Shorty after she started working, her boss asked her to clean the restrooms. With her mothers grace she politely declined and offered to quit instead. They teased her, telling her she was too good to clean toilets, in which she stated they simply couldnt pay her enough and she would rather quit. I saw her point, I have trouble using public restrooms and avoid them at all costs. Could I clean them? Hell no. I would have done the same thing. She brought home a "reprimand" from her supervisor. It "jokingly" stated that she was the only white person on the job and therefore thought too highly of herself to clean the restrooms. It stated that since the rest of the crew was mexican, that she apparently thought that the fucking wetbacks would wipe her ass as well as kiss it. (YEA, it really said this) It was filled with foul language and was signed by her immediate supervisor, who passed it off as a joke. I told her to save it, I didnt think it was funny and was obvious harassment.


Shortly after that the sexual comments started. It wasnt just co-workers, but her immediate supervisor that participated. He made several comments about her "nice ass" and other employees made regular comments about her in sexually explicit ways. Mind you that her supervisor is in his 30's, married with two children. That simply means to me that he really ought to know better. Sexual harassment laws are no big secret anymore, and people have been sued for much, much less. It wasnt until this week that she finally had enough to tell me everything that was happening.

One of her co-workers approached her and asked her if she would be willing to have sex with him. She said no. He then asked her if he could pay her for sex. She was very offended but played it off as a joke. She told me about it through tears, how much she has hated this job for that reason, but needs the money to buy herself a car. She told her supervisor about the comment and he asked her if she wanted to have him written up. She said not right now. He told her he would take care of the problem. Why would she have any faith in him to do anything? He sets the stage for this type of behavior. He supervises teenagers, yet participates and encourages sexual innuendo himself. Frequently he makes comments as customers leave that "She was hot, Id really like to f**k her" My daughter has no reason to think that he is serious about stopping the behavior when he is a participant.

There have also been several instances where male employees have slapped her on the butt or rubbed up against her backside in his presence and nothing has been said, in fact, that too is passed of as a joke. She works on a crew that may have one other female, but most frequently she is alone with the males. Go figure, other female employess dont last that long.

So here I sit today, frustrated as hell that the attorneys I have contacted have not responded. I have tolerated alot of the same shit at most of my jobs, mostly because I have no idea how to feed my children and pay my bills if I get fired or quit. The one time I walked out on this type of abuse, I was out of a job for several months. With a one income household, thats a problem.

I took her car shopping last night. We test drove a few and I have decided that if I am able, I will buy her the car. She bought her first one and it took a shit...so now it's up to me to help her. I believe that they should earn the priveledges in life....work for it. But the work this time doesnt necessarily have to be monetary. She has been convinced (as i was too) that 18 is tha magic age. No longer can anyone tell you what to do, or make choices for you. She had plans to move out with her boyfriend and my fear is that she will then drop out and destroy her education. Maybe a high school diploma doesnt mean much anymore, but to me is signifies

Wanted : Farm

Oops, long time since between posts. Ive been doing well, just nothing much to talk about I suppose.

MRLI and I have been getting along beautifully. He has realized that our relationship is a tad more intimate when he's nice, and well......he's been nice and he's being rewarded. (evil smile)

Last weekend I saw the most beautiful thing. I wanted to post about it, but words couldn't even begin to describe the awesomeness. MRLI's former mother in law called and asked him to help her deliver a calf. (Yea, it's not calving season, but apparently these folks breed whenever they feel the urge) I had just gotten dinner on the table when he tells me "it's time." This has happened before and usually I just send him on his merry way to do the deed. Being his sweet self of late, he announces that it could be a learning experience for the kids. Cant say that mine have ever seen a calf be born.

Stepping through piles and piles of who knows what (I didnt want to know) in the dark out in the pasture while being followed by goats and llamas was interesting all on it's own. Its been awhile since Ive been out in true farm land. We made it through the mystery gush to the barn to find momma cow....sack hanging out her backside, full of blood, water and mystery juices.

I sat with the kids on the fence while MRLI roped and wrangled the momma to get her to hold still. Then came the interesting part. Yea, he got to stick his arm up her to pull out the baby. I've never seen such a glow on his face. He was definatley in his element. Who would have thought an arm up a cow would be anyones element, eh?

He got the chain fastened around the foot of the calf and pulled with her contractions. It didnt take long and a life was born. A steaming hot, bloody calf, half stuck in the birth sac. You wouldnt think that would be a pretty sight, slime and all......but I stood there in amazement that MRLI had just helped deliver a life. He pulled the sac from her face, and encouraged momma to come and see her baby. It was mommas turn to take over. It was truly awesome. He glowed for the rest of the weekend.

Happy New Year

It's going to be a Happy New year........I insist. Half of "happy" is in your own outlook right?

We had a great New years eve with some friends. A few glasses of beer\wine, a few hands of poker and a few great stories and jokes and it was over. Not a single argument, or unhappy face. Yippee for us, it was a milestone.

My daughthers car broke down New Years Eve. New years day we went to take a look at the rolling box of junk and it had been towed. It had started to overheat and she pulled it into a gas station parking lot. Afraid to drive it any further she left it there for the night. I now hate all Kwik Ways. After finding out where it had been towed, I politely asked the manager to waive the towing fee, to which she basically told me to screw off. After several phone calls and arguments getting me no where, I decided I should simply wish these wonderful folks a Happy New Year and be on my way. It didnt happen that way. I couldnt bring myself to say a single kind thing to any of them. Especially when they told me that $80 CASH was the impound fee. I don't wish any of them a Happy New Year. But then again, its a convenience store manager.....how happy should I really expect them to be. And the toothless hair lip and his look alike son from the towing company - I hope they use my money as a start for some dentistry or cosmetic surgery.

Today being the first day of the office New Year, we get to work and get a surprise email. I work for a family owned company. This summer the company was to be taken over by the younger generation as the older retired. It sounded fantastic. But the bubble was burst this morning BY EMAIL that after 2 years of being here to learn the ropes, the younger son has cashed in hope and is moving back to a big city with his big paying former job with Mr Gates. So here we sit wondering what our futures hold, with little to no hope of any more explanation than that and just as much information about the plans for the future. I did ask if we will all still have jobs. I kinda need to know that. I dont want to be emailed at 4:30 that the doors are closing tonight at 5.

In even more news, I bought Nicorette. I've been hating my smoking duty. Sometimes I really enjoy a cigarette, but others I am pissed that I HAVE to go through the routine to get my fix. The gum tastes shitty, especially when you dont read the directions first. I thought my throat was closing off and I honestly had a hard time swallowing. Mr Live In is joining me in my efforts, so we both kept saying "ARE YOU HAVING A HARD TIME BREATHING TOO???" I guess we found some comfort knowing the other person thought they were dying as well.

With change comes FEAR. For the moment Im simply counting on my belief that all things work together for good............