Day One in the Books

According to my mapping software, it's 159 miles from Anderson to Merrillville.  Not having to be at my new job until 10:30 this morning, I set my alarm to give myself enough time to get on the road by 8:00.  Since Lake County is in the Central Time Zone, I gained an hour on the way up.  I have a habit of stopping at every rest area along the Interstate.  My bladder is about the size of a robin's egg and my love of coffee doesn't help matters.  There are three rest areas on I-65 between State Road 47 and Merrillville.  One in Lebanon, one in Wolcott, and one in Roselawn.

I rolled into my new station with about 20 minutes to spare.  But my good friend, Len, was already there -- having drove from Lincoln, Nebraska, the day before.  I met with my new news director and newsroom coworkers.  

The station's studios are still a work in progress and some minor issues have knocked the transmitter out of service.  However, we've been told that those items should be resolved next week and we may have to possibility to start streaming on the internet within the next couple of days.

What is unfolding in Merrillville will be precedent setting for public radio.  It will not be Morning Edition.  It will not be classical music.  It will not be All Things Considered.  What it will be is local news delivered in a commercial news radio fashion.  It will be live sports coverage from teams that get no love from the Chicago media.  It will be news-talk with a Northwest Indiana emphasis.

I filled out my paperwork before I left.  It's been six years since I've paid a state income tax.  Florida and Washington haven't levied those upon their residences (yet).  I was pleasantly surprised to find out I get two weeks paid vacation after a year with the station.  That was something I wasn't expecting to receive as a part-time employee.

I'm currently making my home in a $35 dollar a night motel that has a microwave, a fridge, and free wifi.  Upon entering the bathroom, I noticed the toilet had been "sanitized for my protection."  You don't see that much anymore.  The beds, much to my dismay, do not vibrate.

Hopefully I can find a place of my own within the next couple of weeks.

I've gotten a temporary repreive from my 3 am clock-in time.  Until we're up to speed, we all come in at 10.  So I can set my alarm a little later tonight.

This could be the start of something good.