So I just got back from vacation, right? I slept later than I wanted on Monday morning, so I didn't get a chance to run an important errand before work. So I said, "Pointy Bearded Boss, can I take a long lunch to go do this thing?" He said yes without a moment's hesitation.

So I took my long lunch and tried to get the errand taken care of. Didn't work out for me. I needed to stop by the county courthouse and get a replacement birth certificate for The Kid. Apparently the school district must verify that he was, in fact, born before he can enter kindergarten.

But there's a problem. I am The Kid's father, and Girlfriend is his mother. But Girlfriend and I are not married (otherwise she'd be Wife, now wouldn't she?) The law requires extra paperwork for my name to appear on The Kid's birth certificate. Since my name isn't currently on the certificate, I can't get copies.

Rats. I wasted my long lunch for nothing. "Umm, Pointy Bearded Boss? Can I get a little time out this afternoon to get Girlfriend to the courthouse?" Again he immediately said yes.

So I took Girlfriend to the courthouse, paid our fee, and got our copies. But there's more.

"Umm, Pointy Bearded Boss, I know I'm a complete pain, and I know I just finished vacation, but can I get a few hours out on Tuesday? It's The Kid's kindergarten orientation and I really want to be there for that." Again, no hesitation.

How cool is that? This is only my second day back and he's ok with me missing four hours of work. And here's the kicker… I make an hourly wage and he pays me like I'm salary. He pays me for all this time I miss.

I told you. My boss is way better than yours.