In 2004, we had a lot to be thankful for.  And here, in 2008, we can all be thankful that I am almost caught up in publishing old Christmas poems.  This is the penultimate poem.  I love that word and there aren’t many opportunities to use it.  When I used it in my legal work, my clients thought I was showing off (Well, I was).  So after this one, there is only 2005 and then, I am current.

Hitting a flock of birds on take off is no fun, especially for the birds.  We couldn’t tell whether our landing gear was up or down.  We had to return to Dulles and fly over the tower so that they could tell us that the landing gear was down (but, was in locked in place?).  As soon as we started preparing for a crash landing, we quit being upset about missing our connecting flight in LA.  Much like some of the airplane movies, the captain came on the intercom and started telling us how well the plane was made.  He said there was no way of knowing for sure whether the landing gear were locked in place (could have left that out), but, he was sure they were locked and we would be OK.  Well, they were and we were.

Vault.com is one of those websites that evaluates all businesses.  In 2004,  they rated Arent Fox #1 in “quality of life” for law firms nation wide.  That’s heady stuff!  Maybe they liked our little red fox.  I certainly do.  Anyway, here’s 2004.   


                                                 Thankful Christmas – 2004

It’s time to get started, no time to delay,
Holiday’s upon us, the year flew away.
It’s time to be thankful, for those who remember,
No presidential recount this time in December.
The Redskins, the Capitals, our teams are derided,
But, a champion appears, it’s DC United.
And baseball in the Capital, what a surprise,
Will the DC Council fumble, right before our eyes?
But enough of this chit-chat and things of that sort,
It’s time for serious business, time to report.

Our record’s intact, I mean that we traveled,
But, our trip to Hawaii, almost unraveled.
Taking off we hit birds, and that was really queer,
Especially, when you can’t raise your landing gear.
Second take off worked and Hawaii was a peach,
So was Portsmouth with RAJA, and the kids at Myrtle Beach.
And the Caribbean family cruise, with so much food it hurts,
Did you ever see a teenager eat four or five desserts?
So our traveling is done, but we still may be tardy,
Because this is the year for our Christmas party.

The house is taking shape, Carole’s at the helm,
Decorations, food and lists, lists, lists, and I am overwhelmed.
But I’ll get lots of guidance, and Carole will not fail,
Her homemaker competition is presently in jail.

The children are doing great, and grandchildren thrive,
They’re growing up so fast, now eighteen to five.
Grant’s ready for college and Brandon’s ready for girls,
Tyler ties opponents in knots, and Kristin jumps and twirls.
Josh is attacking computer foes, and successfully saving the earth,
Little Jack is so pleased with himself, and living for all that it’s worth.
Both Moms are doing great, they’re extraordinary gals,
Blanch elected tenant president by her O’Fallon pals.
Mary keeps in shape, both in mind and body,
While she is almost ninety, her energy is cum laude.

Good news for the firm, “Vault” ratings are out,
And for “quality of life,” of first we can tout.
The associates are happy and what’s really funny,
With all the good vibes, we’re still making money!
Arent Fox is quite well, straighter it’s standing,
With a little red fox to do all our branding.
And yes, a new logo we have unfurled,
We simply say, we’re “Smart in Your World.”

I think I will close, not a moment too soon,
Even with music, this ain’t much of a tune.
But the purpose was honest and good at heart,
Good wishes to all, but where do we start.
God bless our troops and all of our friends,
And to all of you, where your journey ends.
We are thinking of you, and with good cheer,
Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year!