I recently got to do something amazingly fun and exciting; and yet a little terrifying as well. Every year the various public safety offices host different emergency preparedness exercises to make sure everyone is on top of their game. This year it was held on the college campus where I work and you better believe I volunteered as a victim!!!
The big scenario was basically an active shooter on campus (something that unfortunately is a much to real scenario). There were many different forms of public safety from officers to EMS taking part with plenty of people like myself volunteering to play the frantic and injured that need saving. I played the part of Tammy- a secretary with 2 beautiful children (Jenifer and Jonathan) who was excited to go to the beach this summer with my husband's family who just started really accepting me into the family a few months ago after Jonathan had been born thanks to cementing the continuation of the family name (my father-in-law is a bit of a male chauvinist) . Ok-so really none of that was actually told to me. I completely made up the entire back story. All I was given was a card that said I had a gunshot wound to the leg and listed my vitals post injury. But doesn't the story of Tammy sound like a pretty good one?!? (I'd like to add that I wasn't the only person creating back stories!) And the makeup we all got done to portray our injuries was pretty awesome!
The exercise was really realistic. I had to call 911 a few times for the first time in my life and I will say those people are great at staying calm! Maybe it had to do with the fact they knew this was taking place and I had to start and end each of my calls with "This is an exercise", but great questions and calmness in their voices! Then I basically got to hide while the cops found the shooter. That was probably the scariest part. Hearing footsteps running around, people yelling, an officer finding me (the only time of the day a gun was actually pointed at me-not loaded of course), and just waiting not really knowing what was going on. I can imagine how terrifying it would be in a real situation. My favorite part was my rescue. Thanks to my gunshot wound, I couldn't walk and thus got carried out over the shoulder of a rather fit police officer (I'm one of those girls who loves a guy in uniform!) I got transported to safety, triaged, taken to the hospital in an ambulance (another first), and went through some fake tests and surgery there. It was a crazy few hours of my life.
It was fun being part of it and seeing a bit more of what they would do and understanding how a response to that situation goes. I think it was great practice for everyone from the initial call to the hospital dealing with so many injuries coming in at once. Granted I hope I am NEVER in a real situation like that. Instead let's just keep it as an exercise shall we?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
the joys of running
Yesterday evening I went to a spin class at the gym with a friend. Less than 12 hours later I was back at the gym running on the treadmill. Some may call this insane, I call it my norm. I am one of those people who actually enjoys going to the gym and working out. I don't ever want to be one of the creepy body builder women, but I do really enjoy staying physically active.
I find that I tend to have much more energy when I'm doing something active every day. And while I still hesitate to call myself a "runner", running is probably the most common activity for me. Within the last week I've participated in two 5k races, and potentially signing up for another in less than a month. When I realized I was doing two 5k races within literally 3 days of each other, even I started to think I was crazy! But then I realized that a 5k really isn't that long to run. A simple 3.1 miles. And I'm perfectly content sticking to 5ks. I have no desire in any fiber of my being to run long races like a marathon. I don't consider that fun. And to me, that's what working out is-fun.
I tend to also do 5ks that are associated with some form of cause. Of course a chunk of the money is going toward the logistics of the race, or toward the 'free' t-shirt you get for signing up (and I'm a sucker for a 'free' t-shirt!!). But I like the fact that it feels more involved than just signing a check to support a charity or cause. Like I actually did something for them.
The first 5k I participated in this week was for Project Reach. It was at a conference I attended and was something new they added to raise money for school supplies at a high school. Admittedly, this was not my best showing at a 5k. For whatever reason (I have plenty of excuses-the 85 degree heat, the lack of sleep, the excess amount of alcohol I had been drinking every night) I ended up getting a stitch in my side and walking almost half of it! Still, I was active and did something healthier than a few friends of mine who came out to support us and hung out on the sidelines with a drink of their own.
After that disappointing showing, I was nervous about how the next 5k would go. I was still excited however as I had participated in this race a few times before- the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I'm a proud member of team Rack Pack in my area. (and running on a team meant TWO t-shirts!) I'm proud to say that I did much better and actually ran the entire thing! It lifted my spirits and gave me some motivation to keep going and pushing myself even when I don't have a literal finish line in front of me.
