Cleaning up my clutter act till '26

Two things are guaranteed to happen at the conclusion of every election:

1. Winning candidates take office.
2. I clean my desk.

We’ve covered exhaustively the candidates elected. I’m planning to be at the County Commission at 1 p.m. Tuesday to see Janet Barek take the oath, and then the School Board at 4 p.m. the same for Scott Hebert and Ken Frink.

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OK, that’s enough politics for today.

Now the desk.

You know that adage, a messy desk is the sign of a genius? Using that definition, you’re reading the blog of a mastermind. It was much worse at the Chronicle, where I generally let things pile to the point where the Mulligan man himself would yell at me to clean it up.

Which I did — every two years.

I see the passage of each election cycle as another chapter closing in the Book of Mike. Do you realize I’ve been writing about Citrus County politics since 1988? Over half my life is dedicated to the ins and outs of how things work around here.

So, when an election chapter closes, I do a reset.

How that looks has changed significantly from my Chronicle years. When someone else signed my paycheck, I’d take off on vacation for a solid week. Separate myself from Citrus County mentally and physically so that I can restart with fresh vigor.

Well, as mentioned here before, Just Wright Citrus has no vacation policy. My time away becomes much shorter. I cram peace into a few hours instead of a few days.

And I clean my desk. I need to put the 2024 campaigns behind me. It's time to look forward.

I used to keep old election files, but no more. I tend to keep the candidate brochures and pitch just about everything else.

Also filing away in a desk drawer are all the encouraging cards received in the last two years. Some came with cash (thank you!), others with an inspiring note. I particularly appreciate Ozello friends who send creative cards just to say they’re thinking of me.

Just a few days ago reader Cathy Cyrulik, owner of a small engraving business called Heavenly Colors, sent me a beautiful pet remembrance ornament with Buddy’s name on it. The letter was equally touching.

“Hang it in a place where you can always remember your four-legged friend,” she wrote.

I placed it on the corner of Buddy’s crate, which still sits in the same spot, awaiting the eventual arrival of Buddy II (only a matter of time).

Stuff like that has significant value to me. I’m a knick-knack guy. After cleaning the desk, I fill it with little reminders of happiness, support, and love.

Some examples:

— A cardboard Citrus County seal, with a small chunk missing as if someone took a bite out of it. I have no recollection how I ended up with this. I’m sure the statute of limitations has passed.

— A box of prayer/Scripture cards that reads, “Keep Calm and Trust God.” You can be sure I’m in that box a lot.

(Just pulled this one out: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” Psalm 55:22.)

— A thank-you postcard from my friend Pastor Justin Strickland following the mission trip he led to the Dominican Republic. You may recall we sold enough JWC T-shirts to a generous community that, in just a few days, raised $1,000 cash for the mission effort.

I keep that card not as a reminder of what I can do. More a reminder of what this community does. (Always feel free to drop me a line…the Just Wright Citrus address is P.O. Box 301, Inverness 34451.)

— Two pens on the notepad to the right of my laptop. One is from Janet Barek’s county commission campaign. I never miss the opportunity for a free pen. If you’re looking to buy me off, start with a Bic.

— A picture of my desk with Buddy sleeping underneath. You know Buddy brought me unspeakable joy. He was my favorite distraction. God, I miss him.

— The letter ‘M’ from the message board on the old Crystal River Mall sign. Now, this truly is a keeper. I took videos and photos of workers knocking down the sign and wanted a keepsake. I also have a commemorative rectangle of the JC Penney floor, given to me by former mall manager Millie Bresnahan. 

There’s other stuff, but you get the picture.

I work alone. The only newsroom is the one in my head. It can get a little crazy there. These little reminders of love and support help keep me grounded.

Time for another beautiful Citrus County weekend. Enjoy it, friends.
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