Today is one of those days when I kinda wish I had a 'real' job. My head is achy, I'm tired, my back hurts, I desperately need a shower (last night I told Todd I don't even notice the smell of baby barf anymore because I am constantly coated in a small layer of it). I've been in pj's since yesterday morning when we went to story time, only then did I trade in my bottoms for a half hour in jeans. I just noticed I have a boogie friend on my shoulder, god knows how long ago Lucy put him there for me to enjoy. I have dishes to do, a floor to vacuum, toys to (trip over) send to the basement. I am listening to 101 Dalmatians as I type, for the (kid you not) 3rd time in 2 days. I had Rex's leftovers for lunch: chicken quesadillas and Cheetos.
Right now I really want to trade all this stuff in for a good nights sleep and an exotic 9 to 5. I'd love to shower, put on something other than fleece and cotton, dust off my heels, and brave the morning commute. I want to stop at Starbucks and spend a small fortune on a ginormous coffee and a muffin, worrying if my selfish indulgence will make me late. I want to put my two cents in at a meeting, have lunch with a colleague, meet a deadline other than 5pm dinnertime. Ah, to dream...
Instead I will prod on in my current position: volunteer zookeeper.
After a morning spent cleaning cages, I have to give the small animals baths. Then I will have to find a way to get them some exercise, mentally stimulate them, and shower them with affection so they do not eat me alive. Eventually I have to feed them something healthy and in their meal plans. Before I can remove my stained, splattered, and soaked uniform I will have to launder all of their clothing so they will have fresh socks and pocket shirts for tomorrow. When I think I can sit back and relax, one of them will torture some other innocent living thing for no reason and I will have to diffuse the situation and prepare a statement for the bewildered spectators.
At the end of the day I am exhausted. My body is achy, I'm tired, my back hurts, I desperately need a shower. The work is hard and the pay is crap, but I've always loved working with animals. Even more than that huge vanilla late and blueberry muffin.
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