I may not be a distance runner, but I do enjoy running. Not to mention walking, hiking, biking, etc. I love the feeling at the end when you know you did something good for yourself. It doesn't matter the distance, just so long as I can be active-whether it means going 1 mile, 3 miles, or 26 miles (but again-don't count of me to do 26anytime soon ever.
I find that I tend to have much more energy when I'm doing something active every day. And while I still hesitate to call myself a "runner", running is probably the most common activity for me. Within the last week I've participated in two 5k races, and potentially signing up for another in less than a month. When I realized I was doing two 5k races within literally 3 days of each other, even I started to think I was crazy! But then I realized that a 5k really isn't that long to run. A simple 3.1 miles. And I'm perfectly content sticking to 5ks. I have no desire in any fiber of my being to run long races like a marathon. I don't consider that fun. And to me, that's what working out is-fun.
I tend to also do 5ks that are associated with some form of cause. Of course a chunk of the money is going toward the logistics of the race, or toward the 'free' t-shirt you get for signing up (and I'm a sucker for a 'free' t-shirt!!). But I like the fact that it feels more involved than just signing a check to support a charity or cause. Like I actually did something for them.
 |
| Is it bad my favorite part of racing may be the t-shirts you get??? |
After that disappointing showing, I was nervous about how the next 5k would go. I was still excited however as I had participated in this race a few times before- the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I'm a proud member of team Rack Pack in my area. (and running on a team meant TWO t-shirts!) I'm proud to say that I did much better and actually ran the entire thing! It lifted my spirits and gave me some motivation to keep going and pushing myself even when I don't have a literal finish line in front of me.
 |
| Rack Pack Pride!!! (and the one time of year I'm more than happy to wear plenty of pink) |
I may not be a distance runner, but I do enjoy running. Not to mention walking, hiking, biking, etc. I love the feeling at the end when you know you did something good for yourself. It doesn't matter the distance, just so long as I can be active-whether it means going 1 mile, 3 miles, or 26 miles (but again-don't count of me to do 26
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Free Watch Anyone?
I had a very proud moment the other day. I was in a tornado warning and I did not break down and start praying to God to spare me like crazy. Seriously-that's my norm. I don't do well in bad weather. Watches of any kind are enough to cause an increase in my blood pressure! (well watches related to potential weather threats at least-I'm not Captain Hook-throw a time telling watch at me and I'll just take it and thank you for the free watch)
This past Friday my area started by being in a tornado watch and I thought to myself "ok....just a watch.....nothing major.....you'll be fine" and then we got the announcement that the Watch is now a Warning. Sirens started going off in my head. Literally. I work at a college and we have very loud sirens that go off in case of severe weather threats or emergencies. I guess now would be a good time to say that on Friday we also had an event where I work so there were more than 900 visitors on campus in addition to the regular students and staff. Even though I felt bad for our visitors, I think they helped me keep calm. I am always much less worried if someone is with me. Even if that person can't do a single thing to help. The responsible and confident side of me kicks in and starts taking over. My thoughts turn from individual doomsday mentality to a proactive 'what can I do to make the situation better' mentality. I could have gone to the lower level of the building I was in with all the visitors right away. Heck-I got the announcement before the sirens started going off so really I could have beat them down there and been the welcoming party. But I didn't. I stayed where I was to go around alerting people where to go and what was happening. Only after everyone was taken care of did I go downstairs. Then I got to spin the situation into a "see how fast and effective we are at taking care of our students when there is any form of threat!?!" kind of message. (work long enough where I work and you can spin anything you want into a positive!)
End of the story is that I am alive. The tornado wasn't even very close to us at all. No damage around where I live which is exactly the way I like it. I also was able to save face in front of my coworkers and a bunch of strangers which is also exactly how I like it. But if I can avoid another tornado warning for a long time, I'd be absolutely ok with it!
