2 Days done, 11 1/2 more weeks to go!

The first 2 days of my new job were a success for sure. So far the Santa Rosa FD has been a great place. We have been taken care of, both financially and in other ways. They have supplied us with waters, gatorades, sunscreen, hats, shirts. I think it just says a lot about the department that they want to take care of us as best as possible. The other 8 guys in my academy are all great as well. Very diverse backgrounds, ages, and personalities. A couple of the guys I can definitely see myself becoming very good friends with.
We mostly did paperwork on our first day, but we did find out that we got a 3.25% raise, before we even start! That was great news, as was exactly how good the benefits are going to be. The city really takes care of it's employees. All in all it was a great first 2 days. I am however, overwhelmed about going through this process again, and being away from my family...again. We started with "building construction", which is by far my weakest area in the fire service. I need to learn this stuff, especially if I every want to think about promoting/advancing. So far so good!

Guys Retreat

Got back from the guys retreat from our Church last night. I came home a night early so I could prepare for tomorrow as well as be available for Jaz and the family(I missed them!). The retreat was worth the trip for sure. I had two significant conversations with guys that were very important. I feel like that those validated me going on the whole trip, even if I had to leave early. The campground we went was beautiful, and better yet...FREE! Granted it was 11 miles down the mountainside to the banks of the river, it was worth it. Anyways, I'm glad I went and will go next year for sure.