*After proof reading this I realized this is a post for me to express how I feel about Allison and I's life and where it will be in the next 5 years.
Since I am waiting on a phone call I thought I would write two posts today. This one will deal with being away from family.
Allison and I have forgotten what it is like to be away from family and friends. Or maybe we just didn't really care when we were 23 year old kids living 4 thousand miles away. The biggest obstacle we face living in South Dakota is being away from family. This is for a couple of reasons.
One, we have grown accustomed to traveling to see family and friends. It was nothing for us to pick up on an extended weekend to travel a couple hundred miles to see someone. I think we traveled anywhere from 20 to 25 thousand miles a year for 3, almost 4 years. At least 70 percent of those miles were to see family and friends. Now it is hard. There really is just no easy way to get back to see everyone when and as often as we want. It is over 1000 miles one way to get back to the closest of our friends. It would cost us 500 to 600 dollars a person to fly back home.
The second reason why it is harder this go around is because of our younger family members. My sister has a 10 month old son who we are going to miss out on for the next 5 years. My little brother will have graduated high school by the time we move. Our best friends daughter will walk, talk, and start kindergarten before we have a chance to even have a remote possibility of seeing them on a regular basis.
This is not a whine post, this is an adjustment post. It has only been 3 months in South Dakota. Though we have enjoyed our time, we cannot help but ponder and think about how much we are going to miss out on. There is always a reason for everything God puts in your way. Sometimes it is not as perfect as you would like it to be.
I have been blessed with a great wife and a job I finally feel I belong in. I loved being cop, but mainly because it was fun. I feel challenged in my job every day. It is a great feeling. But there is a sacrifice. I have taken my wife from the comfort and love she wants and needs on a daily basis. She is a trooper and has gladly gone, but I know this is not what she wants. We made this decision. She knew what this meant for our family and she sacrificed more than I have had to in our marriage. I will never be able to thank her enough for that.
We will get accustomed to living here and being away from family and friends. It will not be easy, but we will do it. If it were not for our faith and understanding in God's plan I do not think we would make it here. Luckily we both believe, and do our best, to allow His plans to guide us, even if we do not understand them.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Birthday Wishes
First of all I would like to thank everyone that made my wife feel loved and missed. My wife has a big heart and gives it to people she loves. It was a blessing, and a needed felt emotion, she received from everyone who wished her a happy birthday. She does not always think or understand how much she means to people. This was a great "birthday month" for her to understand how much she means to people and is loved.
That being said, Happy Birthday (on blogger)! I have said it before, but you are truly the greatest gift God has given me. You continually surprise me and make my life awesome. I cannot explain my gratitude or love for you. And on top of all that, you continually sacrifice to make our small family work, excel, and have more than enough love.
I love you with all my heart, and as you once told me (as gay as it sounds) "my cup, truly, runneth over."
Thank you for being you and for choosing me..........
That being said, Happy Birthday (on blogger)! I have said it before, but you are truly the greatest gift God has given me. You continually surprise me and make my life awesome. I cannot explain my gratitude or love for you. And on top of all that, you continually sacrifice to make our small family work, excel, and have more than enough love.
I love you with all my heart, and as you once told me (as gay as it sounds) "my cup, truly, runneth over."
Thank you for being you and for choosing me..........
Monday, March 21, 2011
South Dakota
So far South Dakota has not been that bad of a place to live. The whole state is laid back. There is a total of 750,000 people in the whole state. For those of you that cannot comprehend that number, it is the equivalent of the city of Columbus, Ohio (not all the small towns around it). Now spread that out through out a state that is pretty much two Ohio's placed next to each other. Needless to say it is a little different than Allison and I are used to.
We were driving back from Rapid City yesterday from our weekend get-away. It was roughly 200 miles and the drive was beautiful. It was Allison's first trip out of Pierre since we arrived in South Dakota. . I get to see what South Dakota has to offer every day and I wanted to show Allison these places. We took the backroads, though they aren't really much different from THE Interstate ave for 75 mph speed limit and 2 lane road instead of 4). As we drove through the Badlands and the countryside we both could not help but marvel at the awesomeness of our surroundings.