This past Friday my area started by being in a tornado watch and I thought to myself "ok....just a watch.....nothing major.....you'll be fine" and then we got the announcement that the Watch is now a Warning. Sirens started going off in my head. Literally. I work at a college and we have very loud sirens that go off in case of severe weather threats or emergencies. I guess now would be a good time to say that on Friday we also had an event where I work so there were more than 900 visitors on campus in addition to the regular students and staff. Even though I felt bad for our visitors, I think they helped me keep calm. I am always much less worried if someone is with me. Even if that person can't do a single thing to help. The responsible and confident side of me kicks in and starts taking over. My thoughts turn from individual doomsday mentality to a proactive 'what can I do to make the situation better' mentality. I could have gone to the lower level of the building I was in with all the visitors right away. Heck-I got the announcement before the sirens started going off so really I could have beat them down there and been the welcoming party. But I didn't. I stayed where I was to go around alerting people where to go and what was happening. Only after everyone was taken care of did I go downstairs. Then I got to spin the situation into a "see how fast and effective we are at taking care of our students when there is any form of threat!?!" kind of message. (work long enough where I work and you can spin anything you want into a positive!)
End of the story is that I am alive. The tornado wasn't even very close to us at all. No damage around where I live which is exactly the way I like it. I also was able to save face in front of my coworkers and a bunch of strangers which is also exactly how I like it. But if I can avoid another tornado warning for a long time, I'd be absolutely ok with it!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Boston
Yesterday my faith in humanity was tested once again. An unknown person/persons set off explosives at the end of the Boston Marathon. It's these moments that make me question how far humanity has fallen. And question why there is such hate in the world. What causes someone to go so far as to take incredibly violent actions against completely innocent people. I highly doubt that the 8 year old who died yesterday had done anything worth the punishment he, and now his family, had to endure.
I try and be positive. I try to see the good in everything. But in situations like this it is so remarkably difficult. The only thing I can think to do is to continue trying to do good and assist wherever I can. I can't guarantee my influence will go very far-but I know that filling myself with hatred toward the individuals at fault isn't going to do anyone any good. Hate just breeds hate.
Patton Oswalt's facebook status yesterday regarding the bombing was so perfect, and much more poetic than I could ever be. It's gone completely viral already, but I want to post it here so that I can continue to look at it if (and sadly probably when) other horrendous activities take place and remind myself that the good do outweigh the evil on this planet.
I try and be positive. I try to see the good in everything. But in situations like this it is so remarkably difficult. The only thing I can think to do is to continue trying to do good and assist wherever I can. I can't guarantee my influence will go very far-but I know that filling myself with hatred toward the individuals at fault isn't going to do anyone any good. Hate just breeds hate.
Patton Oswalt's facebook status yesterday regarding the bombing was so perfect, and much more poetic than I could ever be. It's gone completely viral already, but I want to post it here so that I can continue to look at it if (and sadly probably when) other horrendous activities take place and remind myself that the good do outweigh the evil on this planet.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Pack-A-Thon!
Originally I thought this post was going to be all about an amazing organization called Feed the Hunger. My church holds a yearly Pack-a-Thon for them where our goal is to pack 100,000 dry meals for impoverished countries. The food we packed last year (and I believe this year as well) was being sent to Haiti to feed the countless malnourished children there.
It's a fantastic organization that sends food not just to Haiti but also to places including Kenya and Sri Lanka. It's a crazy feeling to know that you've helped make sure that so many people will get a nutritious meal because of you (especially for someone like me who rarely cooks anything at all even in my own home!). And I don't want to take away from the organization. They do amazing things providing food, education, and God's message around the world.
But what really surprised me was how much I laughed during the event. See last year I participated, but just on my own. My friends were doing different shifts than I was so even though I enjoyed it, I was really only focused on not messing up more than anything else. This time however I was working a shift with 5 of my friends. I never thought I would end up crying tears of laughter on more than one occasion in just a few hour shift, but that's exactly what happened. Sometimes people would jump the gun in putting their ingredient into the bag, or randomly (and accidentally) put their ingredient in twice, we of course picked on each other for many various things, and at one point the machine sealing the bags even started sparking-which was cool but not really supposed to happen. Ok, so maybe it was a "you had to be there" kind of time, but I had so much fun I almost started feeling bad because I was there to help impoverished children and not laughat with my friends right?!?
Then I realized helping others should be fun. Don't they say that laughter is the best medicine for pretty much everything after all? The average adult only laughs 15 times a day! The average child closer to 300!!! I'm pretty sure most people at the Pack-A-Thon probably surpassed the average adult daily laughs. From what I could tell, everyone was having a blast; except maybe the older gentleman that somehow got paired with our group. I couldn't tell if he was amused or annoyed at our antics. There was music constantly, cheering and yelling at all tables, and laughs all around. In fact that was probably the hardest I've laughed in some time, and I have to say that I left feeling better than I have all week!
