Mondays aren’t ‘usually’ good news days.  You know how it goes . . . you’re coming off a weekend and the last thing you really want to do is go into work on a Monday.  We still remember graduating from college – a long time ago – and getting that first job.  The feeling is, well, pretty cool.  Having a job before a large percentage of your friends was even better.  Having a job that gave you the luxury of starting when you wanted to was even better yet!  And when the offer letter came in, and we looked at what they wanted to pay us, it was as if the world had stopped spinning on its’ axis and all had aligned with the stars!  “They want to pay me that much to do this?”  For a couple of kids coming out of a small school in East Texas, starting our careers in the summer following graduation was a terrific experience . . . and one that we still remember to this day.

Fast forward about 30+ years and as previously noted, daughter #1 has graduated from the same small school in East Texas . . . and before today, she was looking to drink from the cup of professional employment.  When your passion is kids and teaching is what you’ve been called to do, finding that right fit is all about timing and chemistry . . . and OPPORTUNITY.  Today we learned that she had accepted  her first teaching job – 2nd grade = and will be molding the minds of tomorrow’s leaders this fall.  Wow!  We thought it was a cool experience for us to get OUR first job, BUT it pales in comparison to the exhilaration when your child hits paydirt!  Yes, we had been following the interviewing process, but nothing is carved in stone until it’s carved in stone . . . so when she told us that it was official, we weren’t sure who was more excited. . .her, us or her new boss–the Principal!

While finding the first job isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be, we thought it would be fun to salute this great accomplishment in her life with a bottle of 2010 Finders Keepers Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California.  This Cabernet is deep red with ripe berry and plum aromas, accented by toasty oak and vanilla. On the palate, dark fruit flavors are balanced by silky tannins and a lingering finish.  While it took a little time for the bottle to warm up, once it had been opened for a good 45 minutes, the richness and mellowness of the wine began to really show.  We both agreed that this wine could be even better a year from now, but enjoying it tonight was a good deal as well.  While it’s listed as a Cab, we couldn’t help but peak at its’ other varietals included. . .Merlot is added for the velvety soft tannin structure, and other reds are blended in to heighten spice and complexity.  And priced at less than $11 a bottle, you’ll be impressed enough with this wine to buy more than one bottle; in fact, you’ll probably want a lot more because once you share it with your friends, they’re going to want more!  Enjoyed with food or by itself, Finders Keepers is yet another hidden gem in wines from the Paso Robles area that are terrific deals and delicious to drink

At the end of the day, any time you accept a new challenge, it’s got to make you feel good.  Whether it was us accepting our first career opportunity all those years ago or our daughter taking on her first professional challenge, it’s an amazing feeling.  We’re obviously proud parents and tonight we raised our wine glass to her for tenacity and heart in achieving a dream.  Our wine is a testament to tenacity and dreaming as well, because after all if you find something unexpected and recognize its value . . . well, finders keepers, losers weepers.

Please enjoy your favorite wine responsibly and remember to recycle whenever possible.