I think that I have already mentioned, that I was recently hired into my dream job. Yup, after 45 years of working, studying, winning and failing; I finally found my dream job, or as close to it as I can get. Let me count out some of the dreamy parts of working for the local parks department for you.
- I now have a key role in improving the quality of life for my neighbors and their families. (I have so many great memories of my local parks growing up.)
- I have a reasonable salary that is provided for by property tax that is less subject to economic swings. (I know that you all understand what having a real steady paycheck is like.)
- I work with amazing, committed people who are passionate about doing the best job that they can. (Having great co-workers is such a key element to being happy at work that I cannot tell you.)
- I can walk to work in 30 minutes. (I used to drive up to an hour and a half each way before.)
It is the last one that keeps me thinking. The backyard of my house backs right up to the sound wall for Highway 80. During regular times, when I am outside, I can hear the traffic whoosh passed. With the exception of the obnoxiously loud motorcycle, it all seems of white noise to me. Inside, after I replaced my windows with double panes, one can barely hear a thing. Now with Shelter-In-Place, I can stand outside and barely hear a thing. I am constantly enjoy how much fresher the outside smells and take every opportunity to open the windows to air out my house. (Two dogs you know.) It feels like living in the country only with closer neighbors.
I stumbled across an article this morning and just reading the title gave me pause. Automobile insurance companies are planning to give refunds to drivers who are not commuting. That’s cool, I thought. Then it hit me. Fewer drivers commuting = fewer accidents. (Sorry Rose’s Collision.) I have been in a few accidents in my life, another reason for me wanting to walk to work, and I always imagine the claim’s person on the other end of the phone, with a list of fresh accidents before them, jammed into a room with a hundred other unfortunates just like them. Now picture that same room after 90% of us stop jamming the roadways. Quiet as a church this past Easter.
Our economy is bound to be realigned after this. I am saddened that there are people who are not working and are seriously in need of assistance. What I hope is that we look to this whole time and take this ‘new normal’, cast aside the unwanted stuff yet keep the best in order to create a better “New Normal.” Let’s keep the baby and throw out the bath water. Together we can raise it to help create a better world for all of us to live in.
Until next time,
Tommy Judt
One can only hope. So many things, including health care, the environment need such a positive reset.
So glad you have such a good “parks gig.” Sounds great, especially in Vtown.