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.)

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.

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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.)

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.

____________________

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.)

Pedal Faster – It’s that time of year

For the first time, I made it my mission to experience Hotter’N Hell. First, I went to the consumer show, similar to an expo but cyclists-centered. Obviously. The vendors were very nice and there were a lot of giveaways! Mini had quite the hail when we finally exited.

Then, we went to the Crit races downtown on Friday night. I had to research it some, but a crit race is short for Criterium. Basically, as it was explained to me, cyclists travel in a pack, doing over 25mph down a stretch of road and 4 corners. Nascar on 2 wheels, they said. It was awesome!

Despite having to get up at 0400 on Saturday, I enjoyed the pre-event events! Saturday was my usual – direct, lead, and try to stay hydrated myself. I understand how some get irritated when Hotter’N Hell season comes around: the road closures, the cyclists taking up every lane, the magnitude of 8,000 additional people at restaurants, venues, and just general traffic. However, as someone who has run 10 half marathons, the work that goes into making these events possible, and making the racers/runners/cyclists feel loved, is unfathomable. I truly appreciate the behind-the-scenes, 363 days of the year dedication to making this 44th annual Hotter’N Hell weekend what it is.

_____________________

I ask you –

As I always ask – is there any cycling race you really love?

(The post Pedal Faster – It’s that time of year first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Winning!

Team Fitness for the 2QTRCY2025 squadron award!

(L-R) Lt Col Camacho, McK, Britt, Phillip, Aislyn, Kel, Luli, Darrell, Quinn, SMSgt Duritsky

The same week of the awards ceremony, we departed for our annual summer trip to South Padre Island!

I tried to host a staff meeting but only mini showed.

The food –

Finally, I must mention Chilo’s Cheesecakes. Chilo and his beautiful wife, Regina, are bakers. A few years ago, I tried one of his cheesecakes at a restaurant on the island. Someone mentioned you can find all his flavors at their storefront on Port Isabella. Alas, I got busy and never went. This time, I made it a point to stop. Terrible idea.

Six pieces of cheesecake and $50 later, I exited with goodies intact.

The photos aren’t great because I couldn’t wait to sample the cheesecakes. In no particular order, I purchased: Pistachio, Pina Colada, Cookies & Cream, Key Lime Pie, Key Lime Cheesecake, and Lemon Blueberry.

So now I’ll be dreaming of going back to Chilo’s for more cheesecake. Winning!

Final thought: entirely random Have I ever mentioned the time Parts called me and immediately asked me if I remembered the name of the coffee shop I like to go to near my alma mater and I excitedly replied Yes! I thought she was going to bring me coffee! Instead, she said she’d been in an accident and needed me to come. I felt really bad for my initial reaction. Definitely not winning sister award for that debacle.

_________________

I ask you –

What are some of your latest wins?

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

Batman & Robin 2.0

I promised myself when I graduated, I would take the summer to enjoy things outside of the usual work/home/repeat. But I wasn’t convinced it would be this summer because…what if.

Fortunately, everything worked out as designed.

Girls Trip 2.0 was everything I needed and more. Last year, we re-explored Norfolk/VA Beach, Virginia. This year, we invaded Gulf Shores, Alabama. From the food to the friendship to the sand and sun, Sam and I had the best time. Minus the little snafu where my car got towed at the condo. Whoopsies! Suffice to say our 12 year friendship is standing the test of time. Ask her about the time her car got towed at our apartment in Norfolk.

We ate and drank our way through several days. Although incredibly crowded, Gulf Shores offers something for everyone – adults and children alike.

I would be remiss not to mention our fun neighbors, Thelma and Louise. We really have no idea their actual names because it kept changing. Witness protection, anyone? They had their own stories, problems, lives, and interesting perspectives. People are fun.

We have a few ideas for next year’s trip. Our m.o. tends to involve beaches and water. Already looking forward to it!

_________________

I ask you –

Any suggestions?

(The post Batman & Robin 2.0 first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Re-post!! Who Signed Me Up?

From the archives, dated April 29, 2024 –

Let me apologize first. It got…hectic for awhile. So if this post looks like a mini version of me wrote it, then…she didn’t. It was me. At this moment, I’m probably still running off of adrenaline, coffee, and a single hand’s worth of sleep. Two words: Air. Show. Help.

Dubbed the “Ice Queen” for the duration of the weekend, I found a home in my cozy club car, making a million trips to various food and beer tents providing much needed ice, soda, and chips, on occasion. They even gave me a walkie talkie, of which I was extra careful because I didn’t want to accept any fines for using my Sailor language. Disclaimer: I did say one bad word.

I’m laughing because it seems I took a lot of selfies yet I have no actual Air Show photos. In hindsight, I saw the Thunderbirds perform at least 3x and I saw demos and reenactments at least twice. It truly was an incredibly successful weekend. As I finish this post Monday morning before publishing, my feet ache but my heart is full. I met wonderful people, worked with the best of the best, and was privileged to support the public and the installation.

I love this stuff. But if we didn’t do it for another 7 yrs or so, that’s fine by me.

And on the subject of ice –

I found my summer activity: Curling! A whole club dedicated to learning and perfecting curling techniques! Looking for my winter gear right now. Also, I’m taking volunteers to be my partner. Must love laughing, and falling. Will train.

_______________

I ask you –

Have you ever attended an Air Show?

Did you know there were curling clubs? Me neither!

Tell me your summer plans!

(The post Re-post!! Who Signed Me Up? first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Ohhhhh, San Diego

Because the line was so long, approx 27 people with the average wait time of 52 minutes, I have no photos of the incredible ice cream at An’s Electronics Repair. At this point, An’s has invested in dry cleaning, hat making, and, now, electronics. What a marketing and business genius. The truth is she has the very best ice cream in…anywhere. You should partake at every single location, as I have.

Cookies were the theme of this jaunt to San Diego. Coco and Jules Cookies were my favorite, while Cookie Plug was trying a little too hard. But did I eat the cookies? Well, yes.

Tacos, coffee, and chicken pot pie rounded out the menu. Turns out I’m not a fan of chicken pot pie. I know others who adore it. Just not me.

Tacos El Gordo

Breakfast Republic

Acento Coffee

The Chicken Pie Shop

Quite the successful and relaxing trip. I managed 3 runs and 1 workout. I’d gladly pay extra to have San Diego weather year-round. In fact, the first run back in Texas was a glorious disaster. From heat and humidity to stiff muscles and uncertain hydration status, I was a walking risk. Alas, it will return.

__________________________

I ask you –

If you’ve been to San Diego – name your favorite places there! Food, too!

(The post Ohhhhh, San Diego first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)