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.