Craig Kilborn

I guess this is what you’d call a turn down day. Nothing’s on my mind. I expected my first unemployment check but it did not arrive. I expected it to be for two weeks but it’s only going to be for one. I’m encouraging myself and keeping busy even as the specter of Job’s wife (…curse God and die!!!)* is beginning to loom,  but I say No.., No.., No!

Another bother– I have been sitting and sitting in front of this computer and I realize I have a block. Could it be I’m not unhappy enough? Are there more words to express sorrow and pain than joy and happiness? I gave this some thought and now I have a theory. Sad and painful feelings need release and so these unleash a torrent of words, while happiness is its own release. Kind of like how the human body’s immune system gets rid of foreign matter it encounters.

Obviously, I am concerned about many things at this time, yet I don’t feel down hearted. In fact my thoughts have been sort of nonsensical. I thought about Craig Kilborn today. Craig Kilborn. Why? But since he has come inexplicably into mind, it begs the obvious question: Where in the world is Craig Kilborn? Anybody remember him?

Once upon a time he was the host of The Late, Late Show. He was sooo funny and not in that sophomoric, (well, ok, maybe just a tad sophomoric),  sorta sight gag, noisy, slap stick, pleading-for-a-laugh kinda way. His show was hip, his material and delivery fresh and caustic, and at 6ft 4′ he was a tall, lean, cool drink-a-water. Not to mention funny. I mentioned he was funny, right?

I went online and googled him. I was surprised there’s not that much out there on the Craiger. I didn’t expand my search to YouTube, though. I found out one thing I did not know: Jon Stewart was not the first and only host of The Daily Show. Craig Kilborn was. He left The Daily Show when David Letterman hired him for The Late, Late Show gig.

Now, I watch The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He’s all right. I dislike his silly, annoying, girly giggle and his sorta mug-for-the camera approach to comedy. He’s sorta one note. It’s the peripheral cast members of the show who really bring it like Rob Riggle and that guy who also does the Apple commercials, and the guy with the British accent, and the adorable and funny Samantha Bee.

On a scale of 1-10, his turn as host of the Oscar telecast this year was a three. He was too in awe of the audience, not relaxed and irreverent like Ellen. He’s a good interviewer, though. Sharp.  Observant.  Smart.  I think he’s stronger as a political pundit. But I digress…

I figured out why I’m OK. Again. Even this trivial discovery was a learning experience. I experienced the same spike of exhilaration over this as I do anytime l learn something new. As long as you’re learning new things you never feel overwhelmed by self-doubt which leads to uncertainty which leads to insecurity, which leads to preoccupation with self, which leads to depression which leads to botox, pilates and an unhealthy attitude towards food. Or too many shoes.

Concern yourself more with the wrinkles on your brain, not your face.  Make that change.  Decide to become a lifelong learner and you’ll never feel let down. Oh, and a nice, brisk, daily forty minute walk doesn’t hurt either.  Yep, I’m back in the walking groove!

I heard Joel Osteen say “Even if you’re on the right track, if you sit down long enough, you will get run over.” Get it?  I say a change will do you good**.

*Job 2:9

**A Change (Will Do You Good)/Sheryl Crow