Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself, 'I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it. – Groucho Marx
Thursday, March 15, 2012 (DAY 11)
Today is what I will consider to be one of many, so-called, Me Days, a borrowed term from a best friend, that I consider more of a brother, Dave Michalak, my great cousin, who is now a husband, father, and naval aviator. I’m always there to be your wingman Flava, no pun intended Megan I swear. Anyways, back to the secret world created by the man, the myth, the legend. The purist definition of a Me Day, is exactly as it sounds, doing absolutely anything you may so desire to do that very day, regardless of how unhealthy or lazy it may appear to be. Beware however, once a Me Day has been declared there is no turning your back on it.
The first time I heard this term was back in high school on a day Dave was absent from classes. I went over to see him after school expecting him to be sick or at least faking to be sick, but oh no, I found him lying in his bed with various wrappers flung all over the floor, eating handfuls of peanut butter M&Ms, and what appeared to be an entire six-pack of Dr. Peppers drained of their syrupy contents. I’m quite sure that if Willy Wonka himself entered would be mortified at the amount of sugary treats that lay waste around this enormously lovable guy. Every time I think of this memory I cannot help but laugh to myself as I very vividly picture Dave in this exact pose. There was no sense of shame or surprise as I opened the door to his room, just a, “what’s up dude?” that was barely audible with a mouth full of candy. In disbelief and shock I laughingly asked what he was doing, and, that’s when he declared he was having a Me Day. And now the world knows, and has the name for those absolutely slothful days that are absent of shame or remorse. Thank you Mr. David Michalak.
Today is what I will consider to be one of many, so-called, Me Days, a borrowed term from a best friend, that I consider more of a brother, Dave Michalak, my great cousin, who is now a husband, father, and naval aviator. I’m always there to be your wingman Flava, no pun intended Megan I swear. Anyways, back to the secret world created by the man, the myth, the legend. The purist definition of a Me Day, is exactly as it sounds, doing absolutely anything you may so desire to do that very day, regardless of how unhealthy or lazy it may appear to be. Beware however, once a Me Day has been declared there is no turning your back on it.
The first time I heard this term was back in high school on a day Dave was absent from classes. I went over to see him after school expecting him to be sick or at least faking to be sick, but oh no, I found him lying in his bed with various wrappers flung all over the floor, eating handfuls of peanut butter M&Ms, and what appeared to be an entire six-pack of Dr. Peppers drained of their syrupy contents. I’m quite sure that if Willy Wonka himself entered would be mortified at the amount of sugary treats that lay waste around this enormously lovable guy. Every time I think of this memory I cannot help but laugh to myself as I very vividly picture Dave in this exact pose. There was no sense of shame or surprise as I opened the door to his room, just a, “what’s up dude?” that was barely audible with a mouth full of candy. In disbelief and shock I laughingly asked what he was doing, and, that’s when he declared he was having a Me Day. And now the world knows, and has the name for those absolutely slothful days that are absent of shame or remorse. Thank you Mr. David Michalak.
Returning back to Flores, Guatemala with the assumption that the four of us would be departing today, leaving Eva and David behind in Flores, we all went out to celebrate the journey thus far. Live music, signs notifying patrons of leaving their firearms outside the restaurant walls, and various street food while reminiscing upon all of the past adventures, it was a night to remember. Unfortunately the next morning was an entirely different story as Tim contracted food poisoning and Char was feeling like death as well.
Not having any true agenda to follow I choose to stay with the majority of our group for a me day. Kelly, however, is the first to depart from the group as his dates of travel are counting down and he has yet to make a decision for his flight to Lima, Peru. Since my roommates are bed-ridden, Eva and I set out to walk the island together since we have not had an opportunity to do so during the daylight hours, and this gives us a chance to spend some time together without everyone constantly interjecting–nothing against any of the much loved members of Team Cajonoes, it’s just that over the years I have realized that I prefer the intimacy of singular time with people, that’s when you often get to the good stuff that makes a person so very unique and wonderful.
Not having any true agenda to follow I choose to stay with the majority of our group for a me day. Kelly, however, is the first to depart from the group as his dates of travel are counting down and he has yet to make a decision for his flight to Lima, Peru. Since my roommates are bed-ridden, Eva and I set out to walk the island together since we have not had an opportunity to do so during the daylight hours, and this gives us a chance to spend some time together without everyone constantly interjecting–nothing against any of the much loved members of Team Cajonoes, it’s just that over the years I have realized that I prefer the intimacy of singular time with people, that’s when you often get to the good stuff that makes a person so very unique and wonderful.
Cameras in hand, we step out of the restaurant entrance onto Calle la Reforma turning left towards the Parque Central, and begin a slow pace uphill. There is a line of elderly men, sitting on crumbling concrete steps, facing the main plaza, eating oranges as they bicker among one another in Spanish, feeling privileged to silently observe this, we both glanced at one another and can’t help but smile without words. I think to myself, this is one of those moments that I picture as being the natural beauty of the people of Guatemala, and Central America, captured without their knowledge as they live their simple lives. We continue our stroll at an even slower pace, talking about the memories we’ve shared already, our future travels, and just life in general. It is a day that downshifts for a change, allowing us to catch our breath, catch up on each of our personal writings, and catch a midday siesta.
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