holiday

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October 24, 2009

The unflappable, unassuming, unsung holiday.

Posted by Grendel's Mother under holiday
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I believe I’m one of very few people on earth who know what holiday falls on October 24. Don’t ask me how I know—I’m just really smart that way. Or maybe because October 24 is also a personal holiday for me. Are you sufficiently intrigued? Ready to find out what it is? Sitting on pins and needles? Drum roll please…

It’s United Nations Day.

Crickets…

Please at least tell me that you know what the United Nations is. If not, I implore you to look it up. I’ll even give you the link to their Web page. http://www.un.org.

Okay, so maybe that was anti-climactic. But here’s the thing. It’s supposed to be an international holiday. So if it’s a holiday, where is our day off? Where are the barbeques, the fireworks, and the parades? At the very least we should be talking about it and telling our kids about it. After all, the UN’s mission is pretty impressive. Its Web site explains that “The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.”

And just in case you need some proof to show your employer why you should get the day off, here is the proclamation claiming October 24 as a holiday. Happy United Nations Day everyone!

UN resolution copy

September 6, 2009

I want to be a princess when I grow up.

Posted by Grendel's Mother under holiday, unemployment
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It’s the end of the summer. Big bummer. We tend to define summer’s end with the Labor Day holiday. But with the August unemployment rate hitting a 26-year high of 9.7%, I would say that this Labor Day has a lot fewer people celebrating their labors. This is why I try not to watch or read the news anymore. But occasionally I just have to because otherwise I feel like I’m living in a bubble. The good news is that those who are working get a day off and those of us who aren’t get a guilt-free day because everyone else is off, too.

I’m spending this weekend with my family. And before the weekend got into full swing, I got some quality time in with one of my nephews. Tyler is nine and he’s about as smart as they come. He’s one of those photographic memory-types. Beware of what you say because he’ll remember it in vivid detail three years from now.

Tyler, being the brains of the outfit, was able to give me some career advice. At this point I’ll take anything—you never know where opportunity awaits. After hearing that I had not found a job yet, Tyler told me I should go to 99.5.com and listen to “hot jobs hookup.” “What’s that?” I asked. “It’s a place where people who want a job can call in and other people listening can hire them,” he said. I looked it up and the kid was right.

He then told me that he’s going to dress up as a woman (Princess Leia) for Halloween this year. I’m not sure if he meant that to be advice on what to wear for my next interview. (Conversations with Tyler are often eclectic.) Happy Labor Day and good luck to those seeking meaningful employment.

July 7, 2009

Hello muddah, hello faddah. Here I am at Camp Tockwogh.

Posted by Grendel's Mother under Camp, holiday
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Unexpectedly (and with big smiles), I ended up spending the Fourth of July weekend with my friend Wendy at our old stomping grounds, Camp Tockwogh. Tockwogh is truly a magical place. I started going there when I was a pre-teen camper, then became a CIT, then a staff member, and now I’m back to being a camper again. I still delight in the open fields, the fun songs and games, the beautiful Chesapeake Bay, and most importantly—the people.

Camp has changed over time—more big boats and some nicer accommodations—but one thing always remains constant—the people. My best friends today are the people I met at Tockwogh. And whenever I go back, the staff and alumni have that same spirit of fun. There is a definite bond between anyone who has experienced Tockwogh.

This past weekend I mostly hung out on the beach and by the pool but I did take part in the Fourth of July theme day parade. And afterward, went to a fun place called Jellyfish Joel’s—a tiny redneck / boater’s oasis—where we enjoyed the brilliant fireworks (and a few burning ashes that fell with them). As much fun as it is hanging out with the kids, our nightlife provided relief and some fun adult time. Aside from the occasional all-you-can-eat crab feasts, it mostly meant going to the American Legion Post 246. Yes, you read that right. If you’re ever in Betterton, MD (the Jewel of the Chesapeake) go visit the Legion. Just turn right on 6^th street and when you see two missiles in front of a brick building, you’ll know you’ve arrived. The Legion has gone through some transformations over the years but the heart of it never changes. Below are some photographs. Enjoy.

And if you have kids, or know others with kids, or want to take your family on the best vacation you’ll ever experience, then check out the Tockwogh Web site. There is still room this summer for both kid’s camp and family camp and they may negotiate if you want to go fewer or more weeks. When you get back, give me a call and we can chat about the ropes course, the horsey’s, the waterfront hill, the gorgeous sunsets, the softball games, the sailing, the waterskiing, arts and crafts, archery, and more!