My long-range forecast -- chapter 27
Hello everyone and sending special shout outs to Brian, Chuck, Darrell, Davey, Don, Mark and Rick. I continue to write more chapters of this story and I'm seeking any suggestions, constructive criticms or positive feedback you have about the story. Please send information to cjwilson328@aol.com. For those if you who have already reached out to me - my thanks! I'm working your ideas into future storylines.
In this chapter, we'll catch up with Wally and Alex who are kicking butt on all of the condo renovations. CJ gets more news on the sports teams at the station and begins preparations for the teams. The next chapter finishes off the renovations prior to CJ's family arriving.
Please consider making a donation to Nifty (using link https://donate.nifty.org/). Let's keep this site going so that we all can enjoy the continued submission of stories.
The week continued on. I was in my morning groove and Ronny got into an early schedule as well to begin work at the Buccaneers training camp with Paul and Carl. Trev joined them on Wednesday morning and for the rest of the week to cover some human-interest stories with the coaching staff and players. Wally and Alex continued their work at the condo units, making spectacular progress each day on the changes we all agreed to.
The shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning went fine. On Thursday after the morning show, Ross said "hey if you don't have plans for breakfast, care to join me at Cecilia's?" I smiled and replied "that sounds great Ross. Give me five minutes and I'll meet you in the newsroom. I'll drive us over there."
Cecilia was back and greeted us with her usual warm welcome. She seated us and took our orders. Ross began the conversation and said "first of all, Bailey talked to me about the new format yesterday. Congratulations to you! I'm so proud of you and happy to be working with you even closer. I'm not 100% convinced on the format, but knowing your dedication, personality and perseverance you'll be the one to make it work. I told you that you're going to go far in this industry, and look at you just one month into the job and they're giving you more opportunities. Take everything you can CJ, and kick ass just like you have been doing! You'll do a fine job." I smiled and said "Ross, thank you for the kind words and the confidence you are instilling into me. When Bailey first pitched the idea at me, I was nervous about even taking it. However, I thought what do I have to lose on this? I will still do the weather no matter what, and now I'll get to learn even more from you on news anchoring tips and techniques. My college professor encouraged me to give it a shot as it will benefit my skills and my resume." Ross smiled and said "please know you have my full support on this, and let's make this a win-win situation. I want us to become the number one morning team in the Nielsen ratings for the bay area market. We can do this CJ!"
I felt so much better knowing I had Ross's full support. We are a good team, and he's absolutely right. There is no reason why he and I cannot become the top morning news team in the area. I've got that goal in my head now, and it will happen.
We finished breakfast, said our goodbyes to Cecilia and headed back to the station. I started working on my changes for the noon broadcast, and prepared for my meeting with Betty.
I arrived at Betty's office at 10:00 am and knocked at her door. She looked away from her terminal and said "Good morning, CJ. How are you doing today? I smiled and replied "I'm doing well Betty, how are you today?" She said "I am doing very well this morning, and am looking forward to our discussion. Is it alright with you to start discussions on the Gasparilla race first?" I said "that sounds great Betty."
She reviewed the information that she received from the race organizers with me. Betty also forwarded all emails to me for my review. She looked at me and said "in summary CJ, I see no reason why we can't enter a team into the race. The management team is in support of it, and we have already agreed that we're going to do remote shows from the race site next February. Can I leave all of this with you now to organize a team? I will assist in whatever I can, but I need your organizational help now." I smiled and said "this is wonderful news Betty. I'll be happy to jump in and get this moving. I already know of five people who want to form a team. I'll send out a message to all station associates, and we'll see how much interest there is in participating in the race. I'll have an organizational team meeting in late August, and we'll get the team registered for the event prior to the October 2nd deadline. Thank you, Betty, this is very exciting!" She said "thank you CJ, for the idea. You have full support of the station management team and we're looking forward to witnessing the results of your efforts."
