Sunday, July 31, 2005

Today I found $1.17. . . 1 nickel, 5 dimes, 1 quarter, and 37 pennies (the cool change cycle). I also found a smushed, elongated penny (for the second day in a row), which sadly won’t count toward the daily totals.

After the baseball game last night I packed up a few of the Jose “Cheo” Cruz figurines that were given away and sent them off to some friends. On my way to the post office I stopped at Boston Market (the drive-thru which was closed) and found 13 cents (one dime & three pennies). I also hit a Taco Bell parking lot and found four cents and a car wash next to it where I found 15 cents (one dime & five pennies).

After depositing my figurines at the post office I walked across the street to an Arby’s drive-thru (also closed at the time) and found another four cents. My final stop on the way home was Ale Gator’s Car Wash where I found a whopping 55 cents (three dimes, one nickel, and 20 pennies). All the change was scattered about and it just kept appearing. Each time I was ready to leave I would find another penny or a dime. It was a good way to start the morning.

After the Astros game today I scavenged for ticket stubs and coke bottle caps. I found four bottle caps and some tickets, but no change. Leaving the ballpark I found a smushed elongated penny by the home plate entrance. It was a Houston Astros penny, and now is a “Not Change Cup” penny. By a parking meter which was located in the vicinity of my car I found 25 cents (one quarter) sticking out of some grass. On the way home I stopped at Shell for a drink and found one penny.

The autograph front was not so good today number wise, but sometimes quality is more important than quantity. It was Astros Family Day on the field, which meant no batting practice for either team. After the players went in one Roger Clemens emerged and started to sign. This was the first time in two years that he has signed an autograph in the stadium, to my knowledge. I would have knocked down some kids had the need arisen, but I positioned myself in a nice spot and waited for him to sign. He passed over me twice, but I kept moving down the line and finally he signed the ball that I had. It was in sharpie (black marker) on the side of the ball, but still a nice signature.

______________________________________________

July Monthly Report:

This month I found 524 pennies, 19 nickels, 47 dimes, and 16 quarters.

Monthly Total: $14.89
Change Cycle Days: 4
Dollar Days: 4
Monthly High: $1.72 (July 3rd)
Monthly Low: 12 cents (July 30th)
Daily Average: 48.03 cents

Totals for the day: $1.17
Race Totals: $115.84

Saturday, July 30, 2005

Today I found 12 cents. . . 1 dime and 2 pennies. I also found a smushed, elongated penny, which sadly won’t count toward the daily totals.

This morning I had a huge load of laundry to do that had been sitting around since last week when I got back from Eagle Pass. After loading some washing machines I found two cents in the laundry room. One penny was on the floor and the other was on top of a washing machine.

After the baseball game tonight, the Astros 7th win in a row, I scavenged for some ticket stubs and some coke bottle caps. Coke is currently running a promotion that lets you win free coke and various other products if you have a winning bottle cap. To date I have won 22 free 1 liter cokes and a bunch of free rentals at blockbuster. Anyhow, I didn’t find any winning bottle caps, but I did find 10 cents (one dime) by a losing bottle cap that examined.

Earlier in the game I was seat hopping while Bailey was being videoed for his Men’s Warehouse Fan Make Over. Below one seat I found a smushed elongated penny. It was a souvenir from the Aquarium Restaurant, located in downtown Houston, TX. Sadly, this penny can’t be counted toward the daily totals, but it will join other smushed elongated pennies, and other stuff that is amassing in my “Not Change Cup.”

Totals for the day: 12 cents
Race Totals: $114.67

Friday, July 29, 2005

Today I found 47 cents. . . 1 dime, 1 quarter, and 12 pennies.

At lunch today I had little cash and needed food so I took a trip to Sonic. After eating my burger and drinking my vanilla coke I walked the parking lot and found 13 cents (one dime & three pennies). Leaving Sonic I drove through a Wal-Mart parking lot and looking out the window I spotted and retrieved two cents in the parking lot. Both pennies were stuck in a crack in the pavement. One had to be pried loose with a pocket knife that I keep in my car.

Driving home in the afternoon I stopped at a car wash and found 29 cents (one quarter & four pennies). All the change was scattered about on the ground, the quarter laying at the base of a car wash station. My final three cents of the day were found in the Chevron gas station parking area, where I stopped to gas my car.

On the baseball front the Astros beat the Mets again. I only managed to obtain two autographs, but they were both good ones; Jose Reyes and David Wright (Mike Piazza signed three autographs today, but I didn’t get him, alas). Last night after the game I saw the Mets manager, Willie Randolph, leaving. I asked him to sign my ball and he took it and signed it, but not on the sweet spot. For those not in the know a manager ALWAYS signs the sweet spot. He was clearly not in the mood to sign, but he did anyway. Tonight I saw him again and he was signing a few autographs. This time I held the ball when he signed so the sweet spot was the only place he could sign. I wouldn’t even hand it to him to sign, I insisted on holding it the entire time. I think he appreciated my effort, because I got a nice signature.

