friday random elevenish: “done…or am i” edition
I’m really getting a lot of mileage out of this song…
Today is, as scheduled, my last day of work for 2024. It’s been a scary-productive year this year occupation-wise, and I hope to keep it moving, assuming I don’t get railroaded into management, which kind of feels like it’s happening after attending the retirement party of a dear, beloved co-worker yesterday afternoon. The ink’s not even dry on her retirement certificate and people are already messaging me on background about how I’m perfect for the slot that’s opening up…
We’ll see. I’m going to take the next two weeks to consider it, but after spending many an afternoon talking about the frustration she’s experienced in that position, It’s going to take some thinking.
And who knows, I might have even longer to think about it, thanks to all the chaos up in The District over the last 48 hours. I went to bed on Wednesday night confident that Congress had kicked the can until March to keep things funded, the once-and-future guy and his work-spouse Elon went and tanked the deal, and now as I type this, we’re half-a-day away from shutting things down again.
I fully expect to wake up Monday morning to log on to my work machine to sign a furlough notice, and assuming it that happens, I also fully expect that I’ll be sitting on my ass waiting for news at least until Inauguration Day.
Merry F’ing Christmas.
Oh well. I’ve got some savings to burn through to make sure the mortgage is covered, and I can hope for some sunny days so my rooftop solar array eats a big chunk of the electric bill, and thanks to the law they passed last time, I’ll get the money back once all the posturing and backroom deals, but a month or so without a paycheck is surely going to suck.
So, if you feel like buying some music in the meantime, I certainly would appreciate it.
Anyway, as far as my planned holiday break is concerned, I don’t have a lot planned. I’ve got a couple of projects around the house, some guitar restringing (including trying “Nashville tuning” on one of my Telecasters, because why not) on the agenda, and just relax a bit after a pretty stressful year, either out at some local (and maybe slightly less local) parks, or sitting in a chair reading a book with a cat or two in my lap while trying not to think about how long I likely won’t be getting paid.
Oh, and I should probably focus on rehearsing a bit, since I booked two more conventions for the first half of the year this week.
Anyway, the obligatory tunes the algorithms that are always watching us spit out. Americana, Celtic, modern folk, and closing out with a little bit of really catchy pop because I’m human, Dammit!
Like Thanksgiving last month, I’ll be unplugging in the interest of mental health, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wish you Happy Holidays, whichever ones you celebrate.
- “Found Out About You” – Gin Blossoms
- “Steal My Soul” – The Strumbellas
- “A Change Is Gonna Come” – Greta Van Fleet
- “Who Will Save Your Soul” – Jewel
- “And It’s Still Alright” – Nathaniel Rateliff
- “The General” – DISPATCH
- “Crowded Table” – The Highwomen
- “Humbug Mountain” – Fruit Bats
- “Find My Way” – Gabe Dixon
- “Home For A Rest” – Spirit of the West
- “Hold My Hand” – Sam Burchfield
- “Glenfern” – Kathleen Edwards
- “Keep Me In Your Heart” – Warren Zevon
- “Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan
