Unemployed

5-1-13 (Europeans put the day before the month, so I'm trying to get used to that)

Yesterday was my last day at WSOC-TV after 18 1/2 years. The day started out rough, I had a root canal go bad and had to have the tooth pulled, but ended so nicely. I appreciate such a warm send-off from my co-workers and friends. I finally got a cake! There are a handful of people that I missed, and I do feel bad about that (Toni). I hope this blog helps to keep me connected.

I came to WSOC-TV on June 20, 1994. One reason I got the job was that I had my friend Justin in Roanoke, who was a photographer at WSLS, videotape me while I was directing. I thought it would showcase my calm demeanor. The WSOC Production Manager at the time, Ron Shuping, was really impressed by that idea and I got the job. I think back on what I saw while working at WSOC: some terrible things like Columbine, the Oklahoma City bombing, of course 9-11, every election night (actually these last few were pretty good); but I also think about the literally hundreds of people I've met who came through WSOC. In fact, there were likely dozens who came through there that I never met. Heck, I worked with a schoolmate from college for 6 months before we ever ran into each other, and that wasn't even at work, we came across each other at Fuel Pizza. He didn't have the curly hair I remember from college, or really any hair, so I didn't recognize him at first. He asked where I worked, and that's when we found out we were co-workers. That was Blair Miller's brother BJ.

I met many friends there as well. I won't list them all for fear of unintentionally missing anyone, but the most prominent was, of course, Tracy. She was a Producer and we got together at a time when my relationships with Producers were a bit strained. She helped turn me around and now we embark on this adventure to London.

I also don't want to fail to mention Ron (Bubba) Johnson. My friend, my boss for many years, and an all-around SOB (Sweet Ol' Bubba). Thanks for everything Bubba!

This move to London opens up some new opportunities. Who knows what kind of work I'll be doing down the road. TV production seems obvious, and certainly that's what I'll be focusing on initially, but who knows? This can be a new beginning and something unforeseen could occur, and I'm not just talking about working in a pub!

Well, they come to pick up Pongo Monday morning for his flight, and I leave Tuesday. Tracy has been there since the week after Thanksgiving, now I'm ready for this to begin for me. Hang on Tracy, we're coming!