Work, Cook, Sit

It's been a little over a week since my last post, and honestly, I don't have much to talk about.

...

I'm still loving my new job. I still have a long way to go until I'm entirely comfortable with what I'm doing, but I'm enjoying the learning process, and the work I have to do has been more interesting and fun than tedious.

*****

I haven't cooked anything real in a long while. Sure, I've heated up several things to form a somewhat healthy yet preservative-overloaded meal. Last night was packaged london broil with au jus, pierogies, and broccoli with cheddar sauce. See what I mean? Protein, starch, veggie... but also fat and plenty of hydrogenated whosiwhatits. Ah well. I made up for it tonight by making a version of HG's Famous Bowl, with enough leftovers to afford me two more servings. PLUS, since I made Italian seasoned/broiled chicken instead of the breaded fake chicken, I can make some pasta and sauce and then I will have even MORE meals! Go me!

*****

Walking into home improvement stores immediately puts me in a foul, foul mood. I don't know if it is the smell of wood/tools/mulch or the high, expansive ceilings and loud, echoing announcements, the fact that if you can actually find someone to help you, he never actually knows how to help you, or that I resent the fact that I ever have to go to these stores in the first place because I either want everything to be done already or for it to get done without my involvement. Take your pick, I guess.

Anyway, Alex and I went to such a store this weekend, and we realized that we can probably redo our half-bath downstairs for under $300. This includes a new pedestal sink to replace the nasty, mildewy cabinet/sink combo that is there, tiles to replace the DISGUSTING carpet (why the eff would someone carpet a bathroom?!?!?!), AND a mirror and light fixture! Why haven't we done this already?! We are L-A-Z-Y! We are waiting until next weekend when we'll have the cash (CASH!) to pick everything up, and hopefully my dad will help us out with the plumbing and electrical stuff. The best part: Once the downstairs bathroom doesn't skeeve me out, I will use it way more. Because it has a fan. If you get my... drift.

*****

And while we're talking about home improvements, something needs to be done about our couch situation. When I moved into my apartment, I bought lovely furniture. When Alex and his bozo friends helped move me out of my apartment, they refused to take the legs off the couch, and instead opted to remove the railing from the stairwell instead. The outcome: My couch was punctured by the railing hardware, which they left there, and the upholstery ripped. I don't know how to fix it, and I don't want to pay to have it reupholstered, and it hasn't been much of an issue because we've been using a hand-me-down couch from Alex's boss. It is an issue now because the couch's stench of dog has gotten increasingly worse, even with regular Fabreezes (extra strength, even), and you can smell it from anywhere in the living room. I know it's our own fault-- we should have never even let the dog on the couch. But what's done is done, and now it's where she sleeps. I want to bring in my couch from the garage, but I don't know how to mend the rip (I am scared that just sewing it will rip the fabric more, as it is pulled so tightly), and even if I do manage to come up with a solution (iron-on patch covered by a decorative throw?), I don't know how to keep the new couch from getting doggy smelly. The short version: Our current couch smells, our other, non-smelly couch is ripped, I want a new couch.

*****

I guess for someone with nothing to talk about, I managed just fine.

Sigh of Relief

After an attitudy phone call from the personnel lady last week claiming, "If you don't turn in your paperwork, you WON'T get paid next week," I promptly made the trip over to her office to turn in my shit. Just about the only way to get me to complete paperwork in a timely fashion is to threaten my bank account. P.S. I haven't told this to anyone ever, but the only true critique (an "X" in the "Unsatisfactory" box) on my final evaluation from The Suck-Ass District in Which I Used to Work had to do with that very issue. Weird, no one ever said anything to me about it, so I thought they didn't notice... Achem. Anyway. So I turned my stuff in at New and Awesome District, where I was gently scolded and told that I'll have to wait 60 days to get benefits because I missed the deadline, but that I would, in fact, get paid on time.

And thank goodness I did, because sheesh, unemployment is nice dough to get when you don't have a job, but it doesn't match what you get paid on a regular salary (at least, mine didn't) and because of the stupid water-losing, leaf- and dead-mouse-collecting, expensive chemical consuming pool some reason, we spend a lot more money in the summer.

