Spotlite on...Drew

This post has been fifteen years in the works. Let me tell you the story of Drew. I had recently moved to Columbus and didn't have many close friends. I spent a lot of time online just seeing who was out there and who might want to meet for coffee, talk, walks, maybe something physical, but mostly I was trying to avoid the loneliness of a new city. I can't tell you which website or chat room I was in, and I'm not sure I would tell if I could, but a conversation began.

After chatting a while, Drew and I agreed to meet and see a movie. When I met him, I immediately thought he was good looking. We bought tickets to see "Office Space" and went in. The ticket taker recognized him and said, "I thought you had left!" Drew told him that he hadn't (obviously,) but would in just a couple weeks.

After we were seated, I asked him about this. I can't remember now if he flat out told me or made me wait, but he was planning a move to California and would be gone within two weeks. After the movie, we went to the store. We had decided to go back to my house for a drink, but I didn't have anything. He got a bottle of vodka and I got a bottle of wine. Sometimes, I think back to the days when I didn't know what vodka was and long for them, but not often!

Somehow within the next ten days, Drew and I spent a lot of time together. I spent a night at his house where I learned that he had a baby daughter. We watched the Grammys together. "Save Tonight" by Eagle Eye Cherry (remember them?) was nominated that year...I gifted to him a CD (remember those?) of Grammy nominated songs that year. That night, I learned he loves photos. The tables in his house were covered with frames-each with a special picture. He had a story for every one. I think one of the saddest days of my life was the morning I watched his U-Haul pull out of the driveway and head west.

After he moved to California, I had need of a new job, and he, from California, offered a reference for Wendy's where he was a store manager before he left.  He's had an exciting career arc in foodservice, retail, and banking...always moving up-never laterally.  I cannot, in brief Spotlite blog, describe his amazing and thoroughly riveting story.  Suffice it to say, he's rubbed an elbow or two with the rich and famous.  Perhaps Kathy Lee Gifford will one day write a musical of his life.

Since then, I have seen him twice. He came home a couple years later, with his daughter, and stayed with me the night before leaving to go back to California. Another time, he came home and spent some time with me and met Dana. We were at a small bar in the Short North with a group of friends. That's the night that the quote from Will and Grace, "Am I outside?" became part of my vernacular. Dana and I still use that phrase, and every time it makes me laugh...and think of Drew.

Drew is someone that I can talk to once a year, and we pick up right where we left off. I have a lot of friends that I can do that with, but additionally, I admire Drew. He has done so much and taken so many risks that have paid off. I wish I had his easy, laid back way and ability to make friends with so many people. Sometimes, there's a connection made with someone in a matter of days that can turn into a life long friendship. It doesn't happen often, but if it does, one is very lucky, indeed. I am very lucky, indeed.

Drew is someone that, while I don't get to see him often, I am proud to call a friend.  We spoke just before Christmas this past year and caught up on life in general.  The baby daughter I met when I first met Drew is now driving and doing college visits.  I don't know when he got so old!  He told me that he doesn't care to talk on the phone for long periods of time, and this was two hours into our catch-up conversation.  It wasn't until the 5 hour and 30 minute mark that we actually hung up the phone.  What if? is a question that can be asked, and sometimes should be.  But, in this instance, we have had a 15-year friendship that is unique and special.  There's no reason to second guess the past.  I love Drew for support he's shown and unconditional friendship he's given.  Everyone would do well to have a friend like him on the roster.

The Three "Sees" (From: A Detailed Account of a Short Security Career)

Security Training
My goal was to get a Fire Guard certification and a New York State Security License.  I didn't know that when I went into this, but it turns out that was my goal.  I had to take a class for the Fire Guard certification that was supposed to be two hours long, but lasted around 45 minutes.  I thought that meant my class was pretty smart and we just breezed through the material.  What it meant was that the instructor could read the book fast and skip whole sections.  When we were dismissed, I received a certificate of completion and a letter stating that I worked for Some Company somewhere.  The next step was to go to Brooklyn and take a test.  After I paid my $25 test fee, and passed the test, I would receive the same day, a photo ID card stating I was a certified Fire Guard for the City of New York.  We were told we could take the test Monday through Friday and the place opened at 8:30am.  This was the best time to go because it is first come-first serve.

