In the year 2000, I had to prepare my Christmas poem around Thanksgiving. Carole and I were having a Christmas party and she wanted to send out the party invitations in the Christmas cards. My poem also goes in the cards. And the cards needed to be mailed the first week in December. By the time we tucked everything in the envelopes, they were probably overweight.
My daughter, Missy taught kindergarten in Florida. So, I had some fun with the chad problem where Floridians couldn’t seem to figure out how to vote. I thought that each kindergarten class could go home and teach their parents how to punch out a voting card. So much for staying apolitical.
I picked up Firestone as a client, because of the tread separation problem on the Ford Explorers. Year 2000 was a tough year for Firestone, but they survived and the brand name is still out there and respected as a value tire.
The good news is there are only three more catch-up Christmas poems remaining. The bad news is there are still two more after this one.
Year 2000 Holiday Report
It’s time to report to all of good cheer,
It’s not yet Thanksgiving, but my instructions are clear.
Get the poem out, and the rest of my list,
Forget about the ball, I could hit through the mist.
Someone’s quite organized, she’s cracking the whip,
Getting ready for our party, so I can’t let this slip.
So It’s greetings to all on this bright new dawn,
The 21st Century and Bubba is gone.
It’s an exciting time to be in DC,
Unless you love sports, then it’s “Oh woe is me.”
The year has raced by in incredible leaps,
Excitement abounds, but Congress just creeps.
Our family is good, both Moms doing great,
The kids are still scattered from state to state.
Grant’s nearing high school, but Brandon’s the feature,
He’s mastering the fifth grade, and Becky’s his teacher.
Missy’s also teaching, and Tyler’s into sports,
Kristin’s quite the cheerleader, and Florida’s out of sorts.
Missy’s kindergarten class now has a new goal,
Teaching Florida residents how to punch the right hole.
Paul and Sandy are the closest and seeing them is fun,
Josh is a big help with little Jack who’s one.
Two weeks in Europe on a Scandinavian tour,
Better than we read in Holland’s glossy brochure.
East Germany seemed familiar, something like before,
With people, cars and schnitzel, and beer forevermore.
Two day’s in St. Petersburg, gave us a sharp contrast,
Beauty and poverty together is a memory that will last.
The Thrift Shop is booming, and it’s becoming astuter,
No long hand written tags, it’s now all computer.
But she likes her Wednesday gang, they’re coming to our party,
They’ll gather by our Christmas tree, and drink and laugh so hardy.
Professionally, I’m doing great, my best year at the Fox,
And that was before the Firestone call, Wow, they’ve had their knocks.
We’re working the Firestone problem, one day up and then we dive,
It’s a tricky road to travel, but the Company will survive.
The Fox keeps getting bigger, talking merger, Boston bound.
If the Fox gets any bigger, it will surely chase the hound.
So let’s wrap this up, it’s been a great year,
Seeing friends at RAJA, and our future seems clear.
We’re enjoying our blessings, good health and good cheer
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
