What I did for my Family

I haven't seen 7:00 a.m. but a few times in the last 3 years after I said good-bye to the life in a cubicle. 

Three months ago, when inquiring as to how to secure the location for our Family Reunion, I was told that the first opportunity to request a date in 2013 was January 2, 2013 - 8:00 a.m. The nice lady ended our telephone conversation with the words -- Good Luck.  I read into those the words -- don't waste time. 

I arrived at the Tumwater City Hall at 7:45 to find myself 6th in line.  The first two women in line had spent the night camped out in tents and sleeping bags.  Despite the 28 degree weather, I began to sweat.

The room where the registering was to take place was too small for all of us to gather at one time so I, along with the four others who were ahead of me, stood in the hallway.

Impatiently shifting from one foot to the other I waited my turn -- still sweating.  I asked, as casually as I could, what dates my fellow line-mates wanted.  Every one there wanted an August date.

When the lady two places ahead of me pulled out her phone, dialed, apologized to the person on the other end for calling so early, then explained that she needed advice because the date that they had chosen was already gone -- I began to feel faint.

Finally it was my turn to approach the registration counter.  I croaked out the date I was seeking.  The nice lady smiled saying that it was still available.  With a sigh of relief I paid the $75 and received a beautiful pink receipt.

Interestingly, their were no men involved.  Not a man in sight.  Just another example of women hunting and dragging something home for their families.