Using my Real Name

For the most part, I use my real name on the radio. Always have used some form-or-another of Anne, at any rate. The only exception is on KIRO, when I fill in. There, I like to think of myself as the saucy African-American lady, Dinae Washington. I like that name.

Yesterday, Anne Silberman was on fire on KOMO, doing my traffic reports ad nauseum every 10-minutes-on-the-4's for 6 straight hours. What an insufferable grind! Peak performance without an intermission for 6 hours. They don't ask that of any other kind of performer like actors, singers or comedians. But radio people, for some reason, are supposed to go full-tilt-boogie for half of a day. It is very, very draining.

I was working with Charlie Harger, KOMO's secret weapon - a man with a voice as comfortable as your favorite armchair and a wit quicker than any I've encountered in 20 years. It was a total blast being on the air with him. He'd set 'em up and I'd knock 'em down, and vice versa. Haven't had this much fun since I was at KISW back in 1989 with Steve Slaton. I felt like I'd gotten my mojo back. Plus, I knew that some very dear people were listening to the online broadcast so I suppose I was showing off, a bit.

I felt powerful. Exhausted but powerful.

And then, like these past few roller coaster weeks have dictated, it all came crashing down on my head today.

I took a look at the bank account, tried to get in touch with the unemployment commission and found out that my claim is still in process. Realized that I could not afford groceries this week. I had to apply for food stamps. I completed the online application and called The Department of Social and Health Services for my interview. I was told, by the nice DSHS lady that I qualified for "expedited" assistance, which means that I can get a food-stamp debit card today, and purchase groceries with it by tomorrow. I had to go to the Ballard DSHS and pick up my card.

Sitting in the waiting room at the DSHS, I realize that my troubles are very small, in comparison to others. I watched a nearly deaf Japanese American lady try and communicate with a case worker. Such an effort was made, on both parts. She lives like that every single day of her life. Now that is a burden. The patience a retired man showed to his sick wife was inspiring. He didn't seem to mind opening all the doors for her (including the ladies room door) or getting her a cool drink. And, there were several fathers, with their children. Perhaps mom had a job but dad lost his?

Yet, I still felt rather embarrassed to be sitting on those plastic chairs. Even more so, when my real name ANNE SILBERMAN was blasted over the loudspeaker and I was told to go to window #2, to get my EBT (food stamp) debit card.

Oh how the semi-mighty have fallen (who am I kidding? I work on the RADIO! Nobody listens to the RADIO anymore...)

But, somehow, there was a bright spot to the experience. The grey-haired and acrylic-nailed social worker assisting me had on a George Straight t-shirt. I don't know why, but that t-shirt really made me smile. I worked at a country music radio station for 3 years. I've always respected George. He puts out solid albums, one after another, with no fuss or muss on a regular basis. His songs are classics and his singing is pure and honest. I hear he lives on a real working ranch. They say George Strait is the real deal. I hope it is true. The lady and I got to talking about George and she told me she saw him in concert a couple of years back at the Key Arena. She beamed with pride when she discussed his recent "star of the decade" Country Music award. I told her that she made my day with that conversation. And, she really did.

Maybe if I keep on plugging away, like old George, things will go my way.

Might as well continue using my real name.