Hi Team!
Today was a mixed bag. I did well on my fluids almost 3 quarts, not as well on my sleep but not horrible. I logged 4,454 steps with Pete. Nothing remarkable, but an average day for a non-workout day.
The part that was hard today was just what our community is dealing with. I found out that officers from other communities have been patrolling the streets of Lakewood offering our Lakewood officers time to grieve. That is just the nicest thing I've heard in a long time. OUr city streets were busy today with all the police, fire and EMS vehicles making their way to the procession. Every where I went today there was heavy traffic. The procession took four hours from McChord to the Tacoma Dome and I heard people say there were Fire/EMS vehicles from Wisconsin, Canada, and all over! Of course there were even more police vehicles from all over our state and neighboring states. Canada had at least 1,000 Royal Mounties in uniform here. The show of support has been truly amazing.
The Crusty Jakes posted links to much of the memorial service and to scenes from the procession on their website. THe memorial was very moving, especially the roll call. It finally caused me to cry, which I have needed to do since I saw it directly affect children I work with, but have been unable to do until now.
Papa John's Pizza chain has offered 100 % of the profits from today and tomorrow to go to the fallen Lakewood Police Officers Memorial fund and I have to tell you, they were swamped today and had to cut off requests for orders. I am sure tomorrow will be no different.
Please send your prayers to the family friends loved ones and co-workers of those fallen officers for peace and comfort. And that somehow they would still be able to find some joy in the holiday season. I pray too that somehow through this horrible tragedy, God would be glorified. He didn't want this to happen but he knew that it would and he can use it in ways that will bring healing to others.
Also, don't forget to pray for the baristas and customers who were present.
I understand that the baristas have not worked and have no income. L&I may cover them somehow later, but that will take a while to process and it won't help with the post traumatic stress. Also the businesses in that strip mall all are suffering as a result of the incident.
Thanks for your prayers.
Stay safe.
Hotflash out.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 84
Hi Team!
Today was a good day for me. I did a lot of walking today. Pete recorded 12,150 steps! Yay me!!! I also drank about 3 quarts of fluids today and I slept very well last night. YAY ME! 3 for three.
Today was the day. I am three months in. I hated to look but I weighed and measured today. I am down to 189 pounds. That is 12 pounds from starting, but 15 total pounds lost because I actually gained 3 at first. And then I measured myself. Here are the results so far:
Day 2 Day 28 Day 84
Chest 39" Chest 38" Chest 37"
Bust 48" Bust 45" Bust 44"
Waist 48.5" Waist 44.25" Waist 41"
Hips 54" Hips 52" Hips 51"
Upper arm 14" Upper arm 14" Upper Arm 13.5
Thigh 25" Thigh 23 " Upper Thigh 23"
That makes another 6 3/4 inches lost for a total of 19 1/4inches lost!! I cannot tell you how good that feels. Next weigh and measure in: Day 112.
I had a little disappointment today too though. The cold weather (it is in the 20's here) made me have to take my inhaler. I am trying to rid myself of it completely. I only use it a few times a year. Stress rarely brings on an attack any more. Exercise has been safe so far, though I haven't gotten into heavy cardio. But this damn cold air is tough. I know I have to beat this if I ever even hope to go into firefighting which I will have to do if I want to be a paramedic in the fire department. I keep thinking if I get the weight off it will go away. I know that is one theory out there and I am clinging to that. Well, that and the fact that GOd has cleared all the obstacles I have come up against so far so this shouldn't be any different. I know he put this passion in me simply because I have had it basically all my life and it hasn't gone away. And because he does send me encouragement regularly and removes obstacles. Sometimes I think talking about it, or writing as the case may be, will make it go away. As if I can will it away but only if I verbalize it. Well, in any case, please pray all you prayer warriors. My brother beat asthma. I have only had a mild case of it. I can beat it too.
On a humorous note: one of my little girls at work was talking to some other kids there, while sitting next to me when I was playing a game with another child. The little girl said, "Mrs. Myers wants to be a fighter farter!" We laughed so hard we cried! She didn't mean to get tongue tangled, but "firefighter" can be a mouthful, especially if you are prone to talking to fast. She was embarrassed that she said it but even she later told her mom about it and that it was funny. I told her not to worry about it. We all say silly things sometimes. I just thought I would share it with the team though. We can all use a good chuckle sometimes.
