Memorial Day

Since I have been out of work, I've had a chance to see how the rest of America lives for the "holiday weekend" and it is very nice. When you work in the casino industry, there is no "holidays", just busier work days. New Years, Fourth of July, Labor Day Weekend, even Christmas are all days when you can expect to work, not have time off with family and friends.

Our week has been cleaning, organizing and moving items from one location to another... very hard, hot labor. We truly did "bust hump" this week, and yesterday was our first chance to relax and do hang out with Super Jon and Becki... after we helped them paint their shed, wash their house and vacuum their pool. It was hard work, but a lot of fun (and we have certainly worked those two hard enough in the past to owe them a work day, don't get me wrong) and I am telling you Jon put on a GREAT feed... grilled chicken, burgers, dogs, shrimp, clams, salads, beer, and deserts... WOW. Jake was really good, and actually ate a big meal (something he never does) and played with the other kids very nicely.

Today, we have the added bonus of it being not only Memorial Day, when we are called as a nation to remember and honor the memories of those that have given their lives for the defense of this nation (and indeed, all that have served), but also our wedding anniversary. Liz and I have been married for two years, and together for four, and I wanted to take a moment and state very clearly, and without hesitation, that they have been the best years of my life. We still have some stuff to do, and some last things to move, and some corners of the bathroom to paint, and we'll probably be called on to help another neighbor today for at least a few hours, but I promise that we will not let the business of the day get in the way of our honoring the sacrifice of those that have paid the ultimate price for my freedom, nor will it detract from my celebrating the best years of my life with my wife and my new family.

I hope all of you will have as much fun as I do today, and that none of you will forget the "reason for the season".