My ongoing project at the recycling center is in many ways like having a real job. First of all, there’s the commute. It takes me 25 minutes to get there and 25 minutes to get home, a grand total of 50 minutes.

I also confer with others about my daily tasks – there are some who obviously know more about recycling ins and outs and others who know more about the lower floor/warehouse ins and outs. For instance, I had been told I didn’t need to be wearing a hard hat on the floor area, where the heavy machinery is. Then I was told that I did need to be wearing a hard hat in this area. So, no problem, when I work, I wear a hard hat a vest.

Terri the reader

The most revelatory thing about this job is the amount of time that it takes. This morning I got up early and finished sorting and cleaning up the kids and young adult books. Then after that, Pete and I first rearranged and put sand in the Playground of Higher Learning, then put Hrimmi through her paces. She did quite well.

We left here at 1:15 p.m. Now if my job was 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I would not have had time to interact with any of the critters. I don’t know how other people do this. I know that I could not do it.

There is, of course, also the matter of pay. I am not getting paid to do what I’m doing. Perhaps if this was a high-paying job I would not mind the intrusion on my time.

I must say, the job is as jobs go, a good one. I am now taking the boxed books and further breaking down the categories. The pet’s box now includes dog care, types, training, and breeding. And I have a box that’s labeled fin (aquatics) fur (cats) and feathers (birds). Today I also set up two boxes, one with Christmas narratives and romances and another with Christmas how-to stuff.

When it comes time to set up the room where the sale will be held, I’m going to have two or three of the nicest categorized books on the table, and underneath, more books that fit that description.

The ideas as to where to distribute the books after the sale are coming at me from all directions. I haven’t yet written them down because I don’t have the time. I’m hoping I can remember them all. It’s going to be imperative that the books be moved out because space, even in the warehouse, is at a premium.

I am planning after the sale to work at the most, three days a week. This is because I badly want to resume working on the recycling book. The long term goal is to find someone else to do this. This is just something that needs to be done, and anyone else with the time and interest will be welcome to have at it.

Next: 350. 12/19/19: The Bright Light Shines On