I also opened a high-yield savings account so that come next summer I will have enough saved that I don't have to feel guilty for not working. THEN, if I decide to take some home therapy hours or do summer school, we'll have enough cash to hire a painter or go on vacation invest in a very impressive portfolio. Or something.

*****

Week 1 of the job is over, and I still love it. I am getting more comfortable with the whole program, learning how to get the most out of each of my aides (who are great anyway), and did I mention how freaking cute my kids are? So fun!

Rearing to Go

Yesterday was my first full day with kids, and ohmygodpeople these kids are so fucking cute. They are tiny and sweet and say hilarious things. Yesterday I mostly just let them play, so I could see what they like, how capable they are, what they know, how much they talk... The day was awesome. I will be placing a few more demands on them today, so we will see if any major behaviors emerge. I hope I'm not jinxing myself by saying so, but I think I have a great group.

My eyes popped open 30 minutes before my alarm today, and for the first time in several years I didn't grimace and roll over. My head wasn't flooded with anxious thoughts. I didn't think, "Ugh, I don't want to go to work today."

I simply woke up and started my day.

Validated

There were several rumors circulating about the superintendent in my former district: "he is an asshole" was at the top of the list, followed by vague notions about short-lived stints in a number of districts, sexual harassment, and a dislike of anything having to do with special ed departments. I can vouch for the being an asshole thing, and as it turns out, I'm not the only one.

As it turns out, one of the other special ed teachers in my new school used to work in a district where the same supt worked. She had had coworkers who experienced the sexual harassment, and she actually had issues very similar to mine-- he had it out for her, and just before tenure, she was not renewed. She had never gotten a bad observation, yet when she asked for a reason in writing (so she could collect unemployment), he cited poor performance. She ended up getting a lawyer to handle it all.

I'm not glad all this happened to her, but I am glad that it didn't only happen to me! And if she and I randomly ended up in the same school and both have had problems with this guy... imagine how many others there must be out there!

A little more detail

When I left my last job, I thought to myself, Well at least I can feel confident knowing that no job I end up with could possibly be as difficult as this was...

And then I went ahead and got the one job that might just be even more difficult.

I don't know a lot about how web searches work, but I'm hoping that if I link to this site and this site, you will be able to put two and two together (or one and one together?) and figure out the population I'm teaching and none of my students' parents will land themselves on this page to read about how scared shitless I am to teach their children.


I don't know what made them choose me, other than desparation, because like I said: SCHOOL STARTS IN A WEEK. They are a desirable district with hundreds of applicants for any given position. Apparently school jobs are hard to come by, if you haven't heard.

I do think this job will be more fun. I think the kids, even if more difficult in certain ways, will be sweet. I don't think they will disrespect me (on purpose) like my previous students did because they are young and (from what I've heard) their parents teach them better. The parents are involved in their children's education, know about their disability, and work at home to renforce what we do in school. Will they be a pain in the ass? I am certain of it. But at least they care.


Essentially, I will be teaching these kids how to communicate through speech and sign and, well, just about any other way I can. How cool is that? How scary is that?

It's Official!

Phew! I met with the superintendent today, and she spoke with me as if, duh, I already had the job. "Have you introduced yourself to your building principal?" Ummm... no... because I didn't want to walk into his office and say, "Hi! I'm Jess, and I just might be a new teacher in your school!"

But anyway. Relief. And a touch of I Think I'm Going To Shit My Pants.

School starts in a week (OMG!) so I will let you know how it's goes!

*****

Alex and I went on a dinner cruise last night. It was just okay... mostly older people with a mediocre buffet and a cheesey DJ. It was kind of like a bad wedding. But on a boat.

We spent most of the evening drinking on the deck. Perhaps the most exciting part of the night was when I was cold and Alex offered me his jacket. As we were sitting there I happened to feel something in the pocket... a small, square box. I thought, Could it be??? Is he going to propose to me tonight???

And I waited and waited, and kept looking around giving people the evil eye so they would go away, because surely he was just waiting for some privacy.

And then the ship docked and we left, and I had no ring on my finger. Maybe he just decided that it since it wasn't quite what we were expecting, he is going to save it for another time? Still, I HAVE to see that ring...!!!

So when we got home, I waited until he went to the bathroom, and I snuck a peek inside the box, and...




It was a 5-year pin from his workplace that he received at last year's holiday party.

