Stormy Opinions

I’m hesitant to flesh out this idea, to call people out by name, or to join the political game which surrounds this issue. But here I go.

credit: unnamed news media

What happened in Kerr County, Texas, resulting in the death of dozens of innocent children and camp goers will be evaluated for years to come. My point of view originates from a benign news article indicating State Rep Virdell, (R) – Kerr County (one of 18 other representatives) voted against House Bill (HB) 13 in the recent TX legislative session which would have established a federal committee and grant program to help the state purchase early warning systems, namely outside warning systems like sirens, to prevent needless deaths along Texas river basins, namely the Guadalupe River, which often solely rely on NOAA radios and limited cell reception to inform the public of impending weather watches and warnings. This is a very long sentence to state many areas in need of outdoor warning systems do not have the system in place.

But why?

HB 13 was costly, apparently too costly to implement. I find this a little difficult to believe as Kerr County has a net position of $81.3 million. HB 13 stalled in the Senate Finance Committee, presumably due to its price tag, a hefty $500 million. Sure, even if all $81 million went toward the $500 million, there is quite a deficit. However, HB 13 proposed the roll out of grant money, but over the course of 10 years.

Did a warning system exist?

Simple answer: yes. But there are some significant limitations. The current system, only passed in 2020, utilized the free Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), as part of the CodeRed program which relies on White Pages data for mass emergency pre-recorded emergency telephone messages. Obviously, the reliance on the data source means there could be countless numbers not included in the program. Can you tell me at this moment if your number is included in the White Pages? Exactly.

The Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) was aware of the need to incorporate a flood warning system for Kerr County. In 2018, the UGRA applied for a $1 million grant. The grant was not received. Then, in 2020, IPAWS was implemented. At some point, UGRA was invited to apply for a grant for a county wide flood warning system. However, the UGRA declined to apply due to the grant match of 5%.

Interestingly, State Rep Virdell is quoted by the Texas Tribune stating “…even if you had a warning system there, this came in so fast and early in the morning it’s very unlikely the warning system would have had much effect.”

I have some issues with this statement. 1. A statement like that will probably not get you reelected. You see, the words (paraphrased) unlikely it would have had much effect is not comforting to your constituents. If it had saved one life, one family who didn’t receive a death notice and is now planning a funeral, how do you quantify ‘effect’? If an early warning system saves one life, then it has done its job. 2. His answers, he “guessed”, had to do with how much funding was tied to HB 13. This is an unclear statement, and probably taken out of context, as we don’t know if he is referring to the grant portion or the overall cost. Maybe he is referencing how HB 13 would create a new government council and some constituents are opposed to this type of measure. 3. Did I mention State Rep Virdell represents Kerr County, the very county where this disaster happened? Granted, he was one of eighteen who voted no on HB 13. Unfortunately, as State Rep Virdell is a freshman representative, elected in Nov 2024, I fear this spells the end of his career in 2027. Ask me again in a few years. I bet he’s regretting his decision to vote against HB 13.

Anything else?

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, re-elected in 2022, acknowledged the lack of a warning system in the Guadalupe River basin despite the ongoing threat of dangerous floods. In a separate interview, Kelly stated taxpayers will not pay for the early warning system. Now, this is why you read RoF. As an academic scholar, I (and you, too) have access to public records which indicate what city councilors and other city representatives discuss and vote for or against. Additionally, these records often include public comments. It is time-consuming to navigate the many public records surrounding early warning systems. But I have nothing but time.

What do the records tell us?

More to come, in part 2. As I said, it is a very lengthy process to analyze all public records, especially as im seeking information and opinions of local citizens.

What’s the point?

Grief isn’t logical. Grief makes no sense. It’s human nature to want answers, to place blame. So when the proverbial waters recede, people, families, grievers will demand answers. Sometimes it is for money – funerals and recovery efforts are not cheap. Often, it is for validation and then closure. What went wrong and how do we prevent it? I’ve learned the probability of anyone accepting the reason “it was just their turn” goes well 0% of the time. Some will offer religious platitudes, but it remains most, if not all, will seek the source of failure. People are angry. People are hurt. And people do what people do.

Last but never least, I do have a vested interest in the outcome of this tragedy as I lost a friend and co-worker. She, her young daughter, and her in-laws were swept from their cabin while her husband somehow managed to hang on to a tree. He is the sole survivor in their family. As an active duty servicemember, and now a widow, he (and every person impacted) are suffering. Although it’s been months, the decisions and trauma revolving around the circumstances are still being debated. They are owed answers. And we (Texas) can do better.

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I ask you –

No questions or comments.