Betty continued on and said "the Bay Area Corporate Challenge is also looking for new companies to participate in sporting events around the area. This may require some additional organization assistance, and Mindy has already volunteered to help out if you want to pursue this. There are about 500 companies who are involved in the events, and if we chose to participate, we will be in the Class B category for companies with 100 to 150 associates in their organization. The competitions begin in February each year and run through November. You can enter a team in one or all competitions throughout the year based on interest. The sporting events range the spectrum from dart throwing, bowling, softball, running, golf and many more. I will forward you all the information I have received on this. If we decide to enter, we need to register the station by November 1st."
I looked at Betty and said "this does sound much bigger than the Gasparilla race, but I bet we will have interest around the station." Betty said "I agree, CJ. All of the events are set up for male teams, female teams and mixed teams. Again, a company does not have to enter all events. The corporate challenge organizers keep track of wins, and present companies with awards at the end of the year. It's a good public relations offer for the station, and forms more of a team environment for our associates. As far as future steps, how does this sound to you? You review the information I have sent you, and I'll send out an email to all associates to gauge how much interest we may have. If we join this, we'll need more individuals to step up and serve as coaches or leaders for the multiple events. I do not want to see you leading all events. In the email, I will have associates respond to me and I'll review the results with you in the next two weeks?" I smiled and said "that sounds very good Betty. I'll be the first to respond back to you of my interest to participate!" She smiled and said "I fully expected that CJ."
Betty said "CJ, this has been a very good meeting. I look forward to your note coming out about the Gasparilla races, and you will see my note about the Bay Area Corporate Challenge yet this week. How are things going for you, and can I assist you with anything else at the station?" I smiled and said "I am doing well Betty. I'm getting used to my morning schedule, I enjoy all of the associates that I am working with and I'm thoroughly enjoying the work I am doing." Betty smiled and said "congratulations on your upcoming new assignment. I know you are going to do a fine job. Bailey is very excited about you filling this role, and I am so anxious to see the positive results." I replied "thank you Betty, I appreciate those kind words. Thank you for all of the information you gathered for me, and have a good rest of the day."
I went back down to my office and finished up the weather segment for the noon broadcast. I drafted an email to all associates about the Gasparilla race with a link to the event website for more information. I asked that everyone respond to me by August 11th if they were interested in forming a team to run in the race. The closing of my email informed everyone that more information will be shared at a later date for those who are interested in joining the event. I was satisfied with the draft email, and sent it out to all company associates.
Angela knocked on my door a few minutes later and said "can we discuss one possible change to your lineup for noon today? I said "of course we can! What are you thinking?" She walked me through the change she wants to see, and it made sense to me. I made the change while she watched me and I reloaded everything to the switcher. I smiled at Angela, and said "thank you for pointing that out. I like the change, and it makes more sense than what I loaded originally." She said "I'll send you a formal email response, but count me in for the Gasparilla race. I am a runner, and getting a team into the event sounds like fun."
Ross and I did another great show on Thursday. Before we knew it, the 30 minutes were up and the floor director said "cut." Ross looked at me and said "one more day down and just one more to go this week! CJ, I like the idea about the Gasparilla race. I'm not a runner, but I do want to participate in some way." I smiled and said "wonderful Ross. We're going to be doing live shows there the day of the race. I'll let Bailey know of your interest as we probably need to start planning who will be running and who will be performing the live broadcasts."
I arrived home, and my two construction studs were at it! I looked, and they had the upper cabinets painted in sage green and just one tile leaning against the kitchen wall. I smiled and said "those cupboards look so wonderful! I like the sage uppers to match the upper paint color in the living and dining area." I went over and moved the remaining tile against the sage and white cabinets. I then put the tile up to the wainscotting and told myself "This is our new backsplash." I took the tile back into the kitchen and said "have you two made an executive decision on this tile?" Alex smiled and said "no, we were waiting for you. Ronny gave us his vote this morning before he left." I said "so is the vote 3-0 for this tile?" Wally said "yes, but we wanted your buy-in or rejection on it." I replied "make the vote 4-0 gents! The minute I saw this up versus the other two, I wanted this pattern." Alex said "cool, we'll go and get the supply we need. Go get changed CJ as we want to show you my place and get your input."