Well, it is 10:00 and time for bed! Good night and stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Today was a good day for me. I did a lot of walking today. Pete recorded 12,150 steps! Yay me!!! I also drank about 3 quarts of fluids today and I slept very well last night. YAY ME! 3 for three.
Today was the day. I am three months in. I hated to look but I weighed and measured today. I am down to 189 pounds. That is 12 pounds from starting, but 15 total pounds lost because I actually gained 3 at first. And then I measured myself. Here are the results so far:
Day 2 Day 28 Day 84
Chest 39" Chest 38" Chest 37"
Bust 48" Bust 45" Bust 44"
Waist 48.5" Waist 44.25" Waist 41"
Hips 54" Hips 52" Hips 51"
Upper arm 14" Upper arm 14" Upper Arm 13.5
Thigh 25" Thigh 23 " Upper Thigh 23"
That makes another 6 3/4 inches lost for a total of 19 1/4inches lost!! I cannot tell you how good that feels. Next weigh and measure in: Day 112.
I had a little disappointment today too though. The cold weather (it is in the 20's here) made me have to take my inhaler. I am trying to rid myself of it completely. I only use it a few times a year. Stress rarely brings on an attack any more. Exercise has been safe so far, though I haven't gotten into heavy cardio. But this damn cold air is tough. I know I have to beat this if I ever even hope to go into firefighting which I will have to do if I want to be a paramedic in the fire department. I keep thinking if I get the weight off it will go away. I know that is one theory out there and I am clinging to that. Well, that and the fact that GOd has cleared all the obstacles I have come up against so far so this shouldn't be any different. I know he put this passion in me simply because I have had it basically all my life and it hasn't gone away. And because he does send me encouragement regularly and removes obstacles. Sometimes I think talking about it, or writing as the case may be, will make it go away. As if I can will it away but only if I verbalize it. Well, in any case, please pray all you prayer warriors. My brother beat asthma. I have only had a mild case of it. I can beat it too.
On a humorous note: one of my little girls at work was talking to some other kids there, while sitting next to me when I was playing a game with another child. The little girl said, "Mrs. Myers wants to be a fighter farter!" We laughed so hard we cried! She didn't mean to get tongue tangled, but "firefighter" can be a mouthful, especially if you are prone to talking to fast. She was embarrassed that she said it but even she later told her mom about it and that it was funny. I told her not to worry about it. We all say silly things sometimes. I just thought I would share it with the team though. We can all use a good chuckle sometimes.
Well, it is 10:00 and time for bed! Good night and stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 82 and 83
Hi Team!
Welcome to my newest team member, Firelady! I am very happy to see you have joined the team. You might find this blog more interesting if you read the first several posts, way back there! They tell the story of why I am here now.
Okay, so I am a slacker. I did not post on Saturday or Sunday. I really didn't have much to say, but that is no excuse. The purpose of this blog is accountability and if I am not blogging, that goes out the window. That said, I'm sorry.
Okay, Saturday: I slept much better last night than the night before. The dog was settled and not doing laps on my stomach and chest, thank God! I drank nearly 3 quarts of water and sugar free peach iced tea drink (no caffeine) today. I was especially motivated to drink because keeping well hydrated helps me sing and I was supposed to sing at church Sunday.. Pete said I walked 5,603 steps. That made me 3 for 3! YAY ME!
I don't have any fun fire department stuff to report but since I had nearly a week of it all at once, I guess some down time is good too. I'm still on a high from the week.
Now, Sunday: Last night I had 8 yes EIGHT whole hours of sleep!!! Yay ME!!! It felt SO good. I drank almost 3 quarts again today and I sure can tell a difference when I drink enough. I just feel better. I am starting to think that dehydration contributes to my problem of falling asleep whenever I sit still.
Pete said that I walked 5, 176 steps, but I know he is only kidding. I walked around the mall for 3 hours today playing Where's Waldo. 12 of us from church submitted "mug shots" then altered our appearances minimally to "blend in" at the mall. The youth group had a paper with all 12 of our mugs on it and had to search the mall looking for us. When they thought they might have found one of us they had to approach and ask, "So, what kind of deodorant do you use?" If they truly found the right person the response they would get was, "Is that how you found me?"
