Congratulations CTC I-14

Congratulations to CTC I-14! You've made it to graduation day. The six and a half month journey is only the beginning. Soak up the next ten days with your loved ones. Best of luck at your new offices. 

Rolling along in Phase II.

Last week was National Police Week to honor those LEOs who have lost their lives and to thank those who serve us now.  I decided to bring in a basket of Popcornopolis for B.'s office.  I ordered mini cones of popcorn and put labels on them.  "Thank you for all you do.  Enjoy the Cop Corn."  It was a gift from the girls to the office. I was super nervous before dropping them off.  I had never been to B.'s office yet and he wasn't there when I dropped the basket off.  I introduced myself to the Officer at the counter and was on my way.  I guess the Cop Corn was a hit, since B. told me everyone was snacking on them during lineup. 

Since B. started Phase II on weekend graves, I've packed up the girls and head to my parents for the weekend.  For the past two weekends, the girls have been at each other's throats.  Do the terrible threes and fives exist?  If #1 gets in trouble, #2 turns on the perfect little sister mode.  Then if #2 does something, #1 steps it up.  I thought my head was going to explode at dinner on Saturday.  I swear I had to say sit down and eat at least 50 times.  My younger sister says, "That's why you only want two kids."  It's almost back to Academy life, I am the single parent for at least three days a week.  Although, I am staying with my parents the rules at grandma and grandpa's are more lax.  My parents allow me to parent the way I usually do and try not to overstep.

I heard Dream Sheets are out for CTC I-14.  It's such an overwhelming decision to rank where you could possibly live for the next year and possibly beyond.  No one from CTC I-14 will be coming to B.'s office, so his seniority will remain near the bottom. 

I am looking forward to attending a seminar presented by Vickie Newman: Surving Law Enforcement - A Spouses Perspective.  Vickie spoke at the Family Seminar the day before graduation.  She has been a CHP wife for over 25 years and raised four kids.  I'm going to the seminar with one of B.'s roommate's girlfriend.  I was hoping all three of us could go together, but our schedules didn't line up.  So I can't wait to see her too.  She's going through the same experience with her CHP Officer.  I'm crossing my fingers that the roomies make it through Break In and the six of us can celebrate.  I know the three of them miss each other, but there just isn't enough time in the day for them to catch up or even check in.  The girls are trying to keep those connections for them.  I try to text the girls at least once a week to see how things are going.  Graveyard shift has been quite an adjustment.  But it will all be worth it in the end.

I feel like my weekend never started, but here I go into the new week.  Have a great Monday!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day, especially to all the CHP moms. It takes a lot to be a CHP mom. 

Wow, I can't believe it has been nearly a month since I've posted. B. survived Phase I of Break In. There is so much information thrown at them. Learning your area is one of the biggest things during Break In. B. would spend every available moment driving his beats. We had even spent Sunday afternoons as a family driving around. The girls would have a DVD playing and he would tell me where a beat started and where it ended. He had also gone out to drive after the girls and I went to bed. He said driving at night is a totally different beast.

B. downloaded the P. Scanner + app on my phone so I could listen to the CHP scanner in our area. I need a 10 and 11 code cheat sheet to understand all the scanner traffic. It was very cool to listen to. I even heard B. on the scanner one day. 

After learning your area, developing your radio ear was the next big thing. For me listening to the scanner on and off took a lot of concentration, let alone hearing it for 12 hours. I noticed the cadets at the Academy are now wearing radios. It's great that they are getting a jump start on that. 

We are five days into Phase II and said goodbye to day shift. B. went onto weekend graveyard. He leaves the house around 4:15 pm and comes home around 7:30 am. Having a three year old is not condusive to a graveyard schedule. When she is awake everyone is awake. There was a line in the movie, Frozen that describes #2. "The sky's awake, so I'm awake." She will not let her Papa sleep, so we have decided to pack up for the weekend and stay at my parents. It allows B. uninterrupted sleep and the girls get to see their grandparents. 

This weekend was the first of many missed holidays and parties due to the CHP life we live now. B. missed our nephews first birthday. The girls told their Papa all about it. We planned to go out for Mother's Day, but he was beat when he got home. We ended up having McDonald's drive thru for breakfast. It didn't bother me as long as we we're together. 

I think that's all for now. CTC I-14, you're almost there. You're in the homestretch. The last ten weeks are going to fly by. 

As always, please feel free to contact me through my email: amynoellemaia@gmail.com

Thank you for reading!

