You wanna ride in and save the day
Then you wanna ride away, okay
-Tim McGraw (King Rodeo)
A few months ago a dear friend of mine sent me a song by Tim McGraw called “King Rodeo.” The first time I heard it, I finished it in tears (which is on brand for me). I listened to it over and over and over again. If ever there was as a song for this stage of life, “King Rodeo” is that song.
Here’s the song –
I will let each of you interpret that song as I did when I heard it. It’s hard to hear but it’s true.
We all reach the point where we just want one more “8 second ride.”
We all reach a point where we want to just ride away.
So let me answer many of the questions I have received.
What Happened To Your Podcast?
Before hearing this song I made the decision to end the Unscripted Podcast. It was a great ride. So many stories and so many connections. Great memories. I have peace with riding away from it though. The episodes are still out there and will be forever. You can still listen. I am proud of what the Lord allowed me to be a part of with Unscripted. The podcast is over but the stories are forever.
Are you still on social media?
Before hearing this song I made the decision to get off of almost all social media platforms (I still have “X” because it is necessary for business purposes). I can promise you there has not been a single day where I miss them.
The noise got too loud.
The venom from one person to another was too toxic.
It wasn’t about politics. It was about how we speak to one another or get into arguments on free platforms and only divide one another. My joy is greater. My peace is greater.
I am content.
How is the new job?
On October 6th, I began a new job with THE Ohio State University here in Columbus, Ohio. It’s been 2 months and I have never loved my job more. I have been to the mountain. I have been THE guy. My resume speaks for itself. This is the perfect job at the perfect time with the perfect people in a perfect situation. I have a great boss. I work with great people. It is my honor and blessing to do my job now.
How is the new house?
We officially moved from our home of 21 years a few weeks ago. We purged everything, downsized and left the only home our children have (for the most part) ever known. We left the City of Hilliard for Plain City, Ohio. Let me be really clear here……
We love our new city and we love our new home.
We are home in what will likely be the last home we ever purchase. We love our town. We love the simplicity. We love the distance. We love every aspect. We are home.
How did the kids handle the move?
Another great question as you all know I monitor my kids thoughts and emotions. The best way I can explain it is like this….
As a part of our new home, we purchased a massive new couch. The first couch we have purchased in 20+ years. It has space for a lot of people. Over the holiday weekend, all six of us (the Conrad 5 and Austin’s plus one) were all on the couch watching Season 5 of Stranger Things. Before the girls left to go back to their places, they both mentioned “loving our home.”
Home is where your feet are. Not an address.
The kids love the new home as much as we do.
Will you return to social media?
No. I see no need to do so. My mental health is better. I am not judging the slice of people that they put online.
Do you miss social media?
No. So here’s a story.
Over Thanksgiving break, I got a text (at a family event) that one of my dear friends from college passed away. In the days that followed, I received several text saying “I know you’re not on facebook so I wanted to pass this along.” I appreciated that so much. I know everyone had the best intentions and text with the best heart. Thank you to all of you that reached out.
I already knew. I didn’t need Facebook to tell me.
It’s not a brag. It just underlines that I choose to be present, aware and in concert with friends one to one. Text to text. Phone call to phone call. I don’t need an app to connect. If we are friends, we are connected.
Do I miss social media? No. Not for one minute.
What’s next?
This is the “8 second ride” of life now. This is it. The back nine. I accept it. I have peace with it. I am content.
If you read this and want to contact me, my cell phone is – 614-684-8025
If you read this and want to email me, my email is – auncfan@gmail.com
I don’t want or need apps to stay connected. I have to own that too. I will be in touch and challenge myself to do so.
If you have any other questions, please reach out to me at one of those links above. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
From a rodeo clown,
AARON CONRAD 