Hrumph.

Chaos!

Okay, so it's been a two days since the elation of my previous post, and I'm past yesterday's nail-biting stressfullness, and if you are wondering why I'm posting at 6:30 in the morning it's because I'm about to go to Not Work.

Apparently there was a little mixup. Maybe? I dont know. Perhaps?

I was definitely offered a teaching job on Tuesday afternoon. Nothing about the conversation I had with the woman makes me doubt that it was an actual offer, and she said nice things about there being a lot of discussion about the candidates but that the overall feeling was that my heart and head were really in it and Would You Please Come to the Job Training Sessions on Thursday and Friday? You know. For this job we're offering you?

I alerted just about everyone I know to my good fortune, celebrated with a glass of wine, and slept easy for the first night all summer.

THEN: While shopping with my mom yesterday, I received a phone call from the superintendent's office of the same district, asking to set up A Second Interview!!! "I was under the impression I had the job," I stammered. To which the secretary snottily replied, "Well I'm sorry if you got that impression... only the superintendent can make that decision... We have an opening on Monday." "Uh... but I was asked to go to this training..." "Well a meeting with the superintendent is a little more important than whatever training you're supposed to go to!" "Okay, pencil me in at 10... so... should I still go to the training?" *Huge Sigh... I'll have to find out and get back to you."

So hours go by during which I become testy with my mom and some lady at Home Depot who lost my window measurements.

I'm finally called back, and am told that I need to understand that I should not have been told I already had the position, that the final decision comes down to the superintendent, and I am welcome to attend the trainings if I'd like, but that I will not know if I have the job until after Monday.

My mom and some of her teachery and administrativey friends believe this is all just a formality; why would they ask me to attend the training if I wasn't the only candidate being recommended to the superintendent? Apparently only the sup can legally offer a job and discuss salary, but it would be nice if someone would just tell me if this is all a formality, or if I am getting up at 6 to show I am a go-getter by attending a training for a job I may not have.

Also, as if this wasn't all enough to think about, a former coworker who now works for another district searched out my phone number through mutual contacts and called me at home last night in an attempt to poach me from my ex-district. Wasn't she pleased to find out I am actually looking for a position! She has been asked to recommend someone (apparently the candidates they have interviewed thus far are... concerning), and thought immediately of me; she'd love to work with me again; the class sounds really nice, as does the school, and will I come in for an interview?

Oh, and um, Alex's ex-almostgotmarried-highschoolsweetheart works somewhere in the district, possibly in that school, but he's not sure.

...!?!?!?!

And that's where I am right now. In summary: Two possibilities, no certainties, up too early, and SCHOOL STARTS IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!!! Also: Alex's ex-girlfriend.

osdjghsdfvbs;dfnsofnvf!!!!!!!!

I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!! I GOT A JOB!!!!

Details to follow! Too excited now!

Seven and Counting

I had another interview on Wednesday. It was just a temporary position, from September to December, but the school is 10 minutes from my house, and the age group and position were ideal, and who knows what kind of doors a long-term sub job might open up.

The interview itself wasn't terrible, but they kept asking me about programs I don't have any experience with. And the weirdest thing that happened was that they made me write an essay! Say whaaa? They literally interviewed me and then stuck me at a desk in the teacher's lounge and asked me to write an essay about the importance of effective parent-teacher communication in an elementary school. It said "Writing Sample" at the top, and I felt like I was back in high school. And if that wasn't awkward enough, there was a huge clap of thunder and the power went out and I was sitting in a pitch black room with no windows and two more sentences to write. I looked around wide-eyed, but obviously that didn't help anything. Within 20 seconds, the generator and flood lights went on, I finished up and hightailed it out of there. Then, I got stuck at the enterance of the building because I was afraid to walk to my car though the torrential downpour (is that redundant?) for fear of getting hit by lightening. The principal who had just interviewed me kept passing by and saying, "stay as long as you like!" And I was tempted to say, "Well I'd like to stay through December..." But I settled for my nervous, "Thanks. Huh huh."

Confessions

There is a blog share going on, and although I'm not a part of it, I did read a bunch of the entries, and I guess it made me feel like I need to share something important. Below is my own non-anonymous blog share.

