Posts

Finding Character

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Name three living people you like to sit with at lunch? I love considering this question and three names come to mind. First, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Along with learning how to be a good husband, parent, and friend, it would be a wonderful spiritual experience and would assist in shaping my character. Second, Jack Nicholson, an excellent actor. Jack is an original personality and lunch would have me rolling with laughter throughout. Third, President George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States. I find President Bush to be fascinating and have a high deal of appreciation for him for many reasons. I remember President Bush as the owner of the Texas Rangers. Being a huge baseball fan, I would see him on TV attending games and commentators reported about his team involvement. I viewed Bush as a conscientious businessman who cared about his players. I voted for him for...
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Mowing the Lawn While the House Burns Down

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I find it interesting how people handle stress. For instance, some become angry while others become quiet, but one’s focus during stress is most interesting. I know many examples after traumatic incidents. One example occurred during an accident investigation. A driver reported a semi-truck ran her off the road causing her vehicle to roll and, as a result, killed her young grandson. Witnesses related the vehicle drifted off the road causing the accident. A t that moment, her recollection allowed her to cope with the accident. The other day I assisted people evacuated from their homes because of a large wildfire above the town. I escorted residents home to retrieve items. I felt for them. For over a week, they lived elsewhere. Today, the fire was smaller. The risk appeared minor compared to a week earlier. During my day, I escorted a mom and kids up to their house. On arrival, her husband stood in the driveway. She said something to him while pulling into the garage causing him...
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Confusion>Distraction

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News reports are often about distracted driving. We experience vehicles every day with distracted drivers. Safe driving requires continual practice with strong physical and mental functions. However, a bigger issue creates greater danger. Confusion. When drivers gets confused, the resulting actions occur outside the norm. Drivers must correct the confusion or severe consequences result. For instance, to prepare for a bus rapid transit system, the road is widened. The transit line uses dedicated lanes in the center of the road. To distinguish the dedicated lane, they paint double white lines. The portion used by vehicles is striped identical to other roads, yet vehicle after vehicle drive down the dedicated lanes. In talking to violators, the response is confusion. “I didn’t know I couldn’t use the lane.” “It forced me to drive in that lane.” “I wasn’t sure what to do.” I give instructions and reminders to drivers before they continue. I am puzzled by the confusion. The dedi...
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Change - Havoc - Meltdown

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Change, “to make or become different.” A simple word which can create havoc for one or thousands. One commuter boards the train, completing this routine once again. A voice overhead announces, “Attention please! All passengers must exit at the next stop!” Can you feel it? Increase in heart rate, flushing, and thoughts racing through your mind? It’s happening, change. Why does it happen? Change is frightening. Yet, change is always occurring around me. If I do not adjust, my ability to handle situations diminishes. I can’t let panic interfere with my ability as a transit officer. On the train, panic sets in. An announcement gives information to continue their trip, but change overpowers common sense. As I stand on the platform ready to give directions, I hear it is my fault they will be late to work. The meltdown is real! The meltdown displays in anger, blame, or silent stare. Though I had nothing to do with operating the train, I become the face of the organizati...
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