In my final news of the night I can report that I was selected as the “Men’s Warehouse Fan of the Game.” This is a silly promotion that the Astros do. A fan is picked from the stands and is recorded wearing their normal clothes and is then dressed in a tux. For being “made-over” I was presented with a $25 gift certificate to the Men’s Warehouse and a $25 certificate good for dry cleaning at the Men’s Warehouse. I won’t use either, but it’s always nice to get something for free.

Totals for the day: 47 cents
Race Totals: $114.55

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Today I found $1.17. . . 4 quarters and 17 pennies.

After an appointment this morning I stopped at the Shell station across the street from my office to get a drink (lemon-lime Powerade). Walking in I found four cents in a Burger King drive-thru, which is attached to the Shell. By the front door of the actual Shell station I found another penny on the ground.

These were my totals for the day until after the baseball game this evening, a subject to be discussed momentarily. On the way home from the ballpark it was close to midnight so I knew my 10 cent streak was in jeopardy. I stopped an Exxon gas station and found six cents (all pennies) by a vacuum cleaner. My final stop of the evening was at the car wash across the street from my apartment. There I found $1.05 (four quarters & five pennies). The pennies were scattered about and the four quarters were sitting on the ledge of a car wash station, the area where individuals deposit change to wash their cars. Some poor individual must have forgotten about his quarters, but his loss is my gain.

Tonight’s baseball game was probably the best I have seen all year. After three games against the hapless Philadelphia Phillies it was nice to see competitive baseball again. The game featured Pedro Martinez against a no-name Astros pitcher. Even though Pedro hit every mile between 71 and 92 at some point in the game (save 85 miles per hour) he took the loss. The game ended with a single, knocking in the winning run.

On the autograph front I didn’t do that great. My ball already had Carlos Beltran, Cliff Floyd, and Tom Glavin (from Spring Training) and I only added seven others, plus manager Willie Randolph. None of the autographs were too notable.

Totals for the day: $1.17
Race Totals: $114.08

Wednesday, June 27, 2005

Today I found 64 cents. . . 1 nickel, 1 dime, 1 quarter, and 24 pennies (the deficient change cycle). I also got two Phillies autographs and found a fake quarter. Sadly, the fake quarter, and the Phillies autographs (obviously), do not count toward the daily totals.

Driving home from the ballpark last night I noticed that it was already midnight. I stopped at the car wash next to my apartment and found 22 cents (one dime & 12 pennies). Driving into work from an appointment this afternoon I stopped at Sonic for lunch (a delicious toaster chicken sandwitch) and found 14 cents (one nickel & nine pennies).

At the ballpark this evening Bailey and I were walking around the concourse and I spotted a quarter on the ground in proximity to a food stand. Multiple people were around, but no one was claiming ownership of the quarter so I decided to act. The quarter is now safe with me in the pretzle jar.

Driving home from the ballpark this evening, an Astros win and a series sweep against the slumping Phillies, I stopped at the Kwick Kar Wash and found three cents and a fake quarter. The fake quarter was plastic, but otherwise resembled a real quarter. It has been deposited into the "Not Change Cup," with other fake coins and the like that have been found.

On the autograph front it was slim pickings, as I already had most of the team. I did manage to get Chase Utley, who really looks a lot like David Bell, and the manager, Charlie Manuel, who is back with the team after the death of his sister. Did I mention the Astros won and swept the Phillies? Yeah, they did.

Totals for the day: 64 cents
Race Totals: $112.91

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Today I found 17 cents. . . all pennies. In the most important news of the day Race of the Century would like to send out a special thanks to our armed forces overseas, especially Seath in Germany, a loyal reader who can still find time to serve our country and enjoy the blog.

On my way to an appointment this morning I found another penny in the road. I'm just shocked at the number of pennies in the road that I have been finding lately, but I'm shocked at the amount of change, so what's new?

At a carwash later in the afternoon I found nine cents (all pennies) and I gave them a new home. My final find of the day was at a carwash on Interstate 45 as I was driving to the ballpark. It was seven cents (all pennies). Two of them were stuck together with what appeared to be motor oil.

On the autograph front I managed five Philadelphia signatures. They were Robinson Tejada, Todd Pratt, Matt Kata (who remembered me from yesterday and was nice enough to sign), Ramon Martinez, and Kenny Lofton. On the baseball front the Astros beat the Phillies again, this time on a Mike Lamb walk off home run (sending the first pitch offering of Ryan Madson, a very tall pitcher, into the upper deck). Sorry, Brian. Well, not really.