To many times in major, or any, cities people get lost in their surroundings. People rarely, if ever, take the time to see what or how things are just on their own. Our trip was phenomenal. We saw a golden eagle and its nest. We saw tons of deer and cows (not to impressive for people from Ohio, but cool none the less). We went early in the morning to Mount Rushmore and got to hear the silence. All we heard was the hard blowing wind in the trees and see the sun over top of the mountains and trees. The Black Hills are beautiful, but standing on the eastern part of the hills and looking out into the plains (where Pierre is located) was inspiring as well.
Growing up in Ohio I can appreciate farm land, but there are alot trees. South Dakota has fewer trees than people (meaning hardly any at all). So as you are driving you can easily see at least 30-40 miles in every direction. It is amazing. The land makes you feel so small. The colors already in March are something to see. I cannot wait for the summer when everything is alive and more colorful.
The only things that eluded us, which I was hoping Allison could see since I have a couple of times, was a herd of buffalo and an american bald eagle. Allison said that the buffalo apparently are her "great white buffalo." We have plenty of time to see these of course, but I was hoping for her to get to see them.
I have rambled a lot. I have tried to piece this post together as best I can, but not sure if I did a good job. I cannot express in my limited vocabulary how wonderful it is to see this state. I know it will be an adjustment for us to move back to a more popular area, but I am hoping that we enjoy our time here as much as possible. If you have not had a chance I recommend driving out west and taking as many backroads as possible. Get off of the highway and enjoy the scenery.
I will try and post some pictures when we get some internet service at our apartment.
We were driving back from Rapid City yesterday from our weekend get-away. It was roughly 200 miles and the drive was beautiful. It was Allison's first trip out of Pierre since we arrived in South Dakota. . I get to see what South Dakota has to offer every day and I wanted to show Allison these places. We took the backroads, though they aren't really much different from THE Interstate ave for 75 mph speed limit and 2 lane road instead of 4). As we drove through the Badlands and the countryside we both could not help but marvel at the awesomeness of our surroundings.
To many times in major, or any, cities people get lost in their surroundings. People rarely, if ever, take the time to see what or how things are just on their own. Our trip was phenomenal. We saw a golden eagle and its nest. We saw tons of deer and cows (not to impressive for people from Ohio, but cool none the less). We went early in the morning to Mount Rushmore and got to hear the silence. All we heard was the hard blowing wind in the trees and see the sun over top of the mountains and trees. The Black Hills are beautiful, but standing on the eastern part of the hills and looking out into the plains (where Pierre is located) was inspiring as well.
Growing up in Ohio I can appreciate farm land, but there are alot trees. South Dakota has fewer trees than people (meaning hardly any at all). So as you are driving you can easily see at least 30-40 miles in every direction. It is amazing. The land makes you feel so small. The colors already in March are something to see. I cannot wait for the summer when everything is alive and more colorful.
The only things that eluded us, which I was hoping Allison could see since I have a couple of times, was a herd of buffalo and an american bald eagle. Allison said that the buffalo apparently are her "great white buffalo." We have plenty of time to see these of course, but I was hoping for her to get to see them.
I have rambled a lot. I have tried to piece this post together as best I can, but not sure if I did a good job. I cannot express in my limited vocabulary how wonderful it is to see this state. I know it will be an adjustment for us to move back to a more popular area, but I am hoping that we enjoy our time here as much as possible. If you have not had a chance I recommend driving out west and taking as many backroads as possible. Get off of the highway and enjoy the scenery.
I will try and post some pictures when we get some internet service at our apartment.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tree?!?! Are you kidding me?
For those of you who may not know, my 5 month reprieve from Blogging turned into a year and a half. This is mainly due to a torn disc in my back. It knocked me out of commission for a little bit. This entry has to deal with my new adventure.