We're hanging in there. Break in begins...

Wow, I can't believe it has been nearly a month since graduation.  The nine days after graduation went by way too fast.  We took the girls down to Disneyland for a much needed family vacation.  It was great knowing that we would be together for four straight days.  It must have been Spring Break somewhere because both parks were packed.  We ran into another CHP family at the Disneyland gate.  They had just moved down to Southern California.  We drove home on Thursday night, so B. could be home on Friday to meet up with his fellow officer and drive the area.

One of B.'s roommates apartment wasn't ready yet, so we offered a place for him to stay until it was.  The girls were ecstatic that we were having a house guest.  We had him stay in the girls' room.  We called it the Princess Palace, since there were Disney Princesses everywhere.  It was great having him at our house.  It allowed the two of them to get mentally prepared together for their first day on the job. 

Week one was great for us as a family.  B. went in super early, but he was home for dinner every day.  He was in the office Monday through Friday for eight hours each day.  A lot of admin stuff to take care of the first week.  That awesome schedule all changed by week two.  Luckily for Phase I, he has weekends off.  Week two's schedule was Monday-Wednesday 6:00am-6:30pm.  The hours are definitely deceiving.  B.  left the house by 4:30am and really didn't come home until past 8:30pm.  They don't call Break In, the Academy Part II for nothing.  I love the fact he sleeps in the same bed now, but even whens he's home, work is always on his mind.  My responsibilities are still the same as if he were still at the Academy.  I still have to do morning school drop off, afternoon school pick up, swim class, dinner, homework, and bedtime.   We both knew that's how it was going to be, so I just kept to the same schedule since September.  I'm very grateful my employer has continued to allow me to work an hour at home each night and only work seven hours in the office. 

Even on his days off, B. is working on reports and going out to drive his area.  It's a lot of stuff thrown at you in a very short amount of time.  As the week went on, I could see how overwhelming and taxing Break In was for both B. and his roommate.  You could tell how tired they were when they walked into the house.  Since, B. was staying at the officer later and later in week three, the girls did not see him Tuesday through Thursday last week.  They were already asleep when he came home and he left before they got up for school.  #2 even asked if Papa went back to training (aka The Academy). 

So we are halfway through Phase I.  It looks like B. will be going on the graveyard shift for Phase II & III.  I heard that's where all the action is.  I guess that's all for now. 

Please feel free to email me questions at amynoellemaia@gmail.com.

Best of luck to CTC II-14, pick up day on Monday, April 14th. 

We've made it! Congratulations CTC II-13!

Congratulations to the 95 new officers of the California Highway Patrol!  March 14th marked the end of 27 weeks of intense training for CTC II-13.  It was so great to see so many families and friends show their support. 

I couldn't sleep the night before and woke up by the time B. had to wake up and return to the Academy.  I started getting ready at 6:30am, even though I wasn't planning on leaving the Hampton Inn across the street until 8:15am.  I thought the girls would be hesitant to be left at the CHP Childcare, but they both kept asking, "When are you taking us to daycare?"  They were the first ones to be dropped off.  I want to say there were at least 10 cadets staffing the childcare center.  There were tons of toys set up on mats and a movie section setup for the kids.  I'm really glad they provided this option because I know the girls would not have sat through the entire graduation.  

I got to the traffic circle just in time to see them march in for inspection.  They all looked great in their new uniforms.  I did get a little misty seeing him for the first time.  I'm so thankful that B.'s family took some great pictures to share with me.  I was too excited and just kept taking pictures of his face, totally forgetting to step back.  I loved that he smiled when the CHP Executive Staff were shaking his hand. 

We left the traffic circle immediately after the first row was done.  Good thing we left at that time, since the gym was filling up fast.  All eight of us were able to sit together and I was able to get an aisle seat, since I would be leaving part way to bring the girls in. 

They marched in two by two down the center aisle.  B. marched right past me, but my camera wasn't fast enough to capture it.  It was a great ceremony and I did have to hold back tears a few times during the Commissioner's speech.  It was long road for both the cadets, their significant others and families.  It was just a very proud moment to know what we all went through to make it to graduation day. 