I changed and we went down to Alex's condo. Alex said "what do you think between these two tiles?" I said "I really like the light blue versus the blue waves pattern." Wally said "fantastic, we're 4-0 on this pattern also!" Alex continued on and said "we also got the ceiling fans installed on the patio here CJ. They're working well, and I was able to put dimmer switches on both patios today."
We took the tiles and locked up Alex's condo and returned to our place. Alex poured three ice teas and we went out to the patio. Wally said "Ronny has invited Carl and Trevor over for dinner and the three of them will be here at 4:30. We're going to get their input on paint color and tile selection. I checked with the tile store, and they have enough tiles in stock for any of the patterns we took out. If we get all three choices made, we'll pick up tile tomorrow morning and I have my tile installer scheduled to start on the three kitchens tomorrow morning at 8:00 am." Alex said "Wally, why don't we get the two for sure tiles today while we're out, and we can get the third tomorrow morning while the tile guy is working on the other two units." Wally smiled and said "good idea Alex, as I did not ask the tile store what time they open in the morning."
Wally took a drink of his ice tea and said "Mr. Walters, we only have one more decision for you to make. Do you think you want a stacked, staggered, vertical or herringbone pattern on the backsplash?" I smiled and said "what do you two suggest?" Alex started and said "I always favor a staggered look. It's clean and breaks up the pattern enough for a nice-looking appearance." Wally said "I agree with the chief. I don't like a stacked pattern, and I'm not fond of a vertical appearance. With our choice though, a herringbone may look very nice as well." I said "let's do staggered for sure. When we get the tile today, we can see how a herringbone style looks?" Alex said "excellent idea! So, our afternoon is the tile store, the keg store, and a trip to Publix for dinner supplies. CJ, do you think your family will be bringing a lot of hanging clothes? If so, we may want to hit a discount store and get more hangers for each closet." I smiled and said "you're always one step ahead of me big guy! Let's just get extra hangers while we're out to have that covered. I know Aunt Sally and the girls will need them. UD is fine with folded and wrinkled clothes wherever he goes!"
We finished our ice teas, and Wally said "let's go gents. I'll drive, and we can put the keg in my truck bed."
We went to the keg store first, and to keep my commitment to Ronny we selected Goose Island Pale Ale. They only had pony kegs with the Goose Island, which is fine. If we need another for next week, we can get one over the weekend. UD will drink any draft beer, and Aunt Sally will be content with wine and mixed drinks next week. We loaded the keg up and headed for the tile store next. We returned all of the samples except the ones we're going to show Trev and Carl. Wally gave the order to the associate and they gathered two boxes of the light blue tile as well as two boxes of the sage and tan tile for our place. Alex and I paid the associate, and we placed the tile in the truck. Alex said "hey guys, there is a dollar store here in this strip mall. Can we see if they have hangers while we're here?" I said "yeah Alex, let's you and I run in really quick." The store did have hangers and they had cleaning supplies much cheaper. We picked up some floor cleaner, glass cleaner, furniture polish, dish soap, hand soaps for the bathrooms and some laundry detergent along with the hangers. Alex and I checked out and ended up with six sacks. Wally shook his head when we opened the truck doors and said "six sacks of hangers, how long is your family staying?" All of us got a good laugh on his question and I told him about how much cheaper the cleaning supplies are there versus a larger store.
Our final stop for the afternoon was Publix. I said "what are you two up for today? Chicken, pork, steak, seafood?" Alex said "I'd love another pork chop with UD's sauce CJ." Wally said "can't beat pork, let's go with it." We got pork chops, salad fixings, baked potatoes and sauce ingredients. I spotted a good-looking Boston cream pie, and threw that in for dessert. We checked out and headed back to our place.