I went one day,  and got all the way to Brooklyn and realized that I had cleaned out my bag, and did not have the necessary letter stating I worked for Some Company, so I could take the test.  By the time I got home, it would have been too late to take the test that day.  I went back another day, to find the building, the front door, and....a metal detector and x-ray machine.  They take the security very seriously at the NYC Fire Headquarters.  Nevermind why,  just know I couldn't go that day either.  Third time was a charm.  I entered the building and got a number.  A120.  They were on A97, so I thought, "This won't be too long."  Turns out A wasn't the only series of numbers.  In between the A numbers, they were calling B and C series numbers as well.  I settled in for a long autumn nap.  Soon enough,  my number was called.  The lady at window 7 reviewed my application and documents and then told me to have a seat.  My number was called again.  I went to window 9 to have my picture taken.  And sat down.  My number was called again, and I went to window 14 to pay my fee.  Can you guess?  I went and sat down.  A fourth time, my number came up, and I entered door number 3.  I was assigned a computer and told to put my bag and belongings under the desk.  I sat at computer number 2 and logged in.  I answered question after question and at question 20 it said "End of Exam."  I was in the testing room for less than 20 minutes.  There were 35 questions on the practice test.  I was sure there was some mistake.  I reviewed my answers, pressed the Submit button, received my score of 100%, and went back out to sit.  And wait.  They called my name shortly, and I got my ID card.

What is a Fire Guard?  At various times, certain parts of the fire alarm system may be out of order, either for maintenance, repairs, or it's just broke.  Sprinklers may be offline, alarms, any part of the fire suppression system in a building can be offline for some reason.  During these times, a person has to patrol the building to see if there are any issues.  Smoke,  fire, debris in a means of egress, whatever the problem can be, someone needs to be able to report it.  That's what I am now certified to do.  I can check for fires in buildings in NYC.

The "customer service" training I received was in a building in Brooklyn.  When the first thing they tell you is what to do after the class to get your Security License, it doesn't take but most of that day to realize you've been bamboozled.  I sat through three days of lecture by a guy who had once been in the field.  It was informative and interesting, but mostly forgettable.  When we came back  from lunch on day three, a certificate of completion was waiting for me.

The next step was to get fingerprinted and submit the receipt for that with my application for a security license.  The application required the number from my  New York State driver's license.  Since I don't live in New York, I would need to get a New York State ID.  Yes, you can get an ID without living in New York.  Strange, but true.  Fingerprinting was easy.  I set an appointment and paid online.  I went to the place,  and they did it all electronically.  All I had to do was find my birth certificate and some other documentation and I could go to the NY State DMV and get my state ID.  Of course, I could not find that, so I had to send away to Lapeer County, MI for it, and wait another 10 days for it to arrive in the mail.  In the meantime, I talked to my mom on the phone, and found out she had a copy that she could mail me in a much shorter time.  She did, and I went to the DMV the day I received it in the mail.

A Day at the DMV

I had all of my paperwork in order-certified copy of my birth certificate, NJ driver's license,  Social Security Card, a piece of mail showing my address, and a credit card as a final piece of identification. I walked right up to the counter where the smiling lady asked how she could help me.  (It was still early in the day.)   I told her I needed a photo with a number attached, so I could put that number on my application for a security license. But while I was in front of her I asked, just for clarification, "I saw on the website that I could get a New York State ID.  Is this true even if I live in New Jersey?"  She said it was true as if this is true in any state. I've never tried to get just an ID card before-always a driver's license. Maybe it is possible anywhere...who knows?  Anyway, she gave me a form to fill out and told me to bring it back when I was done. Again, I walked right up to her and handed her my form and my pile of paperwork. I was going to be in and out in no time....at the DMV....in NYC. Easy!

She checked my form and said she didn't need my paperwork.  I had to go over there and get in line. There were two people in line and it was for a picture. How long could that possibly take?  Still easy.  Still fast.  I got to the front of the line and the gentleman took my paperwork.  He looked at the pile of ID I brought with me, including my birth certificate, made a few notes, then told me to stand back against the white background behind me.  He snapped a picture and gave me a number.  C85 this time.  They were calling C79 when I sat down.  This was going to be the quickest trip to the DMV ever!  But...they were calling A and B series numbers as well.  (As a side note, they do the same thing at the city wedding chapel, too.  I'm not sure what the letters in front of the numbers mean, but in Ohio when you pull number 2076 and they are on 91, you know you'll be there all day.  It's a bit deceptive in New York.)  I plugged my phone into a wall outlet and pulled out a magazine to read while I waited.  I watched the numbers click by and soon realized that two agents to my right were assisting the C series people.  As I watched the numbers progress rather quickly, I gathered my stuff because I just knew I would be called next.  Then, Agent One got up and walked away.  I thought he was going to lunch and Agent Two would have to deal with the C people by herself.  Then, she got up and walked away.  Just before C83 was called!  Both apparently had a 10 minute break because they were back quickly....with a cup of Starbucks coffee.  Soon, I was called and went over to get my new New York State ID warm from the laminator.  It was not to be-all I was asked was if I wanted the ID for four years or eight.  I paid the fee for eight years, because if I don't have to do this again until 2021, I'm OK with that.  She gave me the number from the ID and told me my it would be mailed to my house in 3-4 weeks.  I thanked her and left.

