Robert Killian, a worker with Wyatt Contracting in Calico Rock, smooths gravel in preparation for the installation of reinforcement and the pouring of concrete for a new boat ramp at Lake Sequoyah. Work to install the new ramp and a 20-foot walkway and 30-foot dock is taking place while the lake is closed through Jan. 14.
After I greeted the three men who were working on the ramp, I was told by one that he didn't want to be photographed. Fair enough. That's why I introduce myself, so I can make sure the people present know why I'm there and can opt to be left out of the photo that I am there to take. I began to talk to Killian who was a very nice man. We laughed about the weather and he explained to me how they poured and positioned the portion of the ramp that is under water.
When it came time to get names, Killian gave me his name, but couldn't recall the last name of the man operating the backhoe. About that time, the third man returned to the site. It had become clear that he was the owner of the company that was doing the work and Killian asked him what the backhoe operator's last name was. The man became very short with me, claiming he was "in the witness-protection program ." I hear that joke at least once a day, but he refused to give me the backhoe operator's last name and was generally unfriendly to me.
If a person takes a job that is paying public money to work on a public project, they are subject to coverage in the newspaper, among other things. That's how public money works. I was more than willing to leave him and his name out of it and did just that, but the name of his business is a matter of public record and Killian was fine with being photographed, so I didn't have a problem with the photo and with using the names that I used.
Unfortunately, I have to deal with unfriendly people quite often. Normally, I can talk to them and find a way to work with or around them, and this was no different. Yet, it's in my personality to want to like and be liked by the people I meet, so this bothered me more than I'd like to admit.
3 comments:
And me, being the person I am, just want to go punch the jerk for being a jerk to you. That's okay though, what goes around comes around sooner or later. The bonus is sooner or later I am guessing I'll see the name of his company come across my desk. Life is good.
That is how that works, isn't it?
If you mean me wanting to punch someone who wasn't nice to you? Yes, that's how it works.
If you mean me seeing his company come across my desk sooner or later then yes, again. That's how it tends to work.
If you mean Life is Good? Well duh, that's cause you live with me!
Arrrrrrrgh.
That's going to be my new signature. FUN!
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