My manager called and left a message while I was in class yesterday. In this message she said, "be sure to have your card key on you when you come to work tomorrow. The elevators are locked down and so is our floor. I'll explain tomorrow".

No biggie on the card key. I show up early when I go downtown, and the elevators and floor are always locked. I always have my card key on me.

What I imagined was no where NEAR the drama that really happened. Since folks from work read my blog I have to remain very sketchy (sorry work pals, but we've been instructed to keep our yappers shut. Now go amongst your co-workers and see what sort of gossip you can round up! *snicker*)

About an hour after I got to work, I saw one of the execs talking to a group close to my cube. One of the members of the group motioned me over, and being the curious sort, I was glad for the invite.

The exec was introducing the group to the security guard. I got on the tail end where the exec said, "...and he can handle any situation." Then repeated, "Any situation". Then the group broke up.

This security guard was no Barney Fife. He looked like Secret Service to me. He was well built, very stiff, and dressed in a suit. There is no doubt in my mind that there was a gun under his jacket.

Before my co-workers get all excited about bomb threats or terrorists, that's not what this was about.

He's going to be hanging out on our floor for two weeks. I believe our floor will be on lock down for a good long while, if not forever.

At first, he creeped me out. He stood right by the elevators the entire day. Except for lunch, he stood from the time he got there until he left for the day (which was after me.)

Whenever I'd use the ladies room, I'd have to walk right by him. If the elevator happened to 'ding', you could tell that he immediately went into heightened awareness mode. CREEPY.

Being RisibleGirl, I tried joking with him a few times early on and the jokes fell flat.

RG: Hey, maybe you should get a lazy boy and put those feet up.
Security Guard: I don't think so, Ma'am.

....later

RG: Hey, want to borrow my palm pilot? You could play pac man or something
Security Guard: That wouldn't be a good idea, Ma'am.

Eventually he loosened up a with me. We were fast friends by the end of the day. He even joked with me as I was leaving for the day.

Yup, I still have it! I can make ANYONE loosen up. Remind me some time to tell you about the time I hung out with President Ford's Secret Service men......