Whipper-Snipper Used By The Whipper-Snappers

(I have worked for this company for a full summer as a way to make money to help pay for university. One of the bosses is an almost-70-year-old man that does as much work as he can at his age and is very easy to get along with; however, the other is just a boss and someone that likes to do things her way without thinking of others. On this particular day, I have been sent to do some mowing, which I have done since I was 12 with my family and absolutely hate. My coworker and I are at a residence, and just as we are finishing up I get a call.)

Female Boss: “Hello, are you still at [First Property]?”

Me: “Yes, we were just about to finish up actually and take off. Why? What’s up?”

Female Boss: “I just got a call wondering if we would be able to go mow a lawn for the first time this year. I’ll send you the directions.”

(It is already June, which means that the grass has been growing for approximately six weeks, causing it to be very long. As my coworker and I come to the property, we notice that the grass is out of control. Luckily, we have a very good ride-on mower and a heavy-duty whipper-snipper, but still, it will take a while to do. After we finish mowing we have to rake, which takes as long as the mowing itself. Once we are finished, we load up the machines, but before we can leave the woman who owns the house runs out.)

Homeowner: “Thank you so much for this. My husband is a fisherman and I usually have to mow the whole lawn myself with just a push mower, but it was broken and we just got it fixed. Without you guys, it would have taken me days to mow this.”

Coworker: “It was not a problem; it’s our job!”

Homeowner: “Well, I appreciate it. Here. Take this.”

(She handed us each a bottle of water and $5 as a tip. We refused but she insisted. Even though I hate mowing, it is people like her that make it bearable, and thanks to her $5 I was able to buy an energy drink, which always makes my day easier!)