The Trail Mix

My Summer was Quite a Bummer...

Sarah Ekenezar My summer, my summer was quite a bummer. Just when I thought things couldn’t get glummer. From spending hours in the mirror reminding myself “You can put up with the long shifts” because “It’ll totally be worth it” they said… “It’ll be great experience!” they said… Oh man was I misled. Enter the nightmare of retail. Where the managers and the customers don’t want you to prevail. But what could be the harm? Only being paid minimum wage, having sore arms, Constantly refolding clean clothes that were dumped Chumped, flumped, and lumped on the floor By inconsiderate customers who want to start war. And just when I thought things couldn’t get worse A rude lady decides to curse. However, I casually smile for a while Though fuming inside, Feeling what’s left of my pride get pushed aside Since the customer is always right. Not quite. I also had to wear avocado green polo shirts that would cause alarm And have customers see my khakis, joking that I’m ‘Jake from State Farm’. Don’t forget about really sore feet, a back that wants to creak, And thinking the future is probably bleak. Suddenly, the magic moment happens. I see the soccer mom with the ‘Can I see your manager haircut’. I know it’s time to clock out and leave with a Vogue strut. Home, sweet home. I’m finally able to relax and sleep, And dream of fences being jumped over by adorable sheep. But before I know it, the clock strikes 10 am, So I remember that the process will continue again and again. And that my friends, is why most of My summer was quite a bummer...

the trail mix

The Good, the Bad, and the Odd...

On September 7th, 2018 Gregory Lee Rodvelt had his home invaded by the FBI and Oregon State Police in an attempt to clear suspected “booby traps”. Authorities reported improvised security devices including a van fit with steel bear traps, a hot tub positioned to steam roll those who set off a tripwire, and a wheel chair rigged to fire a shotgun shell. All but the final trap failed, which was tripped following a breach of the front door causing the wheel chair to fire at one of the agents. Authorities later found Mr. Rodvelt in Arizona who admitted to deploying the Indiana Jones style “booby traps”. Upon further questioning regarding additional threats he stated, “I would not race right in.” Mr. Rodvelt has been charged with assaulting a federal officer in one of the most unique ways ever recorded.

Purple Striped Jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca photo by Ella Grande

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Our dearest thanks to Kristen Goodrich and the Department of Human Ecology at Rutgers University

Drawing by Marissa Guzik