What does your husband do?

What does your husband do is a question I get a lot. And this is how the conversation usually goes if it's with another woman.

Me: He works for Caltrans out on the freeways at night in the Sacramento area.

The asker: Oh, lucky you! He must have a cake job! And you guys have really good benefits don't you?

Me: Yes, we do have good health benefits.... but he doesn't have a cake job.

The asker: Well, haven't you ever heard of those state worker jokes?

Me: Yes, that definitely does pertain to a lot of state workers, but trust me, not my husband. And if it did, I would be hounding on him all the time to change!
The asker: Oh, ok. (with definite reluctantcy in their voice.)

And I've come to notice that if it's a man that asks... their usual response is this:

The asker: Oh, he works for Caltrans. (the rolling of eyes)

And then an instant wall goes up. It does drive me crazy that Caltrans workers really have a bad rep. Anyway, I am so thankful for my husband's job. So so thankful! It's hard for me to not complain sometimes though, about his schedule. He works nights for about 8 months and then goes on days for 3-4 months. While he's working nights, I have to pretend he's out of commission, even if I do see him home. He's so tired all of the time. And just a zombie during that time. And on the weekends, he's up all night and sleeps in all morning. So... therefore I can not plan anything before noon, and if I do, he's grumpy and in a bad mood. Which I don't blame him. It'd be like for me, if someone made plans for me to do something at 2 or 3 am. I would not like that! But anyway, now that the cold season is coming, he'll be working more days... and I can't wait. I can't wait to have my husband back.