So by now all the families in McLean with federal government workers should have perfectly pruned rose bushes, cleaned out their closets, are possibly pregnant or looking to file for divorce. Oh these weeks of turmoil have been so interesting in McLean.
I am hopeful families took advantage of this special "time off" to spend more quality time with their kids and spouses. Sure, we did get on each others nerves a bit more but we also took time to take a break from the grind of being a Washington bureaucrat. Yes, I said bureaucrat! Civil servants are important creatures. They boldly serve our nation in many in ways but I think this government shutdown also proved that they are not immune to these very hard economic times. Moreover the government has merely punted the ball down the field of battle and I suspect another painful shut down after the first of the new year.
So, my dear civil servants - don't rest on your laurels and save your pennies! You might not get so lucky the next go around. Christmas in these parts will be very creative and light because we just do not have any confidence with what the future will hold for us.
And, to the contractors - Beltway Bandits, if you will - who were also furloughed - life I'm afraid is much worse for you. Your second class status reared its ugly head because many of you were on leave without pay and you will never see those missing paychecks. There is also rumor afoot are taking significant pay cuts and many positions will continue to evaporate. I'm so sorry. But, as neighbors and friends lets try to bond together and help out those who need a resume passed around, perhaps a meal or perhaps a pep talk because times will continue to be bleak in our collective houses.
And, to our members of the military and their families. I thank you for your service and apologize that the country you are defending is in such a royally bad state. I hope we can all put our big girl panties and do a better job of managing our federal piggy bank.
What are you doing to protect your family financially? Did this shutdown affect you personally? How would you do things differently?
