The Joys of Living in Our Nation's Capitol

So, the other day there was a bit of a commotion outside of the building where I work. I decided to take a gander out the window and what do I see? the bomb squad! That's right. Roads closed with police tape, Johnny 5 checking out the piece of luggage that was left on the sidewalk, police officer in bomb proof outfit, you know...the whole sha bang as it were.

Apparently this piece of luggage was just left beside a bench. I'm not quite sure, but when I'm traveling I don't happen to leave my shit just laying around ANYWHERE...So, I can understand the concern. I mean, if you're walking around with your rolling suite case doesn't that mean that all of your things are inside and therefore not easily forgotten on the side of a city bench in the middle of a well traveled road?

It was a little unnerving to see all of this go down because we are literally looking out the window wondering if this bag is going to blow up and if so will it have any effect on us and the building that we are in about 300 yards from the action? We weren't evacuated because really, where the hell would we go? It probably would have been safer to stay inside.

I can only imagine how much it costs to have that damn bomb robot come out and check things out. Don't get me wrong, I know the importance and I don't take these things lightly - I'm sure no one does at this day in age, but because some dumb ass left their smelly underwear in a bag that they can't even remember to take with them as they go catch their flight, train, head home, WHATEVER, we are in a panic and have to close roads and businesses...what is this world coming to?

And for god's sake people. If you plan to travel in the coming months and you decide to smoke a big fat one before you take off, PLEASE, PLEASE, try to remember to keep your damn bags with you...thanks
(a message brought to you by the residents of Washington, DC)

And now, for your viewing pleasure, I bring you

THE BOMB SQUAD

The Roads are closed with police tape

Johnny 5 Checks out the bag

The bomb robot is finished examining the bag

Employees in an adjacent building checking out the scene


Police officer in bomb gear gives the thumbs up after checking all of the surrounding trash cans


A Second officer helps look through the dirty drawers in the bag

The officers let everyone know it's safe and begin to clean up and check the luggage label, damn, whoever it belongs to must feel like an ass!