1960 Leaf #5 Frank Herrera

It's been a rough few months for me at work.  There were days over the summer when I actually found myself daydreaming about creative and imaginative ways to tell my employer that I was leaving for greener pastures.  In the end though, I did what I've always done whenever I've been faced with adversity at work in the past:  I kept my head down and my pencil moving.

Fortunately, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and my work schedule should return to some semblance of normalcy in the coming weeks.  I'm still daydreaming about greener pastures and perhaps by this time next year I'll have found the courage to jump the fence.  Who knows?

My Dad was used to hearing about the trials and tribulations of my chosen profession.  On more than one occasion, he'd listen to my complaints and remind me that, "this too shall pass."  He was the one who pointed out to me that I wasn't complaining about the "work," but rather the difficult personalities that I had to navigate.  He'd turn my attention to the important things, the stuff that mattered - I have a wonderful little family, I have a roof over my head, I have my health and I'm able to pay my bills.  No matter where I choose to work, there are going to be good days and bad days and there are always going to be people with whom I just don't mesh.  But I like the work, and I'm pretty good at it, so don't let them bring you down.  Smile and know that tomorrow will be better.

After all, he'd remind me, in the immortal words of his mother, my Mom-Mom, "No matter how hard you try, you can't polish a turd."  And I would smile, and I would know it was going to better day tomorrow and I'd realize he was right, as usual.  "You're a lucky man, Jimmy," he'd say.  And it always made me smile to hear him say that.  Because I knew it was true.