After the game Tara and our friend Claudia had a few beers at some bars across the street. While drining a beer I noticed that Phillies catcher Todd Pratt was in the bar. Tara and Claudia, both feeling quite gutsy, went over and got their picture taken with him. Todd asked if they knew who he was, and without missing a beat Tara responded, "Todd Pratt, I loved you with the Mets." Damn, she is good.

Totals for the day: 17 cents
Race Totals: $112.27

Monday, July 25, 2005

Today I found 94 cents. . . 2 nickels, 5 dimes, and 34 pennies. I also got 14 Philadelphia Phillies to sign a team ball for me. Adding icing to my cake one of the 34 pennies that I found was dropped by Phillies right handed pitcher Jon Lieber.

Leaving Greenspoint Mall after lunch I spotted and retrieved a penny from the parking lot ground. I had to park my car and get out, much to the suprise of the three co-workers that were in the car with me. Jennifer was there and she handled it well.

Waiting outside the ballpark this evening I saw Jon Lieber, pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies come out. Jon was with his wife, and son, who's name was also Chris. Jon signed a ball for me and while he waited for a taxi I heard the familiar sound of coin dropping to ground from where he was standing. After he got into his taxi I went over and found a penny, a shiny 2002 D.

Driving home after the game I stopped at the Kwick Kar Wash and found 92 cents (two nickels, five dimes, & 32 pennies). The vast bulk of the change, save nine pennies and one nickel, were in a sticky pile. A quick wash in my sink at home made them as good as new.

On the autograph front I managed to obtain 14 signatures. For our fans in Philadelphia (primarily Brian) I will list them all: Aaron Fultz, Geoff Geary, Cory Lidle, Jon Lieber, Ryan Madson, Billy Wagner, Mike Lieberthal, Ryan Howard, Thomas Perez, Jimmy Rollins, Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell, Endy Chavez, and Jason Michaels.

I have always had a rule that the only place I will ever ask for an autograph is inside the ballpark, or outside the ballpark before or after the game, or at an autograph event. There is, of course, the Mark McGwire exception, since I have gotten him at a golf tournement before. Today, I broke this rule to get Pat Burrell.

I have had very bad experiences with Pat before, including waiting for him to sign for four hours after a game only to have him blow me off (I had never actually gotten him before tonight). I saw him walk across the street with some other players to go to a bar. I managed to stop Jason Michaels, but Pat got away and went into the bar. Putting aside my reservations I walked in and asked him to sign a ball. With a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other he still managed to shoot me a dirty look, take my ball, and give me a beautiful autograph. I still don't like him, but it was a nice way to end the day. Oh yes, the Astros won this evening 7-1, with Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman hitting back to back homeruns not once but twice in the game.

Totals for the day: 94 cents
Race Totals: $112.10

Sunday, July 24, 2005

Today I found 17 cents. . . 1 dime & 7 pennies. It was a rare all natural day.

Today was mostly dedicated to laying around at the pool, some cleaning of my apartment, and watching a little TV. However, my friend Robert and I decided to cook some bacon wrapped shrimp this afternoon, so we took a trip to the grocery store.

Our first stop was Boston Market, for some lunch (shrimp were going to be dinner and no one should grocery shop when hungry). Leaving Boston Market I found five cents (all pennies) scattered on the ground. Our next stop was Randalls, a local grocery store, where I went because I heard they had some good cantalope on sale. After purchasing my produce I was heading back to the car and I found 10 cents (one dime) on the ground by a Dr. Pepper machine.

Our next grocery store stop was Food Town, where we went to purchase avacados. Walking in I spotted and retrieved a penny from the ground. However, the avacados were 99 cents each, too expensive for us, so we decided to check HEB, another grocery store, across the street. Walking into HEB I spotted and retrieved another penny.

Totals for the day: 17 cents
Race Totals: $111.16

Saturday, July 23, 2005

Today I found 39 cents. . . 1 dime & 29 pennies. I also found a 20 pence piece from Great Britain, which sadly won't count toward the daily totals.

I had to go into my office this afternoon and on the way I stopped at Sonic for lunch. While waiting a long time for my Sonic burger and cherry coke (with a real cherry in it) I walked the parking lot and found five cents (all pennies). It was in the parking lot that I also found the 20 pence piece. If I was Brian, King of the change world, I would inform you that at current market value the coin would be worth 34.8 cents. However, I am not so I will inform you that the coin will be deposited into my "Not Change Cup."

On my way home I stopped at two gas stations, Chevron and Exxon and found a total of five cents (all pennies). I also checked a Taco Bell parking lot and found 13 cents (one dime & three pennies). Before I got home I decided to stop and see a good friend, the Kwick Kar Wash. She clearly missed me, because waiting for me were 15 cents (all pennies). Two of them were stuck together with some type of gupe. My final find of the day was a single penny that I plucked from the road just as the light turned green.

