The Hardest Day of Work Ever!

I would have to say today was the hardest single day of work I have had, ever. It wasn't anything different than I am used to, but it was just a constant flow of strenuous labor for about twelve hours. Digging in a basement, and then subsequently taking what you just dug out of said basement with five gallon buckets is by no definition fun. (Approximately 15,000 pounds of dirt and concrete.) And just when you think you made some progress, you turn around and shovel approximately 10 yards of pea gravel (literally 7.5 tons or 15,000 pounds) through a hole 16 inches by 16 inches wide. Finally, after laying drainage tile around the perimeter of the basement (40ft by 26ft), we had the lovely chore of mixing 65 bags of cement (which we also took down to the basement, 45@60 pounds, 20@80 pounds for a total of 4300 pounds) and finishing approximately 130 square feet of concrete. Not that I am complaining about it, but I sure am glad that I start at At&t on Monday! To break that down for you in hard numbers:

Total Weight Moved Today By 5 guys=34,300 pounds.

Total Weight Moved by Me (Figuring that we moved equal amounts, which really isn't the case, because not everyone pulled their own weight, so to speak.): 6,860 pounds (probably more!)

I am sore. Not about having to do the labor, but because of doing it.

Then I look at the results of all of that hard labor and am reminded of why I push through the pain and discomfort. Someone now has one less worry on their mind. It started to rain in Miller Beach as we were loading the trailer to leave at about 7:30 and I knew that what I did would keep this person's basement from flooding if the water got too high again. And that kind of security and peace of mind for someone makes it all worth it. My father always says, "If it's a job worth doing, it's worth doing right." That's something that I'll never forget, and even though work ethic is something that can be taught, it's best learned by following the example of someone who knows the meaning of integrity and hard work.

It was a rough day, and after popping a couple of Tylenol, I'm going to bed. G'night Ya'll

Yours and His,

James