During my search through proposed legislation, to make sure there is nothing that would be derogatory to our profession, I invariably come across a bill filed that peeks my interest, either in a positive or negative way. There are usually one or two subjects, other than that which involves our industry, that make me want to stand up and be counted!
Monday was a beautiful, warm, typical Austin, Texas day. The sun was shining and I was ready to take the world by storm, or at the very least, go to work with a smile on my face! Dana did not have any meetings planned, that would take him away from his desk, but he dressed in more formal attire than is the norm, in case a call should be received from a chief of staff, or a legislative aide, to suggest a convenient time for a meeting. I dressed accordingly, in a white shirt, blue skirt and jacket, and the appropriate accessorising boots, just in case I should be called to interview a celebrity, or host a television show. None of the above happened, although I think that Dana's chances were far higher than mine, as he received several emails to make appointments later in the week. I am still awaiting a call!
I did receive one visitor during the day. The speech therapist, whom offices across the hall, came to ask if she could leave some keys with me, to be picked up later by a friend. As we are probably the only company within the building to keep regular hours, and can always be relied upon to be 'open' between the hours of eight to five, her choice was limited, but the challenge was not particularly overwhelming and I, of course, agreed. Keeping the keys in a safe place was also not much of a challenge. Remembering where they were was not much of a challenge. Staying in the office until they were collected, was not a challenge. Keeping tomato soup away from my white shirt, was impossible! Looking like a stabbed victim from an Agatha Christie mystery, (although there was very little mystery) I began to wonder, with the prospect of having to liaise with a member of the public, why I had chosen such a vindictive food item for lunch! Shortly after the malicious broth incident, a very smartly dressed lady opened the door to our office, and called my name. I rose from my chair, but not enough for the wound to show, and responded by saying her name, questionably. She confirmed, and I handed her the keys, still bent over the desk. I decided that my meals for the rest of the week would have to be in dry format. Although my appearance at the Capitol would not be as prolific as my husband's, I had been asked if I would be willing to give my 'testimony' at a hearing, should the bill upon which I had called to give my support, reach a committee, and be subject to a hearing! Falling at the first hurdle was not a good start!
The week continued, and Dana had several appointments confirmed, but I had none! However, I take solace in the fact that the Committees in the House of Representatives have not yet (at this day) been assigned, and therefore, no bills can be heard! He did meet with one Representative's office, whom I had called, in support of yet another bill, and they were, apparently, very excited to meet him. In fact, he said, they were very excited to meet the man who was married to the English lady whom was very supportive of their bill, and quoted the constitution to them verbatim! I stood and smiled. They called me a 'lady'! I continued to avoid liquid sustenance.
As I was left 'in charge', I sat at Dana's desk and proceeded to filter through email after email. The minute he left the office, they flooded his in box and I had to send many a server on an expeditious journey. Each retrieved message asked for the papers to be delivered on a rush basis. I told one of our guys in the field that I was thinking about getting a bill filed, one which stopped middle aged men (after all, he plans to live to 124) going out of the office during the day, and leaving their wives to do all the work! He responded by asking if my husband was, again, off to save the world, and wondered how the spandex tights were working for him. I replied that although he saw no problem with it, I did not think that surgical stockings over boxer shorts really had the same effect! At least my sense of humour was still in tact, if my nerves were somewhat frayed!
As I have said before, at each legislative session, the five things that are probably the most exacerbating are as follows: The increase in my load of ironing, (Dana wears shirts to work, rather than the usual teeshirt,) the extra work at the office, (as I have to be myself, and Dana, on a regular basis,) the increase in my load of ironing, the extra work at the office, and the increase in my load of ironing. Everything else pales into insignificance! I would imagine that my idea of exacerbation is somewhat trivial to others, but to each his own!
There were a few more captions that caught my eye (no pun intended) and I shall consider my options at a later date.
For the bills that peek my interest with a raised eyebrow, the plan of action is to await for them to be assigned to a committee and then send the Chair an email with my reasons for approval, or disapproval, as the case may be. Then should said bill be voted on and it be formally agreed that this should be favourably passed on to the next stage, and should the Calendar's committee (how can I put this diplomatically, and dare I say, politically correct) find an appropriate date for said bill to be debated (or not) and subsequently voted upon, on the floor, I will send my opinion as to whether I think my elected official should vote for, or against, said bill.
For those bills that spike my interest, rather than merely leave them peaking, such as the one that would allow my mother and aunt to single handedly gather the ingredients for Crawfish Ettoufee, (although if they were in Louisiana, where the dish is most popular, they would have been able to fish without a license for the past twenty or so years - yes, I have done a lot of homework!) I shall contact the author, and voice my support (or disapproval,) and reasons for said support (or disapproval,) and decide whether I feel strongly enough to let the committee hear the lady with the English accent have her say, or merely send my views upon a written page.
My appearance at any of the offices, committee meetings or other such places, will depend upon Dana's schedule, as ultimately, an opinion voiced, whether verbally or by the pen, is taken into (or not...there I go again, dropping diplomacy and speaking without regard for political correctness) consideration. My husband's main objective is to safeguard the industry which pays our bills and keeps us in bread and butter! Of course, should something be suggested that will affect my family, or friends, in a positive, or negative way, there may be a need for little bit of manoeuvrability!
We still have a long way before the end of the regular session, and my ironing skills may improve with practice, but my attitude will not! However, I am of the school that 'grins and bears', so I shall suffer in silence (or on this page!) I shall continue to be at the helm when necessary, and by the time the session is over, I may know more about fishing than how to dress a salmon (not in a white shirt, blue skirt and jacket with accessorising boots). It may be that should the bill to eliminate the need for a license for seniors gets the votes it needs, and the new Governor signs it into law, I may feel the urge, in ten years time, to take up the challenge. I wonder whether I will still be inspired, when I become one of the said seniors, to write .......... another story!
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