Oakes' Outlook: Coming Alive Again

I like to write outside. It’s where I always think most clearly.

That’s one of the reasons this harsh N.C. winter has been so hard for me. I’ve been cooped up indoors. We all have. That may be “A-OK” for some, but not for me. I get stir crazy.

And that’s precisely why I jumped at the opportunity to soak up the sun in the outfield seating of Boshamer Stadium Wednesday afternoon. 72 degrees. Carolina blue skies. I’m all in.

I couldn’t make a beeline past the press box fast enough. A place in the grandstand seating was calling me.

I settled into a seat halfway up the bleachers just past the third base line, stretched out my legs and basked in all the day’s glory. It’s the simple things, right?

I guess you can call me a “sun worshipper.” Yes, I believe in God and all that, but few things make me feel more alive than a summer evening cookout, a Sunday morning jog on the beach, a stroll around the golf course, or a fall college football tailgate. Pretty much anything done outside on a gorgeous day is an irresistible proposition.

But that goes for my work as well. When I was in school, you could often find me perched atop our fraternity’s front bench at 207 West Cameron, flipping through notes, sending out emails or typing up my latest opinion piece for The Daily Tar Heel.

Some days, some of my brothers would leave, go to class, and return hours later only to find me still manning my post outside.

They’d say, “Oakes, you’re still out here?” I’d reply with a smile, “Of course, no place I’d rather be. What a beautiful day.” Really, inside, I was thinking, “Why aren’t you out here? You’re blowing it!”

Don’t get me wrong, I was getting stuff done. Checks on the checklist. Somehow, even the most dense, mundane reading or burdensome assignment becomes enjoyable on a sun-soaked April day.

I still carry on that affinity for the outdoors. Whenever the chance presents itself, I’ll hold team meetings outside our WCHL/Chapelboro studio. Out at the picnic tables. It’s more relaxing. I think my staff enjoys it too. I hope so. Some people, I suppose, could say they get distracted. But I get more creative. That’s good for the majority of my work.

I come up with some of my most cohesive ideas and full-proof plans along the American Tobacco Trail. Those jogs clear my mind and fuel it at the same time (if that’s even possible). But they do. Peaceful and productive – I like that combo.

Feeling the refreshing breeze while gazing up at the puffy white clouds? My oh my. That’s my kind of office.

I know: I’m fortunate to have a job that allows me to indulge in my “sun worshipping.” A good chunk of the sports world revolves around the sun. I’m thankful. In fact, when I get a little more advanced in age, I may just move to the Caribbean and open up a snorkeling business. How does that sound? It’s not off the table, folks!

Oh, what a glorious afternoon it was at the Bosh. Rich, green grass. Country songs blaring. Sunflower seeds scattering in the wind. The crack (well, technically, the ping) of an occasional bat. Families with popcorn and hot dogs. Kiddos scampering for foul balls. Light, warm applause.