My Thoughts/a PSA

I don't like emotions.

If you know me, this makes perfect sense as I refuse to watch movies where I'm going to be afraid, sad, or the dog dies.  

On September 11th this year, I didn't say anything on social media.  Not because I didn't feel anything, just because I didn't know what to say.

If you've been following my blog/facebook/life for the past several years, you may know that I'm a Navy contractor and that I worked at the Navy Yard for a long time and that my husband also works there.  

If you followed the news this week you'll know that something awful happened there.  

I don't really know what to say. I'm thankful that it wasn't our building, my colleagues are all safe and accounted for, and I'm super extra thankful that Joey didn't drop me off at HQ on Monday and then head to the Navy Yard as planned because we would have had to call someone for a ride back to Woodbridge at 8pm when they lifted the lockdown.

When crazy things are happening in the news, please remember that everything you hear in the media is not true.  While everyone wants to get information out as quickly as possible, try not to post something on Facebook/Twitter unless you know it to be true or at least multiple media outlets are reporting it.  The worst thing to do is spread rumors that aren't facts.  I saw several posts about shots fired at the White House and Bolling AFB... they were simply not true.  Why would you cause even more hysteria if it's not necessary?

Perhaps it's the Comm major in me, but I think it's important to leave emotions out of communication during these situations.  Tell people the facts and give them guidance but leave your feelings at home and be sure you are reporting accurate information.

We are going to move forward.  

Let's remember to pay attention to our surroundings and give all our loved ones an extra squeeze.

~SG