soapboxdiner

Gimme a break (at least one per day, thanks)

Someone said recently, "This *thing* is like a spring; you touch on it and then circle around and hit it again. On and on until you get it."

Good analogy, don't you think? You just keep going round and round touching on the same thing repeatedly until it finally sinks in.

So I've been working as a proctor/test administrator for the employment transition from state to federal administration of the local airports. As the airports are now all federally administered, all the existing employees had to be tested to keep their once state-run jobs. Less than 30% of existing employees passed the test, and an even smaller percentage of new applicants make grade. It's all very hush hush and tight security. No one allowed to even go to the restrooms without escorts.

I've been working as an official potty-patroller. Go me.

So, one of the security officers came up to me today as I was returning from a cash machine in the hotel lobby. He inquired "Which way did you go to the lobby?"

Well, I went through the restaurant. Then I came back through the valet area. Yes, I *gasp* walked outside for 100 yards with my security clearance badge on.

"I'm sorry, but you can't take anymore cigarette breaks outside."

Huh? I'm sorry, did I miss the substantive transition in this conversation?

Well, you can't go outside with your badge on. You have to go through security to get checked.

I'm sorry, but I am working 10-12 hour shifts five days a week. We are given no breaks even to eat. If I cannot have a five minute cigarette break without you thinking I'm running off with FBI secrets, then you can just find another dummy to put up with this 'security lockdown.'

Shit, half of the applicants can't even work a mouse or numeric keypad. And they are worried about me? Phooey. I'm done. There is only so much I will put up with for the sake of employment. And they all think I'm the crazy one.

But it does make one wonder, does it not; when WILL I settle down? It's kinda like that Tootsie Roll Pop commercial. How many licks does it take to get to the center of SBD's happy zone? The world may never know.

And that sounds remarkably like an apology, doesn't it? Like I need to justify expecting some basic (and state mandated) human rights. I'm remarkably good at knowing what I don't want while maintaining a lamentable lack of knowledge of what I do want. Funny how that works.

4:50 pm - 09.25.02
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