Mid - Week

I want to start off by offering a semi apology/explanation for being late on what I had promised as "daily updates". As you will recall in one of my earlier updates (either 1 or 2), I included a tentative schedule of events. If you noted, there were only 2 evenings (Monday & Wednesday) that did not have a group function planned. You will also note that for whatever the reason, these functions are not, and have never been publicized, to my knowledge, until now. I for one think that they should be and I'll share with you why. This is my 5th convention (total including NPMHU & LIUNA) and I will have to say without a doubt that the Delegates here have shown extraordinary respect and camaraderie. I don't know the reason; it could just be a trait of the mailhandler craft itself. But, no matter the reason, to me, it just brings us closer together, as ONE. We are able to fellowship with one another even though just hours earlier we might have just had a "spirited" debate on a proposed constitutional amendment or some other relevant issue. It gives us a chance to forge friendships that can last a lifetime. We used to have more union sponsored events at my Branch but not any more. I think that because of that fact, there is no togetherness or oneness in my Branch. I think that if We as officers and leaders of this Union can learn from this example set by the Nat'l. and apply it to our respective Locals and Branches, there is no way that we could not become stronger and more together. And I'm proud to tell you that when Mail Handlers throw-down, it's always a five star affair! On Tuesday nite, we had an exclusive function at the House of Blues-Downtown Disney. The entire club was closed to the public and hosted only Delegates and their guests. A good time was had by all, I know my family and I did! Wednesday nite was Local 311 Delegates Nite Out. Local 311 Delegate got together and shared dinner at Landry's. Thursday nite was our private function at the Epcot World Showplace Pavillion inside Epcot Theme Park. I sent my family but I didn't make this event due mostly because I was exhausted from the long days and short nights up to this point and partly because I felt obligated to do my daily update. Friday nite, because a venue could not be secured that would accommodate the entire Delegation, we had two (2) functions at locations again in Downtown Disney. One function was at Bongos Cuban Café and the other was at the Raglan Road Irish Pub. Again, these two establishments were closed to the public and only hosted Delegates and their guests. Oh, I just remembered, I forgot to mention that all food, drinks (and yes, I mean DRINK drinks), entertainment, and transportation to and from the functions was taken care of by the Nat'l.!! I'm talking about truly, truly, memorable. Then of course, our after the functions gathering spot is the pool and jacuzzi. So I hope you all will be understanding about the untimely updates and I promise to do the remainder as soon as possible.