Totals for the day: 39 cents
Race Totals: $110.99

Friday, July 22, 2005

Today I found 43 cents. . . 1 dime & 33 pennies. I also found a piece of metal that looks like a rock with the word "joy" written on it. Sadly, the metal rock will not count toward the daily totals.

My trip to Eagle Pass, TX is done and I'm back in Houston. Here are a few things to give you an idea about how close to Mexico Eagle Pass actually is: 1) I found 50 cents in Mexican money, compared to just over $1 in American money 2) Almost every gas station has signs advertising that they accept pesos 3) there are more Mexican restaurants than fast food restaurants and 4) when you leave Eagle Pass you actually have to stop at a border patrol checkpoint and present ID (this is to stop illegal aliens from just driving into Texas, I guess).

Anyhow, back in Houston I stopped at a Chevron gas station to fill up and I found 11 cents (one penny & one dime). When I went to go recycle my newspapers this afternoon I found a single penny by the recycling dumpster. I also found two cents at a Sonic near the doctor's office, where I went for an appointment.

In the evening I joined Bailey for dinner at Fudruckers, and I found a single penny on the ground by the cash register where I placed my order. On the way home I stopped at the car wash next to my apartment complex and found 28 cents. Three of the pennies were on the ground and the remaining 25 pennies were sitting on top of a vacuume cleaner in a very neat pile. They were not sticky, so I'm not sure why they were left there.

It was at the car wash that I also found my metal rock. At first I thought it was a dime, but I was mistaken. I picked it up and it was a piece of metal in the shape of a small rock (slightly larger and thicker than a dime). It had "joy" written on it, but the word was somewhat scratched. Nevertheless, it will be deposited into my "Not Change Cup," which holds other items that have brought be joy in the past five months.

Totals for the day: 43 cents
Race Totals: $110.60

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Today I found 19 cents. . . 1 dime & 9 pennies.

After a successful morning of work I decided to dine at Whataburger, a fast food joint, for lunch. At the drive-thru I picked up a penny as I waited for the fast food attendant to bring me my Whatachicken sandwitch and iced tea.

Driving back to my hotel I found and recovered a single penny from a street corner at a red light. My big find of the day was at a McDonalds drive-thru (where I did not eat, but searched for change). I found 16 cents (one dime & six pennies). My final find of the day was by my table at a Chinese restaurant where I treated myself to dinner after a long day.

In the important news of the day Race of the Century would like to extend happy birthday wishes to Bailey. Happy birthday, Change Boy, Jr.

Totals for the day: 19 cents
Race Totals: $110.17

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Today I found 44 cents. . . 1 dime, 1 quarter, and 9 pennies. I also found a fake penny, a fake nickel, and a real Mexican dime. Sadly, the last three finds will not count toward the daily totals.

This morning started out quite well. I found 11 cents (one dime & one penny). Sadly, due to job related security concerns I cannot reveal the location of the find, or the circumstances surrounding it. Sufficed to say, it was a very solid find, but you will have to take my word on it.

Later in the day I stopped at a car wash in Eagle Pass, TX and I found three cents. It was at this car wash that I also found the Mexican dime (I did learn today that all Mexican coins below one peso are called centavos)and the fake penny and nickel. The fake coins looked like real American currency, but they said "copy" across the front of each.

Walking across the Mexican-American bridge at Piedras Negras (Black Rocks in Spanish) I found a penny. I was bummed because I was clearly on the American side of the bridge. I had hoped to record my first foreign country find, but it was not to be.

In the evening I left my hotel to go to the post office. By the elevators I found a quarter in a coke vending machine. Later, at the post office, I found four cents. Two of the pennies were under a stamp machine and two were by the side of a machine used to weigh letters and packages. The two by the letter/package machine were so far back I had to use a folded Priority Mail box to retrieve them. I did, and they are in a better place now.

Totals for the day: 44 cents
Race Totals: $109.98

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Today I found 32 cents. . . 2 nickels, 1 dime, and 12 pennies. I also found 30 cents in Mexican change, which sadly won't count toward the daily totals.

In the evening I drove to the Shell gas station in Eagle Pass to get a cold drink. It was well deserved since the temperature hovered around 100 degrees all day. I found two cents by the counter near the check out line. Next door was a Sonic. It was quite busy but I still managed to find two cents. My big score of the day was at KFC, where I found 12 cents (one dime & two pennies). One penny was in the parking lot and the other penny and the dime were by the drive-thru window.

