Raleigh, NC
This is based on yesterday. It was a day that was exciting and one that did not end until late, so I crashed out before I could make an entry in the journal.
I started off the day doing my usual, running around late for an appointment that I had plenty of time to get to. Some of my friends say I’m a piddler, but whatever it is, I’m always stressing at the last minute trying to get out the door.
I had a 10 AM interview with Charlie Hinton, a prominent lawyer in Raleigh. He happens to be the father of Morgan, the wife of the couple where I’ve stayed this week. As I walked in, I had an impression of what he would talk about. He went in a totally different route. I’m glad for it and I left with a high opinion of a good guy. We talked for a long time, I got there at 10:05 AM and left at 12:10 PM.
From there, it was onto the police. From about 12:30 to 4:30, I was in a police car. Mom and Dad, take it easy, I did not get arrested, I was doing a ride along with one of Bob’s friends. When I met Officer Lee Hartman, I forgot how tall he was, he played hoops with Bob in college. He looked intimidating in his uniform. We went to a few calls and there was little skinny me shadowing his every move. It was awesome.
I can see why he loves his job. Each day, each hour is something totally different. You never know what the computer will pop up (these CPU’s are slick). We rode around and he explained a lot about police work. I left the station with a totally different perspective on what is was like to be an officer. The unknown, the ability to help, the intensity of knowing that you don’t know what this person or call will bring, and then the reality that this guy could take fire at any point. Intense and adrenalized are the words I’d use to describe my day with him, and he said it was a slow day.
After he filled out his reports, he and I went to get some food and wait for Bob to get off of work. Lee and I did our interview at a bar not too far from the station. I went in while he filled out his paperwork at the station. Man, this place made me wish I could travel back about 8 years. The women, I guess I should say girls, in this place were amazing. We were close to NC State. I was in first and it was slow so I struck up a conversation with the waitress. We talked for a while and she went about her business. I really kicked myself for not being more of a talker when I was in college. I was shy and did not have much game with the ladies, I guess I still don’t. Anyway, she was a babe and nice and all of that. Lee and I did our interview, Bob arrived, we went somewhere else, had a cigar (tasty, thanks Lee), and made our way back.
It was late and I was worn out, so I’m writing this morning for yesterday. I learned that we probably all have preconceived notions about people and jobs, but they aren’t real until you get to know the person or profession. Once you learn, that notion you had walking in probably will be changed greatly.
I’m off to Myrtle Beach, SC!