It’s a generational thing I think. I like to read. Sometimes I write or watch TV. Since Bob retired, I’m staying busy keeping up with him. And we’re currently grand parenting which means I’ve inherited the two grand dogs too. It’s a full house!
This morning, once the kiddos were out the door, I found myself strangely enough listening to a podcast. We have no cable and the Sonos doesn’t speak our language so music has been limited too. I’m planning to watch tomorrow night’s debate online.
In my sort-of-self-imposed news sabbatical, I turned to the New York Times on my phone! And there it was “Modern Love” a podcast:
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good story. I just don’t walk around with earbuds in my ears listening to my own personal sound track while life takes place around me. And to be fair, I don’t know many Boomers who do. I know not to stop and pet a millennial’s dog on the street. The sheer nerve of me, wanting to interact with a stranger!
And just so we know they are in another universe, wireless ear buds are getting bigger and brighter. Like neon signs flashing, “Couldn’t be bothered.”
But I started playing “Rallying to Keep the Game Alive” on my cell, about a couple going through a rough patch in their marriage, while I was brushing my teeth. The only time I paused the podcast was to step into the shower. It caught me unaware. It moved me – there are so many penguin marriages. It made me think of Janis Joplin.
“Freedom’s just another word for nothin left to lose.”
If tennis was a metaphor for this marriage, what is mine? Driving? Bob was never an athlete, he tried racketball once and screwed up his shoulder. He’s just not the competitive type. I grew up on the stuff, camp teams, color war and game nights; maybe it’s an Irish thing? Sometimes I can get him to play Scrabble with me.
The Love Bug is currently on a girl’s basketball team. It does my heart good to watch her play even though at this age it’s more about socializing. But she’s all about the rules I’m happy to say. There will be no “Dennis tennis” in her life.
When a nine hour drive to visit the Bride and family was a recurring trip, I’d listen to This American Life and a few Ted talks in the car, but not anymore. I wonder if our grands will listen to podcasts in the future? It’s really just an old fashioned radio show when you think about it. With a few ads thrown in to pay the bills.
MountainMornings 
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