So, before I start my crazy, astringent rant I think I'll lay out some foundation with an observation I made today.
Being the only unemployed Asshole on the site I should be using my not-so-unique status to offer up a perspective of what it is like to visit the local Unemployment Office.
I was in the area of Arnold this afternoon and stopped by to get some paperwork signed at the local "Career Center." First of all, before I even get out of the car, I notice the shitbombs parked everywhere and make sure to park my BMW far away to keep it safe from some inconsiderate jackoff dinging it with his multi-toned '87 Corolla door. Before you say it, yes, a BMW. What else would an Asshole be driving?
I walk past an old Toyota truck (color: primer) and notice that there is a flat tire on it with a cretin in the passenger side futiley applying makeup. I wave to her and let her know that she has a flat and she responds with a snotty "yeah, I know." I continue into the office, not bothering to offer the air pump that's in my trunk.
On my way in I'm assaulted by the stink of all the smokers standing outside sucking away.
While in the office, the stench greets me with the people standing in line at the help desk. Of course, it being winter the stink is worse than normal because everyone's jackets are saturated with smoke funk.
Christ! Are they handing out cigarettes as you walk in? Did I miss it?
Last time I checked everyone here does not have a job.
Let's get money from the government to assist us with our drug habit.
Now, before you ask, I have been tightening the belt since I was a victim of budget cuts. Anything that would normally be considered recreational has been put on hold.
But would a smoker ever say to themselves, "Well, times are tough. I better cut back on the cancer-sticks so my kids can eat."?
No. Not going to happen.
Let's do the math, a pack of cigarettes costs average $4.00, if they smoke a pack a day that can add up to $28 a week. About $1500.00 a year. Staggering. Of course, you're going to hear the typical Ultra-Logic defense from smokers, "Ya gotta die of something."
All I gotta say to that is hurry the fuck up.
Ok. So, I continue in and need help with some paperwork that a representative needs to sign. Not one person is willing to sign their name to verify that I am unemployed even though they just verified it on the computer. So, they give me a printout to prove my status. Hopefully this will be acceptable documentation.
Did I mention who was working at the help desk?
It was none other than Mimi from the Drew Carey Show and Mr. Rooney's Secretary from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. But she wasn't playing the ditzy lady in that movie. She was playing her role in Planes, Trains and Automobiles as the Car Rental Lady. Of course, I was much nicer than Steve Martin.
That's my adventure at the Arnold office. If I'm still unemployed in 4 weeks I'll have to journey to other offices to see what they have to offer. Perhaps the one in North County. What a hoot that will be. I better step up my interviewing skills.
-Darth Taco