Nothing Specific and a Rant

Well, here I am sitting at my computer, not knowing exactly what to post. There is lots of stuff going on around the world that I could very easily post about, but why should I. I mean really...

...people begging for mercy for Scott Peterson's life. Yea..ok.
...Tom Brokaw stepping down from his news anchor post. Good luck Brian Williams.
...Bush going to Canada to 'repair" relations. Yea...ok...sure.
...the fight over who will lead the DNC. Theres a job you want.
...recount fight in Ohio. Yeehaw...more voting stuff.
...Spongebob being stolen from all over the place. WTF? Damn you Plankton!!!
...my RPG publishing company and its launch (or non-launch so far)
...lots of other crap.

We did pretty good at the store over the weekend, so Im happy about that. So far so good as they say.

However, I did have a situation occur the other night that has happened before and it still has me pissed. At a gathering of "friends", we were chatting about work and being tired and such. I made an offhand remark about being "really exhausted" due to my current work schedule. (retail and xmas and the RPG publishing company launch) I said I had been working something like 15 hour days the past week due to the two jobs converging, and I was happy about having the next two days "off", although I would still be working on the company launch. A "friend" of mine replied "Whah...you work in a bookstore."

What the fuck is that supposed to mean?

What? Because I work at a job that I love and enjoy very much Im not allowed to get tired? I dont really "work" because I have a job in a bookstore as opposed to construction or fast food or something like that? That working in retail isnt really a "job" like other jobs because I dont do anything but walk around and sell books in your opinion? Hey you know what....

FUCK YOU ASSWIPE!!!

Yea, I work in a bookstore. I dont work outside in the cold building shit or walk around a prison wrestling prisoners for fun or anything like that. A job is a job. They all have their ups and downs, and the effects of each on a person are different.

My job entails a lot of mental and emotional strain as opposed to pounding in nails or feeding prisoners "grub". Especially at this wonderful time of the year. Nothing like the holidays to bring out the best in customers. It takes a certain level of discipline to do my job. I cant just snap off if someone makes me mad or upsets me. Thats not how I do my job, and thats why I am good at what I do. Add to that the pressure of knowing that if we fail or dont measure up in any way the company wants us too, there is a very good chance that our company will close our store, since there is a nice brand new Barnes & Noble down the road, leaving 7 very highly intelligent and qualified people out of work.

There is also a physical aspect to my job with the moving, unpacking, sorting and shelving of all the shipments we get in, not to mention the constant standing and walking all day long. All of this on top of the fact that I have 1 or 2 bulging disks in my back and two arthritic knees that just love me lifting stuff, bending over, and standing on my feet all day. Yea, I have an easy job.

Now I dont discount the notion that I have a good job that is a lot less "taxing" than some. My father was a roofer for 30 years, and his body is broken and beaten down by all the things he endured over the years. I know what "real" work is...trust me. But just because I work in a job that you dont consider "real" work, dont discount what I do. Its insulting to me and everyone in my profession and we deserve more respect than that.

A police officer for the most part rides around in a car and fills out paperwork. A fire fighter sits around waiting for something to catch on fire so he go spray water on it. A paramedic rides around waiting to get a call to go do something for someone. Simplistically broken down...yes. But you wouldnt say they dont have "real" jobs based on what they do and neither would I. All jobs have advantages and disadvantages; some more than others.

Just respect the fact that I have a profession that you consider "not a real job", but one that you know deep down that no matter how hard you tried or how much work you put into it...you couldnt do or be successful at. I know...you have said so before.

If you read this post, you will know who you are.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get back to "work" building a company from the ground up on my day off from my other job. Just for reference sake though, you are currently sleeping peacefully, preparing to get up and go to your "real" job in a few hours, while I am here at the computer, still working. At 3:30am. In the morning.

Whah...I work in a bookstore.

Gerbil Thought of the Day: If you are going to take the time to steal a giant Spongebob from the roof of a Buger King, dont then turn around and post the damn thing on EBAY for sale!!! You commited a felony dumbass.....and you are making it really easy for someone to find you. Geesh....even Patrick could figure that out.