The new job... Marble and Granite Works

I hate it, but an thankful to have a job at all.

Well, just the words marble and granite evoke a few things. Power, prestige, and a sense of accomplishment, success, and finality. There is nothing more pure than mining a piece of naturally formed solid rock out of the earth, trimming and polishing it, and installing it as counter tops in your house. It is absolutely beautiful material, varying in color, visual texture and brightness.

The manufacturing is not so glamorous. Everything is done wet to promote the removal of cutting, grinding, and polishing dust. This ends up completely drenching the shop and workers. In a shop in winter, this can become quite cold. Wearing full raincoats, and hand and eye protection really limits your working flexibility and feel. It is unbelievably hard and precise work. Edges have to be sanded and polished mirror smooth in material that is only topped in hardness by diamond. I am afraid this job is not a diamond though, and will be soon looking for a different opportunity locally.