Evaluation Time- Week 5

Wikipedia says to "evaluate" is "to display the systematic determination of merit, worth, and significance of something or someone". For the recruits of the Knoxville Fire Department we get to experience that event every month of our 6 month tour.

We were instructed to meet with our preselected evaluator right after our afternoon clean-up duties. As I waited in the hall, I could not recall ever being evaluated in my work career. Being self-employed for almost 25 years, evaluation was simple for me. If my customers didn't like how I performed for them, they would show their disapproval by not paying me (thankfully, that happened rarely). No meeting, no forms no anxious waiting in the hall...

I entered Captain Householder's lair, and as I sat amidst the darkness, I felt a bit hypnotized by the cool green and red flashing lights and diodes of his collection of electronic geegaw. As he spoke, I felt a note of comradery along with his professionalism. I was hoping for the highest score a recruit had every received considering the effort I feel I have been putting forth. Actually the group as a whole has the determination of salmon swimming up stream. Its amazing to watch such a steadfast bunch.

He shared some tutelage about the events of the past four weeks, and for the next few minutes I listened to a veteran public servant as he evaluated my performance. This was hard for him because of the short time we have been in the academy. Nevertheless, he was able to convey the necessary points of importance and was even able to bring a smile to my face.

So how did I fare? "????" across the board! (personal information between me and the Cap) This is good and it leaves plenty of room to grow.
A comment box at the bottom of each evaluatory section left the "Good Captain" a place to add his own comments, this is what one line read;

"Recruit Stoehr's enthusiasm is refreshing..."

I like it!

Week 2, 3 and 4

Another Sunday has come around and this time 3 weeks have clicked by without touching base with my cyber community. Yes, I have neglected the use of electronics and the electromagnetic spectrum to store, modify, and exchange data via networked systems and associated physical infrastructures... or I could say I've been too busy to turn on my computer.

College bound boy back from Costa Rica had a good time serving the great people there. He helped lead worship during church meetings, and had opportunities to enjoy the culture and sights. Got to play with monkeys too.

The girl has got her sights set on getting a job. Gathering various job applications from the local malls and store fronts. The rising cost of fuel has forced us to cut back on unnecessary trips to and from friend's houses, so to keep the wheels turning she is trying to generate some of her own money. I'll keep you posted on her success.

The ball player is done for the season. They won their last season tournament, but without Joe. He re-injured his back and had to sit out the championship game. The rest of his summer will be spent catching up on summer reading, shreddin up that Les Paul and trying to make some extra money working around the house. Oh, and I think he might spend some time with his special friend...

The better half has been frantically working in an effort to replace any momentum lost from my attendance at the fire academy. For me, the EMT course is now starting its fourth week. We cover a lot of ground each week with 2 to 3 chapters each night and quizzes the next day on material covered. We have patient assessment labs twice each week as well. Captain Pain (Payne) has got us up to 1.5 miles in just under 14 minutes, and that's the whole group. I think that is a big deal because you have a group of people from 19 to 43, 110 lbs to 310 lbs, with various shin splints, ankle and knee injuries. We have added ladder carrying to our Tuesday and Thursday routine. In groups of 3 to 5 recruits, we carry a ladder above our heads for 1/4 mile. try it sometime... its very painful.

I need to get choppin. I have three chapters to read for tomorrow and study for two quizzes. As long as I keep ahead of the game I'll be all right. The material is difficult, but I find it somewhat enjoyable to read and study. I never imagined myself actually liking this part of the process, but I really do. Learning is fun!