Light a Fire Under Yourself and Workout!

This past week I got to do a live fire training drill at our fire county academy with my department. Again, I am not a firefighter. I do not go inside. What I do is help out the department behind the scenes, offering support. In addition I do photography. A lot of people ask me why I take the photos? My answer, I am not like reporters trying to take pictures of just the bad/scary stuff, I take pictures of the men and women who risk their lives to save people, homes, and memories. Those men and women should be proud of themselves and I want to give them a glimpse to see what the rest of us see and how truly amazing they are. A few years ago after a particularly large fire, I gave a photo to firemen from another company. He had been a firefighter for most of his life and he was an older gentleman. When I saw him next he brought me over to his gear rack to show me he framed and displayed the picture above it. He hugged and thanked me for that memory. It was a really amazing feeling. I have also been able to work with police departments,who have used my photos in their files when working on cases related to the accident or fire. Families have contacted me for photos to give to their insurance company to help them out. I have been very fortunate to work with some of the amazing men and women.

Spring 2014, house fire.
Everyone got out safe. 

Crews working hard to put it out the fire.
It's all about TEAMWORK!

When we are at the academy I wear firefighter turnout gear as added protection. Last year was my first year with my new fire company and I had to get a set from them. Since I don't go in and I don't need the same level as protection; I typically get the stuff that the active firemen can't wear anymore due to rips, tears, overuse. Which means....you get what is available and hope it fits. Somehow they managed to get me a full set. The pants were a little snug, the jacket was large, but the boots were just right. I got to go to the drill with them. As I walked around snapping my pictures I felt like I was dragging my body in all the gear. I didn't want to climb the trucks for higher up shots. I know I missed out on some amazing photos because I couldn't move quick enough. Good thing I wasn't inside fighting the fire! I was so sore and tired the next day.

Being fitted for turnout gear with my new company

One year later....

This past week when I had to put on my gear I noticed the pants were super loose, I needed the suspenders to hold them up! The jacket was ginormous making me feel like I was playing dress up in my dad's gear. Even the boots were looser. I was so excited!! I was all over that drill grabbing pictures and moments to share with the company. I wasn't dragging myself or tired after at all. I know this is all due to my hard work over the last year. Eating better, working out, taking care of myself. It was the most wonderful and proud feeling. It may have also opened up the door for a new opportunity to work with an incredible, well respected man in the fire community. I will talk about that more if it pans out, but let's just say I hope it does and I am in the gym stepping up my workout routine so I can keep up, grab the photos, and it doesn't hurt to look good while doing it!

Live training this past week.
Crews inside working

Live training this past week
Training teams working together and learn new techniques

Grill Inspiration

Over the last few months I have enjoyed cooking, more than I ever thought I would. I've learned about how to cook a variety of meats and fish, how to cut different veggies, and learned that I do in fact like my food with different spices and flavors. I know I have a lot more to learn and thanks to my mom, Food Network channel, google and my coworkers I know my skills will continue to improve and I will keep learning. But there has always been one method of cooking that intimidated me, 1 method that I feared, 1 method I said I will not be learning....the outdoor grill.

Growing up when it was time to grill that was and still is my mom's baby. For Mother's Day this year my dad surprised my mom with a new grill. My mom is an amazing grill master and when she isn't grilling my brother in law is. Between the two of them I am usually set for summer BBQ food. There was no reason for me to learn, not to mention I live on the second floor of my condo unit and we don't have grills. And then last night happened....

I was at my firehouse helping out during a special drill, I think they said there were about 40 firefighters in attendance. A bunch of us associate members were going to cook and have food ready for them during the break time. We decided to use leftover buns and light up the grill. My friend Doug was helping us out since he didn't need the course and while I was helping him bring out the burgers I was suddenly curious and inspired...I wanted to learn how to cook on the grill! I asked him to teach me and he handed me the spatula and said absolutely! 

Here I am grilling away!

I never knew grilling could be so much fun and also how strategic it can be. Moving burgers and hot dogs around so everything cooked evenly and not burnt. Turning up the flame and then turning down the flame. I confess 2 burgers did not survive my first round, pretty sure they could be compared to hockey pucks, but our captain's dog loved them. As the guys piled out and started eating it was nice to hear them enjoying and yes they teased me I might need a fire truck to put out the flames. It was the most fun I've had cooking!! I did even try one of my own burgers (minus the bun) and I must say it was pretty darn good! I hope we do that again soon and I'm hoping my mom will let me try it out on her grill with her teaching me some tips. 

I love having fun learning about food and new techniques and I love conquering fears....one burger at a time!!