Glorified unemployment

As today was my last day of work (YAHOO!), I feel a little reflection is appropriate. This wasn't a bad summer job. I'd never do it full time, but there are definitely things that I enjoyed. Of course, there were things that I disliked, too. That's why they have to pay you to show up.

Without further ado, here are my reflections.

Things I Shall Miss About My Summer Job

1. Watching the sun rise as I drive east every morning.
   
2. The espresso stand right by the shop.
   
3. Some of my co-workers.
   
4. Sprawling views of the Cascade Mountains, if I’m in the right spot.
   
5. Ample time to read while driving around.
   
6. Generous and thoughtful drivers who stop to give the flaggers ice water and fresh fruit.
   
7. Friendly kids and dogs that run up and beg to play with you while you stand there.
   
8. Feeding horses at the edges of the pastures.
   
9. Being outside all day, getting the best tan (or the most freckles) that I’ve ever had.
   
10. Playing with my walkie-talkie.
    
11. Driving a pickup truck.
    
12. Hourly compensation.

And, of course, the contra of the above list...
Things I Shall Not Miss About My Summer Job

1. 6:30am role call.
   
2. Some of my co-workers.
   
3. Getting lost frequently while driving around.
   
4. Irrational and impatient drivers who scream at you, threaten you, or ignore if you tell them to stop.
   
5. Drivers who manage not to notice three warning signs, a human being clad entirely in orange clothing, or a stop sign, and then slam on the brakes and accuse you of not making yourself visible.
   
6. Roadkill.
   
7. Gutless pickup trucks.
   
8. Having to be dragged back to solid ground by clinging to the back of the truck if one loses one’s balance on a ditch at the side of the road.
9. Reflective and/or orange clothing.
10. In-shop drama.
11. Porta-potties
12. Convinience store lunches.