It was loads of fun. But I know that Pete reset himself at least twice today so I have no idea how many steps I really took. Either way, I am 3 for three on Sunday too.
Again, no fire department stuff. It's okay though. At least I am an official member of the Fire Buff Battalion now. I can't wait until my first fire! (but I guess I'll have to!)
That's all for now.
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Welcome to my newest team member, Firelady! I am very happy to see you have joined the team. You might find this blog more interesting if you read the first several posts, way back there! They tell the story of why I am here now.
Okay, so I am a slacker. I did not post on Saturday or Sunday. I really didn't have much to say, but that is no excuse. The purpose of this blog is accountability and if I am not blogging, that goes out the window. That said, I'm sorry.
Okay, Saturday: I slept much better last night than the night before. The dog was settled and not doing laps on my stomach and chest, thank God! I drank nearly 3 quarts of water and sugar free peach iced tea drink (no caffeine) today. I was especially motivated to drink because keeping well hydrated helps me sing and I was supposed to sing at church Sunday.. Pete said I walked 5,603 steps. That made me 3 for 3! YAY ME!
I don't have any fun fire department stuff to report but since I had nearly a week of it all at once, I guess some down time is good too. I'm still on a high from the week.
Now, Sunday: Last night I had 8 yes EIGHT whole hours of sleep!!! Yay ME!!! It felt SO good. I drank almost 3 quarts again today and I sure can tell a difference when I drink enough. I just feel better. I am starting to think that dehydration contributes to my problem of falling asleep whenever I sit still.
Pete said that I walked 5, 176 steps, but I know he is only kidding. I walked around the mall for 3 hours today playing Where's Waldo. 12 of us from church submitted "mug shots" then altered our appearances minimally to "blend in" at the mall. The youth group had a paper with all 12 of our mugs on it and had to search the mall looking for us. When they thought they might have found one of us they had to approach and ask, "So, what kind of deodorant do you use?" If they truly found the right person the response they would get was, "Is that how you found me?"
It was loads of fun. But I know that Pete reset himself at least twice today so I have no idea how many steps I really took. Either way, I am 3 for three on Sunday too.
Again, no fire department stuff. It's okay though. At least I am an official member of the Fire Buff Battalion now. I can't wait until my first fire! (but I guess I'll have to!)
That's all for now.
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 81
Hi Team!!!!
I am really happy today, can you tell?!!!!
First the boring parts: I drank my fluids today, well nearly. I didn't exactly keep track but I am sure I am in the neighborhood of two quarts. I didn't sleep well last night, but it was not for lack of trying. My hubby left to go hunting last night and every time I fell asleep my little dog pestered me by barking, whining or walking on my chest and stomach! But Pete recorded 6,388 steps and that was when I had a lot of sitting today so I am pretty happy with that result. 1.5/3... I can live with that today.
Ok, now the fun stuff!
Today was the final day of the Fire Department Awards Ceremonies. As I drove there I realized that I was being followed by two fire engines who were also headed to the event. I approached the driveway to the training center, put my blinker on and... drove right past!! I dorked out in my car!! It is bad enough to do it when face to face with the firefighters, why did I do that??? I felt even worse when I had gotten turned around and came back. Pulling into the parking lot, the crews from both engines saw me. It's pretty hard to miss me when my license plate is MOMMY! There was no doubt that I was the crazy broad who put her blinker on to turn and then didn't!! SIGH
I got to attend more of the ceremonies today than any other day of it. As the week progressed, the speakers were more and more entertaining in their presentations of the materials. Poor guys, they had to present the same materials several times a day for four days! I have to say that they really did do a good job and it was great to see so many happy firemen every day. I really enjoyed getting to meet the FD brass and appreciated how welcoming everyone was. The Fire Buffs certainly are appreciated and loved. I am very proud to be a part of this group. And that brings me to my next bit.
