I know it's not the end of summer yet. Technically at least. But as the school season starts up, it's pretty much over, right? So it's got me thinking back to all the different odd jobs I held as a kid. The best was probably this one summer I spent working various odd jobs in the neighborhood with my neighborhood friends Eddie, Gary and Ethan. Gary's next door neighbor was looking to get some work done in her backyard, so she offered Gary some money to do it, and he brought the 3 of us in.
I can't recall how old I was but it must've been a teenager, probably around 13 or 14 maybe. The first thing she wanted us to do was tear down this old wooden shed she had in the backyard, and then build a new one for her. (One of those metal kit ones that are pretty much like a big Erector set. Easy to do if you just follow the directions well enough.) So a bunch of teenagers grabbed sledgehammers, axes, you name it and went to town destroying this building. And getting paid for it. Pure awesomeness.
Building the new shed was clearly not as much fun. Now, I'm real good with directions. Give me a 1,000 Lego pieces and a clear-cut instruction sheet, and I'll gladly build you the Tower of Pisa, or the moon landing or whatever. But my friends, well.. let's just say at least 1 or 2 of them weren't as good. And there were sooooo many times we had to stop, unscrew pieces and start that section over. (Thanks again, Ethan. Ahem.) Eventually we finished and it came out pretty good.
I don't remember too many details of the other things she had us do, except for one. She wanted to put in a nice patio in her backyard. So with the neighbor's supervision, we helped dig a huge pit, then helped layout the big slabs that would make up the patio, and then helped pour the cement in-between the pieces to firm it all up. That was rough work out in the hot summer sun, but you know, it was real rewarding too.
We got paid decently, got to hang out together and did some real manual labor. Plus, I remember the woman bringing us out snacks and drinks all the time. Mostly Devil Dogs and lemonade. Heh. I don't know why that's sticking in my mind so much, but I have a clear picture of us sitting on the grass eating Devil Dogs, with our legs crossed, as we joked about whatever horrible sitcom was on the night before. Definitely a summer to remember.
COUPON TIME:
If i can find a coupon for any Drake's Cakes product (Yodels! Ring Dings! Devil Dogs!) it's all yours. Promise. But since I dont' have any on me, here are a bunch of home improvement coupons for ya covering everything from appliances to ladders to bed and bath.
12% off your order at SmartBargains!
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. Up to a Maximum Savings of $24.
Use the above link to activate the coupon. Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: September 30, 2008 11:59pm PT
New customers only. This coupon may only be redeemed once during the promotion period. Not valid on prior purchases, pending orders or with any other discounts, certificates or promotions. Offer applies to merchandise purchases only. Does not apply towards the purchase of a SMARTShoppers Club membership. This offer is valid on orders which are placed and confirmed by SmartBargains on or before 11:59pm PT on July 31, 2008.
40-60% off select Lighting & Ceiling Fans at HomeDepot.com
Valid through: August 27, 2008
$5 off online orders over $50 at Target.com
Use this link to activate the promotional code.
Valid though: September 30, 2008
Offer applies to purchases of $50 or more based on merchandise subtotal. Merchandise subtotal based on one shipping destination per order. GiftCards, e-GiftCards, gift wrap, tax, or shipping and handling charges will not be included in determining merchandise subtotal and are not discountable. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers or discounts or applied to previous orders. Offer available for Target.com orders only and does not apply to Peg Perego, Apple iPods, Bose electronics partner businesses, custom clothing, personalized gifts, or Amazon.com product purchases. Discount not available when using 1-Click ordering online.
Up to $750 back after rebate on Electrolux Appliances
Use this link for details and the rebate form.
Valid through: September 6, 2008
Extra 10% off your order at Rugman
Plus Free Shipping!
Use promotion/coupon code 10%MORE
Valid through: September 2, 2008
Not valid on custom order items. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer does not apply to Rugman.com Accessories, Consignment or Outdoor Products.
$5 off online orders over $50 at LampsPlus.com
Use this link to get the coupon code.
Valid through: September 30, 2008
Online only. Offer valid on regular priced, in-stock merchandise only; not valid on previous orders, special orders, sale items, mark-downs, clearance center items, or with other coupons or discounts. In ceiling fan category, only valid on Casa Vieja brand. Not valid on Hubbardton Forge, Schonbek, Minka, Minka Aire, George Kovacs, Metropolitan, Ambience, Kichler or Holtkoetter brand products. Not valid on items that require Freight shipping.
$20 off a plank when you buy a ladder and a plank together
Use promotion code lgpk21.
Valid through: September 1, 2008
Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.
2 Responses to “Child Labor”
you dog pic its very funny
The McDonaldland characters are retired. I took my kids to see Ronald at our local library. (Fun, free kids show, BTW, if you ever get a chance to go) and he told all the kids that Grimace, the McFry guys, and a couple others were retired. Imagine that. Wonder where McDonaldland Characters go when they retire?