Chasing My Tail

Sorry for the delay in regular updates, I promise my time has been well spent. Or not. At this point I think my days are running together and I think today is Friday... It's like an adventure around here. Kinda like Third Watch meets Perils of Penelope or something like that. We've lost 3 people in the last two weeks and now are down to 5 fulltime dispatchers and with a department of 45 patrolmen, that's a little scarce. So my new adventure began Thursday night with us moving back to 12 hour shifts to avoid only 3 people working overtime (2 have refused, citing their god-like status as reason) (I assume lol) I'm now working with a patrol Sgt who is back on light duty after being injured in a fight. It's nice having someone in here who can answer a phone and handle the situation without us having to tie up an officer, so plus there. We have interview boards next week...any suggestions on what I need to look for? I've got my question set typed up focusing more on thought process than scenarios, but I'd appreciate the feedback :) hope everyone has a good weekend!

Happy Friday the 13th

I joke that I'm superstitious about full moons and Friday the 13th, but I have to say I do put more faith in full moons than the other. In an unexpected turn of events, we've lost two dispatchers in the last three days putting us down to five fulltime and one trainee...can anyone say overtime? I will not complain, mostly due to the fact that one who quit was one of the biggest trouble makers we had, things should be a little more peaceful now that she's gone. (:

Is There Such A Thing?

Is there such a thing as being too kind hearted or compassionate for this job? A concerned citizen brought in a newborn kitten last Friday and me, like a sap took it home simply because I think everything innocent deserves a fighting chance. I sit here on my front porch smoking and crying. (yes, I know it's a nasty habit and I should quit) I knew deep down the little guy wasn't going to survive without his momma but damn it, I was going to give him a shot. Right about 0245 he squeaked a little and then was just gone. Somehow I don't think I will ever be used to death. I've sat in the room with the hospice patient as they drew their last breath and it wasn't much different. There's just an overwhelming sense of sadness at the end of life. Yes, that person may have been a horrible person but it's the end.

Forgive me, I shouldnt blog when I'm sappy and emotional but it makes me sad.

Sorry for the weird rambling emotional text, I hope everyone's week goes well I'm going to try and enjoy my days off (:

Belatedly...

I'm claiming the fact that I celebrated the 4th too hard to actually write an update. Today is the first official day of the new shifts, so far so good... Picking up where I left off, yesterday, I may have gotten a little busy ;) Had a board interview today, yep, we're trying this again. Nervous as hell! But I sucked it up, it was all people that I work with already and they just tried to look stern (and succeeded)I'm not counting my chickens yet, I've had too many near misses and false starts (hence you just now finding out about this!) Keeping up the pace has been hard, and I now know without a shadow of doubt that your head definitely gives out before your legs do. Have to whip my brain into shape!

Bucket Listing...

So, lately I've been considering writing a memoir. Not necessarily because I think my life has been particularly interesting or poignant, but mostly because I think I've experienced a lot in my short lifetime. Haha. We traveled a lot when I was a kid and I have the dysfunctional extended family from hell...(my step-grandfather actually threatened to kill my father and uncles) and I have a unique sense of humor and outlook on life. (That's why you read this, correct?) Shift schedules were released today, still on evening shift (yay). I've come to terms with it...and I'm cool with being the badass dispatcher who always knows what the heck is going on and never gets cranky on the radio (joooking..) I'm getting away from the irritating partner (Thank God!!!) but was also informed today that when the newbie is finished with First Phase (day shift) she will be moving to evenings and into my capable hands. Eeeek. Dunno if I'm ready for that responsibility again. She seems very "with it" so I'm not worried too much, I just don't want don't want the headaches...

Brick Walls

Today is Sunday. The day of rest. (in theory) So far today I've spent a lot of time talking to thin air, or deaf ears, or brick walls, or however the general public wants to be categorized today. I've spent 15 minutes explaining to someone how I have no idea why an officer chooses to pull a car over because they do not tell dispatch their probable cause. In the same conversation I also had to explain why you get your driver's license taken away if you refuse to test for DUI. I've also decided that mothers' double as self-appointed lawyers. Spare me.

Squirrels

I have to say so far my favorite call ever has been the squirrel calls...so far we've had one every night I've worked...I'm definitely a fan. We have all been on pins and needles (I say "we" more like my nosey, loudmouth partner. Oops, did I really write that? Yes. Yes, I did. But I digress. On pins and needles about the pending shift change that is supposed to take place on the 5th, I've put back in for 2300-0700...hopefully it will happen. although it does mean I'll probably be stuck with loudmouth...I think I'm mature enough to deal! .......