Tonight was our Fire Buff's Christmas Party. The fire department's top brass was there and the Fire Buffs were there, of course, along with friends/family. There were not as many people there as we expected, but having just had the recent set backs within our leadership, I guess that is to be expected. We can and will bounce back. (I know I have been vague about details and I think it is best I stay that way. Suffice it to say every organization has its ups and downs and we are no exception.) Despite the lower turn out than usual, I think a fun time was had by all. There was lots of friendly bantering and cajoling as was to be expected. Mike did an excellent job at selecting table decorations which were given away as prizes after the event was over and I am happy to have taken one home for myself and they gave me an extra for my mother-in-law. I offered to buy it but was told to just take it.
Our president pulled a fast one on me and officially introduced me as a new member. This was what I have been waiting for, dependent on the background check coming back. I was set up to be "honored" tonight and was of course expected to give a small speech. I hate public speaking and half the group was fire department people! AAAACCCCCKKKKK!!! I just gave them the short short short version of why I joined the Buffs and what direction I hoped to go. I survived. Nobody at all believes I am shy. Cat (the president) made a pointed reference to that and announced that they cannot shut me up! That part is kinda true, I have to admit. Get me talking about something I am passionate about and I can't stop.
We held a small silent auction with the intent of putting the money into the club funds, but in light of the four murdered police officers from Lakewood, we voted on the spot to donate the funds to the memorial fund for them their families. My first official vote, and it felt good to be part of such an important one!
From that auction, my dad bought three shirts and some glasses among other things. He gave me my pick of the shirts. They were all from the Philadelphia Fire Department and I chose one from the station in China Town. It is a medic's shirt. Perfect. Dad gave me the coffee mug and glass mug also from the Philly FD and a Philly FD patch that was inside one of the glasses.
In the gift exchange I received a very nice FDNY 9/11 memorial T-Shirt. And happily, although it was a round robin style exchange, nobody tried to take it from me!
The only real bummer of the evening is when the Chief had to leave early, just when he was about to perform the installation ceremony for our new officers. Apparently he had a sick child. I sure hope his kid feels better soon. The Chief is a very nice and jolly man. He seems to always be smiling and joking around. He gave Cat a "Chief's Coin" for me. It is a nice heavy collectable coin. It has the TFD logo on one side and a memorial design for fallen firefighters on the back. The back also says, "Teamwork Professionalism Integrity IAFF Local 31." Cat tells me it is very important to keep it on my person at all times. She says if I was out for drinks and someone laid one on the bar and I did not lay mine down, I would be the one buying the rounds. This is apparently fire department tradition. Also the coins are blessed by the chaplain.
The very best part of all of this is that my dad was able to come and share the evening with me. I was very excited to have him join me and meet my new friends. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself, too.
Before I wrap this up, I want to add one more thing that made my day today.
One of my kids, whose dad is a firefighter, came up to me to let me know she would not be coming after school today. She said, "ButI have a present for you." Her dad works for the Edmonds Fire Department and was promoted to Captain last night. Apparently while she was attending the ceremony or dinner that was held for him, she got an Edmonds Fire Department patch which she presented to me. What a sweetie! That is the third fire department related gift my kids have given me this week. I am so blessed and I really feel the love.
I must get some sleep because it almost time to get up again! Until next time, stay safe!!
Hotflash out.
I am really happy today, can you tell?!!!!
First the boring parts: I drank my fluids today, well nearly. I didn't exactly keep track but I am sure I am in the neighborhood of two quarts. I didn't sleep well last night, but it was not for lack of trying. My hubby left to go hunting last night and every time I fell asleep my little dog pestered me by barking, whining or walking on my chest and stomach! But Pete recorded 6,388 steps and that was when I had a lot of sitting today so I am pretty happy with that result. 1.5/3... I can live with that today.
Ok, now the fun stuff!
Today was the final day of the Fire Department Awards Ceremonies. As I drove there I realized that I was being followed by two fire engines who were also headed to the event. I approached the driveway to the training center, put my blinker on and... drove right past!! I dorked out in my car!! It is bad enough to do it when face to face with the firefighters, why did I do that??? I felt even worse when I had gotten turned around and came back. Pulling into the parking lot, the crews from both engines saw me. It's pretty hard to miss me when my license plate is MOMMY! There was no doubt that I was the crazy broad who put her blinker on to turn and then didn't!! SIGH
I got to attend more of the ceremonies today than any other day of it. As the week progressed, the speakers were more and more entertaining in their presentations of the materials. Poor guys, they had to present the same materials several times a day for four days! I have to say that they really did do a good job and it was great to see so many happy firemen every day. I really enjoyed getting to meet the FD brass and appreciated how welcoming everyone was. The Fire Buffs certainly are appreciated and loved. I am very proud to be a part of this group. And that brings me to my next bit.
