New Beginnings. 08/29/25

Labor Day. A time for new beginnings. At least it is for me. It used to mean the beginning of a new school year. Later it was back to work. And now, it’s another summer gone by. In addition to making a meaningless New Year’s resolution, you also make a meaningless Labor Day resolution. Like Craig did in finally attempting to write his first novel. Distractions, distractions, distractions. My mother-in-law had a saying, “Don’t let your possessions possess you.” Pretty good, right? To that I add, “Don’t let distractions distract you.” More than a few friends have suggested that yours truly write a novel, but…here come the (mostly self-imposed) distractions: What’s it going to be about? My life and upbringing, which was indeed novel-worthy? A murder mystery? A funny drama or, as they say, “dramedy?” Do I have to do research? That seems like hard work, heaven forbid. So how about that online course about writing your first novel? Oh, it’s Monday nights from 7-9 pm? But what if the Giants are playing Monday Night Football one of those weeks? Haven’t you ever heard of DVR? Watch it after class. But what about if my friends text me live and they give the game away. There’s always next Labor Day. For Craig it’s about the jet skiers, for me, like the old Brooklyn Dodgers, it’s wait’ll next year.

Our other comic is about Labor Day, because this coming Monday is Labor Day. John and I, perhaps a bit uncharacteristically, ended the comic on a positive note. Comedy usually features things going drastically wrong, but when we thought about it, we figured we have it pretty good. When your major decision is, “Should we go to the movies tonight and have our granddaughter sleepover tomorrow or the other way around?” chances are you have it pretty good. The fact that my wife’s bicycle needs a new tire or the Mets lost a close one…well worrying about that is a luxury. So, this Labor Day, let’s count our blessings and get ready for the fall, when we will feature, among other topics, a series on “How to Make a Marriage Last.” Here’s some unasked for advice: Ignore Al and Marv’s advice and you’ll live happily ever after.

Have a great Labor Day weekend and, as always, we really appreciate your support and readership,

Andy and John