Media buffer and Ironman...

I had the best security gig (and one of the easiest) last week. I got a call at 9:30am on Friday (I didn't get to bed until 7am from working 12 hours overnight so I didn't appreciate it) asking me if I could work an emergency gig at 1pm that afternoon. I mumbled okay and fell back asleep until 11 when I got the second call telling me to go to ASU and see this guy and only talk to that guy... (and wear jeans and golf shirt--undercover man!). So as I'm on the road to ASU one of the bigs in our company calls and says to report to Packard Stadium (baseball facility at ASU) and report to Lynn who runs sports activities for the school. So I arrive at Packard Stadium (still not knowing what's going on) and Lynn briefs me that the the head baseball coach has resigned after 16 years and that I am to man the main gate and only allow players and coaches and anyone on the list she gives me into the facility. Everyone else is to remain outside. I am the only security at the stadium.

I tell everyone else showing up that the field is closed and practice cancelled and that its a players only meeting and "I don't know" whyn they closed the stadium. About an hour in Channel 12 and Channel 3 pull up with a news truck and cameras and begin setting up outside my gate. A print media guy is asking me what's going on and I give him the "I don't know... I am just working the gate". The cameras start rolling... (I'm sure I ended up on the cutting room floor after pleading ignorance) but it was pretty cool keeping the wolves at bay outside the gate. After the meeting a group of players and officials came out for interviews at the gate so again I might be in some footage... (I'll have to check channel 12 archives). The whole time I did my best military "at ease" stance complete with shades and "don't even try" expression. (lol) After all the players and officials left the reporter says, "okay. How about the truth. Is Coach Murphy still in the building?" "I don't know, sir " was all he got. The truth was that Murphy left the building even before I was posted but I wasn't going to be a "source at the scene". So I left around 5:30 with Channel 12 still hanging around looking to interview the coach... (Nice look for the reporter, by the way... Suit jacket, dress shirt and tie over shorts and sneakers).

Sunday I volunteered at the Ironman Arizona event... I was a Run/Aid station 1 handing out warm, flat cola to the runners... (first time I ever saw soda used but I guess the sugar and caffeine help). Over 2500 participants swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran a full marathon (26.2 miles) in nearly perfect (it is Arizona after all) conditions. All I can say is that these athletes are awesome and every one of them deserves much praise for competing. It was inspiring to see them out there and be part of helping them achieve their goals. What a great experience. I am inspired to dust off the running shoes and get back on the road. Don't worry. I will take it as far as this cranky old body will let me. Baby steps are the key, but I did go for a run last night...(if you can call it that). Got back in one piece a-huffin' and a-puffin'. Felt great (not at first but long after...lol). I will bring running gear to Aruba (you knew I had to bring it up) and maybe go for a jog in Central Park for old time's sake.

Tee minus 3 days and counting... Playing golf tomorrow and Wednesday to tune up for the Aruba Open with the boys. The pink ball will be in attendance guys so bring your "A" game...

My first overnight assignment....

Tonight I will be working my first overnight security gig. I start at 6pm and work until 6am Friday morning... (just like my other job without the heavy lifting). "Good Guys" is having a car show out at WestWorld and there will over 2000 custom hot rods and muscle cars up to the year 1972 on display for three days... (with my luck they'll put me as far away from the cars as possible). But maybe I'll be able to wander the grounds a little. More on that tomorrow.

Stopped by the new digs for the security company on Wednesday and filled out the form necessary to get my credentials to work the Insight Bowl on December 31. It involves yet another background check... (my third this year--I didn't realize that my background was so important. Seems to me that there are plenty of people the government and companies should be looking at other than me, but I don't want to invade anyone else's privacy). When those creds come I better get my gig in the visitors tunnel because that is the sweetest spot I could get for a football game...(besides being on the sidelines). But I digress... What, you may ask, are all the background checks for? No, I am not running for political office, nor am I in training for the Secret Service (although I could pull off that look). The first one was for a Arizona Dept. of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card and the second was for my substitute teacher certification. You are now reading about a newly certified substitute teacher in the State of Arizona. I can now apply to school districts in the state and be put on their rosters as a sub. I hope to be able to do that for the spring semester after I return from my jaunt in the Carribean.
This was a step, I hope, toward the dream job of coaching on a golf team or at least being involved in teaching golf at some level. We will see what we will see. But don't worry. I'll only make my students call me Mr. Mullady. :)

I have begun a special project that I will work on while on the beaches of Aruba... (I seem to be inspired by nature's beauty and between Arizona and Aruba, there is plenty to inspire me). I don't want to divulge too much about it because it is in the infant stages and I don't know how the process will work out but there are some of you who know what I'm working on. It is quite fitting that this will begin in earnest around the Thanksgiving holiday because I have very much to be thankful for, not just around the holiday, but every day I am able to live in this beautiful place and have the friends and family I am blessed with. More will be forthcoming as the project proceeds...

