Saturday Night

Saturday was my first night back at work after 48 days of vacation. I didn't want to tell you so early what I do for a living because I wanted it to be some sort of revealing surprise.  However now I know you are wondering "Wow what does she do to be off for 48 days on vacation? " And just so you know, I'm pushing hard trying to make those 48 days turn into 60 days next year.  

Yes it may seem like a long time off, but superheros need time off to rejuvenate and build themselves back up.  When you're a superhero you easily get drained and lose power.  I don't wear a traditional cape.  My "cape" I wear on my head while my body adorns dark blue pants and shirt with a proud patch I wear on the left shoulder.   The motto I stand by is "The mission starts here"

When I started this job over 13 years ago, when people would ask what I did for a living I would simply say "oh I just answer phones."  As time went on I think a reality hit me that my job was not "just answering phones" and instead I would stand with pride and say "I am a lifesaver!"  It took another few years to realize and agree, I'm more than a lifesaver, I'm a superhero.  When you get into a routine it just seems like the normal thing to do.   Routines often let you lose sight of things like taking care of yourself in many ways.  Once you acknowledge your superhero status you fight to save everyone unknowingly.  You just find yourself always helping whether you're asked or not.  When your family and friends show need you just show up and help.   A superhero never expects the same in return, they just save the people.

Before I became fortunate enough to be paid to do this awesome job, I have always been put in situations to be trained to wear my head piece of power.  At a young age I have seen and heard things many adults have yet to deal with. However instead of being bitter about it I think of it as the training I needed for my life now.  All of it was just to prepare me to be a superhero.  

Day one post vacay... Operator 43, what is your emergency?   

"Oh my God! I'm like next to the gas station and I smell gas! Lots of it!" 
"I'm sorry ma'am did you say you're at the gas station and you smell gas? 
"Yes! hurry and get someone here now!" 
"Ma'am are you smelling natural gas?" 
"No! Like the gas you put in your car"  

*sigh*   

And if you're actually wondering...yes there was a smell of gas at the gas station, it was ummm welllll yeah, gasoline.  Yes at the gas station.  

No special superhero headpiece needed tonight.  

Next caller please.