Okay. I'm hoping this doesn't turn
into a big problem.
Those of you who've read this on an
on-going basis know how there are three or four “Jims”--Radio
Jim, History Jim, TV Jim, and, if we're being thorough, Finish Line
Jim (which we're still deciding if it has full “Jim” value).
Those of you who've read this on an on-going basis also know that one
of the many things I would change about myself is the fact that I
have the worst problem trying to remember people; namely, if I've met
them before, and in which context I met them.
Seriously. I really wish I could be
better at that. But I'm not, and that sucks.
Anyway, I was out showing Loraine's
brother Dennis around downtown Marquette yesterday, and when we were
near the ore dock a couple said “hi” to me, a couple that I knew
I had met before, but couldn't remember how. They then started
talking about a program that I have coming up. That's when I do
something I hardly do, and I froze for a second. I mean, what kind
of program were they talking about? Radio program? Episode of “High
School Bowl”? Program for the History Center?
In all honesty, I had no idea.
Thankfully, they mentioned something
about the January program Jack & I usually do at Kaufman for the
History Center, so I was able to figure out that I had met them when
I was “History Jim”. It was touch & go there for a second,
but I was able to hold a conversation without sounding like an
insensitive, forgetful fool. I mean, you know that I actually a
fool, and I know I actually am one, but the whole outside world
doesn't need to know, right?
So I get out of that with my dignity
intact. After I left Dennis and started for work I'm heading down
Front Street when I hear a guy's voice call out, “Hey Jim, how's it
going”? I turn to see a gentleman I know I've met before, but
don't remember where. He mentions the profile of me on “Word
On The Street” (as a lot of people have been doing, something I'll
write about tomorrow), and then says that he'll see me next week,
after which he goes on his way. I stand there, with a stupid look on
my face (well, even more stupid than usual), wondering where I've met
him and why I'll see him next week. There isn't anything out of the
ordinary on my schedule for then, so I really don't know. I'm not
doing anything for the History Center, so that part of me is clear.
I am taping an episode of “High School Bowl”, so maybe it's that.
And I have a couple of things going on in my radio life, so maybe
I'm doing something with this vaguely familiar gentleman then. Or
maybe, just maybe, he goes for a walk every Wednesday and notices me
walking across the street from him.
I just have no idea.
This is really dumb. This is really
stupid. There is no earthly reason why I shouldn't be able to
remember people and in what context I've met them, but for some
stupid reason, my brain just won't do it. It's been happening most
of my life, but I've always been able to compensate for it. Now,
though, there are so many different “me”s doing so many different
things that it's starting to be a real problem.
And, like I said, that's not a good
thing.
So let me issue a blanket apology in
advance. If you come up to me on the street, or at the Post Office,
or in a TV studio, or at the History Center, or at the station, and
it seems like I'm confused, there's a good chance that I am. I don't
wanna be, but I probably will be. Hopefully, I'll figure it out
quickly, but if not, just take pity on me. I'll get it eventually,
and then I'll apologize in person.
Many, many, many times...
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