Hmmm.
My life feels a little empty. It really feels strange to not be running around like a headless chicken careening from a clinical site to a third ride to a class session. I woke up yesterday morning at 0800, SURE that I was late for a shift. My heart was pounding when my eyes jerked open and I glanced at the clock…
“Oh. That’s right. Class is over.”
So now what?
Well, here’s what’s going on. I’ll fill you all in as best as I can.
My wife and I have decided to split up. I’m not going to go into any details here, but you should know that she is a fantastic woman who put up with a lot from me. I still love her, but it was just not something that I could continue. And yeah, the dogs are with her.
I’ve decided to stay in the PNW and pursue some paramedic jobs. The last service I rode at has expressed interest in hiring me and I’m going to take them up on that. At least as a part time medic. They know that I know their system and they consider me pretty much a turnkey employee. Once I take the protocol test and get signed off by the MPD, I’m good to go.
The other thing that’s cooking is the opportunity for me to work as a resident firefighter/paramedic at a department north of where I currently live. (More about that in sec…) This is a great chance for me to get a LOT fire experience, get a TON of training, attend fire academy on the department’s dime and work as a medic. Sounds great right? The down side is, it pays for shit. Like a hundred bucks a shift, but I’m going to do it just to get the experience. We work 48/96s there…and I’m sure it’ll will be an experience beyond all others. Just think, this 40 year old fat guy will competing with super fit 22 year old kids on the drill ground. I know I’ll be working harder than I’ve ever worked before…and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Of course, it’s not official yet, but they did measure me for bunker gear after my interviews, so I think I may be in. I have to agree to work there for 2 years or untill I get a full time career firefighter position. It’s a win/win.
OK… the move. I’m moving to the big city south of Seattle to a small apartment. Moving my share of the household goods is a stressful endeavor. My new little apartment is in a funky little neighborhood. I’ve got friends that live close. It’s a LOT cheaper than Seattle. There’s cool restaurants and stuff close by. I have a really good feeling about it.
I’ll be moving over the next few days and I’ll be checking back once I’m plugged in at the new place.
Medic friends, be safe.
Safe travels 22. Get settled and let us know how life is on the other side.
“Control this is Medic 99, put us in service in 22s area UFN.”
I just said it on another blog and it fits here as well. Been there, done that. You’re going through two of the most stressful moments that anyone can experience, divorce and job change. I’ve done the former once and the latter several times. Do your best to keep your perspective. Make the decisions that are going to make you happiest with your life, remember, you can be a paramedic for a long time but you only live once. Oh yeah, make make the same mistake I did, don’t live to work, work to live instead. Corny? You bet. True? Absolutely.