While the above would not make a catchy (these days) title for a book, it does describe a recent experience I had. Some of you may have heard about the recent repair of the San Francisco Bay bridge that went Kuput? Wonders of wonders, no one was serious hurt (read, no real lawsuit). Yes I am being cynical these days. Seriously I am glad no one was hurt. I am also glad the politicos of Oakland and San Francisco are now finally listening to the Engineering crew when they said (during Labor Day Weekend) We need more time to fix the crack! There is no one article that states this little "spat" but was the gist of what I got from reading at the time of the discovery of the crack. Everyone is playing nice to the cammeras of course. Still that not what THIS blog is about.

Its about ME and MY experinece in related the the bridge being tied up. I had already had a twelve hour day at school and wanted to get home. Only to see signs saying Bay Bridge Close, seek alternate bridges. Well that does not do me any good simply because I do not have a row boat berth somewhere to row home. Even if I did, I would be dangerous with all the frieght ship travels around the waters where I live. A tiny tow boat would be a tossed leaf to those manmonth things. Plus, my arms would be tired two blocks out I am sure. Texting between my oldest son and I seem to confirm the worst. There was no way, no how back to the Island. Hotels in the City do not come cheap, those that are more affordable (noted not affordable, simply more affordable!) are in areas I would not frequent and certainly not park my car! Or go to sleep without worry of drug bust gone bad and bullets flying through the air etc. etc. (Did that once as a kid when my Parents thought they got a good deal at a hotel, only to find out just what kind of motel it was.... ).

Driving around the area of SF on a tank becoming empty and not helping the atmosphere, I drove to where I thought I might find my husband stranded. Only to find out he DID make it to the Island. I was relieved for him, but jelous. The bus was able to get through. That when it occured to me, if the bus can get to TI, then maybe they will also allow drivers from T.I. to get home too? It was not the first time I was grateful I have an updated I.D. / Driver's Licsense. You be surprise how many people don't bother, or simply can not get to DMV to get it done. I drove up to what was the on ramp from Labor Day, there stood a cop, and I nervous (always nervous around cops, that me, no reason, I am not guilty of anything, just the nerves around gun powered law thats all). I got out my DL when he started signing to me. I almost dropped my DL I was so surprised. He signed to me before I had a chance to inform him I could not hear. His skills were not native, but clear and ernest in wanting to communicate. He explained there was a long line and maybe in an hour CHP (California Highway Patrol) would escort us to T.I.). After some more driving around (no left turns and all that in San Francisco) I got myself situated to settle for the duration of the wait. The line inched forward for a bit as I am guessing some people left the line for parts unknown. Then suddenly after about an hour the line really began to move, and the cop who signed to me, all young and ernest was directing the traffic. I waved back at him with a big smile and he smile back with a wave also. That made the bad situation all the more tolerable. So for those of you in public service who take the time to learn signs, THANK YOU! You might not see us out there that offten, but trust me, when you do meet us, we don't forget your efforts! And he took what was a frighteing time for me and made it so much easier.

I got home, to the arms of my beloved.
Nancy Louise

In our Thursday newspaper section, in Dear Abby was an article about mental illness. I usually give it little notice, but not this time, and second because my husband quite literally stuck it under my nose and said, I really think you want to respond to this. Dear Abby.

WORKERS MUST SPEAK WITH ONE VOICE ABOUT DISRUPTIVE WOMAN

Is the title about a woman who is hearing voices while on the job. The boss response to complaining and uneasy co-workers is "Just be quiet and everything will be fine" is not what the co-workers need. Dear Abby also says that the woman is off her medication etc. To see the full article, please go to the link. Below is my sharp response.

Dear Abby in response to
"Our Co-worker hears voices in her head." San Francisco Chronicle and SFGate.com, Thursday October 22, 2009 edition

I am afraid your broad stroked answer may have caused more damage than good. You were right to say "Just Be Quiet" was not a good response. Someone does need to find out if the woman has some issues with her medication. She may not be off her medication, but need adjustment if the job has cause some additional stressful situations for her. Someone needs to be her friend on the job. Its not fair that the co-workers have been put into this position, and the boss is not doing the right thing to push it under the rug. So I would suggest Uneasy in Ohio be proactive and talk to the woman, maybe look up mental health services to see if there are any training workshops for how to deal with this on the job. At the same time, also make sure things stay safe for all concern even if the boss is not doing her job.  Is it more work? Yes, but in the end you could have a very grateful and diligent worker grateful for another chance. Mental Illness like any illness is a complicated disease and to say that someone is off their medication (and imply irresponsibility in the same breath) is to show your ignorance of the situation.

Nancy Louise