28. Nick's Notes 2

Since I’m having another one of those days where my mind seems to be everywhere but focusing on this writing, I’ll spew everything out that I’ve been pondering the past few days.

I just finished season two of the West Wing. And HOLY CRAP why haven’t I watched it sooner. It’s a wonderful antidote to this political campaign season. Jed Bartlett (the fictional president played by Martin Sheen) is a cool, calm, intelligent man who understands the immensity of the power he has in his position. I don’t think anyone who is running this year has those qualities. I would vote for Jed Bartlett in a heartbeat.

I took a Buzzfeed quiz about “Which West Wing character are you?” I got Charlie Young, the aide to the president. I fully support that choice. At first I thought I might be Sam Seaborne, the Deputy Communications Director, but I think Charlie is the correct choice. He’s loyal, self-deprecating, always willing to do something for the president, and he doesn’t have much of an ego. I think I have a lot of those qualities. (I’d probably do something for the president if he asked.)

One of my favorite times of the day comes when I’m walking in the skyway with my headphones on, listening to a podcast, and I hear a joke that makes me smile. I love that. I love sharing a joke with two podcast hosts who I’ll probably never know. I get a big smile on my face and I wonder if anyone looks at me funny. Those small moments in my day where I smile are absolutely fantastic.

This essay stuck with me. It’s about a (pardon the language) “Fuck off fund.” It’s one of the better arguments for financial security that I’ve heard. Whether you like it or not, money is power. And it’s good to have a little bit of that at your disposal in case you need it.

I’ve just been powering through this week. It’s just been get up, go to work, come home, workout, eat dinner, write, read, watch tv, bed. It’s not the ideal week, but I’m ok with just powering through this time. I really just want it to be the weekend, actually.

I don’t know why the rest of my family is watching the Republican debate. I’m pretty sure none of them are going to vote for any of the knuckleheads on stage and they’re just going to ened up yelling at the television. I have better things to do on my Thursday night, like my taxes.

I realized today that kids growing up these days don’t know what it’s like to schedule their weeknights around when their favorite shows are on. They are no longer governed to the fact that they need to wait until 8 p.m. on Friday night to watch Boy Meets World. (I think that’s when it was on?) DVR’s and Netflix have ruined that part of growing up.

Also, what’s the deal with kids getting their school closing announcements right away? Psshh. Kids these days don’t have to wait for anything.