Three car washes finished up my evening. At the first I found three pennies and a Mexican dime (I'm going to have to research this and find out the real name for a Mexican dime). At the second I found two pennies and at the third I found 11 cents (two nickels & one penny). It was at the third car wash that I also found a Mexican 20 cent piece (again, I'm sure that isn't the real name for it, but I'll have to research it and find out for sure). All American change will be deposited into my pretzel jar while the Mexican coinage will be deposited into my "Not Change Cup."

Totals for the day: 32 cents
Race Totals: $109.54

Monday, July 18, 2005

Today I found 22 cents. . . all pennies. I also found a Mexican dime, which sadly won't count toward the daily totals.

Prior to leaving Houston this morning I stopped at a car wash next to my apartment complex. There I found 16 cents (all pennies). A little further down the road I found a penny in the road at a red light. As I retrieved it the guy in the SUV next to me seemed amused, but he didn't say anything.

In the evening I went to Mexico for some dinner, but sadly didn't find any change. I did find a bottle of cheap alcohol, which I procured and returned to the United States. Driving back from Mexico I stopped at HEB, a local grocery store, and found one penny on the ground by a checkout stand. My final stop of the evening was a car wash in Eagle Pass, TX, where I found four cents and a Mexican dime. As loyal readers know the Mexican dime will have a new home in my "Not Change Cup."

Totals for the day: 22 cents
Race Totals: $109.22

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Today I found 71 cents. . . 1 nickel, 3 dimes & 36 pennies. My finds were in two different states, Maryland & Texas. I also found a marble, that sadly won't count toward the daily totals.

Leaving Maryland this morning from BWI airport I found a penny in on the sidewalk where I was dropped off. Sadly, my father (who was dropping me off) did not have the same pride that Brian had for Noah when he found a penny, just yesterday.

Back in Texas I was picked up at the airport by Tara. On the drive home we hit several traffic lights and I found three cents. I would later find another penny in the road as I drove to work to take care of some paperwork.

As mentioned I had to go into work to ensure that I am paid next week. On the way I stopped at the Kwick Kar Wash and found 10 cents (all pennies) and at the Sonic next door where I found seven cents (all pennies). Driving home from work I stopped at Cheveron for gas and found one penny on the ground. I also found 40 cents (three dimes & ten pennies) at the McDonalds drive-thru. There was a McDonalds employee right there and I offered to return the change, but he told me to keep it. Nice guy.

My final stop on the way home was the Hallmark Car Wash. There I found three cents and a marble. I have always liked marbles, so I claimed it for my "Not Change Cup," that already has several interesting marbles already. In the evening, while doing some laundry for my next upcoming trip (see note below) I found a nickel on top of a washing machine.

NOTE: I will be out of town again this week (this time in Eagle Pass, TX for work). I'm not sure if I will have Internet, so be forwarned that I might not post until Friday. However, I always seem to find Internet so hopefully I will be able to post daily. Considering that I will be in Eagle Pass I'm predicting that I will find several pesos (it's a border town) to go along with the American change.

Totals for the day: 71 cents
Race Totals: $109.00

Saturday, July 16, 2005

Today I found 19 cents. . . 1 nickel, 1 dime, and 4 pennies (and all were natural finds).

My friend Patti from New Jersey came to visit with me today in Baltimore. We had a fun packed day, which included sight seeing, eating, and some shopping. As we were leaving Lexington Market I witnessed a guy drop some change and walk away. I went and retrieved it and had 11 cents (one dime & one penny).

Later in the day we were walking around the Pratt Street Pavilion and I found two cents by a food stand. After lunch we took a quick trip to Barns & Noble and I found six cents (one nickel & one penny). The penny was on the ground by a Starbucks stand and the nickel was under some book shelves.

Totals for the day: 19 cents
Race Totals: $108.29

Friday, July 15, 2005

Today I found 36 cents. . . 3 dimes & 6 pennies.

After sleeping in this morning (today was a travel day for me) I went to the library at Washington College to get on the computer so I could get some driving directions. Outside the library in some dirt I found two pennies. Walking down to the Toll Science Center, so say goodby to some friends, I found another penny on the sidewalk.

Prior to returning my rental car I had to fill it with gas. At a WaWa gas station I found 23 cents (two dimes & three pennies) on the ground. At the BWI Airport car return center I found 10 cents (one dime) in a parking garage.

Instead of flying back to Houston today I'm spending Friday and Saturday with friends in Baltimore. I fly back to Houston on Sunday, and hopefully Tara will be there to pick me up.

Totals for the day: 36 cents
Race Totals: $108.10

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Today I found 54 cents. . . 2 quarters & 4 pennies.

It was my last day of training at Washington College, and after we got out of class for the day I took a drive around town to see some of the historic buildings. I also stopped at a car wash, which to my knowledge was not historic. It was still a good site to see since I found 52 cents (two quarters & two pennies) on the ground.