I have been pretty active in physical activities for most of my life. Many sports, extra curriculars, etc. Through these activities I have had many opportunities that I would not have had without them. Through all of this though there has been one thing that has been a challenge. A little thing called FLEXIBILITY. I could not, and still can't, touch my toes (or come 6 inches from) if I bend over and try. This is one of the many areas in which I lack limberness. I was able to get away with this while I was a young lad and in my 20's. Now that I am (cough) 31 and have had a major back issue I need to change. This is important so that I am able to walk when I am 40. In order to do this I have had to take on the biggest challenge of my life: YOGA.
Most of the individuals in yoga, including my wife, are under 6 feet tall. I take classes on Tuesday and Thursday with 2 different teachers. Until last night I had only been able to get to the Tuesday session due to work. The Tuesday session is pretty nice. The instructor is a small woman. She does a pretty good job of easing the class (me) into positions and working gradually into flexibility. This is not to say that I am to a point where I need to be, but I can at least handle the pace. Thursdays I have learned are a completely different animal.
Before I progress into the events of last night, let me paint you a picture. All of you know how, for lack of a better word, large I am. Well if you have not had the good fortune of taking a yoga class I shall draw you a mental picture. There are mirrors at the front and sides of the classroom. They turn the lights down to a small glimmer and there is usually pan flute, or other wind instrument, music playing softly in the background. If it wasn't for the low tone and slow pace of the instructor's voice telling you poses, or "salutations", it would be a great way to take a nap. Now add me in the back of the class of about 10 to 15 people, all of whom come to my shoulders. This is a rather hilarious sight. Everyone looks in the mirrors to make sure that they are performing everything properly, hips in the right direction, straight core, head up, etc. I have to look at other people in the mirrors because if I look at myself it is hilarious and humiliating at the same time. As athletic as I am I look like a freaking sequoia tree trying to bend in all these crazy directions with my ginormous limbs flailing everywhere.
Last night I believe I became a distraction. As I have mentioned Tuesday's are laid back, gradual. Thursday's are a "hey, get into it!" It is still all of the same music, lighting, etc, but Thursday's instructor is there to give you a work out. It started out with exercises that we usually end on on Tuesdays. 10 minutes into this class I was sweating like I had just run 2 miles. My body as I looked into the mirror was being contorted in ways that it has never been, and yet it did not look anything like what everyone else in the class was doing. About half way through we started doing planks. I could handle the push up plank, but then we started into the star planks, etc. I was all over the place. I was flopping around like a fish. I could not help but laugh at myself, which caused my wife to look at me and start to snicker as well. This would not be the worst part.
To give our arms a rest and stretch them out we were told to put our arms behind our backs, interlace our fingers, and push out. We were then told to bend at the waist and bring our hands, with arms out, above our heads. I paused at first thinking, "Is she out of her freaking mind?", my hands were not clasped behind my back, but at my ass. When I leaned forward my hands stayed glued to my ass as my body bent at a 90 degree angle (which is not good). I lifted my head and saw that everyone else had their head inverted close to their knees and arms straight up in the air. My pose was ridiculous. I moved my shoulders a little to see if trying to loosen them would help. Alas, it was to no avail. At the time I did my "shimmy" of my shoulders my wife looked at me and started laughing. As she laughed I was trying to hold back my laughter. Both of us ended up snickering and turning red. Obviously it was not as quiet as we thought, but we had no other choice.
There were a few more incidents where I struggled mightily and was a comic presence, unwittingly of course, that became a distraction. I came to find out later that my wife was laughing so hard, because she thought I was stuck and could not move out of the position. I know I am completely inflexible, but that is a little ridiculous.
This yoga stuff is rough. I need it to help me survive. I do not see an end to my comedy performances in the near future. Unfortunately I must endure. To those of you that know yoga, or have been privy to a class or two, I hope you can appreciate the pain and discomfort that I am in currently. Any sympathies will be greatly appreciated.
