Who would have thought that our government is so wonderful. Well, at least working for the government has some great perks. I get paid to participate in relevant courses to my job (and it's highly encouraged). Work stays at work and 4:30pm onwards is my time. I get one day off a month to do as a I please just because I work an extra 1/2 hour a day. I earn an extra $7.50 a fortnight for laundry allowance. Plus I am entitled to snow leave.....
Due to NSW's freakish weather over the past 3 weeks, a fairly large amount of snow was dumped all over the upper Blue Mountains. (Well, meteorologically speaking, I believe it was due to a windy cold front.) Forget the fact that my alarm failed to wake me up at the designated time due to a power failure, I was stoked. Considering I have never encountered snow before, you can imagine my excitement when i wake up to a street full of it. It covered my car. The lawn. The roads. In fact, the Great Western Highway was blocked, which was just too bad because that happens to be the only possible route for me to get to work.
So it was a lazy morning for me. First and foremost, a snow angel was formed, and quite a good one I must admit. This was followed by a leisurely walk up and down the street watching the local kids form snowmen and throw snowballs. The ambience in the air was one of excitement. I rang work and gave them my sincere apologies for not being able to get to work just yet. I then cooked myself a gourmet breakfast consisting of an omelet and watched an episode of Gilmore Girls whilst snuggled up in front of the heater. It was tough not being at work.
So at around 10 am the snow was slowly melting and the roads were once again open for use. So I venture outside, wipe the snow off my car and turn the key in the ignition. it choked. My car was too old and cold to start. A phone call to NRMA did the job. So 2 hours later, I arrive at work and again give my sincere apologies for arriving at lunch time.
The thing is, no one really cared that I couldn't get to work - they were just jealous that they couldn't use the same excuse as they were all locals.
I had heard of sick leave before, then there's study leave and also family leave...but never did I think I could take snow leave!!