I seem to get the questions about work a lot. You know, how it is, what I do, do I like it, etc. The answers are “hard, demanding, and fun”, “lead volunteers in building houses for the less fortunate”, and “yes.”
It’s a hard job. There’s really no way around it. While at home I may have been doing similar things, I was doing them with my body. The mind was totally abstracted away from me, in the form of directions from Dad. However here I am in charge, to a point. I am responsible for the training, progress, quality and output of my volunteers’ work. It’s tiring, to say the least. Add in a wicked head cold and sinus headache, and I am a very tired camper after work. However, I also work with seven people who are all pretty awesome, for the most part. Plus I really enjoy doing the work. Also I’ve gotten to know and work with some of the homeowners in construction. Rose is a tiny little asian woman who is, simply put, amazing in regard to her abilities and capability to learn. She’s not a hardened laborer or carpenter, but most people (let alone women) her age and position couldn’t be doing this stuff. It’s just refreshing to be working with people who want to be there, who want to make a difference, and who aren’t stuck in this glad-handing allegiance to the company, not the concept corporate mentality like at PIRG.
We also just got a new apartment. We should be moving in this weekend. The denizens will be myself, Travis, Seany Sean Sean Bittinger, and one of the other Americorps members Meghan. It should be a blast, since we are located in the middle of the awesomeness of the Inner Sunset, right around the corner from Naan & Curry and other wonderful dining establishments.
I enjoy the city. A lot. It’s nice to be back in the hubbub again. It can be exhausting, but it’s also so exciting. I hope you all come visit.
justinª