Fall and Football
Mike takes a walk through The Ohio State University campus during a picturesque autumn afternoon, reflecting on the recent Presidential election in the US and describing a personal sense of shock and a collective desire to avoid the topic. Emphasizing the importance of community and resilience regardless of political outcomes, Mike concludes with a shopping run and a call for mutual kindness during these divisive times in America.
Good afternoon, this is Mike George coming at you live in Columbus, Ohio, from The Ohio State University on this fine Saturday afternoon, 9 November 2024. Just look at these leaves — this is picturesque autumn at its finest, with giant piles of leaves that just ache to be jumped into. I almost cheated and dove in for a quaint childhood moment, but a lady has to keep her composure, especially coming off the heels of this football game.
It’s been a weird week, hasn't it? There is a bit of an elephant in the room that nobody — including me — has really talked about or processed yet: Tuesday. I’ve mostly been avoiding waking up since then, drifting through the week in a bit of a fog. I’ve become quite savvy at concealing my emotional pits, which made me well-equipped for this particular week, even though I didn't see this outcome coming the way I did in 2016. I’ve managed to stay in a state of blissful ignorance, aside from a headline in The Economist that spoiled the news for me. But it’s too soon for jokes; instead, I’m just enjoying being completely detached from current events, scores, and results.
Pardon the tech issues — this is another episode of Mike George versus the AI overlords. This ghetto Android phone of mine has a life of its own and cracks all over the place, but it functions well enough to enable this bullshit. I’m a lady who doesn’t beg — I get what I want, and I encourage you all to do the same.
I’m currently wandering through campus toward Target, though as I always say, "Target without a list is just more wandering and a lot more expensive wandering." This is a special city-style version of the store, and I am on a strict mission for three specific items: tweezers, jelly gummy bears, and duct tape. Anything else is strictly unauthorized for purchase!
As I head into the "base camp" of the Target, remember this: regardless of the results you thought were coming — whether it’s a football game or an election — remember to hug your opponent. At the end of the day, we are in this game together, whether it burns down or blossoms up. Take care of yourselves, take care of someone else, and get Mama some wine while the kids aren’t looking!
