I'm starting to make friends at work. My boss and I get along well. We have similar interests in boxing and music. He's a really good x-ray tech with a good eye for anatomy. So I'm learning some new tricks. I'm pretty much on my own right now, but he comes in a few hours a day in case we have any special views or difficult cases that I'm not familiar with. And he's had to get me set up with the various hospitals and imaging centers in the area so I will be able to access them with my own account.
It's such a fun job! I can't believe how good the timing was in getting this job. I had sent out cold resumes to all the orthopedic places in the area, and less than a week and a half later, this place contacted me. I'm not sure how fierce the competition was, but I know the director was interviewing for a week or two. I'm so glad he chose me, and yesterday he said he was glad he made the right choice. So, that made me happy.
I'm getting to know my coworkers, and they're all nice, but a few really seem to click. There's a woman who boxes too, and she seemed happy to find someone else who boxes. She and her daughter go to a boxing gym. She's also an excellent artist. She showed me some of her work, and I was in awe. She drew one picture of a dragon with some amazing eyes. I would love to commission her to draw me one.
Anyway, this is another job where I love going to work every day! Today, I only have a half day because the afternoon doctor is taking the day off. That'll be good for me too, so I can get some cleaning done at home and do a good long workout.
Now, for some local news:
My son's high school has been having some copycat action of what happened in Parkland. Three or four days ago, a kid found something concerning on social media and alerted the school, who alerted the police. Police showed up at the school and arrested the senior, who had a knife and "kill list" in his possession. The next day, two more kids were baker acted or arrested for concerning social media posts. Then yesterday, I got a text from my son saying he had a very stressful day. I'd gotten a text from the school saying they were made aware of a concerning text between a few kids, and police were investigating. That's it. No other information about it all day. When I'm at work, I don't watch the news. My son didn't text me until he was home.
Apparently, the situation was more concerning than the school initially told us. This is the text that went around:
My son's school is pretty new, and rated as "A" school. But I really think administration could have done a better job yesterday. Apparently, a lot of students panicked, and either ran from the school or had parents come check them out. I wish my son had texted me earlier--I would've had him out of there in a heartbeat after reading that text.
The kids at his school seem to be on top of how dire the trend in mass shootings are, and they had their own organized call for change yesterday:
But man, something has to change. Actually, a lot of things need to change. Parents need to provide a more active role in their kids lives. There should be some tougher laws on cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, and cyber-harassing. Kids (and adults) with mental health issues need better access to care. The D.A.R.E. program needs to be revamped and made a priority again.
The kids seem to be stepping up to do their part after the Parkland tragedy--they are starting to report concerning posts made on social media, and that's a great step in stopping the violence. Collier County has initiated a new campaign:
Anyway, my son and I had a long talk yesterday about what to do if a similar incident happens in the future, and I think our talk helped him feel more confident that he can take measures to keep himself safe. Yesterday, he wanted to leave, but was scared to join the kids walking off school property because he was afraid of getting in trouble. I told him to not even think twice--just leave, and walk as far away from the school as possible, and call me right away.
So, I'm also reassured now that we have a plan in place.
Well, I was gonna right about some cool Norse women in history (and myth), but now I've gotta get ready for work. So I might write it when I get home, so today may have two posts...
Well, how about that? It's Thor's Day! Have a great one, and be safe.
