Farm 'n Circus Time. You know what I mean, the Pachyderm and Jackass.

by Joe B.

Farm ‘n Circus Time

Its that time again so soon after California’s up-for-grabs who-wants-to- be-governor recall-do over election which Action star Mr. Arnold "The Swartz" is the newly elected California Governor.

The voter information pamphlet arrived in my mailbox a week or so ago and I’ve not read one page.

Better do it before Nov. 4th and get it over with so I can b&m [bitch and moan] than not participating then whining about the result to many unsung ordinary to extraordinary people risked and lost their lives so generations of young folks can vote.

To hear people say "It don’t matter,its all fixed,no time,better things to do."

I’ve heard many excuses, reasons, most of ‘em hogwash except for working poor families and individuals struggling with poverty most of us can take time to read propositions,initiatives, and candidates on the ballot box.

But as we’ve seen money can be an obstacle,green power that gets ballot boxes uncounted, miscounted,lost,dumped in lakes,or machines malfunctioning at crucial moments as votes are being counted.

Aren’t Demo’s,Peace and Freedom,Independent,Green Party,or Cryonics,Life Eternal/Immortalist parties.
[The last ones are parties yet to be created looming on the horizon in the background]. Not taken seriously but just as legitimate as GOP [Grand Old Party] Republicans.

A dear friend of mine says I’m political I say I’m not because though its all around me I tend to get away from it as far away as one sometimes leaves this island city to cross the bay for a few days at time.

Speaking of getaways I’ve decided to get my one-man business up and running again first to have new business cards made up with moderate prices and asking my employer to vouch for my honesty and virtue.

This business is perfect for me its as unique and personal as being a Chef,Physician,or Messuse.

The business is House Sitter.

Two kinds of people truly know the value of homeownership,those having bought their own home and those longing to own but have less equity (money) to buy one.

I being in the latter group living in an S.R.O. [Single Room Occupancy]

The trust factor is intrinsic to the job which includes informing law enforcement,neighbors, friends that someone will be living,watching,and or visiting the home at various times and hours.

Pets would have to get to know the stranger in their mist,if they sense something slightly off it can be really awkward and painful nip on ankle or finger.

After making up business cards, employer vouching,and placing ads in a few newspapers maybe using the net as an added way of self promotion.

My main problem is insurance incase of burglary whether I’m in or out of the home robbed.

I don’t know how that’ll work and feel a little afraid of this part of the biz however its best to inform all parties so minor problems will not turn into bigger ones.

The first time I did housesit years ago in Cordeaia Calif.

It was only 20 dollars for about a week.

In that week I didn’t eat to much food,replaced what I did eat,fed,walked the dog and made sure everything was locked when walking the dog.

Not much of a beginning in an uncertain business but it told me I can do this because I felt while being in that house that it was under my protection.

You may wash dishes, place clothes in closets and make sure pets are taken care of and safely in the house at night it almost seemed to me that the house sighed because this stranger wasn’t changing anything in it but leaving everything the way it was.

Its funny someone else, a relative of one my brother’s friends while watching the home got out of control with food,not cleaning the place,and I was told I was a better steward of their home than their relatives who’ve visited many times and they apologized for paying such a low sum.

A postbox number is needed so if I do get offers of work it won’t go to directly to my home address.

I’ve got three things going for me:
1) A home, any home is precious and should be respected.
2) make arrangements that law enforcement,neighbor, friends, and others know a person has been hired to house sit/watch.
3)Know and work with the pets daily routines.

4)Save earned money to be bonded incase of minor or major damage to the home
5)Client list of new or repeat business.
6)Never be too comfortable because it’s a job and privilege when a person or person(s)leave their home trust to you.

7)Relax,know you are doing a service like anyone else keep written records of transactions.

That’s all folks except its up to all of us to learn the issues,read, discuss,(not until bored to death) and vote.

I you don’t vote don’t bitch and moan about the outcome, and if you do vote and don’t like the outcome then its up to you others to get things started for a change.

As for young people who are Now leaders now, I’m gonna take a long cryo- sleep and if I awaken younger and stronger than when I died/sleep whatever then I may really get into the political process whole hog but that’s in a another life to come if applied science is true to form.

Wish me luck folks in my one-man business venture.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

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Email: askjoe@poormagazine.org