Today I got to celebrate the end of my on-call week, so I took the afternoon off courtesy of a little bit of comp time. The Universe was smiling on me, as it was a mild, sunny day, with temperatures in the upper 50s. The rest of the week looks like it’s going to be one more shake at winter, so it was good to get out and enjoy the fresh air.
It was wonderful to clean up the “to do” list; get the oil changed in the car, get fitted for a tux for an upcoming gig, get the banking done. I took advantage of the beautiful weather and took the Jeep out for a much needed stretch and ended up driving around for about an hour. No destination planned. No timetable to follow. It was the opportunity to get some cobwebs cleaned out of my head.
I often share somewhat personal thoughts and events on my blog, but sometimes I realize that what I share doesn’t come close to the depth of what I’m really feeling. For example, I’ve complained about the current state of the radio industry (after being in it for quite a while). I wish I had made some different choices when presented with opportunities in the past. But if I had, then I would have missed out on what I’ve experienced since that choice was made, and I wouldn’t have had those experiences. But on the other hand, I miss the creativity involved with putting together the sound of a radio station. It’s a vicious circle, I suppose. But I must say that while I feel outdated for Top 40, I would kick some major ass with an all 80s or a retro-dance type station.
On the other hand, I really enjoy what I do at my current job. The telecommunications industry is challenging, yet a different type of opportunity and I’m honored to be part of it. So it’s all good. I think the recording studio I’m building is going to address the need I have to be creative, whether it be remixing songs, making mix CDs, creating radio jingles, making my own album or recording commercials.
I mentioned that I have a gig coming up. I am going to be the emcee for a beauty pageant/scholarship program, “Miss Mohawk Valley”, on March 19th. I’m a little bit nervous about the adventure, as I may still be recovering from my upcoming surgery. But as they say, the show must go on. I did the same gig last year and as I look back, I was too dependent on the script and way too wooden. I think I’ll make like Ryan Seacrest this year.
Another thing I was thinking about today while driving about was the energy I waste disliking this area. Earl occasionally mentions that I tend to see the “gloom and doom” side of things once in a while and I admit that I do. So effective I’m not going to be all negative about this part of Upstate N.Y. (except when I pay the outrageous sales tax of 9.75%, allow me that luxury).
And lastly, I came to terms with the fact that the surgery I’m having on Friday is no big deal and that it’s only going to be a week of inconvenience. And it’s all for the better. I just want to get it over with, I guess.
So I did a little soul searching today while enjoying the sunshine. I feel better for it.
“Yesterday was wonderful, today was even better, tomorrow will soar.”
I swear JP! Yesterday, I didn’t have to work, so I too, was doing some errands, washing the car, and enjoying the weather. I too, was contemplating my life after radio and remembering the parts about it that I really miss.( I was listening to dance music) Radio is beyond sad in Albany. The best station is WVCR “The Saint”. They play dance and have our old jingles. ( that woman singing, I think it was the last jingle package I remember). It’s all rap and crap here. The only dance is on WVCR. 80’s here is rocking 80’s, no dance. I hear some cranking dance and think ” We would have played it” or ” We were great, just the wrong city, not progressive enough.” I miss being on the air. I would be lying if I said otherwise. I miss being fun, throwing down a good break, cranking the monitors in the control room and dancing and even whipping the crappy CD’s against the wall in your office. I miss it all……it was part of my personality.
Here’s what I don’t miss: uncertainty! Who knows when you will be bought/sold/fired. There is no real loyalty to a personality, they are disposable. I do not miss being paid less than a cashier at Wal Mart, and that includes here in Albany. I hadn’t had a raise here in 3 years.( Brian had cashiers making more than me) I didn’t have benefits, at all. I do not miss throwing myself into something heart and soul and then not being taken care of as am employee.
Remember that when you soul searching. I am sure you weren’t being paid enough for the stress you had and the heart and soul you put in. You deserve stability and yearly raises. I know that sounds boring, but you have to advocate and take care of yourself. You also have to be content that you are being paid what you are worth. It’s not enough to just love it. That won’t pay the home loan.
Maybe we should just start an internet dance station??????