I have been pretty active in physical activities for most of my life. Many sports, extra curriculars, etc. Through these activities I have had many opportunities that I would not have had without them. Through all of this though there has been one thing that has been a challenge. A little thing called FLEXIBILITY. I could not, and still can't, touch my toes (or come 6 inches from) if I bend over and try. This is one of the many areas in which I lack limberness. I was able to get away with this while I was a young lad and in my 20's. Now that I am (cough) 31 and have had a major back issue I need to change. This is important so that I am able to walk when I am 40. In order to do this I have had to take on the biggest challenge of my life: YOGA.
Most of the individuals in yoga, including my wife, are under 6 feet tall. I take classes on Tuesday and Thursday with 2 different teachers. Until last night I had only been able to get to the Tuesday session due to work. The Tuesday session is pretty nice. The instructor is a small woman. She does a pretty good job of easing the class (me) into positions and working gradually into flexibility. This is not to say that I am to a point where I need to be, but I can at least handle the pace. Thursdays I have learned are a completely different animal.
Before I progress into the events of last night, let me paint you a picture. All of you know how, for lack of a better word, large I am. Well if you have not had the good fortune of taking a yoga class I shall draw you a mental picture. There are mirrors at the front and sides of the classroom. They turn the lights down to a small glimmer and there is usually pan flute, or other wind instrument, music playing softly in the background. If it wasn't for the low tone and slow pace of the instructor's voice telling you poses, or "salutations", it would be a great way to take a nap. Now add me in the back of the class of about 10 to 15 people, all of whom come to my shoulders. This is a rather hilarious sight. Everyone looks in the mirrors to make sure that they are performing everything properly, hips in the right direction, straight core, head up, etc. I have to look at other people in the mirrors because if I look at myself it is hilarious and humiliating at the same time. As athletic as I am I look like a freaking sequoia tree trying to bend in all these crazy directions with my ginormous limbs flailing everywhere.
Last night I believe I became a distraction. As I have mentioned Tuesday's are laid back, gradual. Thursday's are a "hey, get into it!" It is still all of the same music, lighting, etc, but Thursday's instructor is there to give you a work out. It started out with exercises that we usually end on on Tuesdays. 10 minutes into this class I was sweating like I had just run 2 miles. My body as I looked into the mirror was being contorted in ways that it has never been, and yet it did not look anything like what everyone else in the class was doing. About half way through we started doing planks. I could handle the push up plank, but then we started into the star planks, etc. I was all over the place. I was flopping around like a fish. I could not help but laugh at myself, which caused my wife to look at me and start to snicker as well. This would not be the worst part.
To give our arms a rest and stretch them out we were told to put our arms behind our backs, interlace our fingers, and push out. We were then told to bend at the waist and bring our hands, with arms out, above our heads. I paused at first thinking, "Is she out of her freaking mind?", my hands were not clasped behind my back, but at my ass. When I leaned forward my hands stayed glued to my ass as my body bent at a 90 degree angle (which is not good). I lifted my head and saw that everyone else had their head inverted close to their knees and arms straight up in the air. My pose was ridiculous. I moved my shoulders a little to see if trying to loosen them would help. Alas, it was to no avail. At the time I did my "shimmy" of my shoulders my wife looked at me and started laughing. As she laughed I was trying to hold back my laughter. Both of us ended up snickering and turning red. Obviously it was not as quiet as we thought, but we had no other choice.
There were a few more incidents where I struggled mightily and was a comic presence, unwittingly of course, that became a distraction. I came to find out later that my wife was laughing so hard, because she thought I was stuck and could not move out of the position. I know I am completely inflexible, but that is a little ridiculous.
This yoga stuff is rough. I need it to help me survive. I do not see an end to my comedy performances in the near future. Unfortunately I must endure. To those of you that know yoga, or have been privy to a class or two, I hope you can appreciate the pain and discomfort that I am in currently. Any sympathies will be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Hello Boys....I'm Back!!!
