Job well done

I am often let down by the realization that a rather large chunk of the population is just plain lazy. More so than lazy, this chunk of people has absolutely no work ethic. Not a desire in the world to chase a higher calling. A job well done means nothing to them.
For me, even when I feel I don’t have my dream job, I still take pride in what I do. The one time I dropped a pan of freshly baked bread on the floor back when I worked at Subway I took it really hard. I felt like a failure. Any time I make a mistake at my current job I cringe. These things I take personally.
Having said all that, it is such a refreshing experience when I encounter someone who has a high work ethic, someone who also values their place in the work force. This was actually one of the first traits I noticed in my hubby the night we met. He went on and on about how much he loved his job, how it was so wonderful that sometimes he even walked to work when it was snowing outside. He was and always will be a hard worker bee. I love that about him.
When hubby and I decided to tile our bathroom floors a few months ago it was hubby’s suggestion that he attempt it himself. And he did so. Though it was a slightly more complicated job than he first assumed, it turned out beautifully.
We’ve finally gotten around to the master bathroom and hubby suggested we hire the job out. He found a contractor named Miguel to do the job.
Miguel came to scout out our bathroom, gave us a very doable quote, and reported for duty less than a week later. Miguel is the epitome of work ethic. Here is what I noticed:
1) We wanted the tiles placed in a very simple square pattern, as we had done our first bathroom. Miguel offered to do a square border with a diamond pattern in the center. He goes above and beyond.
2) Miguel does not accept food, drink or restroom breaks while he’s working.
3) Miguel says excuse me, please, thank you, etc.
4) Miguel refuses to make small talk. It’s a waste of time.
5) Miguel scans the rest of the house in search of other problems. So far he has fixed our broken storm door and has offered to fix our front porch steps – both free of charge.
6) Miguel asks when we want him to work. He doesn’t tell us we he can work.
7) Miguel is very friendly to Paxton the dog. The cats don’t seem to mind him either.

The bathroom is now almost finished. Tomorrow Miguel will come to grout and replace the toilet and molding. Then we’ll have a “new” bathroom to be proud of.
Here it is in process: