Radio Reunion

A few weeks ago, the radio station I used to work for began running announcements promoting its 70th anniversary. Past and present staff members are assembling for a one-day special broadcast retrospective at the end of the month. What I said to The Husband upon hearing this was, "Hm, I guess my invitation got lost in the mail." I grumbled a bit about being left out, being not important enough to be included, or being just plain forgotten, and then I thought nothing more about it.

Until yesterday. When I received a text from my former radio boss. "Huh," said I to The Husband nearby, "It's Radio Boss."

"Oh," said The Husband in a tone that suggested it was going to be bad news, "I think I know what that might be about."

"Oh," said I in a tone that suggested I figured out it was going to be the invitation I had previously been offended by not getting.

Which it was. Was I available, Radio Boss wanted to know. Could I join them? I told him I'd have to check my schedule, ask time off work, would get back to him.

I checked my schedule. I'm available. If I asked for time off, it'd be granted. 

Before we went to bed last night, I told The Husband I wasn't going to do it. The last time I participated in a reunion-type production like this one, it hadn't gone well. I had come prepared with things to talk about, entertaining memories, and questions to ask. But after I'd been introduced to the audience, the floor was never opened to me to speak. They talked to me and around me. They even asked me questions to which they provided their own answers. They didn't care to hear anything I had to say. Didn't even notice that they hadn't allowed me, a guest of the show, the opportunity to talk. Afterwards, I felt like crap. I wished I'd never been invited at all.

They're radio people, they love the sound of their own voices. I get it. So, I know this time won't be any different. My answer is no.

I'm typing this at 1:30am. Woke up thinking about the situation, getting upset about it even though I've already decided to send my regrets later this morning. 

Yes, I eventually got the invitation.  But, it came after *weeks* of promoting the event on the air in announcements that listed some of the personalities that would participate. Yet, I'm invited with four days to spare. An afterthought.

These people don't deserve my time or any of the emotion I'm currently spending on them.

Deep breath. Let it out.

Go get some rest, Roses.