

I laid out the blanket. Unpacked the snacks, wine and cheese for me, beer and spicy nacho Doritos for him. The blanket was old, but it was the same blanket we used on our first date 5 years ago today. It’s the annual Movie Under the Stars in Addison Circle. It wasn’t really his scene. He felt more comfortable at a baseball game, but on that night I told him we were going to see Star Wars, I just didn’t tell him where. Back then he was smitten with me, so it wasn’t a hard sell.

It took more of an effort these days. It seemed we only saw each other for a few minutes a day, morning and night. I had to remind him of the annual event by text message. I felt bad I almost let the day past like it was any other day. He answered my text, “Ok.” Not really a firm conformation.

I poured the wine as the credits began. Tonight they are playing Transformers, one of his favorites. Mine, too.

Sitting here alone, I try not to put too much emphasis on this night, but I can’t stop my mind from jumping to conclusions. If he doesn’t show up, he doesn’t care. If he doesn’t care, then it’s over.

I rub my arms thinking I should have brought my jacket. I think about the other blanket I have in the car.

The movie begins, but I can’t focus. Sam Witwicky’s anxiety usually makes me smile. Tonight, it’s increasing my own anxiety. He’s really not coming, I think to myself.

I gather my stuff shove it in the bag. Offer the bottle of wine to the couple sitting next to me. Someone should enjoy it. I walk quickly towards the car hoping to make it before I burst into tears. As I walk across the park, I hear someone calling my name.

“Danni.”

I turn around and see Jeff sitting on a blanket, a pizza and a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket. I walk towards him wrap my arms around him. I laugh when he says, “Your late.”