Days 84 & 85

Let's talk about Sunday! Sunday was a "fun" day for the cadets... And I use that word rather loosely. Sunday, we woke up around 6am and my mom and I got ready and hit the road by about 6:30am. The drive, when the roads are clear and the weather cooperates, was BEAUTIFUL! We got back home right around 2 hours later, and just relaxed until I had to head into work at 1pm. J went for a run when we left, packed up all his bags and got ready, then his roommate picked him up and they reported back to the academy. They had to report at 12:30pm so they could get... Wait for it..... TEAR GASSED at 1pm! 😳. He said when A company came back from theirs that they all said it was horrible AND they took volunteers to get shot at by rubber bullets. Naturally, J said he'd volunteer. When he was done, he said it was the worst thing he's ever experienced in his life! He felt like he couldn't breathe, and that it felt like he was drowning in fire 😬. J did say that being shot at with the rubber bullets didn't hurt as bad as he thought- especially since they were hit in the back of the leg. He does have a nice welt/ bruise to prove it haha. 

J passed out really early Sunday night, which was good since I know he doesn't get a whole of sleep while he's there. Monday morning I woke up to my daily text from J, and feeling a little stuffy. I went for a run, relaxed then picked up my mom from work and we worked out in the garage. I heard from J around 7pm or so and we chatted on the phone. His day was pretty stress free- for now. The seniors are graduating on Friday, so it'll just be CTC IV-16 at the academy for 2 weeks, so they're expecting the staff officers to be ALL OVER them. I can't believe in one week J and his class will have the opportunity to earn the title of seniors! It feels like just yesterday they reported! Anyways, like I said, their day was pretty stress free. Their PT session wasn't their usual- they had a sort of testing- jumping over walls, etc. Then they had classes on victomology and domestic violence. While I was talking to J, he was shining his brass and boots. He finished everything he needed to do and decided to go to bed early again. I can't blame him- any opportunity to get more sleep, I'd take it too! I can't wait for this 3 day weekend soon! 

85 days down.. 109 to go!! 

💚 AJ

Days 81-83 and adventures in SAC!

Where do I even begin.. Well for starters, I'm currently writing this blog from SACRAMENTO! But let's back track a little. Thursday was a rough day at the academy, emotionally for the officers and cadets. J said they were all talked to by the Captain and Commissioner Farrow about the recent passing of Officer Chellew. They had to practice their formation and marching because that afternoon they'd be attending the bell ceremony at the academy in honor of the officer. Right before noon, the academy's Facebook page streamed the ceremony and I watched it. It was definitely emotional, and I actually didn't start to cry until I heard about his 18 month old baby. I had to work Thursday, and because it was so slow, I spent a majority of my shift checking the weather and I noticed that it wasn't supposed to snow on Friday or Sunday! I heard from J around 8:30pm and let him know my mom and I could make the trip and drive to Sac for the weekend! J was excited and went ahead and booked a hotel room! J passed his shotgun certification but they weren't told right then and there if they passed their first scenario. J said he was really confident he did though. We talked for a little bit longer but then I needed to pack and grab things J needed and/or forgot from the last time he was home. I did have to pack him a suit though- they were informed they may be attending Officer Chellew's funeral service. Friday morning I woke up, got ready for work and loaded up my car! All throughout my shift I kept the weather website and CalTrans website up and just kept refreshing it. I was off at 4, would pick my mom up from work then hit the road. The weather channel kept pushing back what time it would start to snow so I was super excited about the drive! I clocked out right at 4, picked up my mom and started towards Sac! As we were getting closer and closer to the mountains, I noticed it look a little sketchy, but figured it was just cloudy. Oops. Of course, snow started to fall, and visibility went down. And because I didn't change my windshield wipers or add an anti freeze mixture to my wiper fluid, my windshield got really dirty and cloudy fast 😅😳. We made it through the mountains just fine (aside from HORRIBLE drivers) and pulled off at a Shell station where EVERYONE was cleaning their windows (I'm glad it wasn't just me😉). About an hour later, we were greeted by J at our hotel, went out to dinner and grabbed some Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes for dessert 😍. J told us about his day- they learned how to search a building, had more report writing class, and got a PT sandwich as punishment. Today was a pretty laid back day- we just ran some errands and went out to eat. J did drive us around the perimeter of the CHP and tried to point out what was what. It was pretty exciting to see SOME of the academy. Next weekend J has a 3 day weekend (The seniors are graduating on FRIDAY!!!) and his brother and his girlfriend are going to drive with J home so they can experience where we live! I think we're going to go on a snowy hike, hit the casinos and maybe go shoot some rounds 😎 (Sorry MB 😋🤘🏽). I can't wait until It's J's turn to graduate- but until then, he needs to stay focused, study and stay positive! We will get there 🙏🏽. 

