OK, so it's been a while

Sorry for the long lack of updates, folks. Going home, unpacking, running around to start the new job. You know how it is.

Speaking of which, my new job is nice. It's my first job that wasn't customer service oriented- (read: For the first time in a while, I'm not running my ass off all day, being a complete sycophant at the expense of my own dignity, pride, and self-respect. There's a difference between being a humble servant and being exploited). Thus far I've just hung out and held a stop sign for the brush cutters, but what's funny is that more time and energy go into preparing the work site (setting up warning signs and such) than actually working in the work site. Then again, I am still used to a job where I'm supposed to at least look like I'm busy, even when I'm not working. On the road crew, our proverbial customers (drivers) don't want or need to see us out and about because it impedes their commute (which is fair enough). So not a lot of time is spent on the road, even if we get a lot of work done.

It only gets scary when people blow past all three blazing orange signs that warn about a flagger ahead and come straight at me at 35+ mph and 1) slam on their brakes and call out in a slightly apologetic, slightly exasperated tone, "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you" or "Wow! That was a surprise!" (what, the three signs, my stop pole, hard hat and glowing vest didn't give me away?) or 2) don't stop at all, which allows for the possibility of a head-on collision in the one remaining lane. My heart has leaped into my throat a few times when people have neglected to stop- a car could be coming straight at them from the other end of the work site. Yikes.

Not a whole lot else to report. I've been reading and hitting the gym during my off hours. I read The Kite Runner- good book. I've just started The World's First Love, the one by Archbishop Sheen about Mary. Many of my friends have read it and recommend it highly, and so far it's really good.