Aimless Midnight Musings

On a nighttime drive around the suburbs, Mike continues to cope with his recent and sudden termination from PGE, looking to Facebook interaction and other distractions to avoid falling into an endless pity party over the shocking decision.

Hello, it’s a good day in paradise here in Portland, Oregon. We are live coming at you from the car. Oh, we’ve got viewers joining in; look at that number climb! This is going to be a perfectly interactive game tonight. Matthew, it’s good to see you.

Here’s how this works: I’m giving you an update on the ‘trucker adventure’ — or misadventure, depending on how you look at it—with Mike George and Matthew. Let’s treat this like a courtroom; I’ll produce the facts, Nancy Drew style. We even have music in the ‘law room,’ like an episode of Law and Order.

I’m filming this partly as a dashcam record in the Portland area —maybe Troutdale, near the Swift Terminal. There’s a bit of an audio delay, so the music might seem a little offbeat with the video, but we’re making it work.

Before I get too far, I want to say it’s going to be a safe night. I’ve had some mental health hurdles recently. Everyone knows I was let go from my old job because of it — but it’s all good. Honestly, it’s exhausting always having to explain why I’m different as a Queer man, but I’m just moving forward.

Oh, I’m down to 10% battery! I’m starting to panic a bit. I need to find a charger. Alan Draper, are you in Portland? Are you at Scandals or Silverado? I’m trying to find Matthew right now, and it’s turning into a bit of a clusterfu**k of a navigation situation. I’m heading toward Broadway.

The streets are empty tonight; it feels like Christmas morning in Whoville, with everyone humbly and merrily asleep. I’ve got the dashcam going just in case I get pulled over for speeding, but I’m keeping it exactly at 55 mph. I’ve signed my life over to the ‘Fed’ —Google and Facebook — so they’re watching anyway!

Here’s the poll question of the evening: If I were to go tonight, what would my headline be? I want to see if the music takes me to the answer.

Skip, why are you worried about me? I’m doing fine, darling! I’m just enjoying some weed and driving—it’s like being a cat. Jamie Ryan, I see you too! I love all these comments coming in; they really make the broadcast.

I’m on I-84 East now, which is always a mess. I’m just filming this 'just in case,' but it’s a nice little drive. I’m doing the speed limit, keeping it focused. I sometimes get voices in my head when I’m on the road — I think everyone does — but it’s especially intense during a live broadcast.

I just realized I had a beer earlier; Google probably knows that too! I’m navigating toward Hollywood Boulevard, though I’m not a fan of this neighborhood right now. Skip, I’m not far from home. We’re listening to RuPaul now — 'Shante, you stay!'.

Welcome to Mikey’s Little Adventure. I don’t know why everyone is making a big deal out of this. I’m just in Portland, enjoying the road. My clock says 2:39 East Coast time, and I’m a little lost, but we’re making it. Oh wait, I think I left Mickey with Matthew! That figures.

Anyway, I know exactly where I need to go now. Thanks for riding along, Skip!"