83 days down.. 111 to go!! (82 actual academy days left!)

💚 AJ

A Sombering Day 80

Today is sad day for the CHP family. Unfortunately, an officer out of the South Sacramento office was injured, and lost his life 😢  It definitely hit closer to home this time around since J is a cadet at the CHP Academy and they literally just completed their first fountain ceremony. J said that the Staff Officers informed the cadets that were on Wednesday night restriction about the officers passing. J was out to dinner with some of the seniors and they all found out when they got back. I text my uncle who is a CHP Officer and he said his friends told him about the passing as well. J and I were texting back and forth and eventually I asked him if this was giving him second thoughts. He said no, and asked if I was scared. I told him that I'm not scared, but that that thought will always be in the back of my mind. He said him too, but they all understand the risk of taking on this responsibility. I can say though, that seeing all the rigorous training they go through definitely helps to ease my mind. J has 2 big tests tomorrow- scenario testing and shotgun qualification. I told him to just stay positive, stay focused & trust in his training. I'm not really and have never really been a religious person, but I know tonight I'll be saying a couple prayers to watch over the CHP officers and cadets and that they always have someone looking out for them. RIP Officer Chellew 🙏🏽👼🏼

80 days down... 114 to go!

💚 AJ

Days 78 & 79

Guys guess what!? J IS NO LONGER ON THE TRAINING TABLE!!! 🤗🤘🏽 And he did so well on his 2nd PFT. Last time he scored 60-something points and this time he scored 75! He was a little upset because he felt he could've scored 80+ points, but they didn't do the obstacle course this time because of the weather- so they just double their pull-up scores and that actually hurt him. This time around he ran 8:13 for his 1.5 mile compared to 8:18 the first time, 54 push ups (42 last time), 43 sit ups (39 last time), 4 pull ups (1 last time!) and the same 300m time! I'm super proud of him! Running has always been his speciality, but it's so awesome to see him improving in the other areas as well! We chatted for a while, but then at 8pm he had to go to a meeting with all of the company commanders, squad leaders and guidons to go over some marching stuff. He had to study for a little bit afterwards, so we called it a night. Today I woke up and it was SNOWING! It caught everyone off guard because it was not in the forecast. I was off today- so I had to look at hotels, flights and car rentals for my best friends wedding! It's not until May, but since I'm a bridesmaid, I want to make sure I have everything planned ASAP! I went for a nice snowy run, then picked up my mommy from work. We started our workout in our garage gym and I was bombarded with texts from my former athletes. They're a little frustrated right now because they don't have a coach, and the head coach is currently over seeing them, but what he's making them do makes absolutely no sense. So I told them I'd write them up a training plan until someone else with distance running experience takes over. It is a little frustrating that they don't have a coach considering our head coach knew there was a chance we wouldn't be returning since LAST SEASON... But there's nothing that can be done about it now. I'll just have to coach my kids from 500+ miles away because I care too much about them to say "tough shit, not my problem". I heard from J around 6pm and we both talked about our day. I also had to share with him that I don't know if I'll be able to make the drive to SAC this weekend because of the weather. It's supposed to snow again Sunday- and since I work, I don't want to risk not making it, especially with all of these days off I'll be asking for 🙁😞😢. J told me he had report writing class, PMA, and DUI investigation. We talked a little bit more, then J wanted to head off to bed. Hopefully the remainder of this week and next week fly. Luckily next weekend is a 3 day weekend for the cadets! 

79 days down.. 115 to go!!

💚 AJ

Days 75-77

1 more weekend down, a bunch more to go. I didn't get to see J this weekend, but if all goes according to plan, I will get to see him next weekend! Fingers crossed Mother Nature & the weather decide to cooperate! This past weekend, J went to stay at his brothers again since the weather over the hill wasn't too travel appropriate. Friday, J had his usual classes, and range. They had to practice shooting from a different stance so his middle finger/ knuckle took a beating! The weekend was relaxing for both of us. We tried to talk as much as possible, but this upcoming week is very important for J. They have their second PFT on Monday, and J wants to improve his score AND get off the training table! They also start scenarios this week, so J was studying and typing up notes to help him prepare. Sunday I woke up feeling a little under the weather- hopefully that'll go away ASAP! J headed back to the academy earlier than usual so he could prepare for the upcoming week. He told me he and his roommate named their guns- J named his "Jolene", pretty clever if you ask me 😂. We talked a little longer, and then he went to bed. I'm hoping this week flies by, this bug goes away ASAP, and Mother Nature is kind this weekend 🤘🏽✌🏽. 