Zombie Monday and other news...

The ordeal is over! Sunday's 12 hour shift became a 16 hour marathon but we managed to survive... (tired beyond belief, but made it home with help of a megacup of Circle K coffee). Got home around 11:30 and crawled into bed and fell asleep almost immediately. Woke up around 8 am and wasn't sure where I was at first and spent most of the morning wandering around trying to clear my head... (hence the title of this episode). Around 11 am I went back for a nap... (I just didn't trust myself to venture out or even stay awake) and slept until around 4pm. Was still having a hard time adjusting to being awake... (who thought that standing for extended periods of time could wipe you out physically and mentally--I do now!). But I was able to get it together and make my "meeting" at 6pm at Starbucks.

Some celebrity sightings on Sunday... Rusty Wallace being driven on a golf cart through my gate (lucky there were no walls for him to crash into). Managed to throw a wave at us as he was whisked into the racetrack. Roger Penske and his entourage also breezed through our gate before racetime on his way to the luxury suites on a personalized Penske golf cart. All dressed alike in very official race garb. No wave from them however. I did mange to entertain a plethora of race fans on Sunday... (the track was packed and I guess my neon yellow reflective vest caught their eyes because they kept coming to me with questions rather than go to the information booth which was about 20 feet from where I was stationed). But, being the fountain of useless information that I am, I fielded all comers and directed them accordingly...(I did my homework, studying the brochures and track maps and having the info handy). Besides, talking with the race fans made the hours go by a little easier (16 hrs. doesn't go by without a fight). I met almost the entire working staff at the track (including the track president) and everyone seemed pleased with our efforts.

On a personal note: Sunday was my first anniversary of being in Arizona. I moved into my apartment on November 15, 2008 after the 3500 mile journey across country... I can honestly say that I have absolutely no regrets about that move. I haven't really decided where I will end up permanently here (possible home purchase), but Arizona is my home... (but that could change tomorrow as all who know me are aware). I renewed my lease for 8 months at my current address, but will be moving next year to experience other parts of this beautiful place... I have also met one of several ladies I have been "chatting" with on the internet last evening at Starbucks (her choice--I hope Dunkin Donuts doesn't find out I'm cheating on them). She is very nice and we talked and got to know more about each other and plan to go out again after I return from Aruba. I am also "chatting" with a couple other women and hope to meet them also in the next few weeks... (got to answer the "door" when opportunity knocks).

This week I hope to score some more security gigs before shutting down for the next 2 weeks while I am away. I volunteered through my E & A club to work an aid station at the Ironman Triathalon on Sunday... (I have a volunteer meeting Saturday morning). So I won't be able to work the triathalon for security but this is something I always wanted to do...volunteer at a race. Without volunteers, all the races I ran wouldn't have been held, so I want to give back a little to a sport that I still want to participate in...(once my legs get the feeling back in them after this weekend. Just kidding).

I woke up this morning refreshed... (after a marathon sleep) and ready to begin getting my stuff ready for next week's trip to Aruba and NYC... (I am staying in the city for two days after Aruba to do the tourist thing). I wanted to wish a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to Molly in Kansas and to Cathy in New York State. Hope you had wonderful birthdays... I will try to keep up with the blogs, but will be out of touch while out of the country...(although I might surprise you with a blog or two from the beach...the resort I stay at has internet cafes).

My dogs are barking...

