By Michael Strickland

Twenty Years Twenty years ago today, I gained a new sister. I'm the "baby" of the family, so no, she wasn't a sister by blood. But when my brother took her hand in marriage on October 1, 1983, she became a welcome member of our family. The 20 years since have seen their share of laughter and tears, anger and bliss, making her part of our family by heart as well as in name. And even setting all that aside, she has made my brother a happy man and given us all a nephew/grandson, so she has an honored place in our family. It seemed to be love at first sight for these googly-eyed lovebirds. They couldn't even wait for me to return from my year abroad in Honduras to get married—can you imagine? Despite this slight slight, they've treated me with love and kindness over the years, making me welcome in their home on many occasions. Today, 20 years after they exchanged vows, I offer my gratitude—and my congratulations. Happy Anniversary!   ©2003 Michael Strickland ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

What is "The Daily Strick"? I have long called myself a writer, but too often I don't do what a writer must do daily: write. So you, dear reader, are the beneficiary of my resolution to make a positive change in at least one area of my life. Every single day of this new year (almost), I will write something, anything, and post it here. It is my intention to use this daily exercise to jump-start my too-long-dormant creative energies, and perhaps generate some worthwhile material this year. Hopefully you will find at least an occasional amusement or insight in my daily musings. Send a Comment October Columns: 10/31: Halloween's History 10/30: Good GDP, Still No Jobs 10/29: Disaster 10/27: Ash Monday 10/26: En Fuego 10/25: Diving in the Desert 10/24: Dead Car Canyon 10/23: Reflections 10/21: Le Métro 10/20: Pain 10/17: Jury Duty 10/15: Labor Pains 10/14: The Business of Losing 10/13: Owls and Jobs 10/12: Hooked 10/11: The "S" in SUV 10/9: Flee the City 10/8: Sore Losers 10/5: Turkeys 10/4: It's Not the Economy, Stupid 10/2: Focus 10/1: Twenty Years Previous months in The Archive Like what you've read? Find more good reading on (and support future Daily Stricks!)