Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - March 3 marked the anniversary of my final show on WGR just last year.
I was hoping Jeremy would mark the occasion by getting me something from the snack machine at work, but that didn't happen. He could be waiting for the five-year mark.
It has been an interesting first year in my post-full-time work life. Whenever I run into someone who listened to us for most or all of our 18-year run together, two questions are always asked of me.
The first is, "How are you enjoying retirement?"
I didn't actually retire. I just stopped doing what I was doing.
I am now working several part-time jobs, mostly involved with sports including "Howard Pick the Bills" segments on WGR during the "Jeremy and Joe Show". I also filled in on the "Leading The Charge" show on WKBW-TV, and had a great time working with Matt Bove and Joe Buscaglia, two very talented individuals.
My other sports jobs include being a part of game broadcasts for Canisius, Niagara, University at Buffalo and Daemen, as well as working as a Field Timing Coordinator (pitch clock operator) for the Buffalo Bisons.
In addition, I have ventured into life outside the sports world when I became a tour guide in Niagara Falls. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all around the world, and telling stories of the rich history of the Falls.
You forget how amazing the Falls are until you are around them on a regular basis.
The second question I get asked consistently is, "Do you miss it?"
And before they can even finish the question, I blurt out, "No, not one bit!"
I thoroughly enjoyed what I did for a living, but it was definitely time to move on. I'm much less stressed now.
There were definitely some Buffalo Bills losses where once the game was over, the first thought in my mind was how happy I was I didn't have to talk about that game the next day.
It has been so nice just relaxing at night and watching television with my wife, while not having to worry about being up by 4:30 a.m. ET the next morning.
For the first time in 18 years, I can actually go to bed when I feel like it.
While explaining my reasons for leaving, one of the things I had mentioned was my desire to just be a sports fan again, and not to approach watching games as homework for my job.
I have to be honest with you, I'm not totally there yet. The transition from watching games as work to watching them for pure enjoyment (or misery) was harder, and took longer than I anticipated.
For much of the past year, I found myself trying to watch games, but then turning them off. It reminded me of work too much. I would analyze games and think of what show topics to get from the game, instead of just watching as a fan.
I also realized that I didn't want to be yelling at the TV. I had no desire to be stressed out from a game unless I had to watch it, because it was connected to some work I was doing.
Fortunately, the 2023 New York Mets season died rather quickly, so I was able to skip all of those games.
But in recent weeks, I have noticed the sports fan in me coming back.
The recent push by the Buffalo Sabres got me back into their season, and had me constantly checking the out-of-town scoreboard. I was glued to the TV for the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal, and can't wait for the first two full days of the tournament. It's two of the best sports days every year.
I even took in a Toronto Blue Jays spring training game the other day, and it felt great to just hang out in the sun, watch some baseball and talk sports with other fans around me.
So what do I miss? All of you!
I do miss the daily interactions via the phone or Twitter (still not calling it X). When you do a show as long as Jeremy and I did, you go from hosts and listeners to one big family.
I don't tweet as much as I used to, because I just don't watch sports as much as I used to. And when I do watch, I tend to keep my thoughts to myself.
But I do know all of you are in great hands with Jeremy and Joe. Maybe I'll see you in the Falls, and then we can just hang out and talk sports as fans!