129 people came out to help for the 2 hour shift I was part of and guess how many meals we packed??? Over 45,000!!! Such a fun way to help people who I'll more than likely never even meet! Because the event just happened I don't have this year's video from my specific church, but this one shows a little more about Feed the Hunger.
It's a fantastic organization that sends food not just to Haiti but also to places including Kenya and Sri Lanka. It's a crazy feeling to know that you've helped make sure that so many people will get a nutritious meal because of you (especially for someone like me who rarely cooks anything at all even in my own home!). And I don't want to take away from the organization. They do amazing things providing food, education, and God's message around the world.
But what really surprised me was how much I laughed during the event. See last year I participated, but just on my own. My friends were doing different shifts than I was so even though I enjoyed it, I was really only focused on not messing up more than anything else. This time however I was working a shift with 5 of my friends. I never thought I would end up crying tears of laughter on more than one occasion in just a few hour shift, but that's exactly what happened. Sometimes people would jump the gun in putting their ingredient into the bag, or randomly (and accidentally) put their ingredient in twice, we of course picked on each other for many various things, and at one point the machine sealing the bags even started sparking-which was cool but not really supposed to happen. Ok, so maybe it was a "you had to be there" kind of time, but I had so much fun I almost started feeling bad because I was there to help impoverished children and not laugh
Then I realized helping others should be fun. Don't they say that laughter is the best medicine for pretty much everything after all? The average adult only laughs 15 times a day! The average child closer to 300!!! I'm pretty sure most people at the Pack-A-Thon probably surpassed the average adult daily laughs. From what I could tell, everyone was having a blast; except maybe the older gentleman that somehow got paired with our group. I couldn't tell if he was amused or annoyed at our antics. There was music constantly, cheering and yelling at all tables, and laughs all around. In fact that was probably the hardest I've laughed in some time, and I have to say that I left feeling better than I have all week!
129 people came out to help for the 2 hour shift I was part of and guess how many meals we packed??? Over 45,000!!! Such a fun way to help people who I'll more than likely never even meet! Because the event just happened I don't have this year's video from my specific church, but this one shows a little more about Feed the Hunger.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Recharging my batteries
So far today I: slept in, lounged and cleaned for a few hours, hiked with friends, went to the gym, and currently have laundry in the dryer and banana bread in the oven. A pretty ideal day if I say so myself. And very needed.
It's Easter weekend which means 3 days away from work and a chance to recharge my batteries. For the past month I've flown back and forth for work every 3 or 4 days. The constant back and forth, combined with working long hours every weekend, is probably more exhausting than the fall in which work takes me away from home for about 2 weeks at a time.
Originally I was supposed to be traveling this past week, but changed my plans a few days before I was supposed to leave. It was partially because it would not have been a productive trip, partially because it was a very busy week in the office and I knew they could use me, partially because I didn't want to leave my cat at home alone for a week, but mostly because the idea of getting to stay home thrilled me. I knew if I stayed home I'd be able to get errands done as well as actually sit back and relax. Take a mental break.
And it has been fantastic. I actually got more than 8 hours of sleep last night (which hasn't happened for quite some time), and then once I did wake up I just laid in bed watching TV for a bit. Knowing that if I had wanted, I could have stayed in bed all day. Granted that's not my style so after an episode of Boy Meets World I still got up.
I'm looking forward to another 2 days of pretty much the same. Looking forward to starting next week fresh and energetic. Looking forward to not dreading flying out again on Monday. And finally, looking forward to my banana bread which is just about done.....
It's Easter weekend which means 3 days away from work and a chance to recharge my batteries. For the past month I've flown back and forth for work every 3 or 4 days. The constant back and forth, combined with working long hours every weekend, is probably more exhausting than the fall in which work takes me away from home for about 2 weeks at a time.
Originally I was supposed to be traveling this past week, but changed my plans a few days before I was supposed to leave. It was partially because it would not have been a productive trip, partially because it was a very busy week in the office and I knew they could use me, partially because I didn't want to leave my cat at home alone for a week, but mostly because the idea of getting to stay home thrilled me. I knew if I stayed home I'd be able to get errands done as well as actually sit back and relax. Take a mental break.