I love that fact that they allowed family members to approach the stage to take a picture of their officer as they were presented their badges.  I brought the girls up with me because I knew they would not stay back at their seats when I left.  The Senior Volunteer asked me if I wanted the girls to go on stage and take a picture with B.  Of course I jumped at the chance.  The girls did great.   I unintentionally started a trend of bringing children and family members up on stage, receiving their badges is a perfect opportunity to share with your loved ones.  Thank you, Commissioner Farrow for allowing all of us to do that.  B. told me later that he was freaking out when he saw me put #2 up on stage.  He said, "We didn't practice that."  It all turned out ok in the end.

The badge pinning ceremony was a perfect way to end the graduation.  The officers marched out to their designated spots and presented their badges for pinning.  I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to close the pin again, as I messed up at his CO pinning years ago.  The girls were right there to watch their Papa receive his badge.

Thank you to all of B.'s family and former co-worker for driving all the way to West Sacramento to share this special day with him.  It means a lot for all the support you have shown him and our family through this journey. 

A final thank you to B.'s roommates. The bond the three of you have had during this 27 week Academy is amazing. I could not have asked for two better guys to share and support him through this. I wish the two of you the very best. I hope you all keep in touch and all six of us can get together soon. 

In closing, Graduation Week is filled with so many emotions and stress.  Take the time and take it all in.  Here are my Top 3 for Graduation Week:

1)  I really wish I made more of an effort to meet the wives and girlfriends I had communicated with via Facebook and email leading up to Graduation week.  I'm not the most social girl and am very shy in new environments.  I'm usually the wallflower that stands back and observes instead of jumping into the crowd.  Break out of your bubble and say hello to those you have made contact to at the Grad party and family seminar.  I'm sorry to those I made eye contact with, but didn't step up to say hello.  I wish all of you and your officers the best during break in and beyond. 

2)  I debated about the Capitol Run and am so glad the girls and I went up there.  Yes, it was extremely early and really didn't last very long, but it was so worth it to see the effort and dedication the cadets have put in over 27 weeks. 

3)  You will be bombarded with request for tickets to graduation.  Take care of your family and those who have shown support throughout your officer's academy.  We were able to allow two more adults to attend graduation by having our girls go to the CHP Childcare for the majority of the graduation.   At ages 2 and 5, they had more fun playing with toys that sitting in a gym for an hour and a half.  #2 sat quietly for the last 30 minutes because she had an iPhone in her hand.

If you haven't noticed I've changed the title of this blog to CHP Wife, but will be keeping the chpcadetwife blogspot address.  I've been asked in the past week if I intend on blogging during B's break in.  As time permits, I hope to continue providing updates.  Thank you for following our journey.  I hope it has been helpful.  Please feel free to email me directly at amynoellemaia@gmail.com.  Time for me to soak up some time in the next nine days with my CHP Officer. 

Just 12 hours left!

I really should be sleeping, but I'm too excited to go to bed. With the lack of sleep this week, I should have been asleep hours ago.

So many events have gone on leading up to Graduation tomorrow. The girls and I made it to Capitol Run on Wednesday morning. I woke up at 2:45am to pack breakfast and load up the car. #1 must have been as excited as I was because she popped right out of bed and walked herself down to the garage. #2 was sound asleep and I was able to buckle her into the car seat with no problem. The freeways were obviously pretty empty at 3:00 in the morning. I made it to the Academy a little after 4:00am. Other families were arriving too. Around 5:15am we walked over to the Academy gates to find a spot. It was cold with the wind, but it so worth it hearing and then seeing the entire Cadet class run by led by a motorcade. As soon as they left the Academy gates, we jumped in our car to head for the a State Capitol. I just followed the Good Day Sacramento News van. We saw cadets coming over the Tower Bridge. What a sight to see. They ended up on the back steps of the State Capitol where they ended their run with knuckle push-ups. We got to take a few pictures with B. before he boarded a bus back to the Academy. We headed back home and made it by 8:30am.  I could've taken the girls straight to school but we ended up napping until 11:00am. 

I dropped them off late to school since I needed to head back from the Graduation party. So grateful that our neighbors could watch the girls overnight so I didn't have to drive home and back the very next day for the family seminar. The Grad party was fun, we sat with B.'s roommates and were planning future vacations together. Like I've said before, I'm so glad they clicked so well as roommates and now I've done the same with their girlfriends. 

I attended the Family Seminar this morning. They provided so many details in a four hour period. Some of the information was scary to hear, but a reality check on the inherent dangers of the job. The best thing was hearing from the three CHP wives, Frances, Erin and Vicki. They gave first hand details on what it's like to be a CHP Wife. They all handled their homes and husbands differently. There is not just one way to do things. Do what's best for your situation. They all mentioned that you will become best friends with other LE or CHP wives. These other wives will understand your reality and not question why your husband is unable to attend this function or that birthday party. 