I have decided to continue my blog. It has been about a year and a half since my last post. I will not be speaking on my current profession. I will however, be speaking about my personal experiences in South Dakota "dohn't yah Knohw". So that is just the precursor. I will try and write later, but am busy as of now.
Also if there are any readers still there, I have gotten my wife to start a blog. Her first post made me laugh as hard as I could.
Her blog is : acpettyjohn.blogspot.com
Also if there are any readers still there, I have gotten my wife to start a blog. Her first post made me laugh as hard as I could.
Her blog is : acpettyjohn.blogspot.com
Monday, November 30, 2009
Short Timer
Since I am not technically a police officer as of December 5, 2009 I have changed my blog title. I will take suggestions on a better title, but as of now it is the best I could think of in 20 seconds.
My next item to speak of is my sabbatical I will be taking. I am venturing into a new career which means that I will not have access to this blog for pretty much half a year. Now I know you are saying "He hardly writes on here anyways!" So at least I have conditioned the 2 readers I have to long periods of waiting on my every word.
Seriously though, I am excited for the upcoming change. It will be tough and at times I am sure I will hate it, but it is for the betterment of my family and that is all I can ask out of life. I say farewell to the blog world for 6 months (or so) and look forward to seeing you on the flip side.
In case any one is wondering I start on December 6, 2009. I am leaving my current city of Indianapolis on 12.3 to go spend a few days with my wife in D.C.
Thank you for reading my "Cop's Perspective". Think of new titles and I will try and post when I can, and about things that are on my mind.
My next item to speak of is my sabbatical I will be taking. I am venturing into a new career which means that I will not have access to this blog for pretty much half a year. Now I know you are saying "He hardly writes on here anyways!" So at least I have conditioned the 2 readers I have to long periods of waiting on my every word.
Seriously though, I am excited for the upcoming change. It will be tough and at times I am sure I will hate it, but it is for the betterment of my family and that is all I can ask out of life. I say farewell to the blog world for 6 months (or so) and look forward to seeing you on the flip side.
In case any one is wondering I start on December 6, 2009. I am leaving my current city of Indianapolis on 12.3 to go spend a few days with my wife in D.C.
Thank you for reading my "Cop's Perspective". Think of new titles and I will try and post when I can, and about things that are on my mind.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
New Adventures
Tonight is my last day of work at the Louisville Metro Police Department. I am writing from my MDT while waiting for time to pass. I cannot believe how fast 4 years has gone by. It is amazing to think of the friends, stories, experiences, excitements, and craziness that I have seen in the short time I rode the street. I would like to think I am the same person, however I know this to be untrue. From changing my mentality and outlook on society in the academy, to change related to the real life that most of us (including myself)will, or would, never see.
I am still amazed at how some people live their lives. It is sad, angering, and unbelievable how people will treat each other, especially those that they are supposed to love and care for most. Life, from what I have learned with this "life style" (what a cop calls their career), is a precious gift that can be taken at any time. It amazes me that people feel they have no life or way out. It amazes me that people are so small minded and selfish. And it amazes me that people are really as stupid as they are. Police have become the scape goats for parents with their children. They have become social workers, parents, and crutches for people who, because of one reason or another, never learned to be an adult and are raising children who will never be adults. I do not know where society is going, and am not sure I would want to live in this society if the small percentage I deal with becomes bigger or more prominent.
That it is more negative than I expected. Though I have a skewed view on a portion of society, my experience has been great. I would not change the past 4 years of my life for anything. I would love to stay a cop for my whole 20 year career. My friends and peers are like family that I would do anything for. There is nothing that can compare to the excitement, fear, and experiences one shares as a police officer with another officer. The camaraderie of a platoon is second to none. You learn to trust your partner with your life. Both parties can tell what the other is thinking without saying a word. One look, or nothing at all, and both of you know what needs to be done. The jokes, the laughter, the humor at the expense of some citizens cannot be explained, and sometimes should not be explained. As negative as I made the profession sound in the last paragraph, words cannot explain the positive experience, fun, and enjoyment that I have had.
