In late 1995, Congress couldn’t agree on a budget and parts of the Government shut down. The debate still rages as to whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. Also, it’s a kick in the teeth when it is decided that you’re “nonessential.” I was two plus years out of Government service, so that was somebody else’s problem.
One of the really great feel good stories in 1995 was Cal Ripken breaking the record for most consecutive baseball games played (2131). If you figure 162 games a year (I’m not sure the early years had that many), we are talking about playing over 13 years without missing a game! This record is not just about sports, but about how a person approaches his responsibilities. His record is something that everyone can celebrate.
My feel good story that year was that I was elevated to partner at Arent Fox.
95′ Holiday Poem
The Fed may have no budget, and the Government may close,
Yet, I’m picking up my pen, to write some silly prose.
Government worker – nonessential, they’re all uptight,
My issue – should this poem have a copyright?
(nope! not even Jessie Jackson would lift a line)
The Disney family reunion was simply grand,
We ate, rode and played till we couldn’t stand.
Four generations from two to 79,
Thirteen’s not unlucky, when you’re having a great time.
(no! no! not the luau!)
Missy and Terry have moved, they’re back where they met,
Terry’s working at Caterpillar, making buckets, yet.
Kerby’s still at Safeway, but stacking lettuce no more,
He showed his MBA, and now he runs the store.
(love those sons-in-law)
Paul still works with troubled teens,
Yes, saving a few pearls,
But the problem just got more complex,
He’s switching from boys to girls.
(I think I’ll just stand outside)
It’s been a banner year, with really no down side,
Carole’s doing great, she’s definitely my pride.
No longer an Arent Fox newbie, but I’m still making boners,
Yet did enough things right, now I’m one of the owners!
(what do you mean, capital contribution?)
Work took me to Brea, Dearborn and Troy,
Fun took us to Charleston, Chicago and boy,
The rocks of Sedona, now that’s a find,
But the Indian myths will play with your mind.
(how – scrambled!)
Mom celebrated eighty at Jeannette and Bill’s,
In Henderson, North Carolina, up in the hills.
We children were there, Karen came a long way,
We laughed till we cried – just a great day.
(no, not that story again!)
Five years in this house, records for us and Cal,
Blanche came to visit, and Holly’s such a pal.
She brings in the paper and sometimes a branch,
That’s Holly I mean, certainly not Blanche!
(roll over, sit up – good girl)
So that’s it for this year, we miss all our friends,
Especially at holidays, when the year ends.
But I have the answer, I have the fix,
Let’s see you real soon in Ninety-six!
(have a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year)