The Update

I have not written for a while.  My idea of my role in the fire service has evolved and I couldn't write anything about it until now.

Here is the update on where I am going next.  I will be a cheese maker but not at the farm I was applying to.  That farm apparently had some tough times and was not able to make a move on the job.  So I applied and got a job at another farm working under a very experienced cheese maker.  I will also learn how to make yogurt.  I am excited about this opportunity and it means some security for my family.

I originally started this blog as a way to track my progress as a career firefighter.  It does not seem that this is the direction I am going in.  I have wondered if I should get rid of the blog.  I am realizing however, that life is not as linear or black and white as I would like for it to be.  I tend to be all or nothing about my life. So was the case with my aspirations to being a firefighter.  I am beginning to learn the value of being a small town firefighter.

For a long time I did not like some of the aspects of the small town fire department.  Unfortunately there are firefighters that don't take the job as seriously as I think we all should.  I mean lets be honest, if you rely on volunteerism, are you going to turn someone away?  On a small department you have to take what you can get.  On the other hand there are a lot of good things that come from becoming a volunteer.  I can be a firefighter and have time to pursue other interests at the same time.  I'm sure I'll philosophize more on this in the future, but for now I'm satisfied to be a part of what I already know and to find ways of becoming as professional as I can within the framework of any organization I join.

I have decided to continue to post to this blog.  I am still ADVANCING THE LINE in my own little world of fire service and as long as I keep committed to the work I can create a life within fire rescue.

Taking Leave

Saturday night I handed in my letter to take leave from the ambulance company I work for.  Since my wife works some Saturday nights and since we are changing things up I thought I'de take a break.  I only work there as a volunteer every other Saturday night for a 12 hour shift.  I have worked there for two years with some great people.

We had a slow night.  There was only one call the whole shift and since there were three other EMT just hanging out they went out and I stayed at the garage.  It might have been nice to run one more call.

Anyway I don't know when I'll see them again because if we move to the farm the leave of absence will probably just turn into a resignation because of the distance.  I seem to be saying this a lot lately but, we'll see what happens.

So long for now.

Tic Toc Tic Toc

Well, it has been a week since my interview at the farm.  The owner has asked me to submit my resumé and some references so yesterday that is what I did.  I told one of the guys at the fire department the last shift I worked and he seemed like he thought it was a cool idea.  I still have to decide if I'll stay on per diem.

Meanwhile I'm still getting as much work with the fire department as I can.  I have several shifts this month which is nice.  It is the first time I've really felt comfortable working in EMS.  I am doing better call ins and I'm not hesitating as much.  I hope I can still pursue the fire thing even if my involvement isn't what I thought it would be.  I don't think I'll know until I can stop wondering if I get this position.  I'll keep ya posted.

Life Likes to Puke All Over My Plans

OK so a little background...
... Almost a year ago I was a cheese maker.  I worked on a small farm in Mass and I processed milk and made cheddar cheese.  I managed the milk room that I worked in.  I learned a lot about the dairy industry and the science behind milk.  Six months ago after my family and I moved off the farm to see what was out there I actually considered going into cheese making.  I met with a local farmer about his dairy but he already had plans and did not need another cheese maker.  So I started down the path that led me to become a career firefighter, another passion of mine.

Well last week I got an email from a friend who told me of a posting for a cheese maker at a beautiful small farm.  They would provide us with health insurance and a farm house to live in on the property.  I had an interview yesterday and it seemed like it went well, we'll see.

SO what of the firefighting?

Short answer is I don't know.  I haven't been offered the job yet so maybe nothing.  I could still get my medic license so nothings over till its over.

Most of the time life offers the unexpected and you have to decide what feels right.  I don't want to stubbornly refuse to accept an opportunity to do something I love.

Well, I'll keep ya posted.  Wish us luck as we make some more big decisions!

One of the barns at the farm where I might make cheese