77 days down.. 117 to go! 

💚 AJ

Days 72- 74

This week FLEW by! I can't believe tomorrow will be Friday already! But unfortunately, J isn't coming home. He's had a pretty busy week with classes and what not. Tuesday J had drill, report writing, range and persons with disabilities. Yes, it was Valentine's Day, but J and I have never really been big on that "holiday". We both personally feel that if you care about someone and love them, you show them that more than just one day a year. Because of that, I picked up an 8 hour shift that day. I can always use extra shifts (because it = $$), especially since I have so many events planned throughout this year. Because J had a longer day, we talked for a little bit, but he was busy shining his boots and cleaning his gun. Wednesday they had PT in the morning, a test (I need to ask J how he did!), their crime scene/ evidence/ forensic class, PMA, and domestic violence class. I had work on Wednesday, but heard from J at 4:45pm! He said they were actually released on time AND he had Liberty. He said he went out and had chipotle AND cold stone. I know J is really excited for their PFT on Monday because he's expecting to be removed from the training table- he shouldn't even be on it in the first place but oh well haha. Today I woke up because the wind was SO strong and loud! I woke up BEFORE J text me good morning so I was actually able to respond to him for once Hahahahah. Today they had classes on victomology, PMA and domestic violence. J said that because they were late to PMA, they had to stay in a deep squat position until all the cadets showed up- so they ended up squatting for 10 minutes! When they started to march, his legs felt like JELLLOOOO! We talked for a little bit longer and dabbled with the idea that I go to Sacramento next weekend. Next Sunday the Junior class is supposed to go get pepper sprayed AND tear gassed, so I figured the least I could do is go to J so he doesn't have to drive so much before a big nerve wracking event! As long as the weather cooperates of course. For now, it'll just be another mommy- daughter weekend 😍

74 days down.. 120 to go! 

💚 AJ

Days 69 -71

Another weekend bites the dust... Meh. I have such a love hate relationship with these damn weekends. After not seeing J last weekend, it was so nice to have him home this past weekend. Saturday we were busy doing stuff all day! We slept in for a little bit on Saturday, then J and I went for a 7 mile run together. It felt nice to have my running buddy back- even if it was only for 1 run. When we got back, we joined my mom in our garage gym and did a little work out. Then we showered and did our usual laundromat run. After all that fun stuff, J and I made FIVE CHP PT shirts. I was so nervous making them. I didn't want to mess mine up because that'd mean J would have to buy more shirts and re-make them. Needless to say, I made some pretty good shirts 😉. After a couple of hours making shirts, we went and got PIZZA 😍🍕 for dinner then just relaxed for the rest of the night. Sunday morning we all went out and had breakfast together. I got this delicious pulled pork omelette while J had HUGE banana pancakes. We got back home, shaved J's head, and got ready for me to leave to work and J back to the Academy. Unfortunately there was ANOTHER mudslide which meant the freeway had a TON of traffic. When I got off work at 6pm, J was still driving back to the academy. I called him on my way home and could tell he was frustrated with all this traffic. This winter hasn't been kind and has caused so many hurdles travel wise. Then J said that dreaded sentence that I didn't want to hear- "I don't know if I'll be coming home next week or the week after that". I won't lie- my eyes teared up, but I understood where he was coming from. This weekend we're supposed to have ANOTHER snow storm coming in, and next weekend the cadets have to report to the academy on Sunday for pepper spray and tear gas day, so it doesn't make sense for J to have to drive back and forth in so little time. Luckily though, in early March, J will have a 3 day weekend since the seniors will be graduating. 
Monday I woke up to my usual good morning text. I was off, so I just relaxed in the morning, then ran another 7 miles and worked out with my family in the evening. I heard from J a little after 8pm. He said it was a loooooong day. They had PT, then classes (Vehicle Pullovers, PMA, DUI enforcement) then their monthly stress resiliency class. J was super happy because during PT they ran the full perimeter and ended up running 4 miles total. Not the mileage he'd like- but better than the 1.5 miles they usually do 😉. J and I text for a little bit because he had so much stuff to do, but I was excited to tell him I got our cabin booked! He seemed really excited for that! We said our good nights and that was that. Even though I know I won't see J for at least 2 weekends, I'm thankful we at least get to talk every night. I don't know how he feels, but I know the days and weeks go by fast on my end, so I'm REALLY thankful for that. If my calculations are correct- there should only be 91 actual academy days left! 

