Drive me away

Lilith asked me what became of my driving transportation of kids after the disaster last weekend when I drove kids to and fro.

It's funny she asked. I was sure I would get fired. I figured I would get fired outright, or get the 'quietly fired' where I wasn't asked to drive anymore- just let to quietly slide off the list. I wasn't particularly upset by the thought of either, actually.

But what did happen was... well, hang on.

I got an email, along with a bunch of other people who drive, telling us we need to have a training class on how to work with difficult kids. It's a nationally renowned program (I don't want to name it here in case someone at work would Google it and lead to here) that in mental and physical ways lets you learn to handle kids mentally and physically when necessary. The course runs 8 hours a day over 4 days. Then there are annual re-certs that last 2-3 days each.

I also need to update my first aid/ CPR through the American Red Cross.

I can't drive anymore until I complete this. This is because of our federal licensing agency. I was told in the email, and in person, that I apparently slipped through the cracks, along with several other drivers. It will be interesting to see who all commits to doing this.

My company is offering a class next week and will pay me but I'm not doing it. I don't know if I want to drive anymore anyway. And to be honest, I got a down and dirty training course because I work at the school and I understand what I'm to do; the down and dirty version doesn't count for drivers, though. Also, this training is NOT geared to take place in a car. If I have to use these skills, I better be pulled over on the side of the road and calling for help. AND next week is an entire week off with pay from the library- my first week of summer vacation that I've worked hard for, I think. I am NOT giving up all all 4 days of vacation for this nonsense.

It's utterly ridiculous. There are a bunch of people who aren't going to drive anymore because of it.

I'm going to wait this one out and see if the company will stick to it or not. I think they'll be in such desperate need of drivers they'll find a loophole.

So I wasn't fired, nor quietly ignored. I'm just told I don't have the "right" credentials to do this. Yeah, right.

Maggie

The drive from Hell Part II

I will admit that it wasn't as bad as Friday.

When I went to pick up the car, I found I was assigned the crappy van. It sits up very straight and very close to the steering wheel. even though I'm short I have long legs and can never sit far enough away from the steering wheel.

Then I had to call and tell all the families when I'd be there BECAUSE apparently the case worker who arranged this farce told them all I'd be there between 4-7pm when I specifically told her I would be leaving Alcatraz at 11:30 am unless she wanted to get another driver.

One kid had no phone number so I have to call his case worker at home and then go in the case workers office to find the number. While getting the number I noticed that he also gave me the wrong address for the same kid (and the wrong directions) so I fixed that.

And I didn't have a correct phone number for the girl who caused all the trouble the other night so the person in charge said he would text me her number in a little bit (he did about 10 minutes after I left so I called and left her a message on her atrocious voice mail).

I finally started my vehicle and the gas tank was empty. By now I was pissed. The rules is that drivers top off tanks when we get back. The last person who had that van didn't do it. If they got back after closing hours, then the person who opens in the morning at the reception desk didn't bother to check to see if the late returns were fueled up. So now I'm already running behind because TWO separate case workers didn't do their jobs and NOW I had to take time to pump gas. I was pissed.

I finally got on the road and made up some time, and got to the first kid's house- the girl who caused all the trouble and guess what? She wasn't home and her mom couldn't reach her. I called my facility and said she jerked me around the other night and I was leaving. I had one other boy to get in that town and then I was heading to the capital. I told them no one ever does anything to give these parents or kids consequences and I was going to be fired anyway, so screw her. The man in charge said he completely understood and to go ahead and go.

I get the other kid and am just ready to head out with the VP calls me. He said he told to Problem Child's mother and said she had 10 minutes to produce her child for me to pick up or they were calling the cops on all of them. He asked me to go back and if she wasn't there that time, then to leave. so, I drove back across town and lo and behold- she was there. She was pissed and cussing and swearing a blue streak but there.

The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful. On boy's family was supposed to meet me in a parking lot. They live in the southern part of my state and this parking lot was the half way point for them and me. I called and said I was there and the dad said they were behind by 90 minutes. I just said "You have to take your kid all the way to [Alcatraz] yourself. I 'm ready to leave now and I have about kid to get." The dad didn't argue and said okay.

It rained the entire time. And today was graduation for a HUGE state university and I happen to be in that town to get a kid so traffic was pretty hellacious.

Other than being hungry the kids were fine, even the pissy gal from the other night. We talked and listened to music and it only took 6.5 hours.

Man, I am tired....

Maggie

Random observations from my drive yesterday

I drove kids home yesterday for Spring Break (these would be Alcatraz students). I had to go to the southern part of my state. I can't believe what a difference it is in weather. It was so warm there and all their spring trees had started flowering. I don't just mean little buds and getting ready to bloom but in full bloom cycle. It time would've allowed I would've taken pictures. And let me tell you, it made me crave spring even more.

