Over the last four years (can you believe there have been four years worth of our weekly visits?), I have developed a little bit of a reputation here at the newspaper. I must say, I wear the distinction like a badge of honor. My co-workers have often made comments about what some have called my "dad jokes." I never thought of my witticisms as being categorized into any particular form. I just try to make almost anything humorous, often at the expense of my fellow workers. It's never meant to be anything mean or malicious. I'll gladly give you an example, or two.
Earlier this week I was talking with one of my co-workers (whom shall remain nameless, although his name does rhyme a bit with Don Fillobie) about how busy the high school football season was likely to be with keeping up with seven teams now. He asked, "How are you going to get pictures?" My immediate response was, "With the camera." When presented with low-hanging fruit like that, it would literally be a sin for someone like me not to take advantage of the opportunity. This same co-worker went to a fire at a chicken barn this morning. When he came back, I asked if he brought a bucket of chicken back. This is merely a glimpse of what people in my life are subjected to on a regular basis. As I type this, he is responding to another structure fire right down the road. I told him to grab some marshmallows on his way out.
I can't honestly take credit for everything I say, there are times when I "borrow" material from others. There are other times when one of my co-workers will come up with something "Rick worthy." Just this morning, I was faxing a document to the Associated Press regarding the election last night (I just told you so you would be impressed with the fact that I was faxing something to the Associated Press). As I was dialing numbers into the machine, one of my other co-workers asked, "Can you call it a fax, if someone sends you lies?" I like to think I am serving as an inspiration for those around me.
Even prior to the last four years, I have always enjoyed telling "dad jokes." Sometimes he would laugh. Here's to at least another four years!