Let's face it, most of us want something better for ourselves, right? Lord knows I do.

I come to work everyday and put in the hours. I put my personal projects on the back burners like a good father and husband and I concentrate on making that paycheck every two weeks in order to keep my family fed. I never really participate in "company events" or do anything "extracarricular" with my co workers. Honestly, if it doesn't have anything to do with my professional preferrences (i.e. cartoon, comic, or animation related) why would I waste my time with it?

Well, we had a company "thanksgiving" potluck. In the company emails sent out, it was stated that if you didn't bring anything, you were denied eating. Not very "thanks" or "giving", really. I thought that I'd actually participate, if for no other reason, than to show off my culinary prowess. I brought a dessert that I used grocery money for the ingredients. So when a massive email was sent out to the staff that there was "too many leftovers" and we should "come back for as much food as you like" I naturally heeded the call. There's not much in my fridge at home, so I told Lori to come up to the job and get some grub. I fed my fam and was feeling pretty good about coming through for them... until my supervisor called me into his office.

"Did you have your kids up here?" I was questioned.
"Sure did. Sorry you missed them." I responded.

He then informed me that certain unnamed individuals had complained about my taking advantage of the situation. Never mind that I'd brought my share. Never mind that I'd contributed to the food that was now going to waste because we had too much. Instead of coming to me in order to get the WHOLE story, folks presumed and passed judgement. Then they huffed into the managers' offices and stirred up the crap and we all know what gravity does to crap... rolls it downhill. Where does that leave me? At the bottom of the hill, baby. I'm so frustrated, I could spit. Really.

Know what happens when I'm this frustrated about my work place? I start wondering why I'm not drawing for a living, yet. I start contemplating the possibility of launching into the dream I've had more years than I can remember. But my responsibility to my family is far too strong to just up and walk out of the easiest effing job I've ever had. Great money, awesome benefits... so I just keep drawing.