Reason-why-working-outdoors-rules #2

Seeing Mt.Hood just over there...

Swag Bag

If you're thinking about applying to the post office, but thought, "Hmm, maybe I won't get to express myself", or "I heard the benefits were pretty good but, postal workers seem grumpy...probably because they're not appreciated by their employer." Well, think again. How could I possibly be bummed when they send me presents?

 Postal paraphernalia. Hat? Check. Water bottle? Check. Lanyard? Check. Sweet drawstring bag? That's a big, fat check. Talk about expressing yourself!

#postalproud

 As you may recall, I was really pumped to wear a uniform and then discovered I wasn't required to..or even allowed...(I think? Update coming soon). So you can imagine my joy when unearthing this hat from the box. 

And yes, I will be wearing it often, so get jealous.

Reason-why-working-outdoors-rules #1...

The entire rainbow.

Pro Tip...

If you dislike opening your mail box every Tuesday to find it stuffed full of unwanted papers, (i.e., junk coupons, advertisements for junk, flashy sales on junk, etc.) as much as I dislike delivering it, there is a solution. Please look on the spine of the outer ad and call the 1-800 number to be taken off their delivery route.

Tell your friends. Tell your family. Please. TELL EVERYONE.

 That number is 1-800-727-2695.

My lower back and knees will thank you. Again, that number is 1-800-727-2695 mm, k? Or, just keep using it for kindling. I'll gladly accept offers of hot coffee from your fire anytime.

That kind of day

When sorting, casing, and delivering the mail, if I don't wear rubber gloves, it sort of looks like I've been digging through the trash. My hands get filthy. When I do wear gloves, and they rip, well. You have this situation here. And then an hour later, the thumb falls away and it's more like sad Michael Jackson meets sad street performer, who is conveniently delivering your mail. This is one physically laborious job. I'm quickly learning what muscle groups I've neglected.

...but then I see this cool mural and realize I may find some buddies when I'm out here delivering all this paper!

Also. I can't wait for summer. Have you seen those cool shorts mail carriers get to wear??

Fatigue

Man. There's a lot of new information to share..but..you know what? I worked another 14 hour day and my thoughts are pretty mushy. On the fly, here's what I can tell you...

• I've been up since 4:30am.
• I delivered my route's mail on my own for the first time today without a break.
• I ate an apple. It was the best apple I ever ate. It was luxurious, and I ate it alone, in my little truck, with no music, no phone, nobody. Just the heater on and the rain hitting the tin.
• I dreamt about work for the first time last night. It was a stress dream because I was working without getting paid. But, I didn't feel real stress. Break that down for me please?
• I wished I listened to Tupac today. Pretty convinced rap will save your soul.
• I delivered mail at night and wore a headlamp. Pro status.
• Cha-ching, cha-china, cha-ching....is my new motto.
• I also saw this at work. #workseen

....pretty sure that's not how you do it though.

Good night. Doing it all again tomorrow. I know I've got complete sentences in here somewhere. 

...moment of zen...the last bundle delivered.