Tonight was our Fire Buff's Christmas Party. The fire department's top brass was there and the Fire Buffs were there, of course, along with friends/family. There were not as many people there as we expected, but having just had the recent set backs within our leadership, I guess that is to be expected. We can and will bounce back. (I know I have been vague about details and I think it is best I stay that way. Suffice it to say every organization has its ups and downs and we are no exception.) Despite the lower turn out than usual, I think a fun time was had by all. There was lots of friendly bantering and cajoling as was to be expected. Mike did an excellent job at selecting table decorations which were given away as prizes after the event was over and I am happy to have taken one home for myself and they gave me an extra for my mother-in-law. I offered to buy it but was told to just take it.
Our president pulled a fast one on me and officially introduced me as a new member. This was what I have been waiting for, dependent on the background check coming back. I was set up to be "honored" tonight and was of course expected to give a small speech. I hate public speaking and half the group was fire department people! AAAACCCCCKKKKK!!! I just gave them the short short short version of why I joined the Buffs and what direction I hoped to go. I survived. Nobody at all believes I am shy. Cat (the president) made a pointed reference to that and announced that they cannot shut me up! That part is kinda true, I have to admit. Get me talking about something I am passionate about and I can't stop.
We held a small silent auction with the intent of putting the money into the club funds, but in light of the four murdered police officers from Lakewood, we voted on the spot to donate the funds to the memorial fund for them their families. My first official vote, and it felt good to be part of such an important one!
From that auction, my dad bought three shirts and some glasses among other things. He gave me my pick of the shirts. They were all from the Philadelphia Fire Department and I chose one from the station in China Town. It is a medic's shirt. Perfect. Dad gave me the coffee mug and glass mug also from the Philly FD and a Philly FD patch that was inside one of the glasses.
In the gift exchange I received a very nice FDNY 9/11 memorial T-Shirt. And happily, although it was a round robin style exchange, nobody tried to take it from me!
The only real bummer of the evening is when the Chief had to leave early, just when he was about to perform the installation ceremony for our new officers. Apparently he had a sick child. I sure hope his kid feels better soon. The Chief is a very nice and jolly man. He seems to always be smiling and joking around. He gave Cat a "Chief's Coin" for me. It is a nice heavy collectable coin. It has the TFD logo on one side and a memorial design for fallen firefighters on the back. The back also says, "Teamwork Professionalism Integrity IAFF Local 31." Cat tells me it is very important to keep it on my person at all times. She says if I was out for drinks and someone laid one on the bar and I did not lay mine down, I would be the one buying the rounds. This is apparently fire department tradition. Also the coins are blessed by the chaplain.
The very best part of all of this is that my dad was able to come and share the evening with me. I was very excited to have him join me and meet my new friends. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself, too.
Before I wrap this up, I want to add one more thing that made my day today.
One of my kids, whose dad is a firefighter, came up to me to let me know she would not be coming after school today. She said, "ButI have a present for you." Her dad works for the Edmonds Fire Department and was promoted to Captain last night. Apparently while she was attending the ceremony or dinner that was held for him, she got an Edmonds Fire Department patch which she presented to me. What a sweetie! That is the third fire department related gift my kids have given me this week. I am so blessed and I really feel the love.
I must get some sleep because it almost time to get up again! Until next time, stay safe!!
Hotflash out.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 80
Hi Team!
Today was a great day. I had a wonderful time at the Fire Department Awards Ceremonies today for A shift. Even if I did only get to stay for one section. I had a repeat of Tuesday's lunch. No complaints here, I still love Italian food. Firemen DO know how to eat!
Pete says I walked 6,009 steps today. YAY ME! I had almost 2 quarts of fluids today, not quite. I guess that makes me only 2 for three.
