9/20/03 I disobey orders and work a Half Day at Circle Line:

O.k. I know, I know. I just made that whole Jim Henson speech, and now I'm disobeying orders. I'm a hypocrite. But here's the deal. When I get called into Circle Line, it's because there's absolutely nobody else to give the tour. I am the lowest ranking guide in seinority. And once I agree to do the tour, it's my responsibility. And so there's nobody left for me to push my shift on. I was able to get out of 2 of my three bookings because of my sickness, but this afternoon's Seaport tours were simply impossible to fill with another guide. Even after everything was shifted around for me, there were still three afternoon 1-hour tours, essentially a half-day of work, left with no Guide. And so, in good faith, and in thaks for all of their shifting around my illness, I agreed to go for just the three one-hour tours. I agreed because the weather was beautiful, the tours were short and easy, and I was able to walk a few blocks, straight to the seaport, to get on the boat. I would sit down on the boat instead of stand, and give a very light, easy low-energy version of my tour. I told this to the powers that be, and they agreed in desparation. And, I was really excited to show off my new flare. I ordered some flashy pins on the internet and they arrived a few days ago.

I got double flags (American and New York State) for each lapel.

And here's the view from by boat in between tours. I did take it easy, and it worked out fine. Instead of sitting at home, I was sitting on the boat. Instead of talking on the phone, I was talking into a micophone. It was a short run, and I walked right back home and continued to "relax." And finally this weekend of hell, switching shifts and trying to make it all work out while saving face at Circle Line even though I had every right to call in sick.... was finally over. It was a delicate balancing act that stressed me out.