I was dropping off Princess on this run and she was a pistol. She could've starred in the movie Mean Girls. And she was in full tilt flirt mode because there were---- *gasp* boys on the bus! I was actually happy to get her off. I feel terrible about saying that but then I was relieved because I feel that way about Mac so I know I love them both.

I drove 700 miles yesterday.

Finally I want to admit I was a real idiot/ bitch last night. I was finally heading for home from my transport. I had about 2 hours to go so I stopped at a Starbucks. I ordered my favorite drink. Because I'm a gold club member I get a discount. Because I was driving for work, I had an "expense account" so I wasn't going to have to pay for the drink out of my own pocket. So, I had the guy at the counter still scan my card to get the discount but specifically said to not use the balance on my account. While he was doing this, I had been talking to another barista about my long day and what I had been doing and this guy was listening. He was new and he screwed up. He called a manager over to fix it but couldn't. He said he used the balance on my account and was sorry. I rolled my eyes at the guy and said, "Didn't I ask you to not do that?" And he said yeah and apologized. I said something like, "Well, that's par for the course of my day. My company won't reimburse that. Great. Thanks." I was.... snotty. As I get my drink and turn to leave the guy stops me and gives me a coupon for a free drink of my choice and says, "I"m sorry I used the 67 cents on your card. Here's a free drink for next time." Ummmmmmmm, 67 cents. 67 cents????? Oh shit, I was a bitch over 67 cents? I mumbled an apology and said thanks many times. I sat in the car and tried to figure the 67 cents when it dawned on me I used my card the day before when I was out with XRay Girl; I didn't have $5 on there at all. Ooops. I felt like an idiot.

Driving that long makes my right hip hurt.

Maggie

Leftover blogcake

A long time ago when I first started blogging, a blogging buddy used the term "blog cake" when he had a post that was nothing but just random thoughts. When I went to title this post, I thought of him and his blogcake words and the idea of left overs because of yesterday and hence the post title.

Time is running out. Today, before 6pm, is the last time anyone can go vote for me as one of the top blogs of 2010 at the Blog Guidebook. I'd appreciate the votes, please! Click on the badge at the bottom of this post to check it out! And to vote for me! Please!

And I am loving all the suggestions of things I should do before I turn 40 years old. Please keep those ideas coming. I thought I would post the final top 40 on Monday but since ideas are still rolling in, I'll wait. But feel free to hit my 40 for 40 post and throw in your 2 cents!

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the States, and nothing says "thanksgiving" better than Burlesque (the 196th movie I've watched this year). Yeah, I actually went to see that yesterday! With Daddy-O and Mac. I went because I like movies, Mac went because he's intrigued by musicals, and Daddy-O went because he loves Cher. It was good, too! The musical numbers were awesome, and the costumes and makeup were amazing. I wish I could do my hair and make up like that daily... and look normal, anyway. I also saw Love & Other Drugs. On a date as friends with ITSam. Why do I hear cries of bloggers everywhere hollering reminiscent of Ricky Ricardo: "Maggie, you got some splainin' to do!"? The movie was good. It was a romantic comedy of sorts with lots of naked in it. And sex talk and bad words, but it was really good!

Other than the movie, Thanksgiving day was normal, for me anyway. I slept in, which I think it the best start to any holiday. We also had dinner at Bro and SisIL's; wonderful hosts, great meal (well done SisIL!), good times. And I got to play kissie-face with my niece and nephew, of course! Right now the niece is in the Terrible Twos and hates all of us except her mom, which is okay because the Divine Ms K is well... 2. Duh. My 6 month old nephew loves everyone and he is the smiliest guy. They are both adorable.

I have a 4 day weekend due to the holiday. I am also greedy; therefore, I don't "have have" 2 days off. I agreed to work at the front desk doing my secretary thing at Alcatraz today. THEN I was called and asked to drive a transport. Many of the Alcatraz kids have earned a chance to go home for a few days over the holiday but they need to be picked up on Sunday. Awhile back I said I would be willing to haul kids around but I'd never been called to do it. I agreed to pick up three of the kids, one of them being PRINCESS! So, even though I have a 6 hour drive one way to go get her, I still get to hang with her Sunday. And get paid to do it. In a company car. So it's win win all the way around. The only thing I did was blow my 4 days weekend down to 2 days. Oh well! It's just 3 weeks until Christmas vacation! I can take some time off then!

Other than working tonight and the transport on Sunday, my big plan for the holiday weekend is to see more movies, if I can. I want to see Harry Potter 7 part I, and Morning Glory. I want to see Unstoppable and The Next Three Days but those aren't the I WANT TO SEE THEM NOW films like the first two I mentioned. Maybe I'll get to 'em. I want to finish a small knitting project as well. I also want to sleep in. I need to clean my room, clean the garage, do laundry and organize my closest but that feels so much like work.