02-11-11

Seems like all I ever get posted is "I'm at work."
Right now I'm 36 hours into what should be 43 straight.  I came in yestefrday at 1300.  Last night was light with only one call after midnight, so I was able to sleep and get up early to cram for the latest promotional test. We took it at 0930 this AM.  I have sat at the top of the Lieutenant's Promo Lists for the last three tests with noone leaving and therefore no promotions. This time 9 days after the last test ran out a captain retired, leaving the guy on the Captain's list and then me high and dry...  and having to take the %&#@ test ONE MORE TIME.

I really didn't study for this test. I am ambivilent about the prospect of taking the promotion with all the political turmoil going on in the Department right now.  It is a bit of a moral delimna for me in that I have always been what I consider to be a "striver".  One who is on a continuim of advancement and growing in every aspect of life.  To not "grow" in this area is a bit of a twin-horned animal (see Rob't Persig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance).   I have discussed these feelings with Colleen, but I am not settled yet with the concept of not trying hard at things.  "We'll see"

Layer upon layer in 34º F

Speaking of trying hard, I got out the carbon bike on Sunday for my first ride of the year.  TEN of us met at
Rver's Bend in 34F,5-10 mph windy conditions.We headed out through town and down Bridge St to
Three Locks Road over Higby Bridge and back in Old Rt 35 and Lancaster Rd . We split at Ginger Hill, where eight riderrs went on for more hill climbing and Ron H and I continued on Charleston Pike into town for a respectable 30 miles. It was great to get back in the saddle again.

Road grit is not your friend.

I will post this and ad some more with pics tomorrow. It's time to try and sleep some
before the next call comes in.

Post script:
Just before shift change...
My partner and I at 0700 had a full blown code in a truck on N Bridge St... too near the hospital to have an engine back us up. TWO men... one driving the other doing three people's jobs in the back.   Three days later, we heard he was still in ICU and not coping well.
Later on the 11th we were informed that the Mayor and Fire Chief have decided to shut down Station 3.
BRILLIANT decision (sarcasm). This is supposed to happen next Friday.