Paths~

In a perfect world, no one plays favorites with kids, especially their own, and no one is supposed to play favorites at work. I think that is why HR was created. Either that or the people that are spineless wonders can't take jokes in the real world, and need babysitters. Ok, anyway..

A short.... for explanation. I remember one of my favorite Sergeants, whom I never had the pleasure of working for, pulling along side me one night and telling me he would be putting in for the K-9 position that would be opening soon. UMMM WHAT? I was young, naive (yep I did not always know everything people!!) and couldn't fathom why he would be leaving the perfect squad with the perfect hours and weekends off. He soon explained. In police land, you are either liked, well-liked, loved beyond words or are just taking up space with your fat head. This particular supervisor was loved beyond words by everyone....especially staff and he was told, he would be testing for the postion. One of my first, "ah ha," moments as a rookie. In other words, he would be going through the motions of the testing process and undoubtedly get number one, and would make his mark in the special assignment.... and that there, was the beginning of a planned path for him. One that he never thought he would take. If you know nothing about government, know this... It is not what you know... IT IS WHETHER THE PEOPLE THAT COUNT, LIKE YOU. Ok, half joking. (Side Note: He is one of the most loved Commanders now. Paths I tell you... they are laid out for you when you least expect it and most often, rather than not, you should follow it... if only out of morbid curiosity!!! ... Just sayin')

If you didn't think I was serious about being really out of it the past month.... trust in this...... On TJ's work days, I seriously may have said 15 words to him and spent about 5 minutes awake with him. I am not joking. This is not good because we destress together after his shift and he tells me things that he needs to talk about. I return the favor by ranting and raving about how one small child swallowed a magnetic steel ball or how one sassy girl is going to get her mouth duct taped shut if she is not careful. At any rate, somehow, someway, Tommy and I missed one very, very large...... GIGANTIC, conversation with each other this month.

A path had been set for Tommy. At work, that is. I knew that this would happen. Eventually. Unfortunately there were some obstacles that he had to take the lead on and overcome, or the path was going to be blocked. Still, we didn't catch each other to discuss this. Kinda like me forgetting to tell him I am pregnant-kind-big-stuff. *(NOOOOOOOOOOOO, I am not pregnant... just an example...BREATHE TOMMY)

Imagine my surprise when I listen to my answering machine one afternoon to hear some random guy leave, my guy, a message about his start date for school. I thought maybe he had misspoken and meant some kind of specialized training school, at work. I wondered if he was going to be traveling for his training and if I was going to tag along........ Fingers crossed we are hitting VEGAS BABY! (I have my priorities!!)

Yeah, not so much.

When we finally sat down for dinner I asked him about the message. He looked at me sort of puzzled and then said,

"Oh I guess I didn't tell you, or did I? I am going back to school. I am testing for Lieutenant."

Yeah, I think I would have remembered that one. I think I would have remembered that I needed to come up with, oh $16,000.00.... by, like, Tuesday, of last week. Yeah, I think, nope, I know I would have remembered if someone would have mentioned any of this to me, prior to the week before school starting. The kids sat staring with their mouths full-on open, with food inside them.

Jax is really inquisitive about Daddy going back to school. Of course none of it made sense when I joked....
Here is how it works.
Daddy goes to school.
Daddy tests for Lieutenant.
Daddy makes Lieutenant.
Mommy forks out $16 grand for a $12 grand raise.
Jax just stared into space at that point. I told him I was kidding. Kinda.

Daddy gets to start doing homework with the kiddos now, so that is really cool to them. They don't quite understand what his homework will entail. I do know that, technically, Tommy could retire and be a stay at home Dad right along side stay at home Mom. Spending every waking and sleeping and resting and working out and shopping and lunching and playing and teaching the kids about school stuff, and cleaning the house, and ..... oh man that list is getting long.........minute of every day of every week of every month, with me.

Yep, Tommy is going back to school. And come hell or high water, if Tommy retires from the force in 4 years.... this schooling better come in handy for his second career!

Just kidding Hon, I love you and am so proud of your decision to do this! You are going to do amazing!

And I can't wait, to one day, pin your Lieutenant badge on you!

No pressure!