Out of Exile
Mike returns for an update after a 2-month absence from the theft of his phone and laptop. Despite the hardships of living in extreme poverty, he expresses a sense of resilience and gratitude for the generous community support and free resources available throughout Columbus.
It’s Mike George coming at you live from Columbus, Ohio! It has been a hot minute since I’ve done one of these broadcasts, and for those of you wondering if I’d died… I’m alive, so none of y'all get to collect on that life insurance yet! Facebook even disabled my profile for a while, because it wasn't sure if I was still alive, so I apologize if you’ve been trying to reach me over the last 2 months.
I’ve been living through an infinitely inconvenient farce after my two most precious possessions — my phone and my laptop — were abruptly stolen from right next to me while sleeping in my tent. It’s been a bit of a hellish 2 months, but I’m coming to you now on a hand-me-down Android phone. Consider this a test run for the camera and mic as I get back into my "Open Mike LIVE" series, which is really just a time capsule of randomity in my life.
I’m currently enjoying a marvelous day walking through the Topiary Park area near the Columbus Metropolitan Library. I’ve been living in "austerity mode" lately, and I’m actually a little proud to say I managed to get through an entire month with an average of 88 cents in my checking account. To get the bills paid, I’ve taken some part-time work at Shang Shan Chinese restaurant, the former Dragon One on Broad Street and Parsons Avenue. It’s my first time officially collecting a paycheck from a Chinese restaurant, though I spent my childhood playing in the banquet rooms of China Gourmet back in Steubenville. If you’re in the area, you have to try their Taiwanese-style fried chicken; it’s fried with fresh basil and herbs, giving it a sweet, rich flavor just like the night markets in Taiwan.
As I walk through the Discovery District, I’m struck by this renaissance happening in Columbus, even if there are still too many idle parking lots. I’ve truly fallen in love with the generous spirit of this community; honestly, I’ve eaten better on the streets through free church and community center meals than I ever did when I was in the "9-to-5 ratrace" spending money on Popeyes every day.
The church bells are ringing for high noon, and I’m heading to Mount Olivet Baptist Church for a free haircut. I actually tried to trim my own hair recently because I had zero money, and I’m sure the barber is going to realize an unskilled, nonprofessional hand touched this head last. It’s been a joy socializing with the church groups and the lovely ladies who run these programs; it’s a much different vibe than my usual social circles.
Shoutout to Jim, Mark, Betsy, Justin, Patty, and Chase! Thanks for enduring my rant. I’m going to go get my hair did now. Take care of yourselves, take care of somebody else, and take care of your hair as well!
