August 14th, 2013

I know it looks like I messed up and am doing two posts in one day, but actually I started that last one before midnight so it was done before the date changed....lol

I was doing some clinical case studies today on Hypnotherapy and PTSD. I had already learned from my certifications that there is empirical evidence that hypnosis works great for PTSD but what struck me was the client. He was a former police officer like myself, he had the same amount of time on the job that I had and was given similar meds as I was for PTSD and like me, had to leave the job because of them. Fortunately he stopped taking the meds they gave him, like I did and searched out others ways to get treatment.  What the kick was for me, Is I could have been partners with this guy. Like we could have hung out on the job. He was funny, clear and even though it has been some time since either of us was behind the windshield of a patrol care, we have the same language. I got such a kick out of some of the stories he told during the clinical and how similar to my experiences they were. 

One of his stories reminded me of one of my own. One night on patrol during the winter month's in the valley, I was cruising the streets looking for some activity. There usually wasn't much going on Thursday nights and the weather was getting pretty cold for too many people to be out. The radio was quiet so I decided to pick a corner on an intersection, do some paperwork and watch for traffic violations. I get set up and get into a report that needed refining and about 30 minutes later I look up to see a car approaching the red light at the intersection. I watch, and of course, the car slows for the light then suddenly guns it though the intersection.

My paperwork hit the passenger seat, the overhead lights start flashing and I hit the siren as I pursued after the car. I caught up with it pretty quick and called in the stop. I could see that there was only one person in the car so I quickly ran the plate and started to approach the driver's door.

Now, I have never been badge heavy and I often took my position and the people I met lighter than some (ok, most) cops. I found humor; normal, blue or morbid any where I could in the job.
In my safety stance behind the driver's door, I shined my light into the window and was greeted with the face of an old lady laughing hysterically. I'm talking almost 80 yrs old.
Of course I hit her with the lingo; "Ma'am, May I see you driver's license, registration and insurance. please?"
No response....she just continued laughing and laughing.
Now, my guard is coming down and yes, I knew she had to be totally waisted, so I moved in a little closer to the window, picked up the volume a bit and asked again.

Just them she turned to me, stopped laughing and before I could react, reached up with her right hand, pointed a long boney finger and touched the end of my nose saing loudly "BOOP!" and burst into laughter again.
Ok, I have to tell ya. I totally lost it. I started laughing myself. Here I was this big tough cop with a vehicle pulled over on the side of the road and no one around for at least 10 minutes and I get "Booped" on the nose by someone older than my Grandma...
That was both hilarious and embarrassing at the same time....
Needless to say, yes, the lady was drunk..but she sure was funny as hell!      BOOP!