This blog’s name and purpose
May 24, 2006Here’s the fascinating story behind the rather prosaic title of “My Track Record.”
I was recently talking to my dad about an upcoming racing opportunity that might be bad for my marriage. My dad listened patiently for a while and then said, “You realize, don’t you, that if you do this, it will be on your record … forever.”
I basically cracked up. My parents are gentle people who rarely offer unsolicited criticism, so hearing my dad say even this much was kind of shocking. It was as if a normal dad had said, “Son, if you do this, then you’re dumber than dirt.”
I eventually decided that my dad was probably right: skip the race, keep the marriage. In addition, though, this “on your record” business got me thinking about my perennially shoddy records: diaries started and abandoned within a week, photo albums containing no photos since 2004, etc. I decided that it was time to do a better job of capturing and preserving experiences that I might want to revisit someday. One week and a couple of inquiries later, here I am with a new blog, ready to chronicle my ups and downs.
After all, even an incriminating record is better than no record at all.
My Track Record 
Honestly, Crowther! Your marriage will be just fine if you go to Korea to race! I promise.
Your father sounds like a very wise person.
You made the right decision (from someone who has been married over 20 years). And I would echo J. Crowther's sentiments.