HERE WE GO AGAIN

We’re right smack dab In the middle of another government shutdown.  And, no, this is NOT, repeat NOT, a political blog.  It’s a statement of fact. A reality. It’s as simple as that.

Happily, past shutdowns have not had negative impacts on us or our families. We’re lucky that way. We’ve suffered no crises, no real worries.  Further, we always had faith that the shutdown itself would be over quickly with no real lasting or negative repercussions for the country.

While I may feel a little less positive about this shutdown, hope still springs eternal.  And I am reminded of some “advice” I was given, many years ago when my own job was dependent on federal funding.

Back then, I had a mentor (one always needs a mentor if one is working for the government) who was blunt and clear and often funny.  He got me through some crazy stuff and I’ll always be grateful.

His name was S.E.Nunamaker.  One day, I was thrashing about, whining and carping and stewing about all the problems and nonsense that came with federal funding.  To say nothing about one’s inability to have any control over it.  All of that was directed squarely at him because he was, after all, my contact and my mentor and he had no choice but to sit there and listen to me.

Then he said something I’ll never forget.

He said, and I quote: “Sallie, problems are a bit like doggy poo. You stash it in a faraway corner.  Then one of two things will happen.  One, it’ll start to stink and you’ll have to do something about it.  Or, two, it’ll simply dry up and go away.”

Oh, S.E. how wise you were.  If it were only that simple.