I was thinking last night about different American holidays that I've missed this year or had to work on. And when I thought about all of them, I realized that I almost feel more upset about working on Memorial Day than any of the others. I worked on Thanksgiving which was strange of course, but we did celebrate it with people a few days later, so it wasn't like I missed out on Thanksgiving altogether. I didn't work on Christmas and although I wasn't with my whole family or family-in-law I was still with Kelly and Caspian and we had a family Christmas. I worked on Labor Day but that wasn't a new thing. I've worked on Labor Day many times and used to have football practice on Labor Day every year. But Memorial Day was always one of my favorite holidays. I liked it because it kind of marks the beginning of summer. There would usually be only a little more school left or it would be completely out. I spent many a Memorial Day weekend at the lake swimming and jetskiing. It was a good way to get my first suntan (or burn) of the summer. The food is good, it's relaxing, it's warm, and altogether a great day/weekend. So, it was a little disappointing being at work today. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've ever worked on Memorial Day. Thinking about all of the people who will be spending the day grilling, watching baseball, swimming (unless it's raining of course) etc. makes me a little jealous. But, it's like I tell Kelly quite often when we think about things we're missing back home, we have a whole life worth of Memorial Days to enjoy, but right now we're enjoying Japan. I don't always say Memorial Days of course, I fill in that blank with whatever fits the situation. Kind of like an English class.
But I guess the main thing I realize with missing Memorial Day is that there is no clear marker for summer here. I will keep working all summer and am actually at the beginning of a pretty busy few weeks. So while the random weeks here and there with no classes that I spend just sitting at work are a nice break from the regular class schedule, nothing beats summer vacation. I'll have to get my summer fix in different ways I guess. We need to get to the beach before rainy season starts.
Well, I guess this post hasn't been very deserving of the exclamation point in the title. But I do mean it. To all of you lucky people out there with the day off today, Happy Memorial Day! Have a hot dog, take the jetski for a spin, and watch the Astros lose for me.
3 comments:
I imagine your summer will be very strange this year. At least last year you had part of a summer. I was also thinking how different this Memorial Day was from last year. We all missed you and Kelly being there. The hot dogs and jet skiing did go on as usual. Some things never change; just the people involved.
Hey, if you want some extra summer "fun", we can certainly send Grant and Rhett to Japan for a month or so...
It sounds like Grant and Kerry kept the jetski warm for ya this MD weekend, and I hear Rhett ate enough hot dogs for the both of you (you and Rhett I mean; he's such a little pig. But alas, don't be too jealous. The heat and sweating windows have already begun, and it's not even June... I'm glad you are wise enough to remember to enjoy where you are as this is a special time in your life. And, you are right: There are many more Memorial Day Weekends for you to enjoy once you get back to the states. I don't see that holiday being removed from the yearly calendar. :)
i did all 3 for you.
-KK
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