Just words on a page...
It’s around 10:30 on a Friday morning. I’m ready to throw on my work clothes and start the public-facing part of my day. Until 2PM that doesn’t mean much, except in my own mind. I feel obligated to present a certain face to the world. For as much attention as I pay to other people, I doubt anyone’s actually noticing me as much as I’m noticing them.
My interior monologue is always more present, more a part of my conscious after a good walk. I used to wear headphones and listen to music or podcasts, but more and more I prefer the ambiance of the new day to the endless noise of the chattering class or the emotional manipulation of powerful music. The neighbors would probably think I’m insane if they heard how much I talk to my two dogs.
Teddy is steadfast, one foot in front of the other. The walk is a patrol of his larger world. Stops are rare and he never moves his bowels while wearing a leash.
Koda is a whirlwind, all over the place. Everything gets a sniff. Some things will be eaten out of curiosity. As soon as there’s a wide grass strip and a break in the traffic a movement will be produced.
Both of them check in with me at intersections. They circle back and nudge my hands. They make eye contact and wait for direction. Teddy never starts across a road without approval. Koda will decide it’s time and try to lead the pack if I wait too long.
I have had a few conversations about Grandma recently. I would rather have her around, but she was tired and I think the end was, for her, a relief. We used to talk on my morning walks. Once a week. I miss that voice of reason and the consistent messages about doing the right things and being a good husband.
Nobody talks to me like that. My parents were never very comfortable talking about the future. My mother still is not. I don’t resent it, but I think it marks one of the key differences in the two generations, at least in my family.
The upcoming three-day weekend is going to be a nice break, although I’ll probably work through part of Saturday. One of my goals is to set up a new budget & financial management system. I’ve been doing it the old way forever: Double-entry ledgers. Some of the software out now looks promising. I just want to pin down any security concerns. Right now, you’d have to break into my house, get past those two dogs, and ether crack a safe or find the right part of the filing cabinet to really get a look at my books. I’m not confident that ANY software can give me the same near-guarantee of privacy.
And we’re off to the races on Tuesday: The impeachment of President Trump is going to be a fascinating look at constitutional law, the foresight of the framers, the partisanship of the leadership, and the moral fiber of the elected. So far, the coverage from the mainstream media is about as expected. The more serious legal blogs have varied guesses about outcomes, but no doubt that this thing is going to pull the covers on a LOT of bad behavior on both sides.
Calls are starting to come in. Looks like it’s going to be an interesting Friday, after all. There’s a couple of things I’d ask of you:
Donate Blood. If you’re in town go to DonateBlood.org and find the CC Blood Center near you. If you’re elsewhere check in with the Red Cross, this low-reserves situation seems to be systemic, and that’s probably due to both the proximity of the holidays and the Australian wild fires.
Tell a friend about the show. The bloodletting at iHeart was scary to watch. The only way you’re going to continue to get local radio (in any market) is by supporting it. My show might not be your cup of tea, and that’s okay, but you’ll find something to love at one of our sister stations. Listen to radio stations with live, local DJs. If you need suggestions, ask. I won’t plug non-Cumulus stations here, but I WILL tell you where to find local talent if you care enough to send a message.
Cumulus Fresno:
Stay Weird & keep your powder dry.