Picture Hanging Mission Accomplished

I pride myself on the fact that for the most part if there is something I want to do or want done, I do it. If I want to try zucchini, I find out how to cook it and then try. Sure I have had some epic failures, like the time I tried to make taco meat and it came out tasting like rubber and for some reason my tongue was tingling for about an hour. But I tried. There has always been one thing that I refused to try. Hang pictures.  

Last April my family and I redid my bathroom. Truth, they did most of the work so that I didn't have to take off from work, but I pitched in whenever I was home. It came out absolutely incredible!! Since April, the only thing left to do was hang things on the walls. So since April those poor walls, in my beautiful bathroom remained bare, because I was too chicken to hang pictures and make a mistake.  

My bathroom remodel Those yellow walls had to go!
It truly was a family project.  Who knew my bathroom could mean so much to me

I know I know, sounds silly, but it's true. I would wait for my dad to be available to come over and hang things, but weekends were meant for fun things, not hanging pictures, so I would forget to ask him to come over. My mom and sister would encourage me to try, but I refused. I'm pretty sure my irrational fear of hanging pictures stemmed from not wanting to fail. What if I didn't put the nail in the right place and now I had crooked pictures and hole in the wall? I would have to move..okay maybe a little dramatic.  But you see where my thoughts were at...until recently. 

Huge difference.
This is why I didn't want to mess up the walls with holes

Time to conquer fears. I woke up one day recently, tired of my blank white walls in my beautiful bathroom. I had already picked out what I wanted on the walls, months ago, I just had to do it. So I went and got my little tool kit, took a deep breath, tried to remember the steps my dad would always take when hanging things. Biggest thing, match the nail to back hangy thing (technical term) on the picture NOT the top of the frame. 

My little tool kit has been with me since I first bought my place

So how did it come out you ask?? Gorgeous. I love how it came out! It really is amazing how just adding those few pieces to the wall brightened up the entire room. The best part, I did it! Every time I walk in the bathroom I smile...yeah that sounds weird, but it's true. I am so proud of myself for finally conquering that fear of mine. Now as I find great pieces for my walls, I won't be afraid to come home from the store and hang them. No more waiting almost a year. Bring on the DIY (Do It Yourself) Fun. This girl is on a role. 

Tada!  Yup I did that

Just what the walls needed to add character

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