A long weekend

In the U.S., starting this evening, we have a long weekend.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that is held on the last Monday in May, and honors those who lost their lives defending the country, serving in the U.S. military. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials or put out flags.

It’s meant to be a day of honor and I’ll be sure to spend a few moments in meditation, prayer and thanksgiving.

Today, though, I’m writing about the gift that is the three-day weekend. I know I’m not alone in my love of the invention. I’m like a lot of people, when I’m at work, I give it my all. I’m all in, I work 40 to 50 hour weeks. I’m a team player and give the best of my ability. When the work is done, I love my time off with my family and I put a lot of thought into how I’m going to spend it. I plan and map out my holidays, PTO time, and vacations like I’m planning the Wedding of the Century or a move across the country. I do research. I plan weeks in advance. I have lists and lists for my lists.

I especially love my long weekends. I compare them to walking on a sidewalk and finding $20 laying on the ground and no one around. I look one way, I look another. I ask everyone I see if the money is there’s and everyone says no. It’s free money for the taking!

So, here I am. There are any number of options of how my wife and I could spend our long weekend. What do you think of these options:

—We could rest and catch-up on our sleep. Oh, yes, precious, precious rest. Yes, I’m doing my own little impression of Gollum, the “small, slimy creature” from The Lord of The Rings. He’s slimy and far from appealing, but sleep is more precious than any shiny ring. “Oh, yes, my precious, come to me.”

—We could go for a walk. “Hey, look at the little birdie. Or how about that little cuddly bear playing over there in that clearing. Uh-oh, is that it’s momma bear. Oh, no, go away bear. Run!”

—I could bring out my inner Texan and barbecue on the grill. “Howdy, how y’all doing on this bright and beautiful day. Let’s wrestle up something good to eat.”

—We could attend the little Memorial Day parade that my community holds. Imagine a marching band, lots and lots of firetrucks and emergency response vehicles, all blaring their horns as they travel by, and maybe even a few Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and a baseball team or two.

—We could attend a fireworks show and ooh and aah over the bangs, whizzing whistles and thunderous bursts and the array of rainbow flashes filling up the nighttime sky.

—We could heed the words of naturalist John Muir who said, “the mountains are calling and I must go” and take a quick day trip to the mountains for some much needed peace.

—I could write. Yes, I’m always looking for more time to write. (And my writing, as my reader can attest, could definitely use the help. Yikes!)

—I could plan how my wife and I are going to spend our romantic getaway later in August. Anyone got any vacation ideas that I can steal? California? The Grand Canyon? Chicago? Myrtle Beach? A Caribbean Island? Canada? Europe? Sign me up, I’m in!

—I could work in the yard tackling a few of the projects that are high on my list and spend the evening with a cold beer in my hands on the deck. Go away you darn mosquitos!

—We could imagine we’re kids again and head to the movies to see whatever’s playing and maybe even treat ourselves to some popcorn with butter dripping off the sides of the paper bag or some Twizzlers Licorice. Oh, for the days, when we were little kids and flocked to the theater to see Star Wars or Rocky. Yes, yes, may the force be with you.

How do you like to spend your long weekends? Any big or little plans?