Nothing like spending 28 of 48 hours on your feet on pavement to get the dogs barking... That's what your favorite blogger (and I better be your favorite!) has been doing the last two days and will continue to do on Saturday and Sunday... (12 hour shifts on each day). In the land of security, the perfect example of "feast or famine" syndrome, I am feasting more than a horde of Huns after battle. After a summer of parking lot nightmares where it felt like my feet melted up to my ankles and I was "cheetoed" time and again for a couple hours a week... (It seemed like all the money I was making was for sunblock and foot products), I have been busier than the proverbial one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest... 11 hours at the Greek festival, 9 hours at the ASU football game and then 56 hours in 5 days... (including a 4.5 hour gig today at ASU... mere bag of shells). But do not misconstrue my apparent whining because I'm not... (whining that is!). One does not complain when the feast is being served... (did you know why they dug trenches behind the tables at feasts in the olden days? So that you could lean back, vomit, and then turn around and continue to feast and drink. No one left the table for days.). There were only 9 positions available for this weekend and yours truly was handpicked to fill one... Phoenix International Raceway is hosting the Nascar (Sprint Cup? Winston Cup? Coffee Cup?) Race this week and I get to stand outside and not see a lap (but I can hear everything in deafening clarity and the smell of spent fuel is intoxicating---literally). I am the defender of Gate 2A where the golf carts and service vehicles go in and out and must check credentials for everyone entering. I can see the cars as the enter turn 2 but that's about it. But at least I know that none of us is inside so this is the best gig I could get. I have a tent to hide under and the people going and coming are pretty cool... (Met Brandon Webb, the pitcher for the Diamondbacks and Clint Boyer, the race car driver, when they were escorted through my gate). The most amazing thing is the instant trailer park that emerged around the track grounds in a matter of days... I'd be worried that a tornado might come and wipe it out but we don't get tornadoes in Arizona (although it is one humungous group of campers and RVs).

I am stationed next to the Speed Cantina (the Speed Channel sponsored this outdoor bar and music venue so last night I was treated to some live music in between the Midget Car Race and USAC race). It was a local country band and they were pretty good. It wasn't that busy but Saturday and Sunday should be crowded as the Nationwide Race and then the big boys take to the track...(reminder to self-purchase ear plugs at CVS today). This is all good because in 13 days I will appreciate the beaches of Aruba that much more... (you know I had to mention that).
The bad news is that I had to cancel skydiving on Sunday... (but I can jump out of a plane anytime and will do so again). The good news is that I got most of my money back (minus a late cancellation fee). So my adventures are limited to watching Clem and his family leave the trailer park and hoot and holler at the racetrack... (God, I sound like such a snob!). The truth is that Clem probably has more money than I do to afford to be here for all four days... (Tickets, Concessions, Souvenirs, RV campsite, Gas, etc.). They built a full sized supermarket on the campground to handle all the fans camping here. It's going to be quite a show, let me tell you. More good news... the temps will be in the 80's on the weekend so even though I will be in the sun all day I will not need 16 layers of sunblock nor will I be standing in a puddle of my own sweat (great visual, eh?). I have one of my straw golf hats for extra coverage, bug spray for the gnats (they were swarming for about 2 hours yesterday), and a couple gallons of water. I am close to the porta-johns and they let me park my Jeep close enough to walk to. (makes not seeing the race almost worth it. NOT!). All in all, except for the barking dogs, not a bad gig.

Going Greek...

Got a last minute call yesterday morning from the scheduling department... (they called at 10am and asked if I could be in Scottsdale by 11am to work a 12 hr. shift at the Scottsdale Center for the performing Arts). For a 12 hr. shift? Heck yeah. She gave me the lead's name, I jumped in the shower, donned the purple and khaki (uniform), and raced up the 101 to Scottsdale... (about a 30 min. ride). Made it there by 11:15...(not bad, if I say so myself). I checked in with the lead and was hoping I would get an inside position because I forgot my hat and my sunblock. Luck was on my side, because they put me in an air-conditioned office, watching over the money handlers for the Greek festival, being run by a local Greek Orthodox Church. I just made sure that only their authorized personnel entered and that was about it. There were very comfortable chairs and the windows looked out over the entire festival... (felt like I was in a sky box at a stadium, without the catered food).

I guarded the door when they counted the money and talked with the ladies and guys in the group and listened to the music and had a very easy time of it. I couldn't help thinking how hard I would have worked at the warehouse job for 12 hours and I just patted myself on the back again for quitting that adventure. Just when I think I found the easiest gig I could possibly have, one like this comes along. "Working for greens fees" was never better than yesterday. I walked the bank deposit handler to his car after the event closed for the day and headed home.