There is no other experience, or profession, that can claim to relate or give experience to what being a police officer is. It is more than a job, it is a "life style." Hoping for excitement and a chance to have some fun, all while hoping it is not going to cost you your life or safety. It is an extension of a family. Once you are a cop, you are always a cop. You stop being a regular individual in society. One acts and becomes a completely different. It is a necessity to deal, and survive, with the horrors and atrocities that are seen. It truly is a brotherhood that cannot be explained.
I will miss my fellow officers that I have come to respect and admire. I will miss the red and blue mixed with the sirens. Cussing people out as they become deers in headlights when I am trying to get to an emergency run. The thrill of hammering the throttle and driving the crap out of an "old man" car. Nothing I do will ever be the same as a police officer riding the street. I am looking forward, and cannot wait, for my new career to start. But a piece of me will always remember and yearn for the excitement of a first responder.
I know none of them will read this, but; To all the officers I have worked with I wish you health and luck. Thank you for letting me share in a part of the most wonderful experience and profession of being a police officer. I hope that I have made your lives easier and little bit more enjoyable. Be safe, and remember the most important thing is to go home safe and in one piece every night. It truly was an honor to know and work with all of you.
I am still amazed at how some people live their lives. It is sad, angering, and unbelievable how people will treat each other, especially those that they are supposed to love and care for most. Life, from what I have learned with this "life style" (what a cop calls their career), is a precious gift that can be taken at any time. It amazes me that people feel they have no life or way out. It amazes me that people are so small minded and selfish. And it amazes me that people are really as stupid as they are. Police have become the scape goats for parents with their children. They have become social workers, parents, and crutches for people who, because of one reason or another, never learned to be an adult and are raising children who will never be adults. I do not know where society is going, and am not sure I would want to live in this society if the small percentage I deal with becomes bigger or more prominent.
That it is more negative than I expected. Though I have a skewed view on a portion of society, my experience has been great. I would not change the past 4 years of my life for anything. I would love to stay a cop for my whole 20 year career. My friends and peers are like family that I would do anything for. There is nothing that can compare to the excitement, fear, and experiences one shares as a police officer with another officer. The camaraderie of a platoon is second to none. You learn to trust your partner with your life. Both parties can tell what the other is thinking without saying a word. One look, or nothing at all, and both of you know what needs to be done. The jokes, the laughter, the humor at the expense of some citizens cannot be explained, and sometimes should not be explained. As negative as I made the profession sound in the last paragraph, words cannot explain the positive experience, fun, and enjoyment that I have had.
There is no other experience, or profession, that can claim to relate or give experience to what being a police officer is. It is more than a job, it is a "life style." Hoping for excitement and a chance to have some fun, all while hoping it is not going to cost you your life or safety. It is an extension of a family. Once you are a cop, you are always a cop. You stop being a regular individual in society. One acts and becomes a completely different. It is a necessity to deal, and survive, with the horrors and atrocities that are seen. It truly is a brotherhood that cannot be explained.
I will miss my fellow officers that I have come to respect and admire. I will miss the red and blue mixed with the sirens. Cussing people out as they become deers in headlights when I am trying to get to an emergency run. The thrill of hammering the throttle and driving the crap out of an "old man" car. Nothing I do will ever be the same as a police officer riding the street. I am looking forward, and cannot wait, for my new career to start. But a piece of me will always remember and yearn for the excitement of a first responder.
I know none of them will read this, but; To all the officers I have worked with I wish you health and luck. Thank you for letting me share in a part of the most wonderful experience and profession of being a police officer. I hope that I have made your lives easier and little bit more enjoyable. Be safe, and remember the most important thing is to go home safe and in one piece every night. It truly was an honor to know and work with all of you.
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