Reflecting back on 2014

2014 had it all, it began with the last three months of the Academy, graduation day, months of Break-In and finally B. being on his own. I can't believe all that happened in the same year. 

Just in the last month, we've survived weeks of protests, 16 hour nights and now the cold (50 degrees is cold to me).  I couldn't be prouder of B. He's gone through so much in the last twelve months. We've gotten stronger as a family and realized how much we depend on each other.  We've all adjusted to life as a CHP family. Three to four days a week I'm a single parent, but the girls know why their Dad isn't home. Some days we just go driving to catch a glimpse of him on the road. They get so excited to see what B. does. 

I'm so grateful for being a part of the CHP family especially in the last few weeks. The support we have given each other even though we have never met is incredible. To the families of Cadets and the new Officers still on Break-In, it really is worth it to become a part of the CHP. You may question if all the sacrifice is worth it, but when your Officer is truly excited about going to work and loves what he does, it really is worth the blood, sweat and tears. 

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a safe start to 2015!

Thanks again for following. 

Amynoellemaia@gmail.com

Protests, Holiday Party and Welcomes

The last few weeks have been hectic and trying to say the least.  CHP officers from far and near have been activated to protests across the state.  You hope to get the phone call or text saying, "I'm on my way home." Instead, the text reads,"I've been activated, I'm going to be late."  Being late usually means midnight for my swing shift officer, but late has been 3:00 AM.  It's hard to go to sleep knowing that they are in harms way.  Just last night several CHP vehicles were severely damaged by objects thrown by protesters.  These same objects are being thrown at our officers.

Our CHP Holiday party was this past Saturday and it was definitely a welcome change of pace.  It was nice to meet so many of B.'s coworkers.  Both Lieutenants and the Captain came up to introduce themselves.  You hear so much about the CHP Family right before graduation and now I know why.  It really felt like you were part of a family at an event like this.  We were debating where to sit when we arrived and B. mentioned as a new officer, you always sit near the front during briefing.  Of course, there was an empty table at the front, so the newbies all sat together.  This also meant they were an easy target.  The four of them (two from CTC II-13 and two from CTC II-14) had to sing in front of everyone.  They didn't do so well on their own with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, so a Lt. stepped in to help them out with Jingle Bells.  It was a fun night.  I'm looking forward to the next office event.

Welcome to CTC IV-14.  Pick up day was this morning for 135 new cadets.  To the families, stay strong and be supportive of your cadet.  It may be difficult to be at home and not be anxious with all the police activity going on.  The training at the Academy is top notch to prepare them for situations they are facing now.  Don't be afraid to reach out to others for advice or support.  There have been thousands of us who have been in your exact shoes. 

As always, thank you for finding my blog. 

Amynoellemaia@gmail.com