homer simpson, firefighter

So, I dunno how I never saw this episode on its original air date, but I just watched a rerun of the Simpsons episode where Homer becomes a volunteer firefighter for a very brief, and crime-riddled, period of time. (Episode guide here.) In it, Homer and his gang get so used to people showering them with praise and prizes for doing their duty as VFD members that when the luck dries up, they start stealing things from the very houses and business they are fighting to save from burning up. Hilarious... but it also made me stop and think for a minute.

Other than meeting Emily and all of the time I get to spend with her, there's nothing more rewarding in my life than helping other people. I love the work that I do with Crescent Springs, as a firefighter, and as an EMT-trainee. I'm also thoroughly enjoying my training at the com center, because that's just another way I can help somebody in their time of need. It's kinda funny, really... I get almost a high when I feel like I have accomplished something. More than anything else I have ever done with my life, working in emergency services brings me so much immediate satisfaction, and so much happiness. I didn't really have a point in writing this post, other than to just express how happy I am that I have found an activity that allows me to help people. It's like the bumper sticker says... "Our finest hour begins with your worst."* I just really get a kick out of doing right by other people. And feeling needed. I guess that's it.... end of rant.



*or, more comically...... "Nobody ever called the fire department because they did something smart." LOL.

one year, new job, lions tigers and bears, oh my!

Well... I think this is the longest I've gone without posting - a whole month! Emmy and I celebrated our first year together at her apartment in nashville. We made our own sushi together and it was AWESOME! (We also found out that Emily is the only one who is allowed to roll sushi, since I messed it up...lol) I got Emmy a factory-integrated ipod adapter for her car, and she got us tickets to JEFF DUNHAM live in Louisville!! I can't wait to go see it with her!

In other big awesome news, I started my new job at the Hamilton County Communications Center at the end of June. I'm actually really enjoying my training there! I've started answering so-called "non-emergency" phone calls, even though a lot of them turn out to be medical and domestic calls that could have just as easily been 911 calls. It's been hard adjusting to waking up at 4:15 every morning, since I have to be at work at 5:45 for the morning briefing. Also, lunch at 10:30 or 11am is weird, but I'm slowly adjusting to all of it. I really like all of the people I work with, and I'm glad to keep learning new things every day.

OH! I almost forgot to write about 4th of July, which was....AWESOME! Fireworks and dinner and everything with Emmy's family - I felt so at home, and so welcome, it was probably one of the best nights of my entire life. Ellen (Emmy's Mom) makes the BEST hummus and salsa and vurkey burgers and everything...it was SOOOO yummy! Even better was that I got to spend like the whole weekend with Emmy - we cooked together, and watched tv together, and cuddled, and laughed, and went to the jcc and worked out and swam.... I don't think it could have been a more perfectly Emmy-full weekend! Did I mention FIREWORKS which were freakin AWESOME???!? Scott (Emmy's Dad) is just as much a pyro nut as I am!

Also, last night, I wrote my very first ever love letter to Emmy, and I mailed it today! I'm really excited for her to read it... I've never written one before... or received one. I just hope she likes it :) I feel all giddy and happy and excited. We're almost to our Year-and-a-month anniversary!! I love Emmy so so so so soooo much!

I know there are things I've forgotten to write about... Emmy will need to remind me or comment and tell me...hehe.