You ever get that feeling where you just want to punch someone in the f***ing throat? It's a great feeling, isn't it? Or perhaps there's more than one annoying you? As I just sit here and shake my head, I wonder how some people can be so two faced? "How you doing buddy? And the kids?" I hear that and it just seems to be someone that needs to fill the quiet air. I really don't think they care about any of that. And at times, all I hear is "blah, blah, blah!"
I wish I didn't feel this way, but sometimes just the right buttons get pushed. And I wish I wasn't so nice at times as well. Perhaps I need to be the asshole?
Byrge
July 25, 2011
July 21, 2011
Pizza Dough #1
Made my first homemade pizza the other day. Went alright. I plan on posting how I put it together to see what changes I can make to get a better taste. The first one was good, but the misses said I rolled it out a little too thin.
If possible, next time sift flour one cup at a time into yeast mixture then knead. Try adding seasonings as well.
Byrge
- packet of quick rising yeast
- 3 cups of flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 cup of warm water (had no thermometer - looking for a temp around 110 degrees F)
If possible, next time sift flour one cup at a time into yeast mixture then knead. Try adding seasonings as well.
Byrge
July 20, 2011
That Sucks!
Fire tone alarms.
Out the door we go and as we cruise down 27th street, we're waiting to hear the first in size up. Finally we arrive on scene. As I got off the rig, I saw that E17 and T8 were already there. Walking up to the corner house, I saw a good amount of smoke coming out of the front door. I then noticed that one of my instructors from the academy was also geared up talking to the chief. Anyway, the boss directed us to head in. Got down and started to mask up, and as I turned my bottle on, I heard a loud pop followed by a hissing sound coming from the rear of my pack. I turned it off and tried to tighten the connection. Turned the bottle on again, and the same hissing sound came back. "What the hell!" I thought. Frustrated, I began to get my pack off to see what was happening. At this moment, another air pack was tossed over to me. Really? This had to happen right in front of one instructors? Anyway, grabbed his pack and got squared away. Went inside to rejoin the rest of my company. Did a little work, but was more pissed of the event that just happened.
A while back, a HEO told me to make sure that the rig is ready to roll before any house work is to be done. I couldn't have agreed with him morning. On this day, I did that. Now if I didn't check my mask in the morning, I would willingly admit that I didn't check it. But I did. There was no issues with my pack during my morning check. So what the hell happened? Later I was told that it was my O-ring that popped off. Probably because the connection came loose. Yep, that sucked.
Gets better. A few hours later, the phone rings. A neighbor called saying that someone left a fire coat on scene. When I heard, this, I sprinted out to the truck to make sure that mine was there. Thankfully, it was. It turned out to be the captains coat. And boy, did he hear about it from the guys.
Just another day in what the department calls the quarters of E23 and T14. Paradise in the Park.
Byrge
Out the door we go and as we cruise down 27th street, we're waiting to hear the first in size up. Finally we arrive on scene. As I got off the rig, I saw that E17 and T8 were already there. Walking up to the corner house, I saw a good amount of smoke coming out of the front door. I then noticed that one of my instructors from the academy was also geared up talking to the chief. Anyway, the boss directed us to head in. Got down and started to mask up, and as I turned my bottle on, I heard a loud pop followed by a hissing sound coming from the rear of my pack. I turned it off and tried to tighten the connection. Turned the bottle on again, and the same hissing sound came back. "What the hell!" I thought. Frustrated, I began to get my pack off to see what was happening. At this moment, another air pack was tossed over to me. Really? This had to happen right in front of one instructors? Anyway, grabbed his pack and got squared away. Went inside to rejoin the rest of my company. Did a little work, but was more pissed of the event that just happened.
A while back, a HEO told me to make sure that the rig is ready to roll before any house work is to be done. I couldn't have agreed with him morning. On this day, I did that. Now if I didn't check my mask in the morning, I would willingly admit that I didn't check it. But I did. There was no issues with my pack during my morning check. So what the hell happened? Later I was told that it was my O-ring that popped off. Probably because the connection came loose. Yep, that sucked.
Gets better. A few hours later, the phone rings. A neighbor called saying that someone left a fire coat on scene. When I heard, this, I sprinted out to the truck to make sure that mine was there. Thankfully, it was. It turned out to be the captains coat. And boy, did he hear about it from the guys.
Just another day in what the department calls the quarters of E23 and T14. Paradise in the Park.
Byrge
July 19, 2011
Remember the Steps
Only one day left.
Asked my boss the other day if I could get over to a truck company to become orientated with driving and working the stick. He obliged me and sent me to Truck 14 for three days. Sad to say that tomorrow is my last "scheduled" day there.
