Yoga and Fire Fighting Tales from Rural Maine: Freedom

For the last seven months, I have not gone anywhere without my Fire Fighter Skills textbook and workbook and my practice rope. And then more recently, I also brought along 200+ flash cards. I've studied in doctor's offices, my car, waiting rooms, guest rooms, other people's kitchens, at three separate fire departments...And almost every morning, I set my kitchen timer for an hour and studied before I did anything else in my day.

We took our pro-board exams on Monday night, so until I learn whether I passed them, I no longer need to carry these things around and bend my days around the need to learn more about fire suppression systems or hazardous materials or forestry or chemistry or ventilation or any other fire-service-related thing.

It feels incredible--but also really, really weird--to be walking and driving and being in the world without my red backpack full of fire fighter study materials. It's like getting a cast off. Or losing 20 pounds. I feel lighter...but it's also funny-feeling, disorienting. Like, I know things are alright, but at the same time, I keep feeling like something's missing.

I'm so excited to have that elusive creature called "free time" return to my life! At least temporarily...I still need to prep for the practical skills test, but first? I'm mowing my gosh-darned lawn!

My big friend, the Jones & Bartlett Fire Fighter Skills workbook, third edition.