3 Strikes. You're Out.

When I went to the mailbox today, I was surprised to find a letter from Congressman Duncan congratulating me on being a recent graduate from UT (especially surprising since even I forgot I had recently graduated). Unfortunately however, Mr. Duncan seems to be having the hardest time remembering me, as evident by the impersonal nature of this letter. As a matter of fact we have met twice before; the most recent visit only three months ago (where we briefly discussed National Geographic and how he loves to read the magazine)...

My standard 'congratulations blah blah blah' letter where he tells me to make the world a better place and contact him if he can be of any assistance (Be of assistance? Is he going to get me a job? Cook me bean-pork skillet while Mark's out of town (thanks Marta!)? Clean my kitchen?).

And here we are posing for the cheesiest of photos (required by his office staff apparently). It was only minutes before that he had said "happy to meet you" and I promptly reminded him that we had actually met before.

Unfortunately I couldn't find the picture from our first meeting, but one does exist. He came to visit the geography department and got a tour of the cartography lab. There's a fantastic picture of me looking at him like "Yeah right...I seriously doubt you're going to solve any of our problems." It's really quite priceless; a shame I've misplaced it.

So, were I ever to vote for you again Mr. Duncan, you're congratulatory letter should have read something more like this:

Dear Tracy:

Congratulations on your recent graduation and that internship at National Geographic you told me about. It was a pleasure having you and your family come visit my office several months ago. And please tell your husband Mark hello for me. It was rude of me not to say hello when I saw him on the plane from Knoxville to DC in June.

Also, I'd like to extend my sincerest apologies for not getting you a tour of the White House during your time in DC - especially since you put your request in so far in advance. To make up for this horrible mistake, I'll secure you dinner with the President next time you're in town.

Yours Truly,

John Duncan

But alas...3 strikes - you're out! Sorry Mr. Duncan.