Today I return to football as ASU takes on USC. I will be working the visitor tunnel and locker room again... (best view of a game you can have). Would have been a really good game to watch if USC didn't get shellacked by Oregon last week... (I'm afraid USC might take it out on the Sun Devils today). ASU must win at least 2 more games to qualify for a bowl bid and they dug themselves a hole losing last week to Cal with 21 seconds left. After #12 USC they have road games at Oregon (who just beat up USC and is considered a contender for the national championship) and UCLA and then their last home game agaist arch rival and ranked Arizona... (I will miss that game but will root for ASU from my chair on the beach in Aruba, GO DEVILS).

Speaking of Aruba...tee minus 19 days and counting until lift-off to begin my "I'm living somewhere else for a week". Can't wait to see the New York "peeps" and get in some serious beach time. Haven't heard waves crashing along the shore line in quite a while. All travel arrangements are complete... (I surprise myself sometime). I just have to decide which winter clothing I need to bring for the couple days I'll be in NYC after I come back. Two days living downtown to see the tree and Macy's and Sak's and St. Pat's...(maybe go for a run in the park for old times sake). Do the "tourist" thing. Hope it snows... (but not enough to delay my trip back to my personal paradise).

Now this is more like it...

I knew I wasn't cut out to do the same old, same old every day... (although I HAVE been doing it most of my life). I have finally re-established my connections at the security company and had a diverse week of "gigs". My buddy Mike is back from a 4 month hiatus (he does construction and was at a job site in Yuma) so I will probably get better assignments when he's working. I have another "fan" also who grabs me up and makes me a lead guy at these events... (supervise the people actually doing the work!). More responsibility, no more pay! (insert all of your names here because I know it's happened to ALL of us). But the places I am put for the events is sweet! I already explained what I did at the lecture for the religious leader (practically nothing!) so we'll finish the week off with an eclectic bunch of events...

Thursday I drove out to ASU Polytechnic's campus (in Mesa off the 202--lot closer than most of my gigs). After circling around I finally found the "command post"... (a pickup in the middle of a dirt parking lot). My lead guy was the same from the lecture event so he tells me he has a special assignment for me. I am running the stage area and have 12 people "working" for me... It's a outdoor concert, open only to ASU students featuring two bands (7 Car Pile-up and Authority Zero). So I position my crew and put on my noise reduction headphones (those things saved my ears big time--just like the NASCAR headphones) and start patrolling the grounds. It was pretty chilly so the "crowd" wasn't really one... (more came to see Authority Zero). For the second band, they allowed a "mosh pit" (for those unfamiliar, the pit is where fans run at each other colliding and elbowing and pushing each other to the beat of the music). My job was to make sure it was "friendly" bashing and didn't escalate into fighting...(hard to tell, but everyone behaved). No rushing of the stage, no fights, no ejections and I have to admit, Authority Zero was pretty damn good...(at the sound level with the headphones on!). If your into metal you should check them out. The gig went without incident and my ears remained working.

So then the lead guy says he wants me to head a detail for security at the ASU football game on Saturday (it's a brand new detail for the company and they're giving it to me...no pressure!). I ask him why he keeps making me a lead and he says because I haven't f%$^ed one up yet...(made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside). So Saturday I show up at ASU and all the head honchos are there and grilling me about this assignment and how important it is and how I need to make sure it goes right. Our detail is guarding the visitors locker room and the tunnel they use to get on and off the field. There are some areas open to fans so when the team is ready to take the field we get the fans out and shut down the area until the team gets on or off. We did such a good job that this is now my job for the rest of the season and hopefully next season too. Next week USC comes to town and then there's a bowl game on New Year's Eve. I have to find that pile of poop I keep stepping in and take some home...(can't believe the luck I have sometimes).

After the game I headed back to the Jeep, climbed in the back and changed into a white shirt and black pants and walked over to Gammage Auditorium to usher at the Phantom of the Opera. They put me at the door scanning tickets and greeting patrons and telling them which door they needed to go to. Once the play started I sat in the lobby and listened to the music piping through the speakers (Phantom is my favorite play and the music was great). That was all I had to do pretty much until the end where we made sure everone was out, barred the doors and walked out. Another plum assignment. Home at 11:30 and sleep. All in all, a much better week than I've had in a while. Happy Halloween to all and I'll "talk" to you soon...