The prelude to this glorious day comes in the form of a 5:30 wake-up call by Counting Crows. To many 18 year olds, it may seem crazy to wake up this early, and I would normally be of the same opinion. However, today is different. Today, I don’t even have to (as I normally do), drag my lifeless body out of bed, wipe the grog from my body, and stumble bleary-eyed down my stairs to meet the new day. Instead, I find myself instantly alert, ready to battle my way through my first day of work.
After a quick shower, I change into a long-sleeved blue polo and blue jeans, expecting that I will change into my work clothes – a button down, white shirt; dress khaki pants; belt; dress shoes and socks – after the hour and a half drive into our capitol city of Boise. On my way out to the car with a grapefruit in hand, though, I get called back in by my mother, who insists that I change into my work clothes, now cold from an overnighter in the car, before we hit the road
“How,” she reasons, “do you expect to be able to change down there? Do you think it would be appropriate to change into your work clothes in the capitol building restroom?” I can see the wisdom in her point, but, in my rebellious fashion, I decide to waste my time arguing about where to change my clothes.
Eventually, though, I submit to her wishes. I head out to the car with my new outfit on and no desire to eat the breakfast I had ready for myself.
7:55, a black Volvo with a bike rack on top, pulls in behind the massive Capitol building, the office that will soon be mine. Inside, it’s a madhouse. I’ve been sleeping in the back seat for the last hour (there’s no sense in staying awake through a drive like that), and I assure you that I am in no state to be presented to the senators of my state. People are clamoring: tying ties, fussing over belts, and making sure shoes are tied. Soon enough, though, I burst out of the car door and head up to the door to my new workplace: the Capitol building of the great state of Idaho.
As I saunter up to the door, I can’t help but feel somewhat dwarfed by the enormous structure towering before me. To think that I am going to spend the next six weeks here. Such a notion can’t help but make me feel somewhat pleased. This beauty will be my workplace, my home away from home every weekday from eight to five.
Eight to five! I hear my mind scream out. I am going to be late if I don’t hurry up and report to my boss.
I hope to write more, but this is it for right now. What do you think?
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