(The post Stormy Opinions first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

All Work, No Pay

In preparation for the seemingly imminent government shutdown, I made a list of things to catch up on at work sans the pesky emails.

Take it slow. As the past month has been fraught with concert logistics, budget planning, lack of budget planning, personnel issues, and everything in between, I needed a mental break.
Inventory. Originally, this was the first item on the list, but the break was more important. We’re due for an inventory inspection in January, so why not use the time ensuring everything is in place.
Filing. Bane of my existence. For a society which prides itself on digital minutia, why do we still have so many paper copies? I get why, just let me complain.
Scour the facilities for incomplete work orders.

On day 1, I took the first task with complete seriousness. “No hurry” was my motto because, forgive me, I was not in a rush to work for free. Working for the government has not been the cake walk I was assured it would be. In fact, the only cake I’ve had was purchased for me by me! And I still forgot the fork!

I did not wear these to work

It’s hard not to be resentful during this time. I’m doing all the work and still not getting paid. If I was furloughed, I could go home, not work, not get paid, and still get the same payment on the back end.

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I ask you –

Who else is working without pay right now and wants to gripe with me?

(The post All Work, No Pay first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Vampires & UIL, unrelated

Forgive me for the random assortment of posts lately. I haven’t had much of a thematic approach. Instead, they have been collections of randomness, fleeting thoughts, and reactions to daily activity.

For example. I believe someone else coined the following phrase, but maybe it was me: Martyrs are victims with a cause. Which insinuates we are all victims of one circumstance or another. But our legacy is dependent on what we accomplish or die trying to accomplish. I’m not saying this is fair. What I’m saying is this mostly/probably applies to many ways of thinking.

Made a joke about vampire people and no one laughed

I purchased a new phone and believe I have finally figured out how to use it. When I found myself avoiding its use, I realized maybe there was a better way. Insert tag line for a flip phone.

Courtesy of UIL official website

Probably told you this last year. Listen again. We’ve been encouraging mini to do more than just dance, especially on the academic side of the house. As a champion (and possibly famous) UIL contestant, obviously I wanted mini to compete, but this is the first year she’s taken an interest. Introducing: oral reading! Try outs soon. More to come.

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I ask you –

Bloggers, what do you do when your posts lose focus?

(The post Vampires & UIL, unrelated first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Hours and Days

From this

To this

Being a part of the planning and scheduling and leading and quite frankly the chaos of a huge event like a concert consumed more than a week of my time. Thankfully, only one task fell squarely on my shoulders. Anything more and I would have sank like the JLG in the soft ground. Evidence in the photos above. I’m surprised the large monument-sized anchors in the foreground didn’t sink. Speaking of monuments, those are called pet rocks. When I insisted they look like headstones, I was informed the difference between pet rocks and headstones is the pet rocks have had the “coating” removed. OK, fine. However, now I wonder did someone gift the military dozens of headstones? And why? Perhaps they didn’t believe in air power.

I also met a comedian. A real one! Mr. Walter Campbell has been a comedian for more than 30 years and is easily the funniest one yet. Apparently, he sings and dances, too, which was a fun surprise. Such a treat to meet a relatable and funny man of his famous nature.

Aftermath…who does the hat belong to? We still don’t know.

I was truly enjoying the moment, and still running around like a chaos coordinator, so photos are lacking. The lineup was 3OH!3, Bryce Vine, and Andy Grammer. All were amazing performers and even nicer people.

AFE coin

To say pulling off an event for 1500 people is a feat does it no justice. I was coined by the Air Force Entertainment team which was such a thoughtful ending to the night.

Saturday morning

By the time Parts and I made it to bed at approx. 0145, I’d been awake for 21 hours. Can’t say I want to do it again anytime soon, but…we know there will be.

________________

I ask you –

What’s the longest amount of time you’ve ever been awake? Isn’t there a maximum where someone died after staying awake too long?

(The post Hours and Days first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Maybe I mean me

Leading women fills my soul and leadership heart. Small moments of joy – listening to them, praying with them, just being there for them – brings me joy.

For the photo above, it’s a re-creation of the same photo we’ve done 3 years straight. We are nothing if not consistent.

But my overall takeaway from the event was this – many women are tired of taking care of others who probably wouldn’t do the same for them (or they can’t trust someone else would do the same for them). They’re tired of stifling their voices, giving and giving and giving their time, effort, energy, and they’re tired of forgoing the things which make them happy for fear of reprisal at home, the office, in any setting really. They are silently imploding with unsaid words, feelings, situations. They’re done.

_________________

I ask you –

Is there anything making you feel as if you are done?

