Stinging Injustice

I was victim to two acts of injustice today. Both came from the same person. The sunshiny, happy, but law-abiding, lawsuit-fearing HR lady.

The first offense concerned the Halloween costume contest. I went to work as a gypsy today. I had bells around my ankles and neck, a colorful, floor-length silk skirt, hoop earrings, ornate scarves, bangles, etc. I didn't put any effort into it - one of my coworkers provided me with most of the stuff - and I didn't expect to win. I wasn't even going to bother participating very much.

When I went down for my lunch, I inadvertently found myself smack dab in the middle of the costume parade. I was stuck in a mass of people. Figuring that I should make the best of an awkward situation, I danced and waved like a good little gypsy around in the circle. The judges ate it up - everyone else was marching somberly.

I still didn't think I'd win. Without giving it a second thought, I went up to cover the receptionist's lunch break. She mentioned that the judges had been up there discussing the winner and for the individuals, they unanimously picked "the cute gypsy girl." I was surprised and rather pleased... until I heard that the HR lady had vetoed their decision.

Huh?

It was all in the name of preventing strife among the employees. You see, I am a temp. According to some menopausal, cranky pants women people, since temps are not company employees, they are not entitled to win any company contests... or even eat company-provided meals. It was too risky to announce that the winner of the company costume contest was a temp. Horror of horrors, right?

Anyway, so I didn't win. I didn't get anything. Not that I expected anything... but I should have won. That makes me feel good on the inside. Missing out on the $200 Visa card because I'm not a permanent employee... that doesn't make me feel so good on the inside. Oh well.

The second injustice is the reason that I am able to bring this blog post to you so early in the day. You see, I have a tendency to pass out. If you know me, you also know that this is very, very normal. Not a big deal. Give me a few minutes, I'll be up and moving. Well, I passed out yesterday and today. The HR lady flipped out. Not my boss, not my supervisor... the HR lady. And she sent me home. She asked if someone could pick me up. I explained that my mom could get there in about 20 minutes, but I would be fine in five or ten. I insisted that I was fine. But she wouldn't let me stay. She nearly ordered me out of the building. I had work to do. Money to make. But no. She made me leave because she's afraid of liability.

So much injustice. Just because I'm me. How is this fair???

Happy Halloween.