coach

 

 

 

i was training on the lane one day. i had a bunch of noobs with me and i was dissecting the layers of our equipment and how to use each layer to detect particular anomalies. i demonstrated how the layers were interfunctional by using a hands-on training device in a small group setting.

 

kevin walked up to me after the training session and said, "you do that very well. you take our job and explain each facet and then demonstrate in minute detail why we do what we do, then you show exactly how to do it. i learned stuff today. and i have been here for six years. that was amazing." he handed me a pin. he said he had a few of them from years back, but he held on to them to give out when he saw people doing a good job and following the "coach principles."

 

i never learned what the coach principles were.... or at least i don't remember attending any classes devoted to that particular phrase. but i would like to think that i do some of the things that i do because kevin encouraged me to continue teaching with a purpose and to reach out to others.

 

thank you, kevin.

end of watch: 29 july 2014

hydrophobia

 

is there anything more humiliating than having a panic attack in the middle of a pool where the boy scouts are doing their camp swimming test?

i  made a deal with the boys: i promised them i would do this scout swimming thing with them. however, there's a reason i don't do anything more than walk around & push baby floats in the pool. i am terrified of the water. 

 

it took all my strength to jump in and get my face wet. i got literally half-finished & panicked. i started seeing stars, i could feel my breathing getting ragged. i just plunked my feet on the ground & i think i said "i have to get out." i couldn't get to steps or ladder fast enough, then as i dragged myself up out over the side, gravity took my swimsuit bottom. i mooned the whole pool. so humiliating.

 

i sat on the side of the pool waiting for my breathing to regulate. nope.  i got my bearings enough to stumble over to get my towel & sat there shaking for another 20 minutes. i was still shaking when i got into the car to go home. 

 

so when my eyes get all big & panicky when you say "i'm gonna throw/push you in!" yeah.....no. totally not funny.