Alex and Wally grabbed the keg while I began to take tile, cleaning supplies and groceries up to the condo. Alex hooked up the keg, and Wally returned to his truck to get the remaining sacks. I began unloading the groceries and putting them away. I took hangers to each of the closets and returned to the kitchen as Wally came in with the rest of the items.
Once all the food and cleaning supplies were away, Alex said "want to look at the tile with multiple tiles to make our final decision on the pattern?" I smiled and said "you read my mind Alex! Want to start here or your place?" He said "let's start here. I want to see the staggered versus herringbone. It may change my mind for my place."
Wally opened one box, and we pulled about 10 tiles out. He and Alex started a staggered pattern first. I said "wow, that is a nice look and very clean looking. Tan grout or something darker?" Both Alex and Wally said "tan". All of us stepped back and viewed the staggered pattern. Alex said "that's very rich looking, it's going to be an excellent choice for us." Wally agreed and said "I'm not sure a herringbone will look as good as I thought." We rearranged the tiles into a herringbone, and each of us took a step back to look while one held on to the tiles." Alex spoke up first and said "I think the staggered is cleaner than the herringbone." I agreed with Alex, and Wally said "yes, with this specific tile I believe we need to do staggered." I asked "can I see stacked, just to make sure?" Wally stacked it and I said "nope, this tile calls for a staggered design."
We took the two boxes of light blue tile to Alex's condo. Wally opened one box, and we viewed the staggered pattern first. I said "Alex, do you think a lighter or darker grout will look better?" Alex looked for a few more seconds and said "I'm thinking a darker grout, but not too dark. Maybe a light grey color?" Wally stepped back and said "I think you're right Alex, light grey grout will look very good with the light blue." Wally changed the pattern to a herringbone, followed by a stacked. The herringbone won out for Alex's choice! We left the two boxes at his place and went back up to our condo.
It was almost 4:00 when we walked into our condo. I looked at the kitchen upper cabinets again and said "guys, you have done a wonderful job! I cannot get over the difference this has made, and I'm so excited to get the backsplash up for the full effect! Thank you both so much. I love the cabinets, and I love you both more." I gave them each a kiss and hug.
Wally said "what does everyone want to drink? I said "how about some of Alex's special bay breezes?" Alex replied "sounds good to me." Wally said "excellent, let's make some up for all of us." Ronny, Carl and Trev walked in around 4:15. They were all in station polos and shorts, and looked exhausted! Trev came up to me and gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek. He whispered in my ear "Bailey told me this morning about the change. I'm so happy for you, and he wants me to back you up in the same role when you go on vacation. When Ross goes on vacation, he said you'll be the anchor, and I'll be co-anchor and weather. We have got this CJ!" I smiled at him and said "I'm excited about it, Trev." Carl said "what the hell is going on you two? Spill it!" Trev told Carl about what is happening. Carl smiled, gave me a hug and said "congratulations you stud! You're going to do a kick-ass job with this new position!"
Trev looked up and shouted "oh my God. The cabinets look wonderful! Who did all of this?" Alex and Wally raised their hands. Carl said "goodness, it looks so natural and it has been in place for years. I love the color on the uppers as it matches the upper color in the living and dining area. The glass front cabinets look fucking awesome as well guys!
Alex said "okay everyone, the beer is still chilling. How about we all start with a bay breeze and go next door? We've got some things to show you at your new place." Everyone agreed, and Wally poured everyone a drink.
We all walked over and Wally opened the condo. Trev and Carl looked at the kitchen cabinets first. They gave each other a hug and Trev said "I love the base white also! What a difference the glass fronts make. Thanks Alex and Wally!"
Ronny and I stepped out of the way and the three paint samples appeared. Wally spoke up and said "okay gents, Alex has these three paints in stock, or we can go with another choice if you don't like these three. We know you wanted to lighten the hall, and do a color combination on the cabinets. The eggshell is a nice contrast from the hunter green, but does nothing to accent the cabinets. The sandy beach color is nice, and will add an accent to the cabinets. The third color is honey oak, and matches the wainscotting in the living and dining area. It's a very good contrast color, and will give even more of an accent to the cupboards."
