I guess its about time to finally write something on here seeing how Ive been on this wonderful site for awhile now. Ive never been too much of a writer, so I thought I would just kind of go along the lines of some of the homework that the lovely ladies were given. So here's a list of some things about me that most might not know. Ive always been extremely honest and upfront about myself, so if anyone that reads this has any other questions that this didnt answer, please feel free to ask.
1. as per my screen name, I am a firefighter. I started volunteering in 1993 in my hometown of Niceville, a year later I took the state standards and got hired in Destin, Florida at the beginning of 1995. Next year in March, I will have 20 years in and will be eligible to retire! Our work schedule is 24 on, and 48 off, so Ive been there a 3rd of my life, come rain or shine, Christmas or Thanksgiving. On top of that, I also work at another fire dept as a part time job. There, I work a 12 hour shift the day after my 24, but only on during the week. So basically, when those days fall during the week, I am working 36 on, and 36 off.
2. Im left handed. Both my parents were left-handed as well, so I probably didnt have a choice lol
3. My favorite sport is baseball. I started playing when I was 4 years old. I was a pitcher/first base most of my career. I played all the way through high school, and picked up playing tournament softball when I started the fire dept. I played up until about 5 years ago.
4. The main reason I had to stop playing ball was my body just couldn't take it anymore. Ive had a total of 3 surgeries on my shoulders(1 scope and an acromium plasty on my left, and an acromium plasty on my right), as well as a scope done on my right knee. After all of that, my right rotator cuff is tore, so eventually I will need another surgery on that. The Dr had said that my left shoulder was the tightest and most tore up shoulder he had ever seen, Yay me! lol I also have advanced degenerative disks in my lower back. But from all the years of playing ball, working out, and the day in day out dealings of my job, as well as just plain bad genetics, it was all that my body could take. But from daily meds, shots in my back and shoulder every 3 to 4 months, Im maintaining without too much trouble.
5. As I stated before, Im a huge baseball fan. My favorite team is the St Louis Cardinals. Im a HUGE fan, and have gone down to Jupiter, Florida where they have their spring training camp 5 out of the last 6 years.
6. My last relationship ended last November. It was a long distance relationship that lasted a little over 2 years. And when I say long distance, I mean she was German and lived in Germany. She had visa problems and couldnt come over here, so I was the one to travel over to her. I made 6 trips in the time we dated. Even though it didnt last, I learned a lot from the experience. You definitely learn to trust and how to open yourself more. Not being able to physically be there with each other everyday was definitely tough. But with skype, online texting, and the telephone, you learn to connect on a totally different level. I dont regret a thing. I loved the country and loved all the travel we ended up doing.
7. I am a bit Star Wars nerd. I dont get into the cosplay or anything like that, but am always amazed at the detail some get into it. I am one that loves the Expanded Universe. I have read well over 100 books and have filled 2 book shelves of just my Star Wars books.
8. Back in 06, I had just got a divorce, I had moved back in with my parents while the ex still lived in the house. A few months later, my mom found out she had cancer. I stayed to help out with her. She ended up passing away a few months later. I ended up staying and living with my pop. He is like my best friend and staying help both of us out financially. Hes retired and Im still paying bills from the divorce(ex maxed out 2 credit cards I got stuck with). We split the bills so its not like Im a moocher. I dont regret living with my pop even though it has had some downside when it comes to a social life. Some dont think to highly of the idea. But after losing one parent way too early in my life, I cherish and treasure every minute I get to spend with him. You never know when you might them.
Ok so thats just a few things I can think of. I dont really know how many will actually read this, but personally I feel better being able to write down some of my history and thoughts. And like I said before, feel free to ask me anything else if you may have any questions. And for those of you that do read this, thank you and I appreciate you taking the time! Hopefully I will come up with something to write soon!
Eric