After the Family Seminar, I met up with B. to head home and pick up the girls from school to turn right back around and head back to West Sac for the night. We had dinner with the roomies one last time as Cadets at our favorite spot, BJs. We realized this is the only restaurant we ever get together at. Hopefully this is not the last time we do this. Maybe Vegas next time . 

I'm so excited for the Graduation tomorrow. 27 weeks of blood, sweat, and tears. CTC II-13, you've made it. Congratulations on an awesome accomplishment and best of luck in the field. 

Last Sunday good-byes! 5 days to go!

We made it to our last Sunday night good-byes.  It really didn't phase the girls tonight, since we will be driving up to meet B. for dinner to celebrate #2's 3rd birthday tomorrow.  It looks like I will be making five round trips to and from West Sacramento this week.  Good thing, we are only 75 miles away from the Academy.  I'll be making the trip twice on Wednesday.  I had initially decided not to go to the Capitol Run on Wednesday morning, but after reading what an experience it is, I decided tonight that I was going to go with the girls.  I know it's super early, but it's a part of graduation week I don't want to miss.  The girls sleep like a rock, so I'll be able to carry them to the car without waking them up on Wednesday morning.  I'll drive back home after get the girls situated with their aunt, so I can get ready for the Graduation Party.  I won't be able to stay after the Graduation Party, since my sister in law has her kids to take care of too.  Our neighbors will be taking the girls to school on Thursday, so I can attend the Family Seminar.  I'll head back home one more time to get the girls and check into the hotel for Thursday night. 

B. and I discussed this weekend what tips or advice I could share on here this week.  After the last few weeks, his number one tip is, "Don't get sick!"  If you do get sick, report to the Staff Office immediately and get quarantined.  B. had been sick for several weeks thinking it was just a cold.  Well, that "cold" turned into a midnight ambulance ride and a trip to the UC Davis ER.  B. had pneumonia.  I had spoken to him a few hours before, he said his chest hurt, but he was going to sleep it off.  I missed the text he sent at midnight that he was at UC Davis.  I had no idea he was there until one of his roommates text me around 6:00am  to see how he was doing.  B. wasn't answering his phone and I was starting to freak out.  His roommate got back to me and said he was still at UC Davis and told me he had pneumonia.  I finally called the Academy to find out where he was.  The Staff Officer who answered the phone was the officer who had just taken B. back to the Academy.  I was just minutes from taking off to UC Davis to see him.  We just received the bill today for just the ambulance ride, $2,944.17.  My sister asked, "Is that a limo ambulance?"  I had no idea an ambulance transport cost that much.  Luckily, Kaiser covered the entire amount. 

I've mentioned advice number two before, save some money before you start the Academy.  The CHP Academy will cost you a small fortune.  Even before day one, you start buying stuff you will need at the Academy.  Your first big item is probably your boots, all leather that can get a mirrored shine.  Then the purchases start piling up little by little.  It also doesn't help that there are a million purchases from the vending machine that accepts debit/credit cards.   5 Hour Energy Drinks are nearly $3 each.  The "Gold" Uniform package is $1375 with taxes.  The State provides a 12 month, no interest loan that will cover $750 of your total, so you will still need to come up with at least half.  Also make sure your car is in working and legal order before you arrive at the Academy.  I believe they ticketed cars during the first week that had violations.  B. had his windshiel replaced that week before the Academy.  Lots of things that you don't consider that cost a chunk of change. 

Rounding out my top three words of advice, try to make contact and relationships with others who are going through the same experience as you.  I had no idea there was a FB group for CTC II-13 until maybe 6-8 weeks ago.  I have met other wives and girlfriends who have found my blog.  Since I haven't revealed B.'s name on here, some Cadets have come up to him to see if this blog was about him based on stories or experiences I have shared about him.  It was also great to meet B.'s roommates and their girlfriends.  The three guys have bonded so much over the last 26 weeks and it was nice to meet their significant others too.  B. wanted to show them what married life was with two young children.  B. and I feel we are still young or at least young at heart.  I didn't feel old, until I realized that B.'s roommates were born when I was a Freshman in high school.  They probably haven't watched the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air."

I can't wait for all the Graduation festivities this week.  CTC II-13 you've made it.  It's time to celebrate.