Alex said "we're thinking of painting the hall entry area up to here in one of these three or a different color of your choice." Carl said "no more colors for me are needed. I have my pick from one of the three up there." Trev whispered in his ear "honey oak?" Carl shook his head yes, and Trev screamed out "honey oak guys! It looks wonderful, and I love how it matches the wainscotting." Alex continued on and said "we're suggesting you paint the lower cabinets in here to match the lower wainscotting pattern in the living area. That is totally up to you two though! If you want the uppers painted instead, we can do that. I also have enough if you want both upper and lower painted in the honey oak.
Wally jumped back in and said "lastly, we have three tile samples to show you for a backsplash. Again, if you do not like these three, we can find different samples. We can also show you the tiles we selected for the other two condos if you want to see them?" Trev and Carl looked at all three samples. Trev took the light brown and travertine tiles over to the wainscotting and the paint sample. He said "I found the one I like" and handed the tiles to Carl. Carl did the same and also said "there is one definitely speaking to me as well." Trev pointed to the two-toned brown pattern, and Carl shook his head yes. Alex smiled and said "okay the honey oak paint in the hall and on the bottom cabinets along with the travertine tile pattern. On final question gents, for the backsplash do you like a staggered, stacked vertical or herringbone pattern?" Trev said "I have no idea of what you just asked Alex." Carl smiled and said "yeah, I'm not following that question either." I said "Alex and Wally, why don't you take Trev and Carl down to Alex's place to show them the different patterns. I'm going to go get dinner started. Ronny it's your choice bud where ever you want to go!"
Ronny came back with me and said "how can I help with dinner?" I said "will you start washing potatoes for the grill, then start preparing a salad?" He smiled, poured himself another bay breeze and said "I'm on it my brother! CJ, you would not believe how hot it was at the training camp today! I'm glad we wore station polos and shorts. If I would have been in a suit, I would have had to burn it from sweating so much. I also got Wally a birthday gift. I did an interview with Baker Mayfield and I told him that I was friends with his biggest fan. Baker signed a tee-shirt and football for Wally." I smiled and said "he is going to love that, Ronny!" Ronny replied "Carl knows where we can get the tee shirt and football framed very reasonably. He and I are going there tomorrow, so I can have them back well in advance of your birthdays! Speaking of your birthday CJ, do you need anything, before I go buying something that you may not even use?" I cracked up and said "Ronny, you don't need to get me a birthday present you stud! Just having you here, knowing you have a great job and you're in love is a wonderful present for me bro!" Ronny smiled and said "okay, I'll get my soulmate working on this with me. He will help me to pick out something special for you!"
I got UD's barbeque sauce made up, and I marinated the pork chops in it. I put everything in the refrigerator to begin chilling. The rest of the circle came in and were deep into discussion about painting upper versus lower cabinets. Alex said "we'll ask CJ, and he can be the deciding vote!" I said "what am I deciding on Alex?" Trev said "look at these upper cabinets with the color. I think this looks great, and I'd prefer the upper cabinets to have the honey oak, versus the lower cabinets." Alex said "the wainscotting is lower though, and it will look cohesive as you go from the kitchen into the living area." I said "I'll pass my vote to Ronny. However, I'm leaning to what Trev is saying. The uppers painted in the honey oak will coordinate well with the hallway in that color." Wally said "ah, the plot thickens! Okay Ronny, break this tie stud -- what combination do you like better?" Ronny said "well I have to admit, the color in here looks so nice on the uppers with the glass faces. I think the honey oak will look good on the uppers also in their place. You can't go wrong with either combination, but I really like our place now with the color up versus down."