And it has been fantastic. I actually got more than 8 hours of sleep last night (which hasn't happened for quite some time), and then once I did wake up I just laid in bed watching TV for a bit. Knowing that if I had wanted, I could have stayed in bed all day. Granted that's not my style so after an episode of Boy Meets World I still got up.
I'm looking forward to another 2 days of pretty much the same. Looking forward to starting next week fresh and energetic. Looking forward to not dreading flying out again on Monday. And finally, looking forward to my banana bread which is just about done.....
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Fresh Air and a Fresh Attitude
I always enjoy making my normal blog reading rounds. My favorites to check are the ones written by friends. Sometimes it's because I know I'm getting a shout out, but mostly it's because I love to keep up with my friends and get inside their heads more than just a Facebook status update. One such friend is AMK. We've been friends for years and even though we still see each other all the time, I still love reading her blog!
Reading her latest post about our camping trip last weekend made me want to post one of my own. The Outdoor Activities Club in college is one of the big ways AMK and I became friends and so we still love to go hiking and camping when we have the chance.
This particular camping trip came at the best time possible. Work was leaving me highly annoyed and stressed, and to the point I really didn't want to be there whatsoever (which is quite rare for me to say as I typically enjoy my job). What I love about camping is the chance to completely get away from it all. Being able to escape the modern world can be amazing. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love technology and modern amenities. But turning off my phone completely and not having any TV, radio, internet, or phone was fantastic. There was no way work could reach me. And it was peaceful knowing we were 'off the grid' so to speak.
I think that's the main reason I'm drawn to camping. Escaping from all the stress that normal life puts on us. There's no work emails reaching me, no friend drama to surround me, and no sloth guilt for doing nothing but watching TV all day. Camping means that I can just enjoy the world around me. Let my mind stop running a million miles a minute and just enjoy the fresh air. Typically I enjoy going on hikes and exploring while camping, but this time we only left the immediate camp site when nature called. I think it was for the best this time because it really allowed me to just stop everything. (It also allowed me to not freeze since staying in the campsite meant staying by the fire.)
We all need that sometimes. To be able to escape the normal stress of life and decompress a bit. Everyone has their own way of going about it. The outdoors just happens to be mine. It allowed me to come back with a much better attitude as well. I came back refreshed and while I wasn't exactly excited for work, I did come back more willing. Now that Spring is really starting to come around (this weekend its 60 degrees! So much better than the 40 we had as a high last weekend!) I hope to get out more and more. Whether it be more camping trips, or day hikes, running outside, or even just sitting outside and reading. I can't wait to enjoy more fresh air!!
 |
| Thumbs up for being chums!! |
This particular camping trip came at the best time possible. Work was leaving me highly annoyed and stressed, and to the point I really didn't want to be there whatsoever (which is quite rare for me to say as I typically enjoy my job). What I love about camping is the chance to completely get away from it all. Being able to escape the modern world can be amazing. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love technology and modern amenities. But turning off my phone completely and not having any TV, radio, internet, or phone was fantastic. There was no way work could reach me. And it was peaceful knowing we were 'off the grid' so to speak.
I think that's the main reason I'm drawn to camping. Escaping from all the stress that normal life puts on us. There's no work emails reaching me, no friend drama to surround me, and no sloth guilt for doing nothing but watching TV all day. Camping means that I can just enjoy the world around me. Let my mind stop running a million miles a minute and just enjoy the fresh air. Typically I enjoy going on hikes and exploring while camping, but this time we only left the immediate camp site when nature called. I think it was for the best this time because it really allowed me to just stop everything. (It also allowed me to not freeze since staying in the campsite meant staying by the fire.)
We all need that sometimes. To be able to escape the normal stress of life and decompress a bit. Everyone has their own way of going about it. The outdoors just happens to be mine. It allowed me to come back with a much better attitude as well. I came back refreshed and while I wasn't exactly excited for work, I did come back more willing. Now that Spring is really starting to come around (this weekend its 60 degrees! So much better than the 40 we had as a high last weekend!) I hope to get out more and more. Whether it be more camping trips, or day hikes, running outside, or even just sitting outside and reading. I can't wait to enjoy more fresh air!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)