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Just For One Day
As I've mentioned before, my new life as a retired teacher is fun. Some days I have to pinch myself to see if this is all real. People have asked, "Foxy, what do you do all day?" Answer: eBay, errands, blogging, time with friends, videotaping tv shows, editing tv shows, shopping, cooking, watching tv, laundry, just to name ten possibilities. What else would I like to do? Good question! I've thought about it ... about what job I would like to do if I had my pick. Following is a list of TEN NORTH COUNTRY JOBS I'D LIKE TO DO FOR A DAY (in no special order or preference):
1. City Court Judge - oh, I know Judge Penny Clute is doing a great job. She's knowledgable, fair, and experienced. But I'd like just one day. Let me wear the robe, hold the gavel, and lecture some of my former students who didn't heed my words of advice back when they were in eighth grade. No second chances. Pay up, serve your time the first time ... maybe that's when the lesson will be learned.
2. Mark Sudol's sports anchor job - Mark has had fun with his "I Challenge Mark" series. And he's a great sports anchor at NewsChannel 5. Since I love sports so much, I would love getting the chance to announce "The Dodgers won Game 7 of the World Series tonight, beating the New York Yankees on a ninth inning home run off Mariano Rivera." That's what I call a Dream Job.
3. Lead guitarist in a local rock band - I don't care what local band it is, and no matter that I can't really play guitar. I could fake it. I'd just like to look cool and look at the ladies looking at me.
4. Coach the Saranac Chiefs boys varsity basketball team - (or the Northeastern Clinton Central girls or boys varsity teams) - Any undefeated team would do, but I'd enjoy coaching the boys more, and, since I know the players at Saranac better, I choose them. Coach Gary Castine is a one-of-a-kind coach. His team is hard-working and talented. I think I could coach them to a victory. If the game were close in the final quarter I'd give the guys my "bucket of wings" speech and Devin, Evan, Dustin, Chris and the other Chiefs would go out and win one for the Fox.
5. New York State Police trooper (summertime only) - It really bugs me when cars go cruising by me on the Northway. Here I am maintaining my legal 65 (okay, maybe my semi-legal cruise control 70) and these cars go zooming past me. Wearing those mandatory sunglasses, I'd catch every one of those reckless speedsters. But could I play my CDs while patrolling the Northway? And would they consider a convertible police cruiser?
6. Short-order cook at McSweeney's - I helped finance my way through college by working four years at Gus's Red Hots over by the beach. I loved being a short-order cook! I miss it! Gus's, though, is now a full-course-meal restaurant. I want to cook fries and onion rings or stream that michigan sauce over a hot dog and bun. I threatened the Farrell boys over at McSweeney's that when I retired I'd apply for a job there. I haven't done that yet, but I haven't forgotten about it, either.
7. Ice-cream Ding-Dong truck salesman - Bring on those ice cream cones, popsicles, creamsicles, and milkshakes. Just the thrill of driving down the hill over at Fox Hill during a Little League game would get my heart racing. And the temptation! The treats at my fingertips! The old "serve one, sample one" theory would be in effect.
8. WIRY deejay - My favorite WIRY deejay is Charlie Stone. He plays those oldies on Sunday morning and serves up those "snippets" for free prizes for music experts. Back in the old days, when he was just getting started in the radio business at WKDR, Charlie would let me sit in on some of his shows. He knows what buttons to push. I'd love to play those 45s and comment on those oldies. The first song I'd play: "Groovin'" by the Rascals.
9. Lifeguard at the city beach - That's an easy one. I'm a guy! I'm not much of a swimmer, but I am a very good observer.
10. Rick Perry, City Building Inspector - This one isn't so much about the job, it's more about the vehicle. He gets to drive one of those electric cars around the city. He gave me a ride in one in the summer of 2004. I haven't forgotten it. I'd spend my day driving around, looking at buildings, and waving at friends. I'll save the paperwork for Rick to handle.
That's my list. What North Country job would you like to do for a day?
Comments
Fox, how come the other coaches are all young and I'm a veteran? Don & I, both, have been coaching varsity ball for seven years! G$
Posted by: gcastine | January 28, 2006 3:44 PM
Foxy,
I'm enjoying the blog, especially the entries with your musings about the CVAC hoops scene. The Storm's two CVAC losses this season are against the conference leading Chiefs and Cougars (What a job Gary's and Robb's kids have done this season!). So how about making a trip to the tri-lakes, check out the Ice Castle, and get us over the hump with a rousing version of the "bucket of wings" speech to the upstarts from Saranac Lake!
(Foxy's note: Don is the excellent young coach of the Saranac Lake boys' varsity basketball team. Older readers will recall his Dad, George Carlisto, who worked at Monty Street School and, later, was with the Chateaugay Central school system.)
