I passed! I took the physical exam yesterday afternoon. I was freaking out about it all week because last weekend I took the practice exam and it didnt go so well. I had alot of trouble with the ladder extension(35 ft). So the day after the practice exam I went to home depot, bought myself a rope, a pulley, and some hooks, and I set up my own way to practice. I did that all week and when I went home early on friday, I went up to the fire house and tried the ladder extension again. I busted…

Thursday, September 27, was the annual Chicago Fire Dept Calendar Party. I knew I was in for a good time, but little did I know it was going to be one of the best nights of my life. The event was held at a huge bar called "cubbie bear", right next to wrigley. The event went from 7-10. The engineer of "my" company picked me up at around 645. In the car was michelle, the woman who lives next door and visits the firehouse just as often as i do. Awesome chic! We get there and sit for a while but…

Did I mention to you all that I wear a Silver 3/4 of an inch maltese cross necklace around my neck 24/7/365? If I need some encouragement, I kiss it. If I need some strength, i kiss it. If I need some motivation, i kiss it. If I'm sitting in class fighting through a blue book exam or while sweating bullets and every muscle in my body burns from working out, I kiss it to remind myself that everything I do in my life on a day to day basis is just getting me ready for my future career.

Candidate. Not probie, not rook, not FNG, just candidate. This is the term used for probationary firemen in the chicago fire dept. Why is it important to me, you ask? No, unfortunately, i am not a candidate yet. But "candidate" is my nickname.

I was given this name by engine company 22 of the chicago fire dept(3rd shift). I met these guys about a year and a half ago. Those guys have been a part of my life ever since. Since the past summer I've been actually riding with those guys. I…