From there, I went to the state office building to file my application for Unarmed Security Guard License.  No numbers.  No line.  Just wait for the next open window.  I gave her all of my paperwork for that and she told me I would have my security ID in 4-6 weeks.  Oh! The waiting!  I've heard the Army is all about "Hurry up and wait."  The same could be said of state bureaucracies.  McSomething told me it should only ake a week or two, so I just chalked that up to yet another one of his, how do we say...misrepresentations.  I waited until the end of the week and called the number for the state that I was given.  The man that answered asked when I filed my application and I told him it was about a week ago.  He told me that he would check and see if he had a license number for me, but that it usually took 4-6 weeks.  In a matter of seconds, he returned to the phone and said he did not have a number for me, and that I should call back in 4 weeks if I had not received my license in the mail.  This number I was asking for was the only thing standing between me and a job.  I surely was not going to wait four more weeks to call them again.  On a whim, I called the next Monday and was asked again when I filed the application.  I told her two weeks ago, and she said the same thing-she would check but that she didn't think there would be anything.  She returned moments later and said, "I do have a number here for you.  It's...."  I was for once, pleasantly surprised and elated that I could start work the very next day!
  

Three Anecdotes of Race Day
I received my Fire Guard certification, had a paper with my New York State ID number on it, had my NJ driver's license, and a number for my NY State Security License in my pocket when I went to interview and got the job with the New York City Marathon.  It was a one-day gig, but it was more money than I had seen in two months.  I had the actual security license and NYS ID days before the race, so I was able to qualify for the position.  It was a long day of checking bags and working with the NYPD to prevent unauthorized people from entering a restricted area.

The night before the race I met a guy and hung out with him for hours.  We talked about all kinds of things, but I remember one specific topic was my star-struck-dedness.  I told him I love to see stars of all kinds, but can never seem to actually recognize them.  As if to prove my point, the following day, one of the other guards told me that Alicia Keys along with Mr. Beats (her husband) and daughter came through our gate.  I didn't see them and wouldn't have known who they were if they bit me on the butt.  Nonetheless, I was in the presence of greatness.  I just didn't know it.  My lack of observation may not bode well for a long career in security, but I hoped the boss would overlook that.

I mentioned to one of the police officers that I was shocked at the number of old people barreling through the barricades.  They would enter the exit, or shoot through the bag check area, seemingly oblivious to the fact that security checks were going on.  When I stopped a couple of them, the lady responded, "We live on this street!"  I said that was great, but because of the marathon, they needed to have their bags checked and ID out, just like everyone else.  They complied, but not immediately.  It was almost as if they had nothing to live for, so who cares if they shot through a line of security and NYPD who would stop them?

Our shift ended at 6pm.  The later it got, the more lax security was.  It was getting late, and it was getting cold, and the majority of the runners had finished.  Around 5:30, a guy walked in and past the bag check.  A security guard (other than me) stopped him.  He said he worked in a building down the block.  He said, "That's OK, but we still need to check your bag."  The guy thought a second and said, "Nevermind." and turned around.  I have never seen a wall of blue materialize so fast.  Within seconds, eight cops had effectively cut him off from the exit, and one took his bag and began opening it on the table.  With a reaction like that, I wanted to see what he was trying to hide, and so did three other security guards I was working with.  The police officer dumped his bag on the table and pawed through it a bit, only to find.....his lunch and a couple dirty socks.  The officer packed up the bag, handed it back to the man, and waved him through.  The guy left eight cops and three security guards scratching their heads.

All in all, it was an interesting day.  I always wanted to go to the marathon, but could never drag myself out of bed early enough to get into the City and watch it.  Now I can say I have checked the marathon off my list.

Vignettes From Work

I've been at Love Culture for almost a month and a half.  I feel I've settled in and become comfortable in my new position. Maybe too comfortable. Consider the following:

A lady and her daughter shopping for shoes. Our shoes are strapped together and sensored to prevent theft. Rather than ask for help and get the sensors removed, the girl put on the right shoe, dragging the left behind her as she walked. I looked at the mother and said, "Looks like she's practicing for that old ball and chain."  The mother laughed in agreement.