Once back at the college I walked down to the dining area and I found two pennies at different locations on the sidewalk. The two pennies rounded out a very enjoyable day.

Totals for the day: 54 cents
Race Totals: $107.74

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Today I found 16 cents. . . 1 dime & 6 pennies.

In the evening I took a walk around Chestertown, MD. At an Arby's drive-thru I found 12 cents (one dime & two pennies). Nearby, in the parking lot I found another penny. At a laundy facility, where I had taken some co-workers, I found two pennies on top of washing machines. My final penny of the day was outside the dining facility which is located on campus.

Totals for the day: 16 cents
Race Totals: $107.20

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Today I found 17 cents. . . 1 dime & 7 pennies. I also found a woman's earing. Sadly, the woman's earing does not count toward the daily total.

This evening I went to work out and I found two cents in the fitness center at Washington College. On an evening run I found an additional five cents (all pennies) as I ran through town (specifically, as I ran through a Taco Bell parking lot).

Even later in the evening I went to watch the All-Star game in the student union at Washington College. It was there that I found 10 cents (one dime) in a couch. I also found the woman's earing, turquise in color. The earing will be deposited into my "Not Change Cup," at least as soon as I get back to Texas.

Totals for the day: 17 cents
Race Totals: $107.04

Monday, July 11, 2005

Today I found 15 cents. . . 1 dime & 5 pennies.

I woke up late this morning and didn't have a chance to do any Texas change searching before I left for Baltimore. I hoped to find something at the airport, but alas I did not.

When I landed in Baltimore and was looking for the rental car counter I did find a penny. Once in Chestertown, MD I got very busy and it was almost 10:30 pm before I remembered that I only had one cent. A quick walk around town took me to an Arby's, where I found 14 cents (one dime & four pennies). I also found a restaurant outside of Chestertown where they had all you can eat crabs for $15. I ate there until it closed.

Totals for the day: 15 cents
Race Totals: $106.87

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Today I found 29 cents. . . 2 dime and 9 pennies.

Early yesterday morning I walked over to the Chevron station across from my apartment complex to purchase a drink. While walking past the gas pumps I found one penny on the ground. After the Astros game this afternoon I stopped at Exxon and found 27 cents (two dimes & seven pennies) by a vacuum cleaner. All of the change was laying in a neat pile on the ground. In the evening I took a quick rain shortened walk and while strolling through a parking lot I found another penny.

The Astros continue to play out of their minds. They came back from being down 5-1 to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles. On the autograph front I got one graph today, but it was a good one, Alissa Milano. She is dating Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny and was at the game today. I saw her in the stands and got the autograph by the nacho stands when she went to go get a little snack. I almost didn’t recognize her because of a lot of tattoos, but it was certainly her and she was very friendly when signing. Perhaps when she dumps Brad I’ll give her a call. I think we bonded (as much as one can bond by a nacho stand, at least).

QUICK NOTE: I'll be in Baltimore from Monday to Sunday (this time for work) so I'm not sure if I will have Internet access until Friday. If I do I will post, if not I'll keep track and post on Friday.

Totals for the day: 29 cents
Race Totals: $106.72

Saturday, July 9, 2005

Today I found 42 cents. . . 1 dime and 32 pennies.

Right now the Astros are playing out of their minds. I watched them win again this afternoon, 4-2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles. On my way home from the game I stopped at Cheveron to get a free 1 liter bottle of coke. At the register I found two pennies on the ground. Also while driving home I stopped at Sonic and found 12 cents (all pennies). At the Kwick Kar Wash next door I found 17 cents (all pennies).

In the evening I went to Kroger, a local grocery store, to get some steaks to cook out by the pool this evening. I also picked up 11 cents (one dime & one penny). The dime was in the change return slot of a coin sorting machine and the penny was in the parking lot. I found the penny while walking back to my car.

Still stoked about the Roger Clemens autograph yesterday I decided not to mess with autographs today. I could see no reason to soil a great autograph series by trying for other players.

Totals for the day: 42 cents
Race Totals: $106.43

Friday, July 8, 2005

Today I got Roger Clemens autograph. I also found 67 cents. . . 1 dime, 2 quarters, and 7 pennies.

I spent another day in College Station, TX. Right after I made the 90 mile drive from Houston to College Station I realized I had to use the bathroom. I pulled into a McDonalds and as I was leaving I found 50 cents (two quarters) in the change return slot of a USA Today newspaper box. Later in the day I found two cents at a in a change sorting machine at Kroger, a local grocery store.

After an appointment I stopped at an outdoor store in Bryan, TX. While looking around I found two pennies on the ground by the front counter. At lunch, at Sonic, I found another two cents in the parking lot. On my way home I stopped at another Kroger and found 11 cents (one dime & one penny) under a change sorting machine.

