The Return of Troy Michael: New Digs and New Art

Have you missed me? Been busy with things, so I missed a write up from a couple of weeks ago (I'll get to writing that up soon), and then I was sick last week and had to cancel one. But, no fear, I am back with new Champaign resident, Troy Michael. You may remember him from my perilous trip to Danville in the old truck, today was a lot closer and a lot safer with the new vehicle. This time we just hit up one of my downtown favorites, The Esquire.

Troy has been trying to get to Champaign for a while, but health issues and a pandemic delayed his plans. But a delay was all it was, he is finally in the big city, and it was so great to see him again. I have a feeling we will be hanging out a lot more now.

As I mentioned in my last article with Troy, he is a year out from having a second kidney transplant. Recovering well, but still not fully healed. That along with his vision problems, means that living on his own is not an easy thing to do. But the good thing is the Champaign has a supported living place called Eden that is right downtown. The best of both worlds. Access to the amenities of downtown living in the big (or at least bigger than where he was living before) and also has access to help for some of his living needs and medical care. Perfect!

Food was good as always. Burgers for both of us. Troy had had pizza earlier in the day, so we avoided going back for a second round of that. As I mentioned, Esquire is one of my favorite lunch spots, so nothing new here. Nice atmosphere and great service. I think I got five or six refills of my diet cola beverage without even asking. That to me is always worth a big tip.

Conversation was mostly about the new place. Moving is a lot of work even when totally healthy, so even just unpacking boxes is tiring when you aren't. But he has everything unpacked and is settling in nicely. Except for Wi-Fi. Still working on getting better service for that. He mentioned it has been a shift moving away from his family and into a place on his own. I'm an old hand at living alone (and definitely prefer it), but that transition can be lonely in the beginning. Fortunately for Troy, he has a lot of friends in the area, so I think his days will be filled with people.

I've been wanting to do more fun video production work, and I've had it in my head that it would be great to do a little mini-doc about Troy's painting. Love that he has taken up such a creative project as a new step in his life. Must be the fourth or fifth career change he has gone through in his life. Good reminder that you can change who you are and what you do, no matter your age. Troy seemed to be up for the idea. When I mentioned that a good end to the story would be an exhibit of his work somewhere, he loved that idea. If you know of any places in town who would be up for a short run exhibit of his painting, let me know. I am going to be reaching out to my contacts to see what we can line up.

And ladies, Troy is really into long walks in the park. Westside Park, that is. And maybe not too long, but he as been taking advantage of being across the street from one of my favorite Champaign parks. Walking every day to get his energy built back up. What a great way to change things up and one of the benefits of living in the city. Glad to see his path toward recovery progressing as it has.

Status update from last time, Troy is still single and ready to mingle. But this time in the city. Thank you, Troy for your time and conversation. Looking forward to more fun times with you soon.

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