Officially bummed

Dateline: above the garage in Portsouth RI, 13 June 2005

Moving is a total pain. I just about freaked this morning when I realize I had 7 mirrored tops to dressers (all antique) that I had to pack up. Also felt a hernia coming on (at least I was convinced for a bit there). Plus it was another sweltering day.

And yet somehow the day unfolds, another section of the POD is filled to the ceiling and tied off (2 down, 2 to go, so I remain on schedule), and I end the day with all seven mirrored segments packed and well placed.

And I'm pretty sure I don't have a hernia.

Then, right at dinner, I got the call I've been waiting for, and the tone in the PR guy's voice told me it was bad news. My man, my dream profile, is not granting interviews this year beyond the league-mandated weeklies. Heavies from Sports Illustrated and ESPN have already lodged similar requests, and we're talking journalists he's known for years, and he's said no to them all. PR guy says I can submit officially with Esquire's senior management, but he's 99.9 percent sure it will be a no. Said he's saying this to everyone high and low, old and new. Just wants to focus on the game and spend time with his family.

Understandable, and yet I am sad. After nabbing Rumsfeld, figured I might as well shoot for the moon.

And yet it's a relief, and the news came on a good day. The enormity of moving hits you during the pack-up. The multitude of decisions and errands, then there's the lot purchase combined with the house building. Then I think of the actual move itself, adjusting to the apartment, being around my own family more, kids starting school, BFA coming out, and a very ambitious assignment from Esquire (still just in prelim talking stage) that could dominate the fall . . . and I'm sort of relieved. As much as I would have wanted it, I have so much to do the next two months, and then a serious biz opportunity in August, then hopefully this Esquire thing, then the book and then blam! We'll be into the new house sometime early next year. And then I need to start planning Vol. III . . ..

Still, to have caught just one pass!

Haven't even read the papers since Saturday. Four flights on Wednesday (don't ask), so I'll catch up on stories then.