In the big news of the day I got Roger Clemens to sign a team picture for me. A friend of mine had told me that Roger had stopped and signed a few autographs several weeks ago after a game. Bailey and I went out after the game and waited. . . and waited. . . and waited. Finally the Hummer appeared and Mr. Clemens got out and signed some autographs. It wouldn’t be right to complain about an autograph, but I will say this. . . it is a team picture that has all the Astros stars on it. Everyone signed over their picture and it looks very nice. Mr. Clemens signed in the dead center of the picture over the word “Astros.” You have to look closely to see his autograph, since he signed in black pen over the black “Astros.” Still, I’m not complaining, only describing.

Totals for the day: 67 cents
Race Totals: $106.01 (a lovely palindrome)

Thursday, July 7, 2005

Today I found 23 cents. . . 1 nickel, 1 dime, and 8 pennies.

This morning I dropped a friend off at the airport at 6:15 am. On my way to work I stopped at a Taco Bell drive-thru by the airport and I found seven cents (all pennies). A few hours later I was feeling a bit hungry so I went across the street to a store to get a breakfast taco. The store was closed, but I did find a dime under a vending machine in the building. On my way to lunch I found six cents (one nickel & one penny) in the road at a red light. Several co-workers who were behind me were only semi impressed with my very solid road find.

On the autograph front I managed four signatures today, but they were all decent. The two notables would include Khalil Green and Sean Burroughs. The Astros lost today, but it was an entertaining game. As I exited the ballpark I had a parking ticket on my car. I was legally parked so I intend on appealing the parking citation immediately. I will keep everyone posted on my success, or lack there of.

Totals for the day: 23 cents
Race Totals: $105.34

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

Today I found $1.11. . . 2 nickels, 3 dimes, 1 quarter, and 46 pennies (the beloved change cycle).

I had to drive to College Station, TX today, home of Texas A&M. Driving through Tomball, TX I spotted and retrieved a nickel from the road. It was badly scratched from being repeatedly run over by vehicles, so I was glad to rescue it. Leaving an appointment in College Station I spotted and retrieved another penny from the road. At lunch, at Chicken Oil, a hamburger joint beloved by all those indoctrinated/educated at Texas A&M, I found a penny by the counter where I placed my order.

On my way home I stopped at two Sonic’s, and at each one I found eight cents (for a total of 16 pennies). At a nearby Jack in the Box drive-thru I claimed 46 cents (one quarter, two dimes, and one penny). At a car wash where I actually stopped to clean my car I found eight cents (one nickel & three pennies).

At the ballpark this evening I found 12 cents (one dime & two pennies). The first penny and the dime were located by parking meters by the ballpark and the last penny was by the home plate entrance. My final find of the day was 22 cents (all pennies) at the Kwick Kar Wash. Almost all of the pennies were sitting in a pile by a vacuum cleaner. They were all slightly sticky, covered in some type of Chinese food sauce. It is clear why they were abandoned, but a quick soak in some water once I got home made them as good as new.

On the autograph front I managed five San Diego Padres signatures. I finally had a decent day with some big names, pulling in Trevor Hoffman & Xavier Nady.

Totals for the day: $1.11
Race Totals: $105.11

Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Today I found 30 cents. . . 1 dime and 20 pennies.

My change searching for the day was hampered by the fact that I didn’t have to work and I managed to sleep in until noon. Nevertheless, I had some stuff to do today before the baseball game and that afforded me the opportunity to find some change.

At a Shipley’s donuts drive-thru I found 10 cents (one dime). On my way to go buy some new shoes (I lost my semi new pair at the pool on Saturday night–it’s a sour subject) I cut thru a Shell gas station to avoid a red light. I stopped when I saw a few vacuum cleaners and was rewarded with seven cents (all pennies). At a Boston Market drive-thru I found another four cents.

I got a haircut this afternoon and I found one penny by the door when I walked in. At a copy store, where I had to make a copy of an Astros ticket so a friend could frame it, I found three cents on the ground by a bank of copy machines. On my way to the ballpark I stopped at Chevron for a bottle of water and found two cents on the ground by the cash register. Finally, I found three cents at the ballpark. Two of the pennies were in the stands and I spotted them while searching for ticket stubs and bottle caps of selected Coke products that allow me to win more bottles of Coke. The last penny was by a door where players leave the ballpark.

On the autograph front it was another slow day. I only managed eight signatures, none too terribly exciting. If I had to name a few that were notable I would include Dave Roberts, Brian Lawrence, and Phil Nevin.

Totals for the day: 30 cents
Race Totals: $104.00

Monday, July 4, 2005

Today I found 48 cents. . . 3 nickels, 2 dimes, and 13 pennies.

