My first full-time teaching job took me to the small rural school district of Wrenshall in northeastern Minnesota.  The first day was exceedingly hot.  At the end of the day and dripping wet with sweat, I climbed two flights of stairs to the elementary boys’ bathroom.  There I found our head custodian, Jim, in a sleeve-less shirt, rubber apron, and knee boots.  Apparently, some of the boys thought it would be great to fill the toilet bowls with pencils, paper towels, and other . . . well. . . stuff, and then start flushing.  The water on the floor was littered with toilet paper along with the other oddities.  The stench was nearly overwhelming.  With a bit of a nervous laugh, I said, “How’s it going, Jim?”  He turned quickly, adjusted glasses that were slowly slipping down his nose and with a broad smile said, “You know, I’ve never had it this good.” 

Jim never greeted me any other way.  So I thought to myself, “What a testament – he’s covered in sweat, wallowing in slop, and smiles and says, ‘You know, I’ve never had it this good.’”  That’s something I’ve never forgotten. 

That’s also why, when people greet me with “How’s it going?” I answer with “I’ve never had it this good.”