Faking It

Alot about what my job entails is knowing what your doing with great confidence. And when you don't have that great confidence that what you're doing is right....fake it.

From interrogating people you have handcuffed in the back of your patrol car to the "simple" task of driving from point A to point B at 80 MPH, with lights and sirens going, all while trying to read your call on the computer. Faking it. Something I have become very good at with this job. Your Sgt. needs to talk to you? Fake it, what ever question he has, just act like you know what your talking about. Trust me, it goes along way.


I know I'm not the only rookie who has adapted this motto. In fact, I was reading a book about a rookie cop who had left his red/blue lights running while sitting in a parking lot. He didn't know it at the time. A passerby approached him and said "your lights are on." He was so embarrassed but said "yeah, I know, I'm just waiting for someone." And as soon as the passerby was out of sight, he turned them off. I laughed so hard at this. Mainly because I have done the exact same thing. Except instead of sitting in a parking lot I was casually driving down the road. I was just like, "wow, everyone is really moving out of my way today."

Gaurenteed Laugh

I love this show. I pulled out my DVD's and watched it the other day. Too funny!
(Scroll down to the bottom to turn off the music player)

Riding Solo

Yesterday was my first day riding solo in the patrol car! It's a big deal because it means they trust you enough to let you loose on your own. My training officer still responds to alot of my calls, but in her own car. I was so incredibly nervous. It turned out to be really good and actually alot less stressful than when you actually have a training officer sitting in the passenger seat, jotting down notes on every wrong turn you make.

I've just begun the actual testing out process, called "x-ray" here at this department. I've got a long ways to go but it feels so good to actually take a step closer to feel like I've accomplished something.

It was a NERVE RACKING feeling however, responding to your first call on your own. I get called to a couple of kids who started a fire in a park and I'm thinking, "Oh great....I hope I know what to do." I walk up to the firemen who had the kids sitting down and the fire out. I feel like such a rookie. Not only do I look like a little kid in my uniform, I am just so nervous. Needless to say I just had to take a deep breath and be thinking, "OK. I know what this is. I know the law." It all turned out ok and I made the right decisions in the end, but it was a bit scary at first hearing your call sign over the air and responding...all by yourself...almost like a real cop.

Almost.

Phantom

Ivan and I attended Phantom. It was a good night, but of course, something wierd always has to happen. Let me explain.

As we are getting ready to leave I can't get my bra to not show on my dress! It was so frustrating, I know only girls will understand this. Anyhow, with some handiwork and a safety clip I eliminated the problem before we left the house.
When we enter the theatre I was kind of disapointed. Now, let me explain. I set up the purchase of the tickets. But when I was buying them online, the old Burton cheap-0 came out in me. Even though we have the money and I'd been waiting for this for so long, I still went with some of the cheapest seats in the house. Big mistake. Well not BIG, but I wish I hadn't. The seats were still fine, but I would have loved to be closer. (But it's OK. Ivan felt so bad he's already talking to me about going to Vegas and seeing it with awesome seats!) But it doesn't stop there. So now we are sitting in our seats and the show begins. I forget about my wishes for being closer up and just enjoy the whole atmosphere.

It's the scene right at the auction. The chandelier is on the ground and then all of a sudden "pop" it lights up dramatically just like it was supposed. The orchestra is playing the opening song and I'm getting really excited. Then the orchestra stops, the chandelier is still laying on the ground and I'm thinking "I think the chandelier was supposed to raise." A female voice cuts in, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are having technical difficulties..." You get the rest.
So after 5 minutes, the show starts back up again. I've figured it's best to just roll with the punches and enjoy the show.

About ten minutes into that the Phantom is making his big debut on screen. I love it! I love his voice, I love his costume, I love the guy who just collapsed in the chairs behind me...What? Yes, some guy collapses. Everyone stands up around us. I'm waiving to the usher to go get some help. Turns out it was no big deal, low blood pressure or something (probably from our seats being so high and far away!) But everyone around me acted like he was dying. I'm thinking, "Why is everyone huddled over him? Why is he still sprawled out on the concrete floor? Why don't they help him up and walk him out for some fresh air?" But no, they insist on 5 people standing aorund him, freaking out. So after about ten minutes of this the firefighters show up. Dang firefighters. Anyhow, they escort him out, and I've now missed one of my favorites songs. I also feel like Karma will get me because I eventually was getting mad at the guy for passing out during one of my favorite songs.

Well, that was about the worst of it. Oh yeah, Ivan did lean over and ask "What's the hand at the level of the eye thing mean?" I just started laughing (see my older post below).
Other than these few things I still really enjoyed it. The technical aspects of the show were awesome! I loved the singing and the live orchestra. Now I am ready to shell out some big bucks and do it again in Vegas.

It's over for the music of the night.

Phantom of the Opera

I am very excited. Tommorrow Ivan and I are going to see Phantom of the Opera! I have never been to a "big" production before. Yes, I've seen many community theater plays (which still rock! You go Ramona) but this will be my first time getting dressed up to go out and act cultured. I love the music. Growing up my parents always listened to the Phantom soundtrack as well as other musicals.

I made Ivan watch the movie with me this weekend to prepare for the play. I told him I didn't want him leaning in the entire time and whispering in a voice that's still very audible "who's that?"....."Is he bad or good?" ..."Whats up with the hand at the level of your eye?" So we watched it together. He won't admit it but he totally enjoyed it and is now very excited to go see it for real. But not as excited as ME!

Reds and Oranges

It's soon becoming one of my favorite time of the year. Fall. The leaves are just starting to get hints of red and orange. The air is cold and brisk. My scarve is bundled around my neck and a coffee cup is keeping my hands warm. I love this season.

All that said however, fall still has two setbacks I must address.

My first dillemma: Shoes. What can I wear on my feet? I can't wear any flip flops or open toe heels, it's to brisk. But I'm not to the point of slipping my feet into my uber-comfy pair of North Face snowboots. So that is the first problem with fall.

The second: Outdoor activities. Anyone who know's me know's I love to do things outside. When it's hot and sunny you can swim, wakeboard, sit at the lake, bike ride...well you get the picture. When it's cold and snowy you get to snowboard, snowshoe, have snowball fights...again, you get the picture. But fall has limits on the outdoor activities. For the most part I'd say Fall is perfect for some gorgeous hiking and walking with your dogs!

So I am not trying to disrespect the fall season, whatsoever. Every season comes with a price. Right now, however, I am enjoying the colors of the trees and the cold air filling my lungs.