So apparently it has been FOREVER since I blogged last. Drat life getting in the way! :) Since my last blog we have had a buried my Mom, had a baby girl (here after known as T) , moved, and are in the process of gasp RETIRING!!! It has been a rough 8 months or so at our house! I have spent many hours thinking and in shock of how life has changed. I never dreamed that I would be leaving the fire department. Those of you that have read my past blogs, you know that it has been a BIG part of my life. I can honestly say that it has not been easy. I feel I am leaving my family. The decision was made easier by us moving as it has forced us to resign. We could not stay where we were and had to move thus forcing us to retire. I never thought that at the age of 25 I would be "retiring" from anything!! I loved being a firefighter/ EMT and the guys and gals I "worked" with. Part of me wants to go visit the local station and see if they are accepting applications. Part of me wonders if I will ever be on a FD again. Don't get me wrong, it was AWESOME!! But fire service is one of those carriers where you really have to prove yourself, and rightfully so. If I'm going to trust you with my life I want to know what you are made of!! Anyhow, it's kinda like going to a new school or joining a fraternity. We pick on you and make you do all the stuff no one wants to do and then watch your every move until we deem you worthy. This is perfectly normal, but when you are a girl it's even worse. Now I'm not pulling the girl card or complaining. I'm just stating a fact, that it is harder to win the trust of your station when you have boobs and shave your legs. I guess they just don't expect that you will be able to pull your own weight or that you will have emotional break downs after every call or something. I'm not totally sure what they expect, except for you to not do your job as well. I totally admit that there are things that some of the guys can do that I cannot. My body was just not made that way, but I can keep up with them and carry my fair share. Anyhow, the thought of going through that whole process again just makes me tired. Especially since some departments are not as open to girls as others. OH BOY!! :) All that to say that I turn in my gear and keys tomorrow and I'm not sure what to feel. Although I'm sure I'll cry, just hopefully not in the Chief's office!!
