Tonight the Discovery Channel will begin its annual Shark Week festival on TV. “Show me your teeth,” dares a singing woman, repeatedly, in the preview.
I’m reminded of my thoughts on the advice — if you can call it that; it holds as a puzzle with me – from the recently-troubled Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan on NBC’s 30 Rock. Here’s a rerun, from last year’s ML on the same:
Dialog from Jack the Writer (Season 1, Episode 4, 2006):
Tracy Jordan: But I want you to know something… You and me, it’s not gonna be a one-way street. Cos I don’t believe in one-way streets. Not between people, and not while I’m driving.
Kenneth: Oh, okay.
Tracy Jordan: So here’s some advice I wish I would have got when I was your age… Live every week, like it’s shark week.
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Now, five years later, I still don’t watch the Discovery Channel by choice. And I’m afraid of sharks when I’m in the water in places where they might be near. Last season, I watched 30 Rock less regularly than before, not just because of Tracy’s frequent absence, but mainly for lack of time. Still, what I enjoy most on that show is watching Alec Baldwin, who continues to set a fabulous example of how a talented and handsome man can pick himself up after a rough patch.
Just yesterday I was swimming in the pool next to people in scuba gear practicing for the real deal. I wondered if they watch Shark Week, or live by it, somehow.
How have Tracy’s words influenced me?
Well, I’m determined to get my book done, to take care of my mind and body, and to enjoy part of every single day. No deep insight, really. But true, at least for today. Maybe next year, I’ll have a more interesting thought on the subject of Shark Week. I might even watch the program.
Now, back to the real thing (what matters now: my book, my health, my family).
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Hmmmmm.… did you get the order of those three “what matters now” list a bit kafuffled? “…my book, my health, my family..” In that order? Really? :-)
Hi Carolyn, I admit, I did wonder about the order. All 3 matter to me now.