D to tha N to tha C

Yeah. So the city I work/play in is hosting a big 'ol political convention here next week. It's a no holds barred opportunity for the city to showcase itself not only to the president (who has been here several times before anyway) but to the many people who think Charlotte is somewhere in Virginia and is just a po-dunk stop on the side of a highway.

I digress.

My role in this liberal love-fest actually has nothing political about it. though if you ask my family I may as well be escorting the Pres. down to the podium to make an acceptance speech -- (o_0)

Anyway-- it's all hands on deck at the agency these days. 12 hour on/off shifts, no vacations allowed... you get the idea. My role is a bit different. Since I'm a "part-time PIO" (public information officer) I've been plopped into the JIC (joint information center)...

everything in a paramilitary style operation is very big on acronyms...

My specific role in the JIC is that of "media relations" which means I will be fielding phone calls from the media about the convention or specific events related to it.

sounds exciting right? ...... RIIIGHT?

no. it doesn't.

The problem is, I was pulled into this really late in the game. They've been planning for a year yet I've only been on board for a month, maybe 2? Also, the trainings they have had since I've been on board I have not been able to attend for one reason for another. So I am feeling very nervous and unprepared.

but I am excited to be a part of the JIC and to be in the trenches... even if it means I'm the overnight JIC chick... 2200-0600... ouch.

I even get a snazzy outfit:

sexy.

Anyway... the convention begins in 6 days or so. We open the JIC in 3 days... why so early? I dunno. But it means I'm working all weekend... so, there's that.

However it boils down, election wise, I'm still excited to be a part of history...

even if I will be sitting next to a row of windows that could have molotov cocktails thrown into them by protesters (thanks kind officer harrington for pointing that out today).