Hey friends! Well it's Monday morning and, although I'd like to have a sick day today (still not too good), it's not an option where I work. Actually it's pretty ridiculous - I run this damn lottery booth that is independently owned by someone else. She's making a KILLING from it - I was just informed by the tech's that came last week that it's one of the busiest booths around (I can attest to that). She gets all kinds of perks (including Canucks booths on occassion) and shares NONE of it with the other girl and I. The whole family just returned from a two week Mexican vacation. She leaves for England in March. We bust our tails in there and, quite honestly, half the customers can't stand her and say it's only because of us that they come at all. FTR, the other girl I work with is a sweetheart and she and I get along very well. But it's times like this that I think why the hell do I have all this responsibility and not reap some of the rewards? I've never missed a day yet/been late. I put in OT (weekends) with no extra pay. As I've said earlier, the tips can be really good (she even tried to hone in on those at one point). But I'm sitting here this morning, after minimal sleep and having some "complications" that I deal with Thursday and I'm thinking, "boy, I'd like to call in sick". And I'd be totally justified. But I know I can't - noone to cover me. I think it's time to talk about a raise.

And, when I initially started this job it was my third at the time...I gave up the other other two when Dad, then Mom got sick and it's now my only source of employment. But I am starting to test the waters elsewhere. I have a hell of a lot of experience and know I could be somewhere better - but, honestly, it's my customers/the atmosphere I'd miss. Many of them are elderly/new to the country and it's so rewarding to know I make a difference in their day. They tell me they've missed me when I've been gone.

One other thing eating at me - no breaks. We work our shifts straight through - there's not even a toilet to use unless we close up shop and go to the sushi bar, which she looks down on. We handle people's filthy money all day and there's no place to wash...we have antibacterial hand cleaner (that's not too great if used on a regular basis). Kind of ridiculous in this day and age. And to think, my ex heads a union that fights for this kind of shit. He's constantly telling me that we're under appreciated there and should be treated better. Today I just don't feel like it - but off I go. Wish me luck.

Bitch, followed by a whine. What can I say, I'm on a roll.