Fifty-two hours in three days...

Nothing like event security to cram a crap load of hours into an event. NASCAR and their Sprint Cup Series came to Phoenix this week... (they come here twice a year-in April and November) and that means gate security at P.I.R. (Phoenix International Raceway). No, I was not guarding a gate. I was controlling vehicle traffic into and out of the race track...(vendors, vips and track officials and workers). It was the same gig I did in November and it's a marathon of standing. This year my schedule was Wednesday 5am to 11pm, Thursday 6:30am to 11pm and Saturday 6am to 11pm. I'll do the math for you... 18 hours, 16 1/2 hours, and 17 hours (it hurts now just typing those numbers). I thank my marathon running experience and mental endurance training for surviving these hours and thank my company and the client for asking for me again... (the more calls I get to do these marathon hours, the longer I can continue to "live the dream"). It's not as bad as you might think (or maybe it's worse than I think). Up at 3 am on Wednesday, an hour ride to the track and then 18 hours in the same spot until 11pm and another hour ride (home at midnight), then up again at 4am and repeat until 11pm. By the time my shift was over on Thursday my legs AND brain were like wet noodles. But I got to see the people I met last November and met some real characters living in "RV town"... (and I'm all about meeting people which is why I do event security in the first place).

Friday was a blur of sleep, napping, eating and napping and then sleeping again... (not at all bad when you think about it). Then I was back at my post on Saturday for race day. The track was sold out and I was pretty busy for most of the day. Keeping people from entering and exiting while the golf carts and trucks flew around took up most of the day. Then the constant roar of the race (thank you Jesus for remembering the ear plugs) kept me awake until around 9 pm. Then funneling the patrons out the correct exit (with the help of Avondale PD) made the time fly by. I rekindled many friendships and "see you in November's" were exchanged at the end of the race as this tired puppy made his way home. I awoke this morning unsure of what day it was... (from exhaustion, not Alzheimer's, I think. I can't remember). Then I remembered it was Sunday and I could watch the entire final round of the Masters and not have to worry about working until Wednesday or Thursday. Next up for me is Country Thunder, a four day country music festival in Florence, Arizona... (known for its nine prisons and not much else). It will be another round of long days in the ticket booth... (which is both air conditioned and heated---bonus). But again, sacrifices must be made for the greater good (which is me). I'll find out exactly what hours and days I will be working tomorrow. So another busy week looms for "security dude". Keep those phone calls coming because the gigs will dry in the summer but hopefully the "human cheeto" will be alive and well at something this summer. Stay tuned...