your thoughts please

By Martha -
I don't have anything particularly exciting to blog about, which is probably because I haven't anything particularly exciting happen for a while. So here are my not so exciting updates plus the latest debate at the Birk home.

1. I finished my high school scrapbook today, only 9 years after graduating! This has been a huge, looming goal of mine for a long time. I have saved everything and lugged it around for all these years. I finally decided if I didn't do it as a stay at home mom with one child, I would never do it, so I took the plunge! Now my goal is to digitally scrapbook each year for our family.

2. Marian and I both took three hour naps yesterday! I felt kind of sheepish but wonderful after! I worked Sunday so I guess I needed some catch up.

3. Adam heard an FBI attorney speak last week and now has been considering applying to the FBI. Originally I assumed he meant going in as an attorney with a behind-a-desk, not-exciting job. Well, he actually would go in as a Special Agent and do attorney work on the side. Now I have major issues with that but am wondering your opinions. (By the way, Adam is not set on this and is willing to abandon the idea completely.)
Here are things I think happen with an FBI job that I have issues with:
Adam always being on call
Not knowing where Adam will be when he leaves for the day
Not knowing if Adam will come home
Not being able to talk to Adam about what he does at work
Worrying about our family's safety
Adam carrying a gun all the time

Any opinions, informed or not-informed, positive or negative, that you would care to share? I've never known anyone closely in the FBI so maybe I am mis-informed.

Comments

Mimi Collett said…
Congratulations on finishing your high school scrapbook! That definitely is a triumph. :)

Jeff last week found a job posting with the CIA for facility management. He wasn't interested in it because it said that you might move a lot and go on a lot of extended trips. (I actually think moving a lot can be cool, but he's not a fan.) Anyway, it made me think about some of the things you're thinking about. I have no real life experience or advice to go on, by the way. :)

So yeah, him being on call definitely would be a downer, but saving lives or fighting for democracy is cool. Would he have to use the gun? Like would he actually be in a situation where he might have to kill someone? That is a difficult thing for some people to handle. Not to add another thing for you to worry about (haha), but it seems like the psychological stress, nightmares, guilt, etc. if he did have to would be worse than the physical danger. Everything we do is dangerous. Random car accidents and acts of violence happen to people every day just living their lives.

I feel really unhelpful. I hope other people have better comments.

I know you're already doing this, but my main advice is to pray and see if you can feel peace about the idea.

In these times, a job is a job and being able to support the family is a pretty nice thing.
March 4, 2009 at 9:09 PM
gbrooks said…
Hooray fo scrapbooking! I'm 80% done with our wedding scrapbook and have decided to never ever undertake that adventure. So props for sticking with it. Check out summertimedesigns.blogspot.com for some really cool digital stuff.

Now as for the FBI stuff, sounds like it would be such a cool job. But honestly, I'm too much a worrier to let Sam do that... Sam's grandpa worked for the FBI, and I also have a former coworker who's husband went through the academy about 3 years ago and they are now in Boston. I can give you both of their contacts if he really does get serious about it!

How are the summer plans shaping up?
March 6, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Emily Johnson said…
I've heard those FBI people talk before and it always sounds so interesting.
Were you to base your knowledge of the FBI on modern media, they make it seem a lot more dangerous and exciting, but FBI agents are probably some of the most boring, their duties are to protect the rights of citizens, which means they spend a lot of time building cases against criminals. While this sometimes would bring them into contact with scary people (mostly the mafia, although that's falling off), mostly they're behind the desk people doing research and looking through documents. Although I understand worrying about him carrying a gun, you should get comfortable with one yourself, then it wouldn't be as intimidating. Taking a gun safety course may help to feel more comfortable with the situation.
Anyway, I'm kind of a fan of the FBI, while it can have it's dangers, I can't think of any other jobs that don't (even teaching, how many school shootings are there, and even in Utah we have a huge gang problem). Hopefully this helps, let us know what he decides!
March 8, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Jentry said…
Holy cow, I have no good advice for you, just make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. I think you are great, just wanted to remind you of that.
March 8, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Let the Good Times Roll said…
The CIA came to Thunderbird and Spence thought it sounded so cool too. (don't know if CIA is similar to the FBI) However, after discussion we decided it was not a good thing for this reason: He would have a fake identity because he would be undercover, being a big wig business guy trying to take down corrupt business people. I just think the whole idea of basically living your life as a lie sounded awful. Don't know if Adam would have to take on a disguise or something, but I just think that would be a lot of strain and stress on your relationship. But good luck, you guys are both awesome, so I know you'll make the right decision about it.
March 10, 2009 at 2:44 PM
RaeRae said…
Wow what am awesome thing to want to do. I have always thought that Jobs like CIA FBI, jobs with intials looked and souned cool I have to be honest I think it would be a super cool experience (and i have to agree right now a job is a job). I totally see your concerns but I would check to see if they are things you actually have to be concerned about, talk to people who do the job he would do i think it is very rare that crazy things happen like we see in the media, I don't think that people would watch if they showed us what they really do. I know a chunk of people that work in government jobs similar to the FBI nad it has been a great job for them and their families. To play devils advocate to the gun thing nad being someone who has gone shooting recreationally having guns around (locked in a safe) and teaching your children to properly use and care for them and how to respect them isn't a bad thing. Guns aren't bad it is just sometimes the unknown we fear. I have fond memories of it with my family and friends.
I know yall will make the right choice just pray and think outside the box. I love you
By the way fabulous work on the scrapbooking thats awesome and as for the nap I WISH, if only if only.
March 12, 2009 at 11:15 PM
Katie said…
Way to go on the scrapbook Marth. That is impressive.

That little Marian is too cute.

Sorry I haven't had any personal experience with the FBI or anything. I'm sure Adam will do whatever you all feel best about. Good luck!
March 16, 2009 at 3:35 AM
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