D and I have a new co-worker. She works with us part time –
Tues and Thurs afternoons. That’s good, since that’s about all we could handle
of her anyways! She isn’t a BAD co-worker, but she is a WEIRD one…really weird!
I’m foreseeing this being an on-going post with updates as they happen, so sit
back and enjoy the ride!
For the sake of privacy, let’s call her “The Bag Lady”. Why
The Bag Lady, you may ask. Well, let’s see…that’s where we can begin…
For the first two weeks, she brought a large tote bag with
her to work every day. I don’t know what all was in the bag, but so far we have
seen a blanket, lunch bag, water bottles (to “wet her lips”), notebooks, and
jacket to name a few things. After those two weeks, she moved up to a rolling
suitcase. When we asked about the suitcase, she told us the bag was getting too
heavy for her shoulder. She was tired of walking around like “Fred Sanford”. *I
really wish I could demonstrate her imitation of Fred slumped over and limping…you’ll
just have to imagine it!* I’m not talking about a small carry-on. It’s at least
the medium sized suitcase in a set. Red with black polka-dots.
The Bag Lady's suitcase, pocketbook, flower hat
That’s the background on the name, here’s a little
background on her. The Bag Lady is in her mid 40’s. She is short and round (particularly
round in the rear, if you know what I mean). She typically wears hats to work.
I’m talking bright pink straw hats with a pig pin on the front. She has been trading out the pink pig hat for a tan straw hat with large fake flowers
glued to it. I, personally, like that one best. Thankfully, she does take them off after she gets here, but it is a sight to behold coming through the front door! She lives about 45 minutes
away from our office – yes, and only works two half days a week…I know!! When I
asked her if she had any kids, she quickly responded, “I have 4 dogs, 2 cats,
and a bird.” At this point, D sent me a text that said, “Polly want a cracker?!”
(That’s the bad thing about D…she sits at a desk behind us and can laugh about
everything without getting caught. She also sends me random texts like this that
make me laugh and get me in trouble!)
Bag Lady on her arrival to the office. She looks like a tourist with that suitcase and hat!
On her first visit to meet us, she was very concerned about
getting the necessary shots to work around kids. She was a bit concerned when
we told her the only shots we get are flu shots, and none of us did that before
they made it mandatory last year. She also questioned us up and down about what
we do when it snows. (Yes, we met her in mid-June…again, I know!!) She asked if
there were places to stay here at work if we weren’t able to get home because
of the weather. I don’t know about you, but it will have to be BAD weather
before I get stuck at work and can’t get home!!!
This is a good time to tell you about her car. At some point
between visiting us for the first time and actually coming to work, her car
broke down. I’m not exactly sure what the problem is, but apparently it is not
drivable right now. As previously mentioned, she lives about 45 minutes from
the office. For the first 3 weeks, she had a girl that she met in one of her
training classes (met, not friends with!) who must live somewhat close to her,
come by her house and give her ride to our office in Greenville on her way to
work. The Bag Lady would then hang out (according to her, “lay around on their
couch”) until our sweet nurse came by to pick her up and bring her to our
office at lunch time. Our nurse would then take her back to the Greenville
office and that girl would take her home. It sounds as crazy to write that as
it does to hear her explain it!
Last week, the driving situation changed a bit. For whatever
reason (actually, I’d love to know the reason), the girl that picked her up at
home was not able to do so. We got a call mid-morning from our nurse to let us
know that The Bag Lady would not be at work that day. You see, with the first
portion of the trip cancelled, she wasn’t able to get a ride the 2nd
half of the way. A few minutes later, D got a call from The Bag Lady asking
where the Greyhound stopped near our office. D explained that the bus does not
come to our small town. The Bag Lady told D to look up their number in the
phone book and call them to ask about it. (That’s another thing about her…she
is kind of pushy/bossy with things that she wants you to do.) D again explained
that calling them wouldn’t make a difference since the bus DOES NOT come
anywhere near our office.
This week, she was able to come to work, but only because
she rented a car (a Nissan Cube) for a couple of days. I don’t know what the
plan is for next week. I’ll let you know when it happens though!
I’ll stop for now so this isn’t incredibly long. That’s a
good intro. Stories about The Bag Lady will follow tomorrow…
United States (US)
Guatemala (GT)
