Almost caught up now...

So we are almost caught up with recent events, and there's a few new things to report.

The biggest problem I have with being unemployed isn't the lack of money, it's the lack of self worth. I feel like a burden on society because I'm not contributing anything. I'm not making sure that the paper mill is able to supply everyone with rolls of copy paper. I'm not even making sure everyone's fries are piping hot and pizzas are delivered in 30 min or less. I'm just sitting around, washing my car, and plastering my resume at everyone.

However, just when I'm about to take a bite out of my shit sandwich, something nice pops up. This time it comes in the form of Saucier Fire Rescue.

This small group of volunteers service the north central area of Harrison county, including the "metropolitan" area of Saucier and residential Success.

Last night was the monthly meeting, and my first impression walking in was that of a backyard BBQ. There were kids running around, fire fighters' wives hanging out, the place was crazy! I spoke with the Chief and handed him my papers and then the meeting got started. Once Chief took his seat, it was all official with "old business" and "new business" and so on.

Afterwards, we had a brief send off ceremony for one of the guys (who happens to live next door to me) and he requested that everyone take a picture in front of the pumper. As everyone was filing into the bay, one guy told me to "come on and get in, you're one of us, too".

That single phrase right there is what the fire service is all about, the comradery amongst brothers (and sisters in this case). Even though it was my first meeting they considered me one of their own. It was then when I felt the time had come to start contributing again.

Later on in the meeting, I hung out with the Chief and Assistant Chief as they gave me copies of their SOGs and brought me up to speed on how they do things. I also got fitted for turnouts and will probably have my own set and a radio by the end of the week.

Speaking of everyone gets a radio (which is awesome!), the spouses are also fire fighters for the dept, called "support units". They are trained to drive tankers for watter shuttle operations and change/fill bottles on scene. Totally awesome!

I also can't forget that when you get a bunch of guys together, shenanigans will result. It turned out to be someone's birthday so he was handcuffed to the back of a truck and whipped. Too funny!!

All in all, it was good to meet my new crew and I'm excited they are pushing to have me on the dept quickly. I'm ready to do what I can to assist the community. It will definitely give me a chance to contribute to the greater good.

As far as the job hunt goes, I checked out Dave's Chevron, one of two stop n robs close to me. The manager said she didn't need any help, but would gladly take my application. I'll drop it by just to see what happens.

I also was able to post my resume to some water treatment company looking for a salesman. Maybe selling pool chemicals won't be too bad?

Lastly, I was able to get an email through to a VP of Manufacturing I met on the plane ride after my VIP trip for the Navy. The complete story on that will have to wait until later (: