From the Editor
I learned early on in my life that work is important. My dad worked in a factory and had multiple “side jobs” to make ends meet. They called it “moonlighting” back in the day.
One of those side gigs was driving a taxi (There was no Uber back then). As a little girl, nothing was more exciting to me than a chance to ride in Daddy’s yellow taxi.
Before surveillance cameras were a thing, my dad also worked as a local department store detective, posing as a customer, but always watching for shoplifters.
My mom also worked outside of the house long before most moms did. At home, there was always work to be done as well. Even at a young age, I was snapping beans for dinner, mowing the lawn, or doing the dishes. The work seemed endless.
As a family we worked hard, but we also played hard.
As a reward for all that work, we had grand picnics and trips to the beach with all the extras. “Work hard, play hard” was our motto.
When I met Bob in college in 1989, it was clear we shared the same work ethic. We bonded over fun, extraordinary experiences during the school year. Going on hikes, exploring caves or flying into the river on a rope swing were some of the adventures we enjoyed around our college campus in upstate Pennsylvania.
When summer came though, it was all about making money. Bob worked hard as a mover and I worked as a summer camp counselor.
Life’s a balancing act. Making money, working hard and being reliable are incredibly important characteristics. But so is being able to enjoy life to the fullest. Doing something that is out of your norm or a bit more adventurous than usual always creates lasting memories.
Somehow Bob and I have managed to still incorporate a good amount of work and fun into our lives. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we both work incredibly long days to prepare Shore Local to go to print. Other days we work less, but always some. Mixed into our week, we grab opportunities to play with our dogs and have adventures.
This issue of Shore Local is dedicated to the workers that keep our corner of the world going. We may take them for granted sometimes, like the gas attendant, the cashier, ride attendant, etc…
Take a moment and imagine how difficult and frustrating our lives would be without them. Our tourist and hospitality industry would crumble without the countless people that come to work everyday to do their part.
Work also gives us purpose, a way that we individually can contribute to our community. If we are lucky, at some point in our lives our passions and work align.
Bob and I are happy to say we are at that point now. However it was a long time coming with years of grunt work, side gigs and doing whatever it took to pay the bills and provide for our family. Every one of those jobs that we may have hated or simply tolerated shaped us into the people we are today.
Difficult jobs and situations often teach us the strength and endurance to get to where we are going. There is value in the journey. However, if you told me that while I was hustling to clean rental houses every Saturday, I may have punched you. Hindsight is always 20/20.
Here’s to the workers that make the world go round. We see you and appreciate you. We know you make sacrifices every day to honor your commitments, support your loved ones or follow your dreams.
If you are out enjoying service this holiday weekend, be sure to show your appreciation with patience, a smile and a solid tip.
Wishing you and yours a restful, relaxing and fun Labor Day Weekend.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
