President's Day, An Alarmless event

President's Day, was established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington. It is still called Washington's Birthday by the federal government. Technically Washington's birthday was on the 22nd of February, allegedly, nobody really remembers, nobody I asked anyway. It was moved as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1971. This was enacted to provide another three day weekend for the members of congress.

Once they had a three day weekend they decided unanimously to take the rest of the week as a recess. Reasoning that all the really important congressing stuff happened on Monday there was not much point in showing up Tuesday.

And, since one week was hardly a recess at all, they voted, and approved, without dissent, to make it a two week recess. There were several abstentions, mostly because of the mad dash toward the exit. Which was the same reason for a broken leg, a concussion, and several dislocated fingers.

But, as a father, I like to apply a liberal dose of patriotism, and take the day off. Mostly because my
wife and sons have it off, and that way we don't have to set the alarm clock* or pack lunch**.

As great as a three day weekend can seem one of the most wonderful benefits is the four day week that follows. Which means one less time of being dragged from the bliss of sleep by the foul alarm clock*.

So, I am setting at home, and typing this out on my computer, in comfy clothes drinking a third cup of coffee, and about to "transition" into a fourth, and then I am off to the gym for some sweat, exertion, and the labor of self improvement. Is this a great country or what?


And, of course here is a gratuitous video, starring the Father of our Country, and the J. Geils Band, I love them both.

* The cruelest invention of modern society.

** Since I am the poor soul who has to pack the lunches this is a particularly patriotic act.