The All American Boy

Memorial Day Weekend, a time to remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we could enjoy ours, has  become a time for picnics, beach trips, and parties.  Few, if any, truly observe the solemnity of the occassion; myself included.  I look forward to the extra day added to the weekend, which always seems to occur at a time when I most need it.

I have been listening to the Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice” a lot lately.  It has become something of an anthem for me in regards to the situation with my siblings.  Of course, as expected, my sister sent out an e-mail inviting everyone to a family celebration of our mother’s birthday.  Needless to say, I declined the invitation.  I did it diplomatically but really wanted to reply, “You’ve got to be joking!!! Do you really think we want to spend any time with you people who treated us so rudely a few weeks back at a party?”

The stress and strain of that has began to seep into other areas.  I lost my temper with a colleague last night.  She is an exhausting person who does not work well in group settings and four of us are saddled with her on a quick project.  If I could have strangled her with my bare hands I would have.  She is obnoxious and pushy but when called on it plays the innocent.  I know I have a strong personality.  This woman does, too, but acts like she doesn’t.  It’s ridiculous!  Perhaps if I wasn’t already so stressed she wouldn’t have affected me so strongly.  Who knows?  I am just glad this will all be over next week and I won’t have to work with her again!

In honor of Memorial Day, a list of persons who have gone before me to the other side; perhaps not in service to the nation, but heroes all nonetheless:

HARVEY MILK, COLE McMARTIN, BRIAN DUCKWORTH, GREG VILLONE, STEVE McCLOUD, RAY DOSKUS, HEIDI HILDEBRAND, URSULA RIMDEIKA, DOMENIC RIMDEIKA, CASSANDRA DANZ, PAUL MONETTE, MATTHEW SHEPPARD, MARK BINGHAM