I think it was the "newness" of it all that wore off some, and the excitement of being part of something so large. When I got to the Sun Life stadium the lot was really full. Looked like they were having "media day" for the Pro Bowl that happens this weekend.
I parked a mile away from the practice area and checked in to the white tent once again. No line buddy this time sine the line was kind of short - surprisingly enough. I guess I was actually almost on time, it being 6:10 pm, and most people are late. This time I knew to make a beeline to the food area and pick up my box lunch (not sure why they don't call it dinner, maybe since it is sparse) and take a seat on the cold aluminum bleachers.
I saw some of my "crew mates" in the bleachers but decided to not try to sit with them (I spend hours and hours with them on our "cart" so meeting some new people was a nice thought). I sat first in a spot that was empty so I didn't have to balance the plastic container on my lap. I ate and just observed the masses. It's just so interesting really just people watching for 20 minutes or so -- something that I never get to do in my hectic life.
After eating I decide to get a cup of coffee (a mistake, you'll see why later) and ran into more of my "crew" on the way. They just walked in so I let them get their food and eat in peace. My last spot was taken so I found a new seat next to some very nice new people. One of them was a newbie, having not been at either the orientation or the day 1 practice -- lucky her!
When Cap got up to speak to us, yes he felt compelled to tell another story, she couldn't believe it. OK, this time it was not about WWII but about the sharecroppers on his Uncle's farm. And a lot of it was really not politically correct but the small nugget of information that applied to what we all were there to do was kind of interesting. It was to not follow the crew in front of you but to see -- and keep your eye -- on where you are docking your piece. Well, after about 15 minutes it seemed to me to be a long, drawn out way to say that.
We were then all called to our piece by remembering our number and our union leader (the paid staffers). Of course Christine was on 2 carts so we got Steve...he seems very nice and was kind of more interesting to talk to...I like him. We had to take our part out and back in again -- twice. The interesting part is that they constructed a mock goal post and mock tunnel. This is to replicate what obstacles we actually have to get around on game day -- yikes!
As you can guess, one crew took out the goal post -- funny! We all clapped and the thing just went down. The tunnel seemed to hold up better but this is no small trick. Our cart was much heavier this time and I expect tonight to feel even more weight.
OK - one of the best things is that on my side where I stand once we "dock" is where the steps are. That's the great news just thinking that Roger and the rest of The Who may be entering the stage right next to me. The bad news is that ours has no hand railing -- the other side where there are steps does. Bummer. I think that we may just not be that lucky. Oh well.
I did find out that we will be on the team sidelines during the show and really, really close to the stage. Of course just so we can get quickly in there to take it back out of the stadium.
Day 3 is tonight and I have to run. Please check back tomorrow to hear about tonight. Day 4, Friday, will be the most interesting to date I think because we take our parts actually onto the field inside the stadium.
Remember, if you see a big hole in the grass while watching Pro Bowl then just think about the wheels on our cart. We have to make sure they are turned the right way or we gouge a hole in the grass...not good. Although I did say that perhaps our crew and cart will go down in history as the stage piece/cart that make that huge hole on the field at the Super Bowl...now that would count for my 15 minutes of fame, wouldn't it?
:)
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