First two went pretty well. Got most of the steps down to get the aerial up. Took some time but getting close. Just have to remember that everything I touch has a purpose. And to think of what's actually going on with every button or lever pressed or pulled.
Took a few runs as well. Been extremely hot and humid the last few days. Had an infant locked in a car for over ten minutes by the time we got there. Boss gave us two minutes to wedge and unlock the door. If not, a window was going to crumble. Good news. Saved the window and the child as we were able to unlock the old Toyota's door.
Got a fire on the far south side later that day. More on that in my next post.
Byrge
Asked my boss the other day if I could get over to a truck company to become orientated with driving and working the stick. He obliged me and sent me to Truck 14 for three days. Sad to say that tomorrow is my last "scheduled" day there.
First two went pretty well. Got most of the steps down to get the aerial up. Took some time but getting close. Just have to remember that everything I touch has a purpose. And to think of what's actually going on with every button or lever pressed or pulled.
Took a few runs as well. Been extremely hot and humid the last few days. Had an infant locked in a car for over ten minutes by the time we got there. Boss gave us two minutes to wedge and unlock the door. If not, a window was going to crumble. Good news. Saved the window and the child as we were able to unlock the old Toyota's door.
Got a fire on the far south side later that day. More on that in my next post.
Byrge
July 12, 2011
What Rider?
I've been following the Tour De France for maybe the last ten years. I'm amazed at the sprint finishes and shocked at how fast some riders can climb. This year I have something else to be surprised about.
I heard something about a crash, but didn't hear any details. Watching a recorded (have to love DVR) Stage 9, my jaw dropped when I saw what happened. A damn French television car slid into one of the riders on the lead breakaway group. Really? Stupid Frenchman. You in such a f***ing hurry for something? Even though the stage takes over four hours? One rider slammed into the ground while another crashes into a barbed wire fence. Nice job Frenchy!!
Yeah, you get the idea of what a barbed wire fence can do to a man's leg.
Good news though. The next day for the riders was one of rest. Much needed for some. Just remember, pain is temporary, pride is forever.
Byrge
Streak Continues
And the streak goes on.
What streak you may ask? You know, the one that has been dragging out for the last 15 months. One where two individuals on the same crew not seeing something that, as firefighters, should see. The one that includes my boss and I working together and NOT getting a first in fire. Yep, that's it.
When will the streak end? Or will it even end? At the end of the year, I most likely will no longer be on Engine 31. And no longer working with the crew that I've learned quite a bit from.
The next few days I'm going back to Truck 14. I spent a few days there last year to learn a little about the truck. This time around, I'm more interested in getting signed off on the truck. HEO exam is less than 18 months away. Plus, the south side has been burning up a lately, so I'm liking my chances of getting some work. Here's to hoping.
Byrge
What streak you may ask? You know, the one that has been dragging out for the last 15 months. One where two individuals on the same crew not seeing something that, as firefighters, should see. The one that includes my boss and I working together and NOT getting a first in fire. Yep, that's it.
When will the streak end? Or will it even end? At the end of the year, I most likely will no longer be on Engine 31. And no longer working with the crew that I've learned quite a bit from.
The next few days I'm going back to Truck 14. I spent a few days there last year to learn a little about the truck. This time around, I'm more interested in getting signed off on the truck. HEO exam is less than 18 months away. Plus, the south side has been burning up a lately, so I'm liking my chances of getting some work. Here's to hoping.
Byrge
July 5, 2011
Stage Four
Way to go Cadel!! Nice job on making sure that piece from Spain didn't take that one away from you. What a finish! Also, to Garmin/Cervelo to keeping my man Thor in the Yellow. Looking forward to tomorrows battle as the epic journey of this year's tour continues.
Byrge
This Fall?
It's never too early to think about next race season. Especially since I haven't been in a start chute since last May. Perhaps I'll even find myself in one this fall. So, with wanting to get back into the swing of things, I'm considering adding a new member to the stable. But looking at all the bikes I have, there's just something missing. Lets see, I have a full suspension, a single speed, a road bike and my faithful bmx cruiser. Hmm...it seems that I'm in need of a 29er. Yep, that's it!
So after comparing a few different models, I think I'm looking at getting a Salsa El Mariachi. The bike has gotten rave reviews from many resources. Sure, I looked at the Niner brand, but the cost of a complete bike is just too much for me to spend. Even with a discount. I also feel a need to get away from Trek for some reason. Nothing against the brand, just not what I want anymore.
Salsa El Mariachi
Obviously, the pic here is only the frame. But I would order a complete bike. Also, there would be some options to be had as well. Here's to seeing you out there.
Byrge
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)