Just in case.

There is always just a little bit more to do.

Can never make everyone happy.

Just no leadership.

Finally, at the very last store, I find what I need. The person checking me out keeps making mistakes and letting a curse word or two slip quietly from her mouth.

We find a place on the shady side of the street next to a friend and watch the floats make their way up the street. Of course, my son is on the side of the float facing the other side.

The way it is phrased is almost like a threat, a passive-aggressive way to get me to do what she wants.

Too easy it’s not much fun.

I tell her that I used to be really good about my boundaries, but that this job has slowly eroded them away and I’m really feeling the consequences of it. This is not sustainable for me.

“I thought you all said these kinds of things don’t happen here?” he says half in jest, half in concern. “They usually don’t. This year has been weird.”