On the way to the Astros game this afternoon I pulled into Sonic to get a bite to eat. Then I remembered that it was $1 hotdog day at the ballpark, so I abandoned my plans for a Sonic lunch I did, however, do some checking in the parking lot and I found 24 cents (one dime, two nickels, and four pennies). The silver was all in a pile near where I parked and the pennies were scattered about.

After parking by the ballpark I found a penny on the sidewalk by a parking meter. After the game I stopped at Cheveron for gas and while my tank was filling I checked the McDonald’s drive-thru. There I found 23 cents (one dime, one nickel, and eight pennies).

I’m sad to report that the other day the Astros designated John Franco for assignment. Basically that means they released him. However, the good news is that it opened a roster spot and one of my good friends was called back up. After the game we went out for a beer and caught up on what he had been up to in the Minor Leagues. It was nice to see him again. On the autograph front I managed only five San Diego Padre’s autographs. Notable autographs (and notable is pushing it today) include Marcus Giles (brother of Brian) and Ryan Klesco.

Totals for the day: 48 cents
Race Totals: $103.70

Sunday, July 3, 2005

Today I found $1.72. . . 4 nickels, 6 dimes, 3 quarters and 17 pennies (my first July change cycle). I also found a Houston MTA bus token and a smushed elongated penny. Sadly, the token and smushed elongated penny do not count toward the daily totals.

A friend and his wife were visiting from Dallas today so early this morning I did some laundry and found a penny in the laundry room. While completing some chores I found three cents by a drive up Wells Fargo ATM, 10 cents (one dime) at a Shipley’s donuts drive-thru, and 10 cents (one dime) at the post office. The post office dime was in the coin return slot of a stamp machine.

On my way home from my AM tasks I did a little drive-thru check and found one penny at Boston Market and 23 cents (one dime, two nickels, & three pennies) at Starbucks. I also checked two local car washes, finding one penny at one and $1 (two nickels, one dime, three quarters, and five pennies) at the other. At my $1 car wash the three quarters were left on top of a car wash station, one dime was under a vending machine, and one nickel was in the coin return slot of another vending machine. The rest of the change was on the ground.

At my apartment complex I found 21 cents (two dimes & one penny) on the ground in the parking lot. I didn’t find them all together, but at various points throughout the day. Finally, on a trip downtown with my friends I found one penny in the street at a red light. On our return trip I found another penny on the ground in the street.

I found the Houston MTA bus token at the $1 car wash and the smushed elongated penny at the one penny car wash. The smushed elongated penny is from the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a nature preserve in San Antonio (so states my research). Sadly, the smushed penny and bus token do not count toward the daily total’s. They will both, however, be deposited into my “Not Change Cup,” holder of such items.

Totals for the day: $1.72
Race Totals: $103.22

Saturday, June 2, 2005

Today I found 42 cents. . . 1 nickel, 1 dime, and 27 pennies.

I was determined to do some change searching today, but I ended up sleeping in and then having things to do most of the day. My first opportunity for change was lunch. I decided to eat at Sonic because 1) there was bound to be change there and 2) I had a coupon. I didn’t regret my decision, finding 25 cents (one dime & 15 pennies).

I had to run into my office in the afternoon and I made a few stops along the way. At a McDonalds drive-thru I found one penny and in a parking lot nearby I found three more cents. Two of the pennies were stuck in tar, but as it was almost 100 degrees here today a little flick with my car key and they were lose.

On my way home in the late afternoon/early evening I pulled into a Chevron station to check around for change. I found four cents by a vacuum cleaner and another six cents (one nickel & one penny) by the exit as I was driving off. At a stoplight I spotted a penny on the ground. I got out of my car to retrieve it just as the light turned green. I got the penny, but missed another one that I saw. I’ll make a mental note of the location and hopefully have the opportunity to retrieve it in the near future.

Totals for the day: 42 cents
Race Totals: $101.50

Friday, July 1, 2005

Today I found 13 cents. . . all pennies. This ends my 36 day streak of finding at least one dime. I’m not pleased with the streak ending and I’m not pleased with the totals for the day.

Driving back from lunch a co-worker had to stop for gas at Mobil. While he pumped gas I found a penny by an air hose. Returning from lunch I found another penny in the office parking lot.

Driving home after work I spotted and retrieved a penny from the road. At a car wash next to my apartments I found three cents.

In the evening I had some chores to complete and they took me to a variety of locations. I found one penny on the ground at Randalls, a local grocery store, and another penny in the Randalls parking lot. At a Shell gas station which was next door I found four cents. My final find of the day was a single penny by the door of Kroger, another local grocery store.

The miserable performances that I have turned in since I reached $100 are beginning to bother me. I really don’t like this and I plan on making sure that it does not happen again tomorrow.

Totals for the day: 13 cents
Race Totals: $101.08