My current job at the University is cleaning restrooms and the like. As is typical of this type of job I place a sign in front of the door that states that the restroom is closed.

People tend to ignore the sign and enter anyway, so I also began placing the mop bucket in front of the door. They would try to enter, the door encounters the mop bucket, and at worse they walk away cussing.

Until the arrogant bastard today.

Let me prefix this, though, by saying that I am damn proud of myself. Last night I had maybe four hours of sleep - maybe. On top of this lack of sleep I was also awakened a couple of times by the animals. After the second incident I was prevented from getting any additional shut-eye due to more noise and nonsense and simply laid in bed for as long as I could.

By the time that I dragged my sorry arse out of bed this morning I was in one of the most bitter moods that I’ve been in for a long time.

So, back to the work scenario. This bastage ignores the sign and plows the door open. He doesn’t just open it like any normal person would. No, it sounds like he rams the damn thing open with his shoulder and uses the door the shuv the mop bucket against the wall (where I later found it).

He comes in, pisses while I’m cleaning the place up, and takes the opportunity provided by washing his hands to stand around all smug-like for as long as he can manage. Then he hits the heating device (used to dry the hands) twice to prolong his stay.

‘ol Stephers somehow managed to remain mostly clam, only sitting down an item or two a bit harder than need be.

Generally I would have likely made a comment to him about the bathroom being closed, but with my temperament today I’m almost certain that what would have come out of my mouth would have been anything but civil. With the lack of sleep, the foul mood, being torqued off by this prick, and an over all reduction in judgment capabilities … there’s no way that it would have ended well.

This is why I don’t deal with the public. Some people have the patience to do so, but I’m not sure that I do. Typically I’m a very formal, fairly respectful person. However, on days like this I doubt that I would have the will power to deal with jerk, after jerk, after jerk all day long and not let the smart ass in me shine through.

This job, though infinitely far from anything “glorious” or that one could be proud of, does allow one to meander off on their own. Such freedom is ever so appreciated in situations such as these.

As it stands, after his person’s behavior I considered the restroom to be finished. If the public wants to behave that way, then the public will receive their just rewards.

Trust me, you don’t want to torque off the janitor. If this happens again before this semester finishes up, oh, am I ever going to drive that point home.

The only question is, do I flood the floor with the mop bucket in an “accidental spill”, do I spray cleaning solution allllllll over the bathroom and explain it away as part of the regular routine, or do I step out of the restroom and place a wedge under the door and call forth an audience to witness the Rudeous Maximus trapped within?

Choices, choices.

~Steph, who is seriously considering all of the above options.