Yes, in homage to an important moment in his life, my life, the lives of others, and, arguably Olympic and World history, the sales price for his house tells not just a story of tremendous value for the property, but of the essence of the people who lived there and cared for it.
It's a home that has a sense of history, purpose, and connection. It's a home that appreciates relationships and community.
It's a home someone is going to be lucky to own.
6Bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,242Sq Ft house on 0.26Acres in the highly sought-after Shepherd Park neighborhood
Perhaps it is my training at a History major, but in the pre-blog era, I was pretty rigorous (still am a bit) about keeping things of significance in a coordinated, organized manner.
My dad, who has files completely unorganized in the garage dating back to 1960.
A woman named Joyce who hired me to help clean out her basement when I was 16. She still had her college notes in boxes--even though there was NO way she'd ever need them or could find anything if she wanted to.
I vowed then that I would keep my stuff in order so that any future kids (or I) could find the important stuff quickly.
This probably comes as no surprise to you.
The system isn't perfect, but it's good.
Following my visit to the Jacobson's, I was looking for a particular picture (more on that later, I hope) and started looking through some of my old scrapbooks.
I've found some good stuff and hope to scan and upload over time.
In Blood Donor parlance, I'm known as a "Champion For Life," which means I donate at least 4 times a year.
I've been donating as regularly as possible since 1991. I think it's one of the best and most cost-effective ways to give charity. [There have been times where due to travel I was ineligible].
I read about an O negative blood shortage in the area (universal donor-anyone can take my blood) and was motivated to donate for the first time since the cancer treatment.
Got up early and rushed to the donor center....only to find out that my radioactive iodine treatment precludes me from donating for 5 years.
It was a sail-deflater, but that's life. Guess the impact of the cancer isn't quite gone yet, is it?
At least I can look on the bright side....when they took my temperature, it was 97.9
Ever had a day that was just SO perfect that you didn't want it to end? You just wanted to hold onto that feeling (whatever it is) for as long as possible?
Yesterday with Paco, was one of those days. We played around in the morning, went for a run, made a "guy's trip" to Home Depot, watched the first part of the Redskins game at one friend's house, saw the 2nd half and the incredible ending with my grandparents, and then joined most of my family for dinner.
Hectic, but very meaningful.
After putting them to bed, I just sat on the couch, watching some TV, but my mind was elsewhere and I was savoring the feeling of "leaving it all out on the field."
I knew this was a "mental snapshot" day and I took it, savoring its last few scents and tastes as I had to move into work mode. I didn't want it to end...ever...even though I knew it had to.
Note: this is my 979th post on the blog! Why this is exciting is here
If you are familiar with the story of 9.79, you will appreciate the excitement of today's date (at least in the US. July 9th is better in Europe). Now, here's the kicker, got an email this morning from Washington Gas:
Your new Washington Gas bill, for account number XXXX.591038, with balance $19.79 and due date of September 28, 2006, is now available online for viewing and payment. Please visit the https://eservice.washgas.com to make your online bill payment at any time. Please make sure to schedule the effective date of your payment before the due date shown on your bill.
In the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, the men's 100 meter dash final was a much anticipated event. The two favorites were Carl Lewis of the U.S. and Ben Johnson of Canada. Finally, the race was run and Johnson covered the 100 meters in the extraordinary and incredible time of 9.79 seconds. What made the moment all the more spectacular was the call by the television announcer Charlie Jones of NBC Sports. As Johnson crossed the finish line, Jones screamed out his now famous line of "NINE!!!!......SEVEN!!!!.....NINE!!!!!"
(Here's the video. YOu should fast forward to 3:14 and watch the race)
A few months later, January of 1989 to be exact, during one particularly monotonous class at the Jewish Day School of Greater Washington, two students, Daniel Robert Frisch (henceforth "Dan" ) and Charles Andrew Fox (henceforth "Chuck") began to mimic Charlie Jones's call. Soon, as is often the case in high school, the 9.79 call was being heard in the halls and the classrooms. A 9.79 fever was making its way into the minds of many members of the 10th grade and many in various grades above and below. Soon, the answers to questions on math and science tests were 9.79 or somehow used the number in the problem. In Physics class, when acceleration due to gravity was called for, usually 9.8 or 10 m/s (squared), students who wished were permitted to use the acceleration due to gravity in Denver, which because of its elevation was, you guessed it, 9.79 m/s (squared). Then, the numbers 9 and 7 became noteworthy in their own rights. One example was that if one saw a license plate with 979 in it, one was bound to have a good day. It was a mania out of control.
Eventually, however, as is once again the case with high school fads, there was an anti-9.79 backlash. Many scoffed and laughed at those who held true to the number and all of its significance and deeper meaning, one of which was the belief in Johnson's innocence regarding steroid use at the Olympics. At the end, only three students remained absolutely dedicated to the number. Aside from Chuck and Dan, there was me, Jeremy Epstein.
Anyway, since then we have stayed true, guarded the 979 handshake in secrecy and held it with the esteem and respect it deserves.
Upon my arrival at JHU, I was allowed to choose my own email ID. Instead of choosing BEN979, or as Chuck writes it B-N979, kind of like G-D, I chose JER979.
I sometimes get critiqued for having a document for many things.
I have documents for 1. the history of why I use 979 in everything 2. how Tamar and I met 3. directions to our home 4. what happens if we invite you (or you invite us) to a Sabbath meal 5. why I fly the flag of the town of Eppstein, Germany in front of our house ...and others
Why do I spend time on these? To save time.
These are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) of my life and instead of having to go step by step through the "how to get to my house," I just send a full document with maps and directions, etc. It's a lot easier.
It's part of the operational efficient mantra I try to live by.
With two kids and a number of ambitious life goals, I'd rather spend time on other, higher value activities.
Subscribe to RSS Feed