Posted by: Don | January 21, 2006 7:27 PM
"W",
Let's see, Foxy had already covered "Stick" LaRocque and "Stretch" Ducatte led some great Beekmantown teams while the "Cat" Mark Stetz was hooping em up for the Hornets. Keep bringing it on!!
Also, Foxy remember those great Plattsburgh Prof teams that played "Town Team" ball. Earl Burnell, John Fountain, Nubby O'Connell, Bob Garrow, Dutch Craumer. What they lacked in youth was made up in experience. A well placed elbow, superior box out positions and even well placed pivot foot positioning oftentimes made up for vertical lift and quickness. A real joy to watch for true basketball fan. Great passing without the fancy razzle dazzle of today.
Posted by: Bullet | January 20, 2006 4:17 PM
Foxy, While searching for an article for my Macroeconomics class, I came across your blog. I have now lost about 40 minutes of study time reading your entries. This one has to be my favorite. I'm definetely looking forward to a summer of sun, fun and a Kelly Miller/Foxy Gagnon musical performance. Keep up the good work, Foxy!
Posted by: Jeff Meyer | January 18, 2006 1:00 AM
Hey Fox. I'd like to be your color man at the games! Also, I need a day off. Let me know what day you want to take over the team! Gary
(Foxy's note: Gary Castine is the boys varsity basketball coach at Saranac Central. Gary has made me a generous offer, but I'm already feeling the pressure of coaching an undefeated team!)
Posted by: gary castine | January 17, 2006 11:59 AM
Hey Fox, I think you would fit in perfect starting a Pure Prairie League Tribute Band. You could play acoustic guitar and sing "Amie" for Mike Flynn.
Posted by: Gus Terry | January 16, 2006 9:30 PM
Bullet,
Don’t you be worrying about my fingers; they’ve been busy scratching the head of my new campaign manager (‘J’) in hopes he’ll come up with a way to stuff those ballot boxes on Election Day. We figure with Mayor Dan and Foxy out of the way, we should have clear sailing. Who’d vote for anyone named ‘Foxy’ anyway?
Those same fingers have been scratching the backs of some pretty influential people as part of my campaign strategy. One even told me they’d scratch my back if I’d shave it, but I don’t think I want the election that badly. I’m still convinced she’s going to vote for the other guy, anyway.
I wonder if Mr. D and Joe Staves would give me some of the money from the ‘super fund’ they say they use to buy athletic equipment. I could use it to buy some of those swing votes, or keep people that really know me from voting at all.
If you were really a student of hoops ‘back in the day’ do you know who they called ‘CAT’? He played after ‘STRETCH’ who was the center at Beekmantown and before ‘STICK’ who played that position for PHS. It's not Willie King, that guard from St. Johns. Think about it (tbi).
Posted by: W | January 14, 2006 12:09 PM
Foxy ,Greetings from Asheville! About those things that I would like to see kids required to do at least once a year- ride a bike to school, play a pickup game without adult referees, interview an older person about his or her younger years. Keep up the the great job and plan a trip to see the Tourists play this baseball season.
Posted by: Russ Bordeau | January 14, 2006 11:41 AM
About that coaching gig. If memory serves me right didn't you coach a little back in your day at Plattsburgh High as a JV Coach and 7th and 8th Grade Basketball. I remember you having some pretty good teams back then. You never opted to coach any higher levels though.
By the way whatever happened to "W"? cat got his fingers?
Posted by: "Bullet" | January 13, 2006 4:57 PM
Hey Foxy, You can come jam with me. I"ll try not to play the drums too fast for you. Love your blogs. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Kevin Shatraw | January 13, 2006 2:56 PM
Great to see the Fox has a blog! I'd let you in on a gig of mine, Fox, but my band broke up, and you're all too familiar with my day job! Best wishes and I'll be keeping an eye on this blog!
Posted by: Kyle Lang | January 12, 2006 10:35 PM
I'll tell you what Foxy, when I come up and play at the Mayor's Cup Festival this summer, I'll let you jam out with me on a stage for a song or two. . .I love your blog by the way. . .keep it up!
(Foxy's note: Kelly Miller, a graduate of Plattsburgh High School, is living in Texas and has produced a great CD of his music. He makes me an offer I can't refuse!)
Posted by: Kelly Miller | January 12, 2006 9:30 PM
Sounds interesting Foxy,maybe you'll be able to do a couple of them!
Posted by: Bri | January 12, 2006 8:15 PM
That's certainly is a dream, Foxy!!! The Dodgers in the world series and getting a home run off the greatest reliever of all time, come on now!!!! Wake up from that dream!!!!!!
Posted by: Goose | January 12, 2006 5:58 PM