Saturday 9

She Works Hard for the Money

1) This song is about a woman who works hard as a waitress. What's the hardest job you've ever had? When I was a very young woman, still in my teens, I was the administrative assistant to a very particular, very difficult man. He neither liked nor valued me. The days were so long and felt so hopeless. The corporation we both worked for finally moved me to another department, where I was then much happier. It's important to note that my successor didn't last any longer than I did. He was just too-too.

2) The lyrics tell us she has worked at this job for 28 years. What's the longest you stayed with one employer? The one I'm at. It's been (gulp) 14 years. I didn't think I'd be here 5. I know this is a cliche, but as I grow older, time moves faster.

3) Donna Summer was inspired to write this song during an awards show. She ducked into the bathroom and met the elderly ladies' room attendant, whose job it was to make sure the room the spotless, the complimentary hairspray and moisturizer was abundant, and there was a hot towel for every celebrity who used the facilities. "Wow," Donna thought, "she works hard for those tips." Who is the last person you tipped? The waitress who brought my pigs in a blanket. (See post below.)

4) Early in her career, Donna was in the touring company of the musical Hair. It played in Munich for so long that she became fluent in German. What's the longest you have ever lived away from home? When I was still living with my parents, my family often went to a cottage in Wisconsin for two weeks at a time. I was miserable. I missed my girlfriends! Now, I seldom sleep away from home for more than 5 days at a time. I don't like being way from my home, my cats, or my stuff for long stretches.
 

5) Sam's dad is naturally outgoing and enjoys striking up conversations with waitresses, librarians, the checker at the supermarket, etc. Sam is always polite but more private. Are you more like father or daughter? I suppose I'm more like Dad. I make polite conversation at the counter as I'm being rung up. However, I can think of only two businesses -- the vet and my favorite coffee shop -- where they know me by name.

6) A little more than 10% of the American workforce is self-employed. Have you ever been your own boss? Briefly. I freelanced when I was between jobs. I enjoyed the freedom. I didn't enjoy having to beat the bushes myself in search of assignments.
 

7) Labor Day weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore? Like sawing wood.

8) Will you be attending a Labor Day picnic or barbecue? Nope. I am cocooning this weekend.

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the fall. Will you be adding any new fall clothes to your wardrobe? Maybe. But I just picked up two pieces from ThredUp. So I have to take an assessment and see what I still need. Maybe I'm done until the snow flies.