Ok, I was planning on posting my Washougal pictures and I have spent two hours working on just that. When I posted, only half of each pictures showed and I discovered that I will have to go back into photobucket and resize all the pictures then put a new posting together. That will take time and it is time I don't have right now. If you are feeling disappointed, please know that I am VERY disappointed to have put that kind of time in with nothing to show you yet. Please continue to be patient. I WILL get them posted eventually. I promise!
One more day of Fire Department Award Ceremonies tomorrow. YAY ME!!
Until next time,
STAY SAFE!!
Hotflash out.
Today was a great day. I had a wonderful time at the Fire Department Awards Ceremonies today for A shift. Even if I did only get to stay for one section. I had a repeat of Tuesday's lunch. No complaints here, I still love Italian food. Firemen DO know how to eat!
Pete says I walked 6,009 steps today. YAY ME! I had almost 2 quarts of fluids today, not quite. I guess that makes me only 2 for three.
Ok, I was planning on posting my Washougal pictures and I have spent two hours working on just that. When I posted, only half of each pictures showed and I discovered that I will have to go back into photobucket and resize all the pictures then put a new posting together. That will take time and it is time I don't have right now. If you are feeling disappointed, please know that I am VERY disappointed to have put that kind of time in with nothing to show you yet. Please continue to be patient. I WILL get them posted eventually. I promise!
One more day of Fire Department Award Ceremonies tomorrow. YAY ME!!
Until next time,
STAY SAFE!!
Hotflash out.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 79
Hi Team!
Today was not the best day. Being peri-menopausal really sucks sometimes! I have felt like crap all day. Enough said.
I did drink plenty of fluids today and I slept fairly well and a resonable number of hours. Well, maybe not reasonable, but a number I can live with, one of my better nights.
Due to a number of reasons, three of which being that a) I had a half day and therefore had to go back to work early, b) I felt so badly and c) I had a friend that really wanted to meet so she could vent, I did not go walking to day. Pete says I still walked 5,397 steps today. YAY me!!
Although I have been good about going recently, I won't be going Friday either because I will be attending the Fire Department Awards Ceremonies.
I forgot to mention yesterday that I removed the patch from my fire department jacket, as I said I would. I do not want anyone thinking I am pretending to be something I am not. It looks naked without a patch on the arm. :( I am looking for a "fire department volunteer" patch to replace it. I can get one through the Roberts Company on line for two dollars, but minimum shipping is 6 dollars so it will have to wait until I need something else from them too.
Here is a picture of me in the jacket with the McChord Fire Department patch on the arm.
And here is a rather scary picture of me with the jacket after removing the patch. Notice the sleeve looks naked.
Well, gotta go. Kid needs to finish homework and needs the computer.
Stay safe.
Hotflash out.
Today was not the best day. Being peri-menopausal really sucks sometimes! I have felt like crap all day. Enough said.
I did drink plenty of fluids today and I slept fairly well and a resonable number of hours. Well, maybe not reasonable, but a number I can live with, one of my better nights.
Due to a number of reasons, three of which being that a) I had a half day and therefore had to go back to work early, b) I felt so badly and c) I had a friend that really wanted to meet so she could vent, I did not go walking to day. Pete says I still walked 5,397 steps today. YAY me!!
Although I have been good about going recently, I won't be going Friday either because I will be attending the Fire Department Awards Ceremonies.
I forgot to mention yesterday that I removed the patch from my fire department jacket, as I said I would. I do not want anyone thinking I am pretending to be something I am not. It looks naked without a patch on the arm. :( I am looking for a "fire department volunteer" patch to replace it. I can get one through the Roberts Company on line for two dollars, but minimum shipping is 6 dollars so it will have to wait until I need something else from them too.
Here is a picture of me in the jacket with the McChord Fire Department patch on the arm.
And here is a rather scary picture of me with the jacket after removing the patch. Notice the sleeve looks naked.
Well, gotta go. Kid needs to finish homework and needs the computer.
Stay safe.
Hotflash out.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 78
Hi Team!
Wow time has gone by fast. Day 78? Already?
