Friday, February 29, 2008

Haiku Friday: Our light

Who else got their free McDs this morning? I couldn’t resist. There is a McDonald’s on my way to work. I got a medium ice coffee in Hazelnut and a free Sausage McSkittle. Is it really stupid that I just started drinking coffee drinks (not regular hot, make-at-home coffee) at the age of 34? Isn’t that like starting to smoke sometime after, say, 22?

I am an office bee, an advertising/marketing copywriter and sometimes journalist –– in case you wanted to know, I sit at a desk most of the day. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am. I was reminded today on the way to work. Twice.

The service was a little slow this morning at McDonald's. I waited a few minutes to place my order. I didn’t mind as the manager kept apologizing to me. Plus, she forgot to turn off the intercom, so I could hear what was going. This is just part of what I heard.

Manager to other workers: I need you to stay on the fryer, Janet’s doing service. I need her there. Herbert should be in any time now.

Manager to me: I’m sorry again; we’re running just a little behind. I’ll be with you in just a second.

Phone rings, Manager: Hi, Herbert. (pause) Is everything okay? (pause) You’re not going to be here until 9 a.m.?!? I really wish you had called in sooner. Please get here as soon as you can.

Manager to me: Ma’am thank you so much for your patience. What can I get for you today?

Wow, she has to deal with that every week for 60 hours for 22K a year and crappy benefits and she is still gracious to her workers and me? Also, sadly enough, as a teen I was Herbert. I didn’t show up, was late, quit without notice. She probably worked harder in those five minutes than I worked all week. Hats off.

Less than a block later, I saw a huge line of people and wondered what was happening. I assumed a work strike, but didn’t see any placards. I slowed down and rubbernecked. It was the assistance office. People were lined up at 7:45 a.m. in the freezing cold to get their checks. I know some take advantage of the system and it makes me mad, but really, what are they getting out of it? The means to get by with no chance of advancement. That’s not much of a free ride in my book.

I felt a little sad today while heading in to work. I know I shouldn’t feel “sorry” for people. Perhaps the manager at McDs makes enough money to support her family and sees her job as an exciting challenge. Her face told a different story. In any case, I hope there is something special waiting for her at home when she gets off work.

Here is our sunshine after a long day at the office. Another reason I am so lucky. Happy leap day and have a great weekend!


Our light

Can’t wait to come home
And play with our little boy.
Forget drab office.

On a long hard day,
there’s a light shining at the
end of the tunnel.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a sweet light he is.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree. They do make all the yuck vanish.

Kat said...

That is a sweet and beautiful haiku with the perfect pic to go along with it. Well done!

Joyce said...

This is my first time visiting your blog. Very sweet haiku. :)

Toni said...

What a little blessing! Great ku and Happy Friday!

Anonymous said...

what a great picture! and a great way to start the weekend.

Danielle said...

Love the picture! Your blog header made me giggle too.

Happy Friday!

Scylla said...

A lovely light at the end of the day, so cute!! Wonderful Haiku, thank you!

Anonymous said...

Awwww...the picture was perfect for this haiku! Loved it!

storyteller said...

I didn’t know about the free McDonald’s thing but would have passed anyway. I’m not much for fast food these days. Lovely photo and ‘Ku!
Hugs and blessings,

Cathy said...

Love the light at the end...very cute!

Phyllis Sommer said...

very sweet haiku:-)

Anonymous said...

That is why we should always remember to be thankful....others have so much less. Also, we should be nice to others more...we have no idea how hard their lives may be.

A

Anonymous said...

Working in the restaurant industry was one of the reasons I tried so hard in school...I didn't want that to be my LIFE.

Very cute haiku, and so true! Perfect picture, too!

Anonymous said...

He's gorgeous. :)

Anonymous said...

What a cutie to come home to!

Happy Haiku Friday!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful haiku and great reminder of how lucky we are to have our lights!

Marketing Mommy said...

I'm also an advertising/marketing copywriter and I feel SO LUCKY to be well compensated AND doing something I love.

Momisodes said...

Oh that is such a sweet haiku! What a great picture to accompany too :)

Drat! I missed the free McDonalds food last week :(