I like the act of teaching, but I don't like the stuff that goes with teaching. The planning, the paperwork, the observations, the attempts at parental communication... During my three years of teaching, I often wished I was an aide instead. I wanted someone to tell me what to do; I wanted to work with kids, but go home at the end of the day and have nothing work-related to do until the next morning. I often wonder if the shit that went down this year happened so that I would get out of teaching entirely.

This scares me because I don't know how to do anything else.

Since we have been together, Alex has been talking about starting his own business. He sees this (my jobless days and dead-end interviews) as the perfect opportunity to start something up. He has a good idea, and it's something I would enjoy following him into. If he said that he and his brother were going to start the business, I'd be wholly supportive and do anything I could to help. But the fact is that he still works 12-hour days, and so the start up of this whole thing is going to fall on me.

If I knew how to run a business, I'd be okay with this. I do have the time, and truthfully, I've been a little bored, and if there were an enjoyable way to be spending my time that might earn us a little money, or hell, even earn us a lot of money if we do it right, I would be totally on board. Instead, I imagine stress and panic attacks and although the start-up cost is minimal holy shit what if this doesn't work and then I also don't have a job and now we're really in the shit?

On the other hand, I don't want to ever regret not doing this. I don't want to end up in a job I'm not thrilled with and wish that we had just gone for it, but not be able to quit because we need the money.

I wonder which is worse: To go for it and fail, or to never go for it at all?

AHH!

Today I received 4 phone calls from potential employers. I have an interview tomorrow, 2 scheduled for next week, and one secretary who is supposed to call me to set something up, also for next week. Holy crap, people! 1) I hate interviews. 2) Alex is off next week and we were supposed to go down the shore, and what if we don't make it at all? 3) I really need a job, so I should not complain about that.

Interview 1

I had my first (hopefully not last) interview today. Actually, as I was on my way out the door, another district called to "pre-screen" me for their official first round of interviews. The second the guy started asking me about my past and my reasons for leaving Past District, I got all nervous and my voice started shaking. After his call, I tried to think of a good answer for the Actual Interview I was on my way to, but I still think I fell short on that one. Other questions I think had suck-ass answers:

• What do you consider your biggest triumph and your worst failure?
• What was one of the suggestions on a recent evaluation?
• What would you have done differently at your past job?
• What do you know about APA? (At least this one is easily researched.)

Because I no longer want to dwell on these questions (today, anyway), I am going to tell you about my appearance... because I looked fabulous. I can't find the links to anything I wore, so you'll have to use your imagination.

• Dress: Navy blue faux-wrap. Cotton fabric textured with tiny navy dots. Wore with a white cami, but when I am not trying to get a job, it shows just the right amount of a little too much cleavage.
• Shoes: Red leather heals with a rounded toe and a skinny red leather bow. If they were a little higher, they'd be sort of pin-up style.
• Accessories: the usual little diamond necklace from Alex, but also a chunky wooden bracelet, bright yellow with painted red flowers. (I had to add another color so I didn't look like I was trying to be red, white and blue.)
• Bag: Light brown leather clutch.
• Etc.: Nails were OPI Sweetheart (a sensible pale pink), and even my hair came out great thanks to the low humidity and my new dryer.

I almost wish employers gave positions based on appearence, because I know I looked hotter than the chick who walked out as I crossed the parking lot to go in.

Seeking

So I finally sent my resumes out today, which is pretty bad considering my cover letters are dated June 8. I sent 56 of them. Plus I emailed everything to three schools. I have an interview at a really competitive district on Wednesday and am freaking out. I am still struggling to come up with a non-bullshit sounding answer for the inevitable question, "Why did you leave your former position?" I can't put the emphasis on the district's faults, but I can't put them on my own, either. And I feel that something generic like, "I am looking for a change," seems contrived and shady. Especially if I say that, and then they follow up the question with, "Did you resign or were you nonrenewed?" Then what? I can't lie. Grr. Suckage.

Anyway, tomorrow will be spent pouring more money into this job-seeking venture. Nails, brows, an outfit (last time I went through interviews, I weighed about 30 lbs less)... On top of the $60 I've spent on stationery and stamps, not having a job is costing me a lot.

P.S. Today I applied for unemployment.