Let's see, boring stuff first. I slept well last night, although I still did NOT want to get up this morning. I have had very close to 2 quarts to drink today, that isn't as good as usual, but it will do. My steps, according to Pete, were 5,584. Not great but not bad. I say that gives me a 3 for three today. YAY ME!
Now the fun stuff. Today was the first day of four that the annual fire department Minimum this year. Cat and Bob, our fire buff president and husband, introduced me to a lot of officials today and several of them spoke to me briefly after our initial introductions making me feel very welcome. You can really feel the love if you are a member of the Fire Buff Battalion. The firefighters and the brass both really like having us around. I am proud to be a part of it. The Fire Buffs were presenting one of the awards, the "pan on the stove" award. We gave it out in response to a contest we had between the shifts to submit recipe's for a cookbook we are trying to make. I learned quite a bit too.
I learned more about budget woes than I care to have. I also learned that our fire department has just gone through a special accreditation process and is now an accredited department. (Sadly I could not tell you in detail what all this entails, but I can tell you that the department is very proud of its accomplishments. And they showed pictures of some of the new rigs our department has purchased.
Here is Engine 3 Front view
Engine 3 Front/side angle view
They also fed us very well. Chicken Marsala, some sort of baked pasta dish (not lasagna but similar) salad, fruit salad, rolls, soda, coffee, cookies, mandarin oranges.
THe best part of the day was when I got to meet Joe Stiles between programs. Leiutenant Joe Stiles. Joe was a paramedic at the fire station I grew up near. He was one of the friendlier firefighters I got to know during that time. I introduced myself to him and was surprised that he did indeed remember me, and that I had a brother, whose name he struggled with but then came up with on his own, except he said the third and that is my dad, my brother is the fourth, FJB. We had a good chat and he was very pleased that my brother became a firefighter. Lt. Stiles just joined the fire prevention management team so his job is ever changing.
It was a great day. I cannot go tomorrow but I am planning on going on Thursday for part of the ceremonies and on Friday for most of them.
Well, now that I am learning to post pictures, you will see more soon. Like pics from my Washougal trips!
I must be trotting off to bed now!
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Wow time has gone by fast. Day 78? Already?
Let's see, boring stuff first. I slept well last night, although I still did NOT want to get up this morning. I have had very close to 2 quarts to drink today, that isn't as good as usual, but it will do. My steps, according to Pete, were 5,584. Not great but not bad. I say that gives me a 3 for three today. YAY ME!
Now the fun stuff. Today was the first day of four that the annual fire department Minimum this year. Cat and Bob, our fire buff president and husband, introduced me to a lot of officials today and several of them spoke to me briefly after our initial introductions making me feel very welcome. You can really feel the love if you are a member of the Fire Buff Battalion. The firefighters and the brass both really like having us around. I am proud to be a part of it. The Fire Buffs were presenting one of the awards, the "pan on the stove" award. We gave it out in response to a contest we had between the shifts to submit recipe's for a cookbook we are trying to make. I learned quite a bit too.
I learned more about budget woes than I care to have. I also learned that our fire department has just gone through a special accreditation process and is now an accredited department. (Sadly I could not tell you in detail what all this entails, but I can tell you that the department is very proud of its accomplishments. And they showed pictures of some of the new rigs our department has purchased.
Here is Engine 3 Front view
Engine 3 Front/side angle view
They also fed us very well. Chicken Marsala, some sort of baked pasta dish (not lasagna but similar) salad, fruit salad, rolls, soda, coffee, cookies, mandarin oranges.
THe best part of the day was when I got to meet Joe Stiles between programs. Leiutenant Joe Stiles. Joe was a paramedic at the fire station I grew up near. He was one of the friendlier firefighters I got to know during that time. I introduced myself to him and was surprised that he did indeed remember me, and that I had a brother, whose name he struggled with but then came up with on his own, except he said the third and that is my dad, my brother is the fourth, FJB. We had a good chat and he was very pleased that my brother became a firefighter. Lt. Stiles just joined the fire prevention management team so his job is ever changing.
It was a great day. I cannot go tomorrow but I am planning on going on Thursday for part of the ceremonies and on Friday for most of them.
Well, now that I am learning to post pictures, you will see more soon. Like pics from my Washougal trips!
I must be trotting off to bed now!
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
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