Quattletine, Blog #6

Unemployment and Banana Bread and Rats, Oh My!

I am a self-proclaimed super-fan of all things The Wizard of Oz. ❤️ If you don’t get the genius that is The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, well, I’m not sure we can be friends.

Today was like entering The Emerald City, trying to figure out how to see The Wizard, meeting an unexpected creature, then sitting down to enjoy a magical treat. Truly!

Navigating unemployment has been a never-ending quest. A daily challenge, if you will. I imagine it’s what Dorothy felt when she finally reached The Emerald City and just wanted to see The Wizard. Sure, the parade, beauty salon appointments and dazzling sights (who could forget the green horse she encountered!) were all wonderful, but I imagine she was thinking, “Enough already, let me talk to The Wizard!” Yup. Enough already. Please let me talk to someone who can solve all of my unemployment issues. I’m just a girl, waiting on hold, asking a rep to help her.

Wait.

Wrong analogy.

You get the picture. 😂

To break up the monotony, I took a break and went to look for a straw in the break room. I opened the drawer and encountered a sweet creature who stared up at me with the most adorable set of whiskers. I named him Wilbur.

Ok, so that’s not how it went down. I did open the drawer, but I encountered a startled rat – I’m not sure who was more surprised, me or Wilbur. He squeaked and took off towards the back of the drawer. I squeaked and ran to the phone to call our pest specialist, let’s call him Greg. Thankfully Greg arrived in about an hour, but during that hour I heard every single creak, groan and “normal” sound. When Greg carefully opened the drawer he said, “Huh! That’s cool! The little guy made a nest in here. By the looks of things he isn’t alone.” 😳

Not what I wanted to hear.

Twenty minutes later Greg left (after NOT finding any furry creatures) and I started reciting my new montra, “You’re a 52 year old woman who’s kicked cancer’s rear, you are not afraid of a couple of adorable rats.” 🐀🐀🐀

In case you’re wondering, that didn’t work.

I need a new montra.

So, I called my boss who sweetly said not to worry about the break room, she would take care of cleaning and getting it all put back together. She didn’t seem concerned about the possibility of encountering any creatures.

I have never loved her more! 😁❤️😁

So, I left Oz and headed home. There I was greeted by a clean house (thank you Victoria and Matthew 🧡), the smell of fresh baked (delicious) banana bread, and an amazing dinner being prepared. ‘Twas wonderful.

There truly is no place like home.