Ben is Pinned, Sworn in and ready to go

Today, January 10th, 2012 Ben was Pinned and sworn in as a Fire Fighter for Ventura City Fire. It was an exciting day ok stressful. Ben was a bundle of crabby ass nerves in anticipation of his pinning, but again we survived. We went to City Hall at 3:00 pm upon entering this building you can't help but be in awe. All the floors and Wainscoting are marble the architecture of this building is amazing. The wood work is what looks like dark mahogany from floor to ceiling, there is gorgeous stain glass in the recessed ceilings. I am not doing this building justice, it is close to 100 years old and is full of beauty and of course character. Once I was able to take my attention off this building and focus on the ceremony that was getting ready to take place I was impressed with the number of people who attended and the obvious friendships that existed. The Fire Chief was as friendly and down to earth as everyone else. The Battalion Chief who got Ben through the academy has to have been one of the friendliest and sincere people I have had the pleasure of meeting. This ceremony was full of camaraderie no pomp and circumstance. When it was over people went out of their way to make you feel welcome. We met a lot of truly nice people that we look forward to getting to know and to hopefully build some lasting relationships. Ben is chomping at the bit to start riding his motor bike with these guys and I am looking forward to working with the women's auxiliary and getting to know Captain Smiths wife, she is a neat lady. I love our new city.

The New Year

We finally completed our move from Temecula to Ventura on January 31st. It was a rough few days but we all survived. Me and Ben did not kill each other, it came close but we made it. The kids were all a great help and had their moments as well, but we could not have done it without them. While packing out and cleaning the old place I noticed how out of sorts I must have been this past year. Its funny how while living the day to day you really don't pay attention and just go through the motions sure you have the occasional wtf but then you get up the next day and pick up where you left off. We are making the conscious effort not to fall back into that mess.

We celebrated the coming of the new year in down town Ventura, our new city. Today, January 1st 2012 started with a great nights sleep, excellent breakfast at a restaurant called Pete's, great choice. We then attempted to peruse a furniture store for our future house, but it was closed. We then went over to the local farmers market and they were closed. We then went to plan C which was to look at Jeeps. Since I was in my mid 20's I have wanted a black Jeep Wrangler. Ben actually went B day shopping for me last week which involved Jeeps. He told me that he wanted to surprise me but after seeing them and test driving them he said I needed to make sure this is what I wanted and which model. Yep it's still what I wanted. We left there today with a 2012 Black Jeep Wrangler. I love it, she is just what I wanted. It's funny it does not have power windows or locks, heated seats or auto lights. You don't realize how spoiled you are until your norm is brought back to reality. I'm pretty sure I am going to kill my battery by leaving the lights on and I really hope I don't forget to lock my doors when I have something in there worth stealing. My Jeep, even though new feels like it belongs in this new life of ours and our goal of a simple life. As much as I loved my Cadillac pit just really seemed out of place.

I am so excited to start a new year in a new town with new goals and aspirations. Happy New Years everyone

Merry Christmas

We're off to Temecula tomorrow to spend Christmas with the kids. This Christmas has not seemed at all like Christmas. As much as I have tried to keep it as normal as possible, it's just not and I guess I need to realize our normal is changing. I'm sure next year will be better. Happy trailer trash Christmas everyone

Ben update

As you all know Ben started his 1 month of hell, I mean academy with Ventura City Fire on December 15th and I thought I should send out an update. Week one started out pretty mello with your regular administrative / HR business. We are all set up with our benefits which are pretty decent, I was happy to hear our HMO actually includes Acupuncture and Chiropractic:). Mello ended last Thursday with search and rescue drills along with RIC (rapid intervention crew) . While I was home being the happy home/trailer maker, as Ben puts he was getting the shit kicked out of him. The crazy part is he likes it. When he came home he was drenched in sweat all the way through to his underwear and omg he wanted a hug and kiss and being the good wife I am, I told him to go away. Since Thursday it has been an overall ass kicking. Friday, is a blur to Ben, Monday they tried to kill him. by having them do crossfire exercise in full turn outs to include their SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) which all together weighs about 70lbs. This exercise lasted about an hour. Ben said at one point he started to see stars and thought he was going to pass out, but he didn't he pushed through and was happy with the calories burned. I think I would rather skip a meal. Tuesday they had EMS classes which are not physically hard but mentally draining. Ben has it drilled into him according to Riverside Protocol but now has to some how erase all that and learn the Ventura way. I have no doubt that he will kick its ass. Ben is a very smart man and loves to Learn. The rest of this week including today is pulling hose which is very strenuous. Ben is coming home drenched and ya I still tell him to go away, he smells really bad. The first part of the week we were practically out of water and Ben was unable to shower, he had to use baby wipes to get the stink off, poor guy. At least tonight he can take a hot shower if that's what you want to call it, you get wet, turn off the water, soap up, turn on the water to rinse and your done.
Even though Ben is wiped out he is very happy and looking forward to his career with Ventura City Fire. By what he tells me it sounds like they are all a bunch of good guys. I'll keep you posted as he progress's, keep him in your thoughts.