Denise Imperiale's Blog (178)

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 26, 2009

Yesterday I finally took some time to myself. Got my hair done, walked around Morristown Green talking to strangers as usual, and showed some houses in Morris Twp. I am so thankful that my life has turned around. If any of you are reading this that have problems with your kids, or your career path, have faith. If I could do, so could you.

Have a nice day everyone. It's sunny and warm here in New Jersey.

Thank you… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on April 26, 2009 at 9:30am — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter ...April 24, 2009

Had to delete this post. Sorry.

Added by Denise Imperiale on April 24, 2009 at 9:00pm — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 18, 2009

Today was clean up day for our company at LaRue Field in Morris Township. The field was dedicated in 1971, and about ten of us gathered with rakes and bags this morning to clean up the field for the little leaguers. I was glad to do such a service.

Added by Denise Imperiale on April 18, 2009 at 11:07am — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 13, 2009

Today our fire department had a drill on rescue harnesses. See how someone can be lowered from a second story window was very interesting, especially how the safety person below could control how slow or fast the person was lowered. Although I didn't climb out of the window, I took the practical for me approach as being the backup person on the rope. I also saw equipment I never saw before. They were Figure 8 hooks.

Added by Denise Imperiale on April 13, 2009 at 3:34pm — 5 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 10, 2009

I think this was the first time in my life I didn't reflect on the fact that today was Good Friday. I've been working so hard at my new part-time job, which I LOVE, writing webcontent for lawyers. Everything else is privileged so I cannot say more. I am, of course, still a realtor and tomorrow morning will be boxing up a tiny house for someone who died.

It's been pretty quiet around the firehouse. Last week was a our pancake… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on April 10, 2009 at 10:34pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 5, 2009

Time just seems to be whizzing by for me lately. This weekend brought us our pancake breakfast at the firehouse, and now that I am actually getting to know people, it makes it more fun.

I have been spending quite a bit of time around the firehouse lately, probably because I don't have any friends other than firefighters where I live, and my old friends live so far away. During this tough time getting close to Easter, even at… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on April 6, 2009 at 8:59am — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...April 1, 2009

Here it is Wednesday… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on April 1, 2009 at 10:40am — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 28, 2009

This has been a pretty quiet week, except for the structure fire at the beginning of the week where we provided mutual aid. I'd like to share with you an introspection about something different.

About five years ago I joined my company, RE/MAX Properties Unlimited, in Westfield, NJ. I remember distinctly taking the most humble seat in the corner. The reason I did this was because I left a company where I was the 'big fish in… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 28, 2009 at 10:45am — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 23, 2009

Today was my first structure fire as a green tag. There was a call for mutual aid to a nearby town, and our ladder truck was called. When I got to the scene, I was asked by another town to help set up portable water tanks. I went and asked my captain if it was okay, and then got to work. I had heard and read about the 5" hose, and hard suction hose, but never saw these in action with jet dumps from water tenders before. The amount of… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 23, 2009 at 11:02pm — 4 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 22, 2009

Yesterday I had to go to the scary place to visit my daughter. My stones help a bit, but I can't shake that feeling the rest of the day. Have to go today too. It just makes me feel uncomfortable, like a surreal experience. What keeps me from going insane is going to the firehouse later on to hear the stories. I love the stories!!!

On another note, I had some time yesterday so I created a whole diagram in Publisher of the… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 22, 2009 at 7:33am — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 19, 2009

The Stones and The Story

I have a collection of stones. I bought them one day when I had to go to court alone, except for my attorney, who is also a volunteer firefighter. They say inspirational things like Strength, Thank You, Believe, Love, and Money. I lost one of my older stones given to me by a friend a few weeks ago. When the 4 o'clock crew at the firehouse heard about my stones, well, they teased me… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 19, 2009 at 8:19am — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 18, 2009

Another day in the life of Denise Broesler.

I have to update everyone on the oil tank possible leaking sump pump broken problem.

The well-known oil company came at 8:00 a.m. and saw no oil in my sump pump and it was heartily working. And he used the stick on my oil tank and I had the same amount of oil.

The insurance adjuster was here at 8:30 a.m. and said the same thing.

The electrician came… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 18, 2009 at 7:59pm — 2 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

This is a day in the life of Denise Broesler, and an interesting story about automatic oil deliveries.

I am using a large well-known oil company and they wanted to deliver oil today. Since I had oil delivered last month, I asked them to stick the tank before they delivered the oil. So the guy comes and says the tank is empty, and can't understand how I could have gone through so much… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 17, 2009 at 8:57pm — 1 Comment

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 14, 2009

Today I went to my first St. Patrick's Day Parade in Morristown, NJ. Yes, at 47 I went to my first parade. We didn't have these parades on Long Island, and we never seemed to want to go to… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 14, 2009 at 8:41pm — 3 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 13, 2009

Amazing things can happen on Friday the 13th. Since the last Friday the 13th, I've thought of the day as a good luck day. Today was one of those days.

It started by visiting a very kind penpal who lives nearby and who has an adopted son who is now grown-up. His situation was a bit different than ours, with our adoptions being private and hers through foster care. It's interesting how times have changed.

Next, I… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 13, 2009 at 8:52pm — 11 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 5, 2009

Today I took the train to NYC to meet a recruiter about an advertising job. I was on the Midtown Direct from Morris Plains, and while I was waiting in the station room I looked at all the unhappy 7:00 a.m. faces. I thought to myself if I get a job (besides working for RE/MAX of course), I swear I am going to be happy waiting for that train. I am thankful for the interviews I have coming up, and I thought that I will finally find the job… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 5, 2009 at 8:22pm — 1 Comment

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 3, 2009
I never realized how helpful snow can be. Can't say anymore than that.

And this is all the food my CCD class collected.

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 3, 2009 at 11:15pm — No Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...March 1, 2009

Today is my daughter's birthday. When you turn 18 you should be thinking of boys, of driving, the senior prom, etc. I planted the seed yesterday and today telling her you will do those things but maybe just a little later, keep the faith. Teenagers just roll their eyes when you talk about faith.

Tonight I taught my 9th grade CCD class at Assumption Parish. I told them the story of what was happening with my daughter, and how… Continue

Added by Denise Imperiale on March 1, 2009 at 9:56pm — 1 Comment

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 27, 2009

Today is a day I will never forget. I was on my weekly Eucharistic Minister visit, sitting among five old Italians (I'm Italian too) and I got the call that I passed my test.

I burst into tears.

I thank everyone for believing in me.

PS I will always be a rookie firefighter.

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 27, 2009 at 6:19pm — 6 Comments

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter

Notes from a Rookie Firefighter...February 26, 2009

My friend got her test results today and she failed the test for the second time. I am so sad for her. I didn't find out my results yet and am having a panic attack.

Did you ever see the Secret? Read the Secret book? I've been trying desparately to believe I'll pass, believe I'll get a job, believe the stuff with my daughter will get better. I am trying fervently, I mean fervently to keep the faith.

Added by Denise Imperiale on February 26, 2009 at 7:00pm — 5 Comments