Hey......it coulda been worse.

Rap, do you know if Laurel works in one of those buildings?
I sent her an email but no response. She usually replies right away
I'm glad you are okay

OMG! Did you get pics on your cell phone so you can be famous?
Seriously, I'm glad you're OK. That is some scary **** there. PJ

Thanks for posting that you are okay --- scary, to say the least!!!!

Glad they let you go!
Scary.
Tally HO and away you go!

Any News on Laurel yet???
Any News at all?
Dena

I'm so sorry, I don't know Laurel or have any more news. (I really like that name, Laurel - planted an oak tree in our yard of that variety - name of a family friend.) I hope she's OK, and await whatever anyone can know next of her.

I was never in any danger, being in a different building a good distance away. We were not told to evacuate, just to lock our doors to the hallway. I and the other people who I was locked-up with conferred briefly and brainstormed about what things were lying around in our room to use, if the bad guy busted in our door. We chuckled a little, thinking of all the everyday office things that could make some pretty nasty weapons: the pyrex coffeepot with a cup or so of hot coffee still in it; the manual hole-puncher, and so on. The youngest guy who was with us seemed the most upset. I think it was mainly because he did not know what was the status or location of his girlfriend. (She doesn't work anywhere near Bldg 44.) Anyway, he actually picked up and held a pair of scissors and paced in the office for a few minutes. For a brief moment, I was concerned about being in danger from him moreso than from the man who had the gun.

I'm just not able to sleep yet. Kinda rare for me, for a Friday night. What a horrible ending at JSC! But like Rick said, it could have been worse. I'm feeling disappointment with myself for posting such a stupid thing earlier when I started this thread. I mean, writing some little mock gallows humor brain-fart about diapers. The next time I go out to JSC, I suspect it will involve a lot more than just flashing a badge to get through the gate. Probably a long car search, at least...

She is fine, I think it was my mail server causing problems
Rap, you need some passionflower tea, works everytime

Oh, I did see a news report where the guy shot and killed a hostage and himself. That is so sad and stressful for all the people who work there. I know NASA in Houston is a huge place with all the buildings all spread out, but even so, it must have been scary for you. I am glad you and your co-workers are all right.

Gallows humor is totally normal. If a person isn't there or isn't familiar with trauma on a personal basis they may not understand. It's just one way to cope. I really am glad you're here to make the gallows humor jokes! Seeing that guy freak out and pick up scissors would've made me nervous too BTW. People can act really wierd when they're freaked. PJ