Day Two Hundred & Twenty-three: 8/28/2023
Well, I think we are officially down two coworkers. Not actually surprised, but it’s quite frustrating. It’s more work for the few of us that showed up to our job. I understand that committing to our responsibilities doesn’t have the thrill as say going to the mountains on a random Monday. However, it is inconsiderate to leave your coworkers in the lurch. Rude!
I’m very curious if we will be able to find anyone that will show up to the school and do their job. It’s not that much to ask. I follow only a few small rules. I show up on time, I put in the bare minimum, and I don’t bring substances onto campus. The basics to not get fired!
Eventually, I survived the shift. Definitely was a struggle to get all of the things done in our allotted time. There was such a mess in classrooms, bathrooms, and the hallways. In just a week, the spaces have already been destroyed. There is a reason that I resent the summer work, because we spend so much effort perfecting the space like a palace. Only to be discarded like a browned banana peel.
I’m happy to report that there are a handful of teachers that have stated outright that they will be enforcing cleanliness in their space. They’re very aware of how we all work and want to ensure there aren't unnecessary messes, or should I say discarded trash spewed all over their classroom. I’m appreciative of their assistance. It requires the effort of all to ensure that we keep a clean space.
Day Two Hundred & Twenty-four: 8/29/2023
Okay! I can be less disgruntled than I was Friday or yesterday. We were able to snag another custodial temp. I’m pleased because it means we won’t strain from all the duties. It’s just too much for two people to maintain the whole school. At least with another person we are able to divide the duties with minimal strife. Granted, I’d like us to be fully employed, but that hasn’t happened since I’ve been in this position.
I don’t know how the district recruits candidates. I know I never aspired to be a custodian, but it's the job that I pursued when my life fell apart. It’s just what I have to do for now. I did submit some more queries to literary agents. Oh! To make The Teal Fairy Fables a thing!
I also got to see my friend today. Aimee Fink, the artist that puts in hours as a substitute teacher. She creates these beautiful pieces of art on the whiteboards. I’m so impressed by her talent. Her husband is a math teacher. Thus she supports their endeavors as a substitute. As much as she can muster, she was a permanent substitute all last spring semester. That's a different tale. Well, we got to catch up and it was nice to visit with her. It did mean that I started my tasks late, oh well, I’ll figure out how to get it all done!
Day Two Hundred & Twenty-five: 8/30/2023
Look at me! Made it to work. I’m proud of myself each day that I get myself together, put on the overalls, and bike the thirteen minutes to work. It’s a whole mental motivation game that I have to play. I have to remind myself that they won’t pay me if I don’t show up to work. This is especially true since we just lost two employees. I’m not that surprised that they left with little to no notice. They’re young and they probably didn’t understand the duties associated with the job. Otherwise, I don’t understand. The job isn’t that bad. There are annoyances of course, but realistically tolerable…for menial labor.
It’s a means to an end for me. I’m trying to dedicate more writing time into my day. Along with the blog, I’ve started working on another writing project. I’m throwing myself back into Magick Caste Archive: Uiree Defiance, Part Three. When I’m working on these things, I’m grateful for the job that I have. I’m able to listen to my audiobooks. The knowledge and expertise that I receive from these formats help me improve my writing skills. Though, the best practice is actually doing it. I have these small breaks and I’m trying to fill in as much writing time as I can, while still putting in the bare minimum
Tonight is “Back to School” night and there are going to be so many people roaming the hallways. It is the first event of the school year. It’s an odd event because it occupies the entire school. So, us custodians aren’t necessarily able to accommodate all of our tasks due to the magnitude of attendees. We just have to wait until they’ve cleared the space or at least settle into an area so we can complete our duties. Doing the best that we can with what we have.
Day Two Hundred & Twenty-six: 8/31/2023
It’s going pretty well today. There are scraps and bits of paper and of course dust and dirt to clean. That is why I’m employed, but most of the trash has managed to make it into the correct receptacles. Which is pleasant, it really is. I appreciate it! I appreciate that some effort is applied, no I should say that I’m appreciative that they are showing respect. As long as they keep this up, I’ll be perfectly prepared to continue my service for the school.
Today was a win! I will at least qualify this day as a win. I made it to work, my other coworkers were also in attendance. I completed all of my duties with minimal strain. The staff and students were kind to me. Nothing else to ask for!
Day Two Hundred & Twenty-seven: 9/1/2023
Another month has passed, August seemed to rush by as if it was a feather in the wind. Rushing by as the gusts increase each day and week. It wasn’t a blur because I was very much awake during the whole process. The point is that I made it. I also made it another week!
I really only have one complaint. The same room that I continue to have issues with, the seventh grade social studies class, was a big mess. I don’t understand why there is ripped up paper, wrappers, and just a slew of trash on the floor. Most were able to be sucked up by the vacuum. The point is that I shouldn’t have to spend fifteen minutes in the classroom. These little BRATS should be picking up after themselves. All of my other classrooms were tolerable, but this one seems to be like a relentless open wound.
There is a slight complaint, or annoyance, that it was so hot today. The temperature outside reached almost one hundred degrees. It felt like the air conditioning was struggling to suppress the heat from within. Summer has officially come to an end, but the fall solstice won’t be here for another three weeks. At least next week will be a shorter week. I’m always grateful for paid holidays!
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