Wally made up another batch of the bay breezes, and refilled everyone's glass. Alex said "CJ, what can I do to help? I said "will you ignite the grill for me? I have the pork chops marinating, and Ronny has finished the potatoes and is working on the salad. I'll get out of the kitchen, and someone can start getting everything for the patio dinner table together." Alex smiled and said "I'm on it, CJ! Wally, show Trevor and Carl the backsplash we're going with in here." Wally responded "okay chief. Hey guys, check out this pattern -- I'm in love with it. We're going to stagger the tile just like you two want to do." Carl said "oh man, I like your tile choice as well. It's amazing you found something with the sage color in it, and so close to the honey oak color as well. That's going to look amazing guys." Trev spoke up and said "I really like your choice as well. Thanks, guys, for getting the samples together. I loved what all you picked, and cannot believe how good all of our kitchens are going to look."
Everyone started to gravitate to the patio. Carl said "boy the patio feels much better than the training camp. Trev and Ronny, can you believe how hot it felt out there today?" Trev said "no, but I know I need a shower tonight! Even though I'm going to miss karaoke tonight, I'm glad we're not going. I am beat from today." Ronny said "I cannot believe how the players practice in these temperatures. I understand why they go with early practices to avoid the late afternoon heat. Even starting early though, that football field was damn hot today!" Wally said "did you get to meet Baker, Ronny?" Ronny said "I sure did Wally. I interviewed him, and Carl and I are going to put a package together for next week. I even told him you were his biggest fan, and he gave you an autograph. I left it at the station, but I'll get it to you next week stud!" Wally said "all right! Thanks Ronny, I appreciate that so much." Ronny gave me a wink, and I gave him a thumbs up sign back. I put the pork chops on the grill and added the potatoes. My drink was very refreshing as I was standing over the hot grill.
The conversation continued to flow well, and the bay breezes disappeared quickly. Wally said "can I interest anyone in another bay breeze, or do you want water and a beer for dinner?" Most of the crew said "let's switch to beer versus another round of bay breezes." I asked Trev and Carl "are you two happy with the paint color and the tile?" Carl started by saying "I love the combination CJ. It's going to look so rich when it's done." Trev chimed in with "I love it, and I'm glad we're able to break the hunter green in the hall way. I think the oak color paint in the hall and upper cabinets is going to look absolutely fabulous! Thanks again Alex and Wally for all you're doing for Carl and me. We both sincerely appreciate it."
Alex had the table set, and brought out the salad and dressings. I began to serve everyone a pork chop, and had some of the sauce remaining which I set on the table for dipping purposes. I placed a baked potato on everyone's plate, and we all began to dive into our meal. Ronny, Carl and Trev went into more detail on their day at the Buccaneers training camp. Alex, Wally and I continued to ask them questions about the practice drills, the players and the coaching staff. During our discussion Carl said "CJ, where did you get the recipe for this sauce? It is damn good." I said "it's from my uncle UD, who you will meet next week. In fact, he sent three boxes of bottled sauce ahead for everyone at the station. We're having some barbecue dishes at his lunch next Wednesday. UD is famous for his barbeque sauce in the Cincinnati area." Ronny said "he did start bottling it then?" I said "yes, he finally took your advice and has it for sale at all of his restaurants now. I am anxious to see how everyone likes it at the lunch next Wednesday." Trev said "well I know based on the taste of this pork chop; I'll be going back for seconds at the lunch. I'll also take any left-over bottles of sauce that remain after the lunch." I cracked up and said "I'll have him send down another box of bottles just for all of us to use guys!"
Everyone finished up their meal, and I asked "can anyone eat a piece of Boston cream pie?" I received five thumbs up signals! Alex and I began to clear the table and Alex said "does anyone want a cup of coffee with their dessert?" Several said "yes, that sounds good Alex."
