When it was time for my lockers to be cleared out at work, I just simply couldn’t do it. So I my husband did it for me. Those buckets he brought home are still in our living room, waiting for me to process them without ending up a dysfunctional pile on the floor, wallowing in […]
This time of year is so draining. It’s not just the heat. It’s the heart. It’s the mind. Its the profound memories. It’s the things you have no control over. The insights. Certain times of years remind you of what you lost and/or what you let go of. Things happen that open your eyes wider […]
Not too long ago I was informed that I had a crew that was “deficient” in a subject matter. I was taken by surprise with this. But then again I wasn’t. That might make sense to you if you know me, or it might not. Anyways…over the years I have honed in on the skill […]
The contrast from one event to another is very interesting in the first responder world. I feel it has a huge part to do with acute stress that first responders build. This is just one example of the 1000’s I’ve had. It was the latest. I would love to hear others from any first responders. […]
I’m pretty sure that among the majority of men there are standard procedures for certain things. One of those things are microwaves. I can’t remember one time in my 20+ years in the fire service that I didn’t have to reset a microwave before I could use it. 3 seconds left…..
Everytime I post about leadership, I wonder if I sound like a complete idiot. Sharing how I feel I try to manage things isn’t easy. What if I’ve got it totally wrong? When if the people I work with really just hate my guts? I will just sound like a fool. I know I’m not […]
While I was skimming through Pinterest I saw this quote posted by hhtp://hyplyrikz.com and it immediately jumped out at me. Looking back over my years as a middle manager I feel like this quote encompasses the route I tried to take when I made this rank. It hasn’t been easy, but I feel like my team and […]
Well, it happened. I lost my shit on a call. Luckily I didn’t cuss anyone in particular out. But I was hot. And I had to leave before I punched someone in the throat. (Not really…well, maybe….) I took a mother to see her dead child. And within a second of being able to touch […]
The following are some vehicle wrecks my coworkers and I have encountered that make you go “Hmmmmm…..”. “That’s not good.” “How are we going to get this done?” “How the hell did they manage that?” “We are going to be pushing the limits of this person’s golden hour.” “This sucks.” “How are they even alive?” […]
Yesterday I had an idea. The idea to apply for the position of fire chief that will be open soon. Now mind you, up until a few months ago, I was doing good to just get to work in the first place. Someday soon I will write about the last straw that sent me over […]