oddest part of leaving your job: constant "if there's anything i can do to help" statements.

example:
one of my main offseason duties is an elementary school reading program. on friday, i missed a call from one of the principals whose school participated in 2005: "yes, we're certainly planning to join up again. be on the lookout for our registration."

he was returning my follow-up call. so, because he's a good conversationalist, i returned his call today. i also explained that i'd be leaving the organization, and gave him the names of the people that will be taking over my related duties. "if you don't mind my asking, what are you planning on doing?" i explained my impending purgatory, and the fact that i'm planning on staying in the business, or at least a related business. and he said, "well, if there's anything you ever need...just keep me in mind and i'll give you whatever help i can."

it's a nice sentiment. but, let's be honest, he'll probably never be able to be any help. and, after all, why should he? we've met in person once, and spoken on the phone six times. he shouldn't feel obligated at all.

but it was still nice.

- - - - - - -

i've made some pretty good friends throughout the league, which makes sense because we're all pretty similar people. and because you've got to be pretty humble to stick it out here. ("i'm probably the most modest person i know.") well, although there's been no official word released, i've spoken directly to three colleagues and, with the baseball winter meetings going on, real word is starting to spread.

so the calls roll in to me. very friendly calls. "is it true?" kind of calls. "why?" kind of calls. and they're all very friendly and very flattering, but i also feel like i'm on the defensive, like i should be apologizing.

i'd imagine that i'll probably stay in reasonable contact with at least four of the people from around the league, and probably two of my former co-workers, even if i don't return to the league. good friends, all.

- - - - - - - -

thinking of a potential schedule for january...what does one do when unemployed?

9 a.m. : wake up
9:00-9:45 : rud family treadmill, cold pizza on espn2
9:45-10:45 : chicago tribune: first tempo, then sports, then skim
10:45-11:00 : prepare lunch for my mom
11:00-11:25 : visit with my mom, who gets home for lunch at 11
11:25-12:25 : try to find a job. this includes calling teams and searching for radio stations
12:25-1:00 : read espn.com page 2, pitchfork, and blogs
1:00-end : watch movie on family's on-demand hbo
3:30 : watch jeopardy!
3:30-sleep: drink myself into bolivian

as you can see, i'll be very busy