Alex put a pot of coffee on while I loaded the dishes into the dishwasher. I went back out to the patio and cleaned the grill off. Carl, Ronny, Trev and Wally moved over to the television area and turned the news on. Alex cut the pie into six pieces, and we took the pie, coffee and six cups out to the patio. Everyone enjoyed the pie and coffee, and all of us felt very satisfied! We watched the six o'clock news, and before the national news came on, I said "since you're all here, can I say a few words about next week?" Everyone gave me a yes, and I proceeded "this is mainly for Trev and Carl, but it's just a reminder for all of us. I'm planning to disclose my sexual orientation to UD next week. He wants a private discussion with me. Based on what he tells me, I am planning to tell him about my relationship with Wally. I'm not anticipating an adverse reaction, but I won't know until I get into the conversation with him. If you get talking to UD on your own next week, please remember that he does not know the four of us are living here, nor does he know we are going to sublet Wally's condo to Trev and Carl. I ask all of you for your support to get me through this, and once they leave, we can start up with our moving plans!"
Ronny spoke first and said "CJ, I think UD will be shocked at first, but you will have his support. All he has ever wanted for you is to be happy, healthy and loving life. I truly believe your conversation will go fine, and UD will still want you as an integral part of the family." Wally said "well said Ronny. I know I have only known UD for a short time CJ, but I do not see him shutting you out of his life." I replied "thanks you two. I also feel that in my heart. I am not sure of how the conversation will go, but I know I have an additional family here now with me. Our friendship, love and mutual respect for each other means more to me than you will ever know guys. Thanks in advance for your support next week. I love my family, but it's time to come clean with them so that I can fully enjoy my life moving forward." Everyone got up and gave me a hug and kiss.
I continued and said "okay rather than the national news, is anyone up for a beer and some darts?" Everyone said "sounds great!" Alex and I cleaned up the dessert plates and coffee cups, while Ronny and Wally got beer glasses out for everyone. We all migrated to the pub area, grabbed a beer, and began a game of team 801.
The evening ended early as everyone was tired from their day. I prepared my outfit and set the coffee maker for a fresh pot at 1:45 am. I brushed my teeth, and got into the bed. My man joined me about 30 minutes later, and we slept soundly wrapped in each other's arms.
The alarm went off, and I felt energized to get Friday going. As I was in the shower, I thought to myself "damn, I wish I could just pull out a polo and dress slacks on a Friday versus a full suit. I need to start planting messages in the producers' and Bailey's minds. A casual Friday to get our audience in the mood for a pre-weekend festive mood."
I finished my morning grooming routine, and my man was out in the kitchen, naked with his construction hard hat and tool belt on. I almost fell on the floor laughing so hard. I said "wait right there my gorgeous hunk, I need to get a picture of this." Alex must have heard me laughing as he appeared in the kitchen. I said "Alex, do me a favor and strip off your underwear. Get in there with my man so I can have a picture of my studly construction crew!" Alex smiled, did his giggle and pulled his underwear off. Wally put his arm around Alex, and I said "say hammer everyone!" I snapped several pics and said "let's have a cup of coffee together before I leave."
We sat down at the table and I said "what are you two going to tackle today?" Wally said "I'm feeling pretty good now, and I may get started on painting in a while versus waiting until later in the morning." Alex smiled and said "I feel rested also big guy! Let's get one more cup of coffee in, then we'll get a start on the honey-oak in the hall and cabinets. Maybe we can get the first coat on before the tile guy does the backsplash, and we'll see if we need a second coat later." We finished our coffee, and I gave each of them a hug. I said "I hate to leave you, but I'll be back around 1:00 today. You two take care, and get some more rest for me at some point, please?" Alex and Wally both grinned and Wally said "we will sweetheart. You have a great day." He poured me a mug of coffee to go, walked me to the door and kissed me. I said "I love you, Wally. I can't wait to get back and be in your arms again tonight." He replied "I love you too CJ. Get back to us soon so you can see what chief and I accomplish today!"
I made it to the station and parked the jeep in the parking lot. I was the first one in the newsroom, and started the coffee pot up for everyone. Angela was second in and said "hey there Mr. Walters! How are you doing this morning, and TGIF!" I cracked up and said "good morning boss! I'm doing great and TGIF right back at you!" A few more people entered the news room before 3:00, and the bulk of arrivals occurred before 3:15. Carl was in early as he has a busy day planned, and wants to get a jump start on everything. He came over to me and said "hey dude, how are you doing this morning?" I said "I am great! Let me show you a picture of your construction crew who are painting your hall and kitchen as we speak!" Carl cracked up and said "are they really going to paint in the nude?" I said "they were in a great mood this morning, and anything is possible with those two. I'll send you and Trev a copy of it."
