Labor Dabor

Ignoring the fact that we're unemployed and spend every day lying around aimlessly, the promise of a federal holiday--on a Monday, no less--held as much potential as a snow day. We woke up early, remembered that today was a holiday, giggled with glee, and sank back into unencumbered slumber. When we rose hours later, it was to a leisurely breakfast in pajamas. We planned a hike to the park for birdwatching and readied our cameras and boots. As we stepped out into the crisp noonish air, what shimmering sights assailed our senses? --The garbage truck, lumbering down the street, followed closely by the mailman, the paperboys, and grouchy middle-agers in SUVs. What's this? Labor Day unobserved! Everyone carried on with their menial occupations, however laborious, and to those who toil the hardest it suggests the biggest insult. How appalling that the federal government can't manage to enforce a single non-working day for employees across America, even on a holiday dedicated to honoring the work they contribute every other day of the year. To all our employed friends and family members who had to work today, you were in our thoughts and have our sympathies! Workers of America, you deserve better!

Even we ultimately fell prey to the day's maddening hum of productivity. After an hour at the park (Rachel photographed an audacious woodpecker and was chased by giant unidentified jays) we set to work on wedding thank-yous and various domestic projects and errands. Then Rachel had an interview that resulted in a new part-time job (irony!) as Assistant Teacher at a Montessori preschool. She'll be helping out 3 mornings a week in a class of 10 students, ages 3-5. She can't wait to meet them all and will update you on their quirks and inevitable hilarity. Jacob starts a new job tomorrow, at a local instrument repair shop. So although Labor Day should be a break from the daily grind, our daily grind involves lounging on the couch with coffee and handheld Yahtzee, and we're looking forward to reinstating that beloved routine tomorrow.