Blank Slate: Tabula Rasa Day

I remember November 30th, 2008 like it was yesterday. It was just another Manic Monday for most Americans, but not for me. Honestly, I didn’t think I would remember it so vividly after 9 years. But I do, and I’m gonna tell ya about starting over with a blank slate…

My sister and myself were in different parts of the Seattle Metroplex but we’re in the same situation: Needing to move out. I was experiencing a divorce, and Charrina’s lease expired, and she wasn’t renewing it. So we moved in together into an apartment sight unseen – that’s right! The first I saw it was when I was moving my personal items into it.

Blank Slate: Tabula Rasa Day

Speaking of moving items, Charrina and I muscled into the Great Room (10 feet by 17 feet) that overlooked the Issaquah Valley. We plopped down on the cushions with a huff. Not only was it heavy, but bulky to boot.

I digress.

I grumbled, “For the amount of stress, and what I’ve been through, I deserve a medal, an oversized check, a trophy and maybe a parade.”

My sister agreed, “Me, too.”

I mused, “I wonder what the rules and regulations are governing holidays? I mean seriously who’s in charge of assigning them?”

She shrugged, and answered, “I dunno know, big brother, but I know you’d know better than I would.”

I briefly researched it, and there’s no governing body, it’s a blank slate as to the process. I cleared my throat, and declared, “Tomorrow is December 1st. That’ll be the first day, of the first week, of the first month of the first year of the rest of my life. It’s gonna be a holiday to commemorate it, too.”

“Ok, I’ll bite. What’s this holiday gonna be called, Los?” my sister entertained me.

I answered, “Tabula Rasa Day. Loosely translated from Latin it means blank slate.”

“Tabula Rasa, eh? What do we do on TRD then?” she inquired.

I paused for a moment. “Well, getting to this point has been bitter sweet. So I suggest a Washington Apple shot, then chased by a crappy domestic beer like Bud Light.”

She nods in agreement. Then follows up with, “Ok. What else?”

“We make a declaration of independence. Not to be confused with a New Year’s Resolution,” I answer.

“What’s your declaration then?” she presses.

“I declare that this’ll be a holiday to be celebrated annually. You should give yourself a blank slate every year,” I smile. And no, I haven’t announced this year’s declaration yet … but I regrettably report that I will not be able to complete last year’s declaration of publishing Napkin Nights 2: A New Dawn by 12/1/2017.

If you could create a holiday, what would it be? Or do you like this holiday, and wanna celebrate with me on 12/1? Please comment below. Until next time, be good like you should and if you can’t be good, be good at what you do!

Mic drop *bOoM*

‘los; out