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Situational Awareness

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Lorimor:
I'm a firm believer in the thing known as "situational awareness."  (as I'm sure the overwhelming majority of us are.) 

However, sometimes I wonder if I'm focusing on the correct input.  I mean, I try to take in the big picture as much as possible.  The "big picture" of course, will vary in size and scope depending on the environment.

For instance, a few weeks back, as I was exiting a large box store, I immediately began scanning the parking lot, taking in as much as possible.  Were there any oddly dressed individuals out there? (long coats in hot weather) Was there anyone focused on me?  Can I cross the lot without being run over?  Certainly there were folks closing on me as they entered the store but none intent on me, that I was aware of.  (Yes, I know, broad daylight, small town Nebraska, not likely at all for the time and place for trouble, but still I keep my head moving.) 

However, I did miss two gals I work with (cute ones at that) that were entering the store.  I saw them as people but I didn't register their faces and was already scanning elsewhere.

So I was surprised when I heard, "Hi Tim!"  I find I'm more focused on behavior and body language than the body nowadays. 

Of course, in a big outdoor scene, like a busy parking lot, I believe information overload could be a problem, particularly if you're only working with 4k of RAM to begin with. :)   

That same day, a short while later, found me down at the storage place, doing a little work on SuperBoat.  It's a lonely, desolate place located by the lovely and scenic coal train line. 

I'm busily pounding away on the trailer doing some delicate and precise alignment work with a 4 lb maul, when a truck rolled in and stopped in front of my storage unit.  Two unknown guys got out.  They looked friendly.  I noted their facial features but kept an eye on their hands.  Nothing about their body language caused me alarm.  I was friendly but focused.  (those of you who know me know what that means.) :)

Turns out they were there to meet with the owner, saw my car and thought I was him. 

In the first episode, I feel that I should have recognized the two gals I knew, but again, I'm busy trying to take in the whole scene.  Maybe I'm too intent and need to take in a little more detail?  Maybe I take this whole thing a bit too seriously?  :)  Better safe than sorry? 

The second scene, I thought I did okay. 

Ghost:
Good post.  Keeping your head on a swivel is a good plan.  I try to do the same most of the time, but sometimes my thinking gets engrossed in some current task or issue, and I'm lax at times.  I'm with you in thinking that continually sizing up people and your surroundings is something we should all work at, with the way things are today.

Ghost

00BUCK:
The wife used to accuse me of not paying attention to her, or what she was saying, in situations like that. I'd try to explain to her that it is not intentional, and that my brain instinctively goes into "scan surroundings" mode when the environment changes. It wasn't until one time we were going into the mall that she finally got it. I always park WAY out so that hopefully door dings are reduced but mostly so I can see what (or who) is around my vehicle when I return. As we walked toward the entrance I grabbed her arm, pulled her towards a parked car and said "get down", positioning her so that the front tire and engine block would be somewhat of a shield. I crouched down behind her right as a cop jumped from his car, gun drawn, yelling for a guy to "get on his face". The guy was directly between us and the cop. Had I not seen that unfolding, and the cop decided to let loose, we would have been directly in the line of fire.

My point is, you are not at all out of line by not noticing your friends. Yeah they might find it odd that you didn't notice them but you are doing the right thing. The safety of you and your family are first and foremost. Vigilance can't and shouldn't be something you decide to use when you feel like it, it should be a constant and reactionary / instinctive thing.

bullit:
Lorimer,
Were you wearing your official TR glasses?  That may be the problem  :)

Lorimor:
TR glasses?!?!?!  They make the front sight too fuzzy. :)

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