Captain’s Log

January 22, 2021

Good Morning (or afternoon, or evening…I’m an equal opportunity time of the day writer, so carry on with your time of day reading…) In this, upcoming final week of January 2021, things don’t seem real, or maybe, it’s like we’re watching a really long movie that we don’t like and would really like to leave the theatre, but then we realize we’re not actually in a theatre, but real life, and also, speaking of theatre, there is actually a solid chance that movie theatres as we know them will cease to exist and become just another abandoned Blockbuster Video, and then we realize that “going to the movies” is something we did “in the ‘olden days…” Wow. That didn’t take long… (also, on that thought warp, do you think when we’re old, old and gray, like really old and gray, we’ll look back on today’s time and refer to it as “the good ‘ole days” ?? I sure hope not.)….

 

Okay. I’m back. I think.  Where was I? Ah yes, living in the Twilight Zone, or worse BLACK MIRROR! (If you’ve never seen Black Mirror, I’m not suggesting you watch it, but know it’s there, a click away from a synopsis, followed by life-changing Netflix binge supplying you altered perspective and horribly REAL, scary outcomes to you hearts desire……but again, watch if you want. It is DEFINATELY rated TV-MA, so you’ve been warned.)… Anyway, despite that seemingly negative talk to start, I have to say that I have much confidence in our society that we will in fact come together as a people, get along and move the needle of progress, all this through productive action, compromise, empathy and strong leadership. Do we have the right pieces in place? That I cannot tell you, but I will tell you that we all must have at least a glimmer of hope that this too shall pass, and we’ll come out bigger and better. Hope. We have to have it. We need it. (There – how’s that for a positive spin on this show called life that’s not getting good ratings?!)

 

I was extra excited to write the Captain’s Log this week so I could share some exciting news that has been in the making for several weeks now. I’ve essentially been unemployed since April of last year (you know, in that memorable year we call 2020). During that ‘down’ time, I’ve done some side gigs here and there, and picked up part time work at Fort Smith Coffee Co. which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! But all in all, I’ve not had any sort of full time work in almost a year. Not only was that a drag on me financially, but it took its emotional toll on me as well as I had spare time to sit and think and not work…and drink. And I did… a lot. But, on July 31, 2020 (you know, that one year we always refer back to?) I decided to pour out the bottle and focus on sobriety, finding a new friend, a new past-time, a newfound happiness, and in the shuffle, find FULL TIME employment! I had my work cut out for me, but I knew that with my most recent re-connection to our higher power and a wife I couldn’t have hand chosen to be more perfect, there was no better time than NOW to get into gear…and so I did. As I write this log, I’m one week away from 6 months NO ALCOHOL. I take it a day at at time, just as many do in recovery, and I’m confident that I will continue. Oh, and while I doing that whole no drinking thing, the universe was aligning stars (I like it when they do that) and the job I had been looking for, presented itself with open arms! I’m happy to announce that in addition to my part-time duties at Fort Smith Coffee Co. (yes, I’m staying there too, the coffee and also, because I won’t leave HA!), I’ve accepted the position (working title) of “Captain of Communications” (Captain of Comm.) at The Good Samaritan Clinic! Job title and specific duties are still in talks, but I officially start on 2/1! I will be what Rham has been and always will be…visible in the community, OUT LOUD in spreading the good word of so many of great organizations and causes and events in the community, and now doing so about one that I WILL BE WORKING FOR —well! That’s what they call a match made in Heaven! Take a moment to learn more about The Good Samaritan Clinic. I promise you’ll hear more from me about them in the future for sure! The clinic is located in Downtown Fort Smith, so I’m excited to stay in Downtown where I enjoy doing a lot of my stompin’. Thank you to my tribe of friends/contacts/references for your kind words during all of this, certainly throughout this past year… (okay let’s be real, the past 5 years!!! Goin’ thru that hard time and all…) Couldn’t have done it without you! Shout out to my new boss, the Executive Director at the Clinic, Patti Kimbrough, or who I will call “Coach” from now on. I’m very excited to share my passion for this community and learn about all of the great things offered at GSC! Stay tuned for more on this in the coming weeks/months! Loving Fort Smith Out Loud…it’s what I do!

 

On to things to do…below is what I dug up for this weekend and a few things coming up down the road. I know we’re all still under pretty strict mask-wearing restrictions, so please be mindful as you go outside and when in public, and more specifically, when inside. Wash your hands, keep a safe distance..the vaccine is coming soon (yes?)…hopefully we’ll get on the other side of all of this very soon. They say the grass is always greener on the other side. I say, let’s take a gander. Can’t hurt, right?

 

Until next week, do something positive today–make someone smile. Have a great weekend, and if you Love Fort Smith… LOVE IT OUT LOUD!!

Rham