Taking time off

I haven’t been off for a Fourth of July is forever. I usually end up working and reluctantly contribute to a work sponsored 4th of July potluck (some of you might remember my weird aversion to potlucks). Usually working isn’t too bad, the ER is steady but not crazy and if we have time we try to run up to the roof and see some fireworks off on the distance.  All in all, not too shabby for holiday pay!

This year I actually had if off and we went down to a friend’s house by the beach. We had a fantastic dinner and then traipsed down to the park to watch the fireworks.

I found myself people watching and appreciating all the things that could go wrong but don’t. There were teenage boys throwing fireworks at each other (hello ocular injuries!), kids sitting on skate boards flying down the hill into throngs of people, intoxicated people running down uneven pavement. And then of course, there were so many people (many of whom had been drinking all day) that I was waiting for a fight (none occurred, everyone was on their best behavior). I did not actually witness any injuries (thank goodness!) but I found myself ‘night dreaming’…I wonder what my ER pals are doing…

Maybe next year I should just work the Fourth of July…