M-I-C – See Ya Real Soon! – K-E-Y – Why? Because It’s All Inclusive!

Afternoon Al is counting down to his Disney World vacation. He has been doing this since he returned from last year’s vacation at Disney World.

He, his wife, and his 10-year-old go there every year for one week.

He sat down next to me on the bus – we run into each other most afternoons – and sighed.

“What are you now, 74 days away?”

“72,” he said, sighing. “72 days.”

Afternoon Al and I have seen each other on the bus pretty much every day for the last five years. Our lives are nothing alike, differing wildly on all matters political, religious, familial. Other than living in the same neighborhood, you name it and more often than not, he and I disagree on it.

This has not stopped us from becoming friends.

Nor has it stopped me from being confused by his fixation with Disney World.

“Al, seriously. You’re a grown man. Why the same place, over and over? For cryin’ out loud, why Disney World every year?”

He stared thoughtfully out the window for a bit. “It’s a chance to not be who you are, where you can immerse yourself into a different world yet still be sane and safe, you know? It’s a chance to play and to forget, to experience life as you wish it was.”

Now who would argue with that?

Me, I’m prepping for my own version of a vacation at Disney World – my annual Summer Party. Saturday, starting at 5:00, there will be eating, drinking, story-telling, dancing, and, as has been the case for a number of years now, only partial nudity allowed.

No kids, no pets, no grievances – no, it's no Disney World, but then again, you don’t have to stand in line.

It'll be The Happiest Place on Earth.

And yes, of course you’d be invited if you lived any where near me! Don’t be silly!