Where I live it is one block away from an elementary school which shares an intersection with our church. The church happens to have a school, which is where my six year old will be attending Kindergarten in just over a week. A few months ago I heard that the crossing guard position for that intersection was opening up. I figured this would be a decent job for me, because it would allow me to still have time to work on the website, but still earn some money (because the website isn’t earning any) as well as have time available to volunteer in the classroom.
Turns out the position is through the Seattle Police Department. This meant a background check which seemed to take months longer than necessary. Family, friends, neighbors, etc. all answered questions and whatever else was needed. I could probably discuss at length some of the issues surrounding the background check, but with no criminal past and my illegal drug use behind me, the only disqualifier would be my personality, and I don’t want to talk about that today. Besides, I passed, so apparently nothing is wrong with how I conduct myself (that can be proven).
After passing (finally) the background check I went in for a physical. The hearing test showed signs of diminished range in the upper frequencies – which is not surprising considering how much I abused my ears in my 20’s while trying to be a musician. Nothing was out of “normal” however, so that passed. Then the urine test, which I passed. Height and weight (6′ 1″ 204 lb in case you’re wondering) were within limits as well.
Then we get to the vision test. If you know me, you know I wear glasses. If you know me more than casually, you know that my prescription is strong and that I can’t really see much of anything without my glasses. Well, my eyesight is actually worse than I had thought, as my vision tested out to be 20/800. I was estimating my vision to be about 20/500, but this is simply ridiculous.
I relayed the new information to my wife, who laughed and asked if I was eligible for disability. Turns out that the definition of “legally blind” is 20/200 with corrective lenses. My sight is 20/20 with glasses, so I don’t qualify, but it is rather educational to know just how severe my vision (or lack thereof) is.