One of these nights...

                                              One of these nights, one of these crazy old nights
                                        We're gonna find out, pretty mama, what turns on your lights
                                                 The full moon is calling, the fever is high
                                                And the wicked wind whispers and moans
                                               You got your demons, you got your desires
                                                          Well, I got a few of my own

     And one of those demons is working the night shift...Here I am at 1:15 am on a Monday...(I don't usually work on Monday as you well know) doing my security thing.  One of the night crew called off and a group text went out and I volunteered to work. What makes this shift so special is that it followed 4 hours of trauma training from 1-5 pm.  So basically, it's a 18 hour day at work...(4 hours of training--2 hours downtime-12 hour shift).  Yes, I am a crazy man but the call of overtime pay is still strong.  Green fees will be going up in September, so a few extra shifts now and then will cover the increase.

     The trauma training was very interesting.  In these times we live in, training for a possible active shooter event (both before it occurs and how to help after it's over) is essential.  The training we received is the same training given to Police Departments and Firemen and EMT's (though not as specialized). We are First Responders  here at the resort.  We know the location better than anyone and are needed to make sure the EMT's and Fire Dept. get to the victims quickly and safely.  We are the first on the scene in an emergency.  I'm no hero, but I'm not afraid to do my job and properly trained I will get in there and do what I can to help.  The techniques and methods I learned today...(especially those needed to remain calm in the face of possible mass casualties) could possibly save a life (including my own).  Old dogs can learn new tricks...

     I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary with Hyatt this week (8/8) and that means VACATION TIME! I told you...(or I didn't) that I was heading back to Aruba in December to visit with Toni Ann and Bob and Nancy accepted my invitation to come along...(a week on a Caribbean island...tough decision to make).  I have stayed in a timeshare and a resort hotel so this trip we're going to use Airbnb and stay in someone's apartment.  I'm really glad Nancy is coming with me.  I always want to show off MY island and she has never been there.  Plus, it's been too long since I have visited with Toni Ann and Bob.  Can't think of a better way to spend a vacation than laying on the beach with good friends and my girl!

     It's 3:45 am and I'm still awake and ready to go on my second patrol.  I need to "just say no" when a night shift becomes available, but it still has a hold on me.  Old habits die hard...(alcohol, drugs, and night shift).  At least I won't have to go to NSA (night shift anonymous) because there is no way I will have a relapse and become addicted to working overnights...Oh no,  I am a day walker.  It is sunshine and getting home on the same day I started for this man...but every once in a while...