*****

There was a dead chipmunk in the pool today. It was gross and I had to fish it out and throw in chemicals, and um, I threwitoverthefenceintotheneighbor'syardWhat?!

Sigh of Relief

Yesterday was my last day, or hours, actually, and I spent them at the elementary school. People I hadn't seen since I was transferred kept commenting on how wonderful and "healthy" I look. That normally led them into asking if I have lost weight. Just off my shoulders, I'd reply.

It is amazing to me that I am unemployed, have no idea what is to come as far as career and income, and am still so much happier than I have been. This might change if September comes and I still am jobless and we can't pay the mortgage, but for now...

Ahhhhhhhhhh...

Several Smiling Emoticons

Including today and tomorrow...

Approximately 10 hours left in district!!!!

Phew

I worked up the courage today to go to my old building and ask the principal if it would be "unwise" of me to list him as a reference when I send out my resumes this weekend. I was particularly nervous, because as I was making the rounds when I first got there, he caught me in the hall and asked me suspiciously where the kids' report card files are, as if I spitefully deleted all student records from the computer when I left. I informed him that it should be on the server just like it has been since September, and that perhaps the new teacher is just unfamiliar with the systems. I kinda gave him a little attitude, so I was relieved when he told me that it would not be unwise to list him, and that he appreciates all I did for the district, and that he knows it was a tough year, and that he will even (if anyone asks) say that I left because I "wanted a change." How cool is that? Now I feel much more confidant about sending out all my stuff and being able to walk with my chin up into an interview.

I Know I'm Not the Only Complainer

My classroom thermometer only has numbers up to 90, but it was way hotter than that, and I am pretty sure that if it got any hotter, the red liquid inside (what is that stuff, anyway?) would have busted through the top, a la a Loony Toon with a fever. The hallway was slightly cooler, and walking past any open classroom door was like walking through dragon breath. A lot of un-A/C'd schools had half days today, but not us. Learning! Is too! Important! So they put on Happy Feet in the air contitioned auditorium and we sat in there.

*****

Ha! Pee-wee's Big Adventure is on HBOFE (whateverthatis) right now. Dude certainly lubs his bike... Lala lalaa!

Falling Into Place

I am such a nerd that I turned last night's American Idol results into an impromptu lesson about percentages and ratios, which my 6th graders are currently studying. I am sure this was done more for me than them, as I can practically hear their voices now: Awww! Cool! American Idol! Wait, you want us to do MATH?! This is so stOOpid." My internal monologue was more like: David Cook won by 12 million votes? Hmm... I wonder what percent that is of the total number of voters...?

Although this whole situation has been shitty, and I think that I am still a little too corny for 6th graders, I'm not scared of them like I used to be. I feel slightly more comfortable with the material than I did a week ago. (Though I will admit to studying up on the math the night before a lesson because the first couple days left me staring blankly at the board not knowing how to do anything, hence I said things like, "StudentA, why don't you show the class how to solve this problem?") Less fear means more job options, so if I can find a middle school position in a good district, I'll take that now, too.

*****

I am a little nervous today because I have to meet with a former student's mom (she wants him retained because of his lack of maturity), and Boss Lady will be in on the meeting. Although she works in the same building, I have spent the last week perfecting the game of Ways to Get Places Without Passing Her Office (mostly by travelling on the second and third floor and in stairwells, similar to how a rat might sneak around an office building during the day). This will be the first time I have seen her since things went down last week and since I received her Letter. I also don't know what they told my old students' parents about the reason for the switch so late in the year. Did they even give a reason? If the mom asks me, I'm not sure how I'll answer.

I've Been Told

I received that reprimanding letter yesterday. Parts of it were hurtful, and parts of it were inaccurate, and the majority of it was extremely hypocritical. My original post included the retyped letter along with my commentary negating each sentence. Then I got all scared that it would somehow be found, and that it would come back to bite me in the ass, just as everything this year has seemed to do, and I decided to just save it as a Draft and let it go. My union guy is going in today to see if he can A) Get them to let me submit a letter of reassignment to override my non-renewal, and B) Get the letter of reprimand out of my file. He's an inexperienced guy, and though I know he will do his best, I'm doubtful. Because of the way things were handled, I could go through the grievance process, and probably get my job back (which I don't want), but I don't really have a legal leg to stand on for those other two requests. Even the union guy was annoyed when I told him that I don't want to grieve this. He said I am setting a poor precedent for anyone who follows me in a similar situation who may want his or her job back. But I am going to let that person burn the path.