71 days down.. 123 to go!!

💚 AJ

Days 65-68

Well I was sitting, waiting, wishing.... FOR J TO GET HOME... Today has been A CRAZY day on the roads... So many roads near Lake Tahoe were shut down because of the floods, there were avalanches, mud slides, trees falling over and blocking roads, good lord! J had to take an alternate route home because the main freeway he drives had a huge mudslide and was shut down practically the whole day. He left around 6/6:30pm and I'm still waiting for him (10:50pm) 😫. I'm going to keep this post short so I can make some food for J, but from what it seems, he had a pretty good week. This week was a lot of classroom time from them. They learned about DUI stops, persons with disabilities, report writing, etc. I know these next few weeks will start to get stressful because of scenario testings. But good news- J got his CHP PT shirt back! No more marshmallow! Buuuuut that means we have shirts to make this weekend 😬. I'm sure I'll hear more about his week once he gets home! But for now- let me make some food for my cadet! 

68 days down.. 126 to go!

💚 AJ

Days 61- 64

J got ANOTHER commendable y'all! But first let me backtrack. This weekend J didn't come home, but he did get to hang out and stay with his brother & his girlfriend for the weekend. They spent the weekend hanging out, eating and letting J practice his new handcuffing techniques on them. We all got a video of it and could not stop laughing. J's brother played the part of a drunk old man SO WELL 😂 . I spent the weekend hanging out with my mommy- watching movies & shopping. We stopped by David's Bridal because I needed to try on a bridesmaid dress for my best friends wedding, and we ended up buying some swatches that I think will be the colors for J's & my wedding! Luckily for me, J LIKED THEM 😉. Sunday I went in to work early since the owners were going to close early so we could all enjoy the Super Bowl (Damn you Falcons). After the Super Bowl, my mom and I needed to laugh, so we watched "Sisters" with Tina Fey & Amy Poehler. Let me just say... HIL-AR-IOUS! J text me when he got back to the academy and was a little disappointed that no other cadet wanted to run- J thinks it's because he threw out the dreaded words "track workout". Maybe it's because J and I LOVE running, but it is disappointing that no cadet is willing to push themselves on a Sunday to get in better shape. It's only going to help them while they're there and in the long run- but to each their own I guess. Monday was a "stay in under the blankets" type of day. It was rainy, and dark and windy- however I did go outside and go for a run. During my run, I encountered some strong headwinds and not so friendly geese 😬😳. I heard from J around 5:45pm to the news that he got his SECOND commendable! He said one of the Staff Officers was walking in his direction and some of his fellow cadets ran away. J went to say good morning sir and the SO asked for some volunteers. All J and a few other cadets had to do was help move boxes and the SO told them to turn in a commendable! Side note- that particular SO is also J's Staff counselor 😉. J said they had a good day and started to learn about DUI enforcements. After dinner, some of his classmates got together and they went out and practiced shot gun for a few. We talked on the phone for a little bit after that, then J needed to shower and shine his boots. Fingers crossed I'll see J this weekend!

64 days down.. 130 to go! 

💚 AJ

Days 58- 60

These past 3 days have been LONG for the cadets- which means not a lot of extra time to catch up. Tuesday I LITERALLY talked to J for 1 minute. He called around 9:30pm, said it was a really long day and he was going to bed, but just wanted to call and say I love you. Wednesday morning, I woke up, went for a run, then went in to work from 1-7pm. I heard from J around 9pm after restriction. We talked very briefly but he did give me a QUICK run down of his day- they had PT in the morning, practiced for the fountain ceremony, had their forensics class, took their baton certification test (HE PASSED!), had lunch, performed the fountain ceremony, had dinner, then went to restriction. We talked for a couple more minutes then called it a night. Tonight, I heard from J around 8:45pm and had another short, 10 minute conversation via text. Today J and his company got to shoot shotguns and learned handcuffing protocol. They had an agency EVOC test and he said it was pretty easy and straight forward but no results yet. This week, for lack of better of terms, has SUCKED. But that's okay- because it will all be worth it in the long run. This weekend I'm looking forward to just hanging out with my mom. Fingers crossed I'll get to see J next weekend though! I really do miss him..

60 days down.. 134 to go! 

💚 AJ