I know there is a lot going on and a lot to talk about, but frankly I’m not sure I have another “Wake up, Watonga” column in me today.
I’m as mad as anyone else about what is going on in our town and the refusal of the powers that be to address them and institute real change.
But I’m tired and unsure whether it’s doing any good. For example, a couple of months ago I wrote about the average salary for a city manager in Oklahoma. I also detailed the average cost of water, electricity, sewer and garbage pickup in towns similarly sized to Watonga.
It never fails when salaries are a hot button topic that someone will ask on social media what is the average salary of a city manager in towns our size in Oklahoma. Do you see where I feel like I’m spinning my wheels? Or why I think very few folks are listening?
So, for a short time last weekend, I unplugged. Didn’t check social media, didn’t watch anything on TV except some instructional videos, only used the phone to check on the Stranger, who was camping, and to talk to my sister. Oh, and I used it to send a bunny to her new home, filled with littles who will love the fur off of her. It was sweet.
I did some cleaning and cooking and sewing and laundry. And some praying and thinking. All good things that were needed.
Funny how taking just a day – not even a whole day, really – can recenter perception, refill the determination and commitment levels and reset the sense of humor that had been hidden under a ton of anger and outrage.
Now, sitting back in the office on Monday, I can get back to doing what I do. People to talk to, light to shine in dark corners.
Maybe some of y’all should take a little time and do the same. After all, there are only a few weeks of summer vacation left. Soon school will be back in session, and between that and the silliness in government going on, there may not be another opportunity. So, pull the plug while you have a chance. It’s good for the soul.