(The post Maybe I mean me first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Outtakes, episode 2

The latest iteration of my newest endeavor –

I think I’m getting better at this! Mini only told me once to stop being weird. Progress!

This time, we had 5 girls and it had been raining (with the works) for several hours. Mini isn’t a fan of storms and it appeared most of the other girls weren’t either. So we made a fort with a blanket thrown over a table and let the girls sit under it while I gave the lesson from a rather uncomfortable spot on the floor. Despite a few loud interruptions, we were right on time!

Maybe I’m starting to figure this stuff out. Until next time.

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I ask you –

When was the last time you built a blanket fort?

(The post Outtakes, episode 2 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Yes, I have: A Collection

Have you ever…snuck into your own building to hide from the chattiest of people? Yes, I have.

Have you ever…pre-ordered a book then we’re confused when said book arrived unexpectedly? Happy surprise.

Have you ever…wished you hadn’t gone to work because nothing could prepare you for the day which would commence? 3 weeks and counting.

Have you ever…written 3 safety reports in less than 5 months? Only one was mine.

Undoubtedly there are more to mention, but we might be here all day.

_____________________

I ask you –

Share a “have you ever”!

(The post Yes, I have: A Collection first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

People doing people things

Like testing your boundaries.

Like questioning consequences.

Like making you look like the villian.

Like reminding you there are times of lean and times of plenty.

Air Force Families Forever/Run to Remember 5k

But through it all, there are people who have lost more than their share of joy. Yet, amazingly, they continue smiling, standing, and supporting. Thank you, Ron and Kaye, for reminding me why I do this. It’s been exceptionally hard the past few weeks. But I’ll keep fighting the good fight.

Judgment toward others is the same scale which will eventually weigh you. How heavy is the gossip, the anger, the self-righteous? People being people.

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I ask you –

What people things have occurred to you?

(The post People doing people things first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Seems Odd

Musk is upset with AI, says it’s wrong for it to be so inconsiderate of safety requirements. From the guy who created self-driving vehicles. That’s rich. Odd.

For two consecutive weekends, I’ve taken a 2-hr nap. The weight of tiredness has been exceptionally heavy. This isn’t normal for me. Odd.

It’s that time of year again. Where the weather cools off and you no longer sweat from thinking about going outside. Because people really do sweat before going outside in the summer in Texas. Odd.

Credit: via IG

Drums!

And, finally, the update you have all been waiting for. My drum lessons! I told you, right? Maybe not. I signed up for drum lessons. And I’m well on my way to being the greatest drummer of all time. Jokes. But lesson one went well…now all I hear is oneandtwoandthreeandfour. Then, oneehhanduhtwoehhanduhthreeehhanduhfour…you get the idea. It was fun! I thought I would have to learn to read music. Wrongly odd.

____________________

I ask you –

Tell me something odd in your life!

(The post Seems Odd first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Futbol

The return of running. And football. Mostly football.

First time in 3 years I’ve been able to watch preseason games AND regular games, notably the first game of the season! I’m an accidental Cowboys fan, and a purposeful Texans fan. I also watch the Bears (muse homage), the Buccs (wild card), and the Browns (underdog meets graveyard). I don’t know why I enjoy football now. Truthfully, my knowledge is little and my voice loud.

Speaking of loud voices. I’m getting really tired of hearing “…it’s stupid to have people work on holidays. I bet the boss doesn’t work on holidays”. (Read that in a childlike, nasally, whining voice.) If the complainer would ever say it to my face, I’d say this: Listen here, jackwagon. I worked every weekend and holiday until about 5 years ago. I had bills to pay and a livelihood to afford. If someone doesn’t want to work a holiday, then they can complete a leave request, like every other able-bodied adult here because I don’t employ children. Somehow I bet you’d be angry if everyone was off because there would be no one around to refill your precious body soap dispenser and toilet paper. Trust me, you’d find something else to complain about, no doubt. So if you think I don’t work holidays, let me assure you, I do. I work every day. I’m the first call at 0445 and the last call at 2145. I’m on call 24/7. That’s what it means to be a supervisor to 21 adults. I balance the budget, I justify it, and I implement it. And if you think you can do better, then be. my. guest. Otherwise, shut up, do your little workout, and go home. I’ll be home, too, but I won’t be “off work”. Enjoy your holiday, you ungrateful fruitcake.

Back to football. The cowboys are really gonna have to get it together this year. The fact they didn’t win their season opener with a healed QB, the ejection of the big dude who spit, the early injury of that other big dude who was really mad, and a weather delay…we might be in trouble again. But, whatever.

I’m just here to make fun of the fans.

_____________________

I ask you –

Which team do you cheer for?

(The post Futbol first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)