I start orientation with @HomeDepot this morning, having been hired yesterday. It's part time although they will gladly give me as many hours as I would like to work. I'll be working in the garden center, also my choice because I wanted outside physical labor. /1

I'm doing this for a number of reasons. Boredom is certainly part of it. Having completed about every odd job I can find around the house I can't just keep hanging around doing nothing. Normally this time of year I would be knee deep in consulting work with college football. /2

But if coaches and players aren't working them I'm not either so I need to find another outlet. I like to work. I believe in the pride and dignity of work. I like to be around people who like to work. This particular @HomeDepot is always filled with contractors. I admire them. /3

My gym is closed. I told the woman who hired me my ideal job would be loading mulch and dirt into trucks and cars. Her face suggested she does not hear that a lot but my face suggested I was serious so that's going to be my job. /4

Hopefully my skills in cleans and deadlifts will make up for my lack of experience in retail. I think I'll manage. My main reason for taking this job is this overpowering need I have to regain some level of control over some part of my life./5

I am not one to take punches without throwing some back and right now I feel like the world keeps hitting me in the face. It's time to throw a few back and this is my way. You need to find your way too. You'll feel better. /END