I did have a great vacation and enjoyed every minute of it. The fact is, I really did not do much while I was off. I had a few errands to run and a few jobs to complete, but I made sure I made time to play. Twice during last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Lake Hefner and ride my bike around the lake. The first day was great and very refreshing. The next day was challenging because the wind was blowing so hard. The wind blowing against you tends to drain all the fun out of a bike ride. Since I was in no hurry, I took my sweet time and stopped several times along the bike route. The times I stopped, I either stretched my muscles, or I took pictures. My main goal for the week was to do what I wanted to do and relax at the same time. I did do house chores, but I got those done early in the mornings, so I could enjoy the rest of my day.
This last week, while on vacation, I went through the CERT course. CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. This is a 16-hour course that teaches you what to do in case of disaster. The course was Thursday evening from 6-10 pm, Friday evening, 5:30 – 10 pm and Saturday, from 8 am – 5 pm. There was lots of classroom work and some field training. We were trained on what to do when disaster strikes our neighborhood and how to take control of the situation and work at saving peoples’ lives and rescuing people. Our main goal was safety for ourselves. If we don’t do things safely, then we are no good to others. Myself and another REACT member took the course. The course was something I had been wanting to take for the last couple of years, but just did not have the time. It is not required to be a part of REACT, but it is a big help and a great learning experience. By Saturday evening, when the class concluded, I was mentally exhausted from all the learning we did. There was lots of information to take in for 16 hours.
Yesterday was my lazy day. The musical trio, “The New Plainsmen,” came to our church yesterday and put on a performance for us during our worship service. They were with us last year about this time and did an outstanding job. Well, once again, they did a super job and really got the audience involved. I sat on the front row and took pictures.
That afternoon, I took a long nap and then went back to the church for choir rehearsal. Many of the REACT team members were in western Oklahoma chasing storms. I would have joined them, but our youth minister was on vacation and I had to fill in for him, so I could not leave the city. Several of the team members got good pictures of tornadoes on the ground. Hopefully, I will get to make it to the next chase.
Today has been a rainy. It has rained all day long so far, with some lightning and thunder. There was suppose to be a slight risk for severe weather for today, but with cloud cover and all the rain we are getting, I don’t see it happening. I did have a meeting with my boss this morning and received my yearly performance evaluation. In the past 21 years, since I have been with the city, this has been the best evaluation I have received. I was given very high marks in all areas. It really made me feel good. My supervisor told me how much she appreciated me and all the extras I do in the office for my co-workers and for others. It made my day. It also makes me want to strive harder to be the best employee I can be.
That afternoon, I took a long nap and then went back to the church for choir rehearsal. Many of the REACT team members were in western Oklahoma chasing storms. I would have joined them, but our youth minister was on vacation and I had to fill in for him, so I could not leave the city. Several of the team members got good pictures of tornadoes on the ground. Hopefully, I will get to make it to the next chase.
http://www.centralokreact.org/
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