Once again, you can tell it's a Friday. The mood is much lighter, and everyone is happy. Nothing major is occurring in the area, so it appears to be a light news day. I went over to Nick and Angela and said "have you two ever thought about casual Fridays for on-air talent? My thinking is that if the viewers see us in polos and slacks, versus business dress outfits they'll get more of a festive pre-weekend attitude from us?" Nick said "it's been discussed, but never formally adopted. Why don't you bring it up to Bailey again CJ? I think the message will be better received from you versus Angela and I pushing the idea again." I said "will do Nick! I'll make it my lead in for the 5:00 show this morning." We all laughed on it, and I went back to finishing my morning segment for the show.
It was just after 4:30 when Ronny and Trev walked into the newsroom. I said "what are you two doing here so early?" Trev said "after yesterday, we want to be at the start of practice at 6:00 am and get out of there by noon. The afternoon heat was just atrocious yesterday!" Ronny agreed and said "Carl is taking us to the framing store this afternoon also to get the tee shirt and football framed for Wally." I said "speaking of Wally, did you check in with the two of them this morning before leaving?" Ronny cracked up and said "yeah, both of them were naked painting honey oak walls and cabinets." Trev's eyes got huge and he said "seriously?" I smiled and said "yes, let me show you a picture of your crew prior to working this morning." I handed Trev my phone, and Ronny looked over his shoulder. Ronny busted out laughing and said "those two are never a dull moment! I love the way they work together and egg each other on." Trev was laughing and said "CJ, will you send me this pic?" I said "yes. I'll send it to you, Ronny and Carl."
The morning show went extremely well. Vicki was in a beautiful mood, and the cast and crew noticed it. I had several floor crew members come up and slip me money for the pool. Each of them said "she met a new man." The floor director Dave said "she met a man with a ten incher and is experiencing the most pleasure of her life!" Ah, everyone will be shocked next Wednesday with the news. I've got to review the entries, I'm not sure anyone has selected she's leaving the station. Most of the entries are she's met a new man, or she's on a good batch of drugs!
Jennifer, Angela and I went to breakfast after the show. We all discussed our weekend plans. I informed them about UD and the family arriving Sunday. Angela said "that's right. UD has prepared the lunch menu with a local caterer that he knows?" I said "yep, that's my UD! He wants everyone to be happy next Wednesday, and the family is looking so forward to visiting the station, watching the noon news and throwing the entire station a lunch feast. He will try to convince all of you to visit one of his restaurants in the Cincinnati area."
Before we knew it, it was past 8:30. Angela said "I need to get back to the station" and Jennifer and I agreed it was time to return.
I checked emails prior to updating my noon segment. I was shocked to see over 20 responses to my email about the Gasparilla race. 18 of the responses were from people wanting to run in the race, and six were from people who want to assist with the show and activities the day of the race. My note has not even been out for 24 hours, and the response is overwhelming! I knew this station was waiting for someone to `shake it up' a little. I sent Betty and Bailey an email saying "One day almost in the books since I sent the email on the Gasparilla race. We have 24 responses: 18 from people who want to run as a team in the race, and six who want to help the day of the race. What an excellent response! You both have a great weekend."
Ross and I wrapped up the week with another stellar noon show. We had about a minute to stretch at the end, and he and I chatted about the weekend activities occurring in the bay area. He closed the show and another week was done for me!
It's been a great week, and I'm looking forward to seeing my family on Sunday. At this point, I am not even dreading my conversation with UD. I'm anxious to hear his news, and I'm ready to deliver my news to him. In the back of my mind, I know he will eventually accept it and our relationship will be as strong as it always has been.