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.

Home made soap

Today I checked off one of my want to do's, which was making soap. One of my co workers / friend told me about her soap making I expresses to her it was something I had been wanting to do. She actually brought in some soap she had made and not only was it visually beautiful but it smelled awesome. Now that I have time on my hands I decided to attempt it. It was much easier then expected. I can't wait to make more and experiment with fragrances, different oils etc for the skin, different designs it will be fun to personalize it. Thanks for the encouragement Johanna

Realization and self awareness

I guess my first realization is that my kids are fine with this life transition, it is me that has the issues with it. What I am learning is that I have to learn how to not only be my children's mother and Ben's wife I have to figure out who Kim is. This is definately going to take some time. Just like this blog, I'm a work in progress.