Yesterday I was feeling sad and depressed and angry and sorry for myself and hopeless about my future. Today I am just feeling a little sad, and like somehow there is a weight that has been lifted. I'm not sure what that weight is... I still don't know what the outcome of this afternoon's meeting will be, and so most likely I will still be leaving this district on their terms, not mine, and with libelous information in my file. But whatever...

28 days left in district
19 school days

I didn't want to get the union involved, but I had to. I have made it clear that I do not want to fight for my job. My main objective (Teacher Will Be Able To...) is to get out of there with as little damage to my reputation as possible.

Really, I'm tired of thinking and talking about this, but at the same time, I can't get it off my mind, and so it seems always to be the most natural thing to bring up in conversation. I am being constantly approached at work by people who, meaning to be supportive, want to know how I'm doing, how my week went, their thoughts on what kind of "raw deal," I got, or how the way in which I was, "screwed over is unbelievable." It's nice of them to show concern, and sometimes they do say things that make me feel slightly better ("J is wonderful, but she is having a very tough time over there."), but really? I just want it to be over.

So for now, let's move on to more cheerful topics.

*****

Family

My little brother made it home safely from Iraq yesterday morning! I saw him last night, and I have decided that from now on, I am going to make more of an effort to hang out with him. He has served his 4 years, and is going to start looking for another job, so it's not really the whole safety issue anymore-- it's just that we're older now, and so the years between us don't seem so significant.

*****

Food
Ahhh, perhaps my favorite topic of all...

I have never really been much into Indian food. I think this is mostly because I never ate it while growing up, and then in college I was turned off by the smell of it being cooked a couple doors down in my dorm. This past December, we randomly decided to spend our Jewish Christmas* in an Indian restaurant instead of a Chinese one.

I was pleasantly surpised, and ever since then I go through periods of craving. The problem is, there really aren't any good Indian delivery or take-out, or even dine-in restaurants in the immediate area.

I have found the answer in the Tandoor Chef. Tonight I had the Tandoori Naan with the Paneer Tikka Masala over some microwave-in-pouch basmati rice. I know I'm no expert, but the whole thing took 5 minutes to heat and plate, and it beat the shit out of a Hungry Man dinner. The Naan took about 3 minutes in a 400 degree oven, and came out steamy and tender, and it was the perfect scoop for the masala, which was flavorful and rich. I am stuffed after eating just half of everything, but I keep eyeing the leftovers, unsure of whether I can wait until another meal time to finish them up.

* I say this, however my Christmas was actually spent with Alex's family, which is not Jewish. They do the Christmas Day ethnic food thing anyway. The family dinner is Christmas Eve with his mom.

*****

TV

I don't know what I've been doing lately that's been keeping me so busy, but I have about 2 weeks worth of shows DVR'd. Since I arrived home at 2:45 today, I have watched Top Model, Grey's Anatomy, 2 episodes of Lost, American Idol, and now I'm watching SVU. All this was viewed around the 2 hour nap I took.

*****

Books

I just finished Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella, which was a nice, mindless and cheery way to distract myself. I have ordered Julie & Julia from the library, and will pick it up when I drop this one off. Which, by the way, I am having issues doing. My new (but not so new anymore since it's been a year since we moved in!) town is sort of city-like where it's not full of suburban neighborhoods, and so the library is on a street with parallel parking. There is a lot behind the library, but then you are forced to walk half way around the block to get to the door once you have parked. All of this, combined with my incredible laziness, has been preventing me from a speeding turn-around rate.

*****

TheBoy

I know I said I wasn't going to talk anymore about all the work drama, but this is really about Alex's reaction to said drama. He has never much seemed like the night-in-shining-armor type. He is usally laid back about everything, and will try to solve any concerns by telling me, "just don't worry about it." But since all of this shitty stuff happened on Monday, he has really stepped up to the plate. He has suddenly taken on this protective air, ranting about contacting the union and getting legal advice and conspiring with friends about how to best "make that asshole regret what he's done." I have never much been into the macho type, but I have to say I'm kinda liking this.