Four or five high school age boys came into the store and walked all the way to the back. I watched them because I figured at best they were just playing around.  At worst, trying to abscond with something. As I watched them, one began trying on some of the clothes. A green hoodie that could be unisex. Then a crop top. Then a t-shirt. Another of the boys was taking pictures of the first. I realized they were just playing around so I decided to handle it. They weren't hurting anyone or anything, but we don't straighten and clean and organize so people who have no intention of buying anything can come in and play.  There's a kid's play area in the mall for that. I went back to them and said, "Listen guys.  If you like to try on our wear women's clothes, well I don't judge.  Do your thing.  But if you're not going to buy anything, please make sure you put the clothes back neatly on the hangers the way you found them."  One of them started to snicker a bit and another said, "We are.  Look!"  I said, "Great!  Carry on, but please leave it neat."  They were gone within seconds. I was not upset.

Two girls and a guy were sitting on the shoe couch and one girl began slapping/pounding the other on the back. Loudly. The music in our store is loud and she was slapping her hard enough that I could hear it over the music. And it was annoying me. I said to one of the assistants that it was kind of odd that they were doing this. She wrinkled her nose and agreed. After several minutes, they came over to the counter to make a purchase.  I greeted them and then asked, "Is this an episode of 'What Would You Do?'"  It helped that she knew exactly what show I was talking about.  She said her sister has a gall bladder problem or esophageal spasms or something and that helps alleviate the problem.  I said it was fine (I really wasnt asking for a complete medical history) but now we know what I would do. "Absolutely nothing!" She replied.

One Saturday night, before Christmas, it was particularly busy.  I noticed a woman sitting on the shoe couch texting, and I decided to go mess with her.  I went over and threw myself down beside her and said, "Ma'am, when you're in the store, we ask that you shop.  If you want to sit and text, there are places in the mall for that."  She looked up, eyes wide, inhaling slowly.  I immediately said, "And I am COMPLETELY kidding with you.  Please, relax, text, enjoy.  In all seriousness, though, we do ask that you  buy three items."  She said she was waiting for her friend while she was shopping and trying on shoes.  I said, "OK, if your friend buys six items, you are off the hook."  She was still looking at me kind of lop-sided, and I said again, "I'm just kidding with you.  I saw you winding up to swing, and thought I should tell you quickly...before you knocked my block off."  She laughed and said I had caught her off guard, and she didn't know what was happening at first.  I told her again to relax and enjoy.

I found two boxes of old scarves, hats, gloves, socks, and ear muffs in a corner of the back room.  I scanned a couple of the items, and most were less than $3.00.  I decided to push them out, so I wouldn't have to count them at inventory time.  There's one particular hat that has become my nemesis.  I can't seem to sell it to anyone.  I can sell one earring to a woman with two ears, but I cannot get rid of this 99 cent hat.  The other day, I noticed a man in the store with a perfect line down the center of his head.  When he looked left, his hair was platinum blond.  To the right, it was midnight black.  Later, he and the girl he was with were at the counter and I leaned over and said, "Will you PLEASE buy this 99 cent hat?"  They laughed, looked at it and said no.  I said, "Someone messed up your head, you need this to cover that up!"  The cashier, the assistant manager, the two customers, and a customer in line behind them roared with laughter.  And they still didn't buy the hat.  

I have mentioned several times on Facebook, that I talked to someone from Columbus or Ohio in general because they were wearing an Ohio State shirt.  I've been berated for not yelling "O-H" when I see them.  I'm just too shy for that.  The other day at work a girl approached the counter wearing an OSU shirt, and I said, "Ohhhh....O-H!" just about as loud as I could.  She looked at me with a blank stare.  I told her that I am from Ohio and it's a thing we do.  Her response should be "I-O!"  She said, "My brother goes to school there.  I don't know anything about it."  I felt like an idiot for a minute, and confirmed to myself that this is why I don't do this kind of thing.  So, never again, my Columbus friends, will I be greeting someone like that!

At work one day, I told a lady the return policy as we are supposed to do when ringing up a customer.  She looked at me like she didn't understand, so I offered to tell her in Spanish.  She couldn't believe I spoke Spanish (because I'm White?  Where's the outrage?), but I did.  I explained the policy in Spanish and then said, in Spanish, "When I'm drunk, I'm completely fluent!"  About that time, Syndi, the store manager walked up to the register and the customer explained what had just happened.  When she walked away,  Syndi asked what I had told her.  She then told me that the customer told her I need to drink all the time.  That nameless lady is my new best friend!

All of these stories happened as stated and are 100% true.  So, you decide.  Too comfortable?  Would you come back to a store if someone like me harassed you this way?  I'm interested in your answer.  Posts can be made here, but the comments are moderated.  You may not see your comment right away, but post it anyway!