WHOA!!!

My knee is feeling better and I am able to do more things. We went out to celebrate because my therapist put me on the eliptical and told me this was the first step to running. I also got ahold of the LT and he informed me that I could go in and work at the PD and run calls. This would help and free up the regulars from those calls. He is still going to talk to the chief about getting me on the list by using my last ORPAT score. Things are still moving in a positive direction. Alicia continues to be very supportive of this change and is looking forward to it.

Ashlie ended up getting sick this week. She is struggling to breath because her little nose is so stuffed up. She went to the Dr on Friday after school and we were told she has the crud that everyone else it Klamath has. She also might have RSV which sucks because our family friend just got over it. She kept me up Friday night (I got about 3 hours of sleep) and spent the night my parents on Saturday night. That was a great break. She is still sounding horrible.

This week is going to be a good week. I see my doctor on Thursday and it should go really well.

In the Lemieux house

What a week. A lot when on over the past few days. With a lot of prayer and talking to friends, I have made the decision to pursue a career in law enforcement. Of course this means I will will have to wait until this darn knee heals up. I spoke with some cop buddies and they all agreed that I would be a very good cop. I also spoke to some of my teacher buddies and they stated similar thoughts. I really enjoy police work and I also enjoy teaching but I think it is time to try the next phase in my life. Alicia has been very supportive and "almost" looks forward to the change in career.

My goal now is to continue teaching until I am able to test either in Klamath or the Bend area. I am hoping to get Klamath because I love the department here. I know many good cops and would like to be apart of a wonderful group of people. I would also like the move to the Bend area because my wife and I both agree that it is a gorgeous area that is not to far from family.

Of course it is going to take a lot of work to make this happen. I need to get strengthen my knee and leg before I can even attempt the change. I will also need to really begin to market myself. I know that it will all work out because with a lot of prayer, God has made my heart so excited about the change. It will be hard on the family for about 4 months because of the acadamy. There is also the fact that I will no longer have my summers "off." I put this in quotes because as of right now I do not have my summers off while working at Wiard Park. I will also have to spend a couple of years working holidays because officers with more senority will ask ofr those off. But I believe within time, I will be able to get to have my holidays off too!

Afterwards, there will be FTOs but regular shifts and then probation periods. Then the goal of becoming a full time cop will be complete. I will be working very closely with my doctor and physical therapist in order to accomplish my dream.

I will miss my Mills family. They are great people and talented teachers. I will miss 2 people in that building the most, Jeremy and Sandy. Of course, we will be in touch but it won't be the same as seening them daily. Life sure throws some changes, doesn't it! With God leading my life, there is no way any of this is the wrong decision.

Lack of sleep and the knee

Today has been a harder day for my knee. It probably has something to do with the lack of sleep and a very intense PT session that worked my knee really hard.

I had a horrible time trying to go to sleep last night. I fell asleep for about 20 minutes and woke up. There was a movie Alicia turned on called "Dirty." It was about 2 corrupt cops. It was a not good movie but was unable to turn it off or go to sleep with it on. I just laid there and tried to fall asleep which did not work. I ended up taking the puppies outside a couple times (just to be sure they would not go in their crate). I also brought Ashlie into bed with us and all she did was twist and turn all night. I finally took her back to her bed and looked at the clock. It said it was 1:20. All I could think about as I finally drifted to bed was I had to wake up in 4 hours.

I woke up this morning to a very sore knee. I was unable to walk on it without a large limp. I limp on the knee now but this was a big limp. I looked over at my wife and she was just sleeping away (she slept for at least 8 hours). I went in to take a hot shower and try to loosen up my knee. I ran out of hot water before I was ready and when I got out, my beautiful bride was still in bed. She did get up to wake Bug up but nonetheless, still in bed. I hobbled back into the bathroom and got ready for the day.

All day I was on my feet. I know that if you ask Kelley (my administrator) she would probably disagree because she walked in while I was on the computer making a "pop quiz" for math. I got done with school and went to the park to feed the ducks. I ended up carrying Ashlie around which added another 20 some pounds to the knee. Then off to my parents for dinner. Got home and man this knee is sore. Now I am ready to go to bed because with the sore knee and lack of sleep, there is nothing that sounds better now.

Kids and Puppies

What is the deal with kids and puppies. I was sitting here this evening watching my middle child and she was wanting to play but cannot get the concept of holding them a certain way. With the puppies being chocolate labs, we are lucky they are good family dogs. They love Emalie and the runt, Bella, is extremely good with Emalie and her constant need to pack her around. The puppies are also very good with Ashlie and Kaelie. Kaelie does not pay them much attention but Ashlie loves to try and play with them until they put her fingers in their mouth. We are teaching the kids to say "no bite."

I have much to think about these days. I have been very fortunate to have a very caring and loving wife. We might be thinking career change and it is quite the decision. I also have great friends to rely on as well. Jeremy and Sandy have been great to talk to about decisions. I thank God for all these people in my life that are able to help with decision whether short term or long term.

Traveling with Kids

Holy crap!! We went to Eugene/Springfield to hang out with family. We had a wonderful time with our friends/family. There was no downside to anything except riding in the car with 3 tired kids. This was the hardest part of the day!! Good trip though!