We are on Christmas Eve and I’m both joyous and sad. Joyous about my situation but sad about so many others. Ones who can’t celebrate because of war or poor health or just unable to do what they want for family and friends. As I sit here while my better half is fixing me a breakfast I think I’ll spend a minute donating to the Maryland Food Bank so some can at least have a meal.

This is kind of a special holiday for me. The time together with friends and family once again. Even though I work Christmas Eve into Christmas morning at 6 am, I’m off on Christmas night. This will be the first of all holidays to come when I don’t have to work.

When you work a lot of holidays in your career it takes a toll on you. Even attending after working all night I was kind of half there and wasn’t able to fully enjoy things because I knew I had to work all night that evening also. But moving forward that won’t be the case and that makes me smile.

My hat is off to all those who because of the role they fill end up working holidays. I hope it isn’t taken for granted but I know it can be and often is. People just expect 24/7/365 which means a lot of important jobs are staffed with people missing holidays.

I fondly remember a company in my early years that on Thanksgiving and Christmas would provide us with Turkey dinners with all the trimmings. It was a wonderful jester and much appreciated by myself and others working but didn’t last. But I would say most years have gone by without as much as a thank you. And to be honest, that kind of stung.

But that is water under the bridge and like I said, moving forward I can be part of celebrations, not have to leave early or show up late or be exhausted. Who knows, maybe I’ll turn into the life of the party.

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Random Thoughts of the Day

• I’m on a roll lately getting things done. Wish I could bottle whatever it is driving me.
• I hope I can maintain some responsible eating in the coming week.
• Many things will be behind me after this coming week.
• Endurance – how long can you leave a fresh half-gallon of ice cream unopened?