The Thoughts of a Frumpy Professor

............................................ ............................................ A blog devoted to the ramblings of a small town, middle aged college professor as he experiences life and all its strange variances.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Roped In


Against my better judgement, I somehow (truthfully I am NOT sure how I got picked) have gotten roped into giving at talk at an environmental meeting this Sunday.  All I know is that for some reason, I did not notice, and therefore did not DECLINE the invitation in time to NOT DO IT, so now I am feeling a bit stuck.  

It is a "meeting/protest" sort of thing about global warming.  Since it is too late for me to back out, I spent some time yesterday, trying to figure out more about this event so I could plan my talk.  What I discovered that it is a sort of "granola-y," "hippy-esque", "tie-dyed", "protesting", "kumbaya" sort of rally-like affair being held either inside or outside at a BAR about 45 minutes away from me.  

While I am very much concerned about global warming, and hell, environmental issues broadly, I am not really overly comfortable in a "crunchy-granola" style engagement.... even though I do admire folks who are of that ilk for sure.  

I do not think a "dry" academic type speech (which I am comfortable with of course) would meet the needs of these folks.  But, I am not really a rabble-rouser sort either.  So, this will be very challenging to me psychologically.  

I am going to TRY to have fun with it, I guess.  But, I am not really sure how to go about this.  I am seriously considering having a beer (if the bar is open) before I give my talk.... but that would likely be foolish in and of itself.  

I really wish I hadn't gotten roped into this.  

Please wish me luck.

PipeTobacco

4 Comments:

Blogger Anvilcloud said...

I have confidence in you.

Friday, 15 August, 2025  
Blogger Margaret said...

I think it will be interesting! I love the shirt by the way. When I'm uncomfortable, I often let others direct the talk by asking for questions or making a couple statements and asking for input. Most people LOVE to hear themselves talk and it takes the pressure off you!

Friday, 15 August, 2025  
Blogger Pam J. said...

“I do not think a "dry" academic type speech (which I am comfortable with of course) would meet the needs of these folks.”
Respectfully disagree. You were probably invited precisely because they want an academic type (dry or not). Just because they seem like crunchy-granola folks to you doesn’t mean they’re not serious about their cause. There are entirely too many stereotypes in our current society. In my opinion.

Friday, 15 August, 2025  
Blogger Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

I love the shirt!

Sunday, 17 August, 2025  

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