January 13, 2013

Chula Vista

 
Overnight trip to the Dells was fun.  Well, except that the Packer's lost.  And then, a few people got sick...self induced.  For once it's not me.  Oh plus when I walked outside this morning to get the XK, got slapped in the face by the winter weather.  Damn, was only 12 degrees out.  24 hours earlier was much differet.  Like 40 degrees warmer much different. 

Not gonna lie.  That sucked.

Byrge

January 8, 2013

Another One

Yep.  But not what your thinking.  Sorry.  Just ordered another bike.  No, not one with an engine, unless you count my legs, but that's not saying much.  Should be here in a couple weeks.  Coming up from Texas.  Called Fireman's Texas Cruzer.  The plan for this one, my Ray's bike.  Along with some urban commuter shit.  Can't wait.  Like all things, need to make a couple changes on it.  Here's the list.
  • Schwalbe Table Top tires
  • CrankBrothers Mallet pedals
  • Brooks B17 in Mandarin Orange saddle
  • Giro Reverb helmet
Was quite undecided as for the color with eight different ones to choose from.  Sticking with black all around with white decals.  Keeping traditional colors here, just adding a little flair with a different seat.

Byrge

January 7, 2013

Wheel Time

Quite surprised when I walked into 23's on January 3rd.  Offered to drive either the engine or the truck.  Wanted more wheel time, so I choose the engine. 

Fire tones off early in the day to a chimney fire at a residence around the corner from my home.  Nothing major, as we got picked up shortly after we got on scene.  Took a few more runs the rest of the day.  That was until around 11pm.  Fire tones for a structure fire at El Rey on 51st and Oklahoma.  As we approached that intersection, the whole parking lot was filled with smoke.  23's was the second in engine so I supplied 33's from a hydrant across Oklahoma.  Didn't really care that I cut off access to Oklahoma.  They needed water.  Was good to act again and actually do some work with the engine. 

After returning, got the rig squared away and ready for the next one.  Was shortly after 1am when a squad run came in.  Nothing major.  Just someone experiencing chest pain after getting pulled over by the police.  Yeah, sure.  Took two more squad runs after 6am.

It's been a good stretch since Christmas Eve.

Byrge

January 1, 2013

2013 - Year of the Snake

Hmm...

Review of two zero one two.

This one may be reviewed, redone and revisited by me as I recall of last years events. 

Many heartaches among families and friends.  Parents struggling with their children having surgeries to others that have lost loved ones.  While never easy, no matter what the struggle, it's always the transition that's the hardest to overcome.  Time mends many wounds, but those wounds leave scars to remind us of what was done.

As for my own, only one episode for one of my children, a reprieve from years past.  And a simple surgery for her as well.  The other one has come into his own the second half of the year.  Now both are very entertaining.  Frustrating sometimes, but the laughs outweigh the hollers.

My wife had a wonderful year.  Did her first half-marathon.  In just nine seconds over two hours.  Plus lost over 50 pounds.  What a woman!

As for me...pretty much a slug.  Didn't do much.  Didn't go anywhere fun.  Except the occasional trip down to Chicago.  Once with the family, another just the boys and one more with only the wife and I.  Some good times for sure.

As for work, moved from Engine 31 to Truck 14.  Had a few good fires too.  Working holidays were pretty good for me.  Well, only two of them were.  Easter was acting HEO and got my first roof with Truck 14.  And then Christmas Eve, had a first in with Engine 17 where I pulled a guy out of a burning apartment.  Both were pretty awesome.  Was mentioned that the Christmas Eve fire might be the last time I'm ever on the pipe.  Hope not.  And oh yeah, as it sits now I'm three out to get promoted to HEO.

Like mentioned before, I'll probably revisit this post to add some other info.

Happy New Year

Byrge