I took two months off from work this year for Paid Family Leave. It was nice and I would do it all over again. I got to bond not only with my new baby but with her older sister as well. Many days were spent at the swimming pool. When my oldest started school I was able to drop her off and pick her up. As I said, it was nice.

So, now I’m on a mission to get even more days off from work. Unsatisfied with the eleven federal holidays already in place, I’m petitioning Governor Jay Inslee to give Washingtonians extra days off in remembrance of key dates in our state’s history.
Photo by Caleb Riston on Unsplash
Statehood Day
Washington became a state on November 11, 1889. While that day is reserved for Veteran’s Day, we could just make it a two-day ordeal in Washington.
Seattle Seahawks v Miami Dolphins
Seahawks Day
Look, I don’t even like the Seahawks but I wouldn’t complain if Washington was given every December 12th off.
Amazon Prepares For Black Friday Sale
Amazon Prime Day
Since the rest of the world benefits from Amazon Prime Day from a consumer standpoint, it seems fitting that Washington, where Amazon was founded and is currently headquartered, would give that day off to residents.
Fall Harvest Underway At Napa Wineries
Wine Day
While Washington has a long and muddy relationship with wine, the true catalyst for the Washington wine scene was the opening of Columbia Winery in 1962. Sounds like June 2 would make a great calendar holiday. I don’t even like wine.
Mount Saint Helens Erupts
Mt. St. Helens Day
While I have been using a very tongue-in-cheek tone up to this point, I want to show my respect to the victims of the Mt. St. Helens Eruption. March 27, 1980, will forever live in infamy not just in Washington, but across the country.
Would you get back to work already?
LOOK: 38 Amazing Actors That Have Called Washington State Home
Sure, Washington is known for Amazon, coffee, wine, apples, grunge music, Microsoft, and Boeing. But you may not know how many actors and actresses have come from the Evergreen State. Yeah, our state has had an impact on the television and film industry. We’ve got A-listers, an Oscar winner, and faces of big franchises.
Check out our list below, I’m sure you’ll find some surprises.