Let’s be honest. I’m writing this piece partially from a place of anger. As I sit here, slowly ascending from sleep the closer the shuttle gets to the airfield.
Somehow the draft I started six months ago has disappeared. I read it religiously and even told myself I’d finish, edit, and post it one day. One day… I guess WordPress had other plans.
At any rate…
I am in the middle of completing a lane change and it is wearing me thin. If I had hair, I’m almost certain it would be gone by now.
I went from a respected Health Educator/ HIV Tester/Counselor on one of the most known and respected campuses in the South down through a stint of unemployment, a few odd jobs, and eventually this position I hold now. I no longer maintain three offices and sit in on budget or event planning committee meetings (I am always available for consulting) as a regular part of my lifestyle.
I’ve been called all types of crazy, lazy and any derogatory thing in the range even by people I had broken my plate to feed. It was even said that I needed to learn to be a man. I guess I should have stayed ikn a place where I was no longer thriving. A place that I was of no benefit and struggling to maintain tread.
Ok… Man… It goes on.
At one point I was an overnight security officer and another point I was a porter for a Nissan car dealership. Many odd hours and loads of disrespect later, I am settling into my new lane to maneuver onto the path I sometimes think I should have been on for a long time now.
I cant lie. The odd hours and the rigidity of the schedule kick me square in the teeth hard and often. Over the years as an educator, I grew accustomed to the schedule my students worked best on. Clinic doors opened at 0800 and most staff was there at least an hour before that. Randy came spinning around in the coupe about 0927 or so but I stayed many nights long after normal hours or held later hours at my other offices on campus. DEDICATION!
Now I am in the realm of aviation and a posted time is not up for debate. It’s the rule and will be explained if you are off by one minute at any point.
I was the athletic trainer that the whole department told small tales about time because, although I was a good worker, I was TERRIBLE at timely appearances. Bus leaving at 7:40am? Better tell Randy 7:00 and he may show up by 7:10 with the coupe leaning around the stadium corners on two wheels and, of course, he’s not fully dressed…
Now? Staff briefing starts at 0300 and Randy is there (or right outside the door) in a full uniform with badges included. I’m speaking in third person until I can be certain these Randy’s are one and the same.
I am not where I want to land but I’m definitely well on my way and these changes… The changes are real. I’m interested to see what becomes of Randy as this process continues.
To those that could not continue to ride right now, I understand. Please understand if the new lane and route does not allow me to reconnect with you in the future.
Sidenote: I’ll be back to talk about the darker parts of changing lanes including this love/detest relationship I now have with coffee and other caffeine products.
Randy Runs 