a few days ago, i was forced to do something for my boss that i felt sorely disrespected for doing. he owns one particular property and was getting health department complaints about flying debris and the trash bin enclosures so me and jeff went to go check it out. after assessing the situation, instead of callin in onyx waste services or some other contractor to take care of it, he asked me and jeff to do it! how could i say no? so we freakin spent the whole day picking up trash from the premises. i was so pissed.

it felt degrading. i couldn't help but think of what other must think of me. they would have never expected me to be a northwestern student. probably some bum who couldn't get a better job. the thoughts were swirling in my head, all these selfish shallow thoughts.

to make the time go by quicker and to think less about the strain it was putting my back and knees the work was doin, i just began to sing out loud all these early 90 oldies that i grew up to.. you know green day, goo goo dolls, oasis, boy 2 men, mariah carey, and some others i forgot.. but boy time picked up so much faster and i felt like i was in my own little world.

as i was finishing up, a teacher by one of the schools walked out toward his car and i adverted my eyes from his gaze.
he said to me: "hey, i just wanted to say thanks a lot for doing this. i know it must not be very glamourous but we really needed it to be done so i thank you so much."

and it really made me feel warm and fuzzy inside to be doin the nitty gritty for our tenants. to make them know we care that their ownership is willing to go to the property themselves and make sure their needs are met. and yeah...that one comment brightened up my day. and it made me realize we need to offer those comments more to the people who do the little odd jobs we take for granted. it probably sucks to do a job day in and day out and almost live an invisible life to the ones you serve. it's nice to get genuine appreciation every now and again