The new Okanagan Falls waste water treatment plant

Fire practice last night consisted of a tour of the new Okanangan Falls Wastewater treatment site. Interesting, but smelly in places...hee hee

Here's a couple pictures of what's there.

As you can see here, one of the bioreactors isn't in use. According to Lisa, "it prefers to remain empty when not in use."

However as you can see here, the exterior of it has water in it. It's agitated regularly but this reactor is not in use.

Okanagan Falls runs on one reactor right now. It was interesting to see how the waste was filtered, fed bugs which kept the gases down and then after much filtering, recycling and filting (it gets done 3X I think she said) before leaving the plant.

According to the tour this plant is based on an all natural rinse, recycle, reuse process.

I've attached a link to the RDOS plans because it shows the details of the whole area.

The difference between failure and success - try and do

As a fire fighter I know that to try to do my best isn't good enough. I have to be able to do my best. Whatever that may be.

I should have catnaps more often! I've been struggling with a letter I wrote this morning to the President and CEO of  the corporation I work for concerning my enlightened journey through their businesses and realizing I don't fit in.

My thought as I lay there was, "The difference between failure and success are the simple words 'try' and 'do'. To try, one expects to fail. To do, one expects to succeed."

"Do or do not do, there is no try." Yoda had a huge affect on me as I was growing up. His words throughout the movies always hit deeper then just being a star on a show. Today this movie moment is no different for me then when I was a kid watching him for the first time.

"Attempting to pick up a piece of trash is really just not picking it up. Once you've picked it up then trying and not trying are irrelevant." Wayne Dyer

So in thinking this thought and remembering why I am who I am and do what I do. I felt better in knowing that I'd passed on information to the guy higher up the ladder. I couldn't just sit back and watch without doing something to make things better for the people under me. I might not be able to make a difference for myself but I sure was going to do all I could to make things better for others before I left the company.

I guess that's why I love being a fire fighter. I am doing what feels good for me. I'm being selfish. That being said... here's my thoughts on selfish. 

I'll leave you with another saying to remember, "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." Babe Ruth. Be selfish and keep playing the game.

Impossible simply means I'm possible.

Happy Canada Day from this fire fighter to your family

The title says it all. But I know that in my heart I have another word or more correctly, words to add.

This weekend is shaping up to be one big party across our amazing new country. Parties, fire works, good times with family and friends, a drink or two... you get the idea.

Be safe, have fun and see you tomorrow. K?

Now let the party begin! We're celebrating more than just Canada Day, we are celebrating a unique and diverse group of people that work, play and live together under one flag, peacefully.

Let's continue to work and play together. Start your blog here and join me in Denver for an event that will blow your mind!

It's all about prospective - tragedy or an adventure waiting to be explored

I was watching the video feeds, reading the stories and of course catching up on the Facebook postings/updates about Calgary under water and all the flooding. A couple thoughts came to my mind this morning, one was what this blog is titled - It's all about prospective. I mean yes, it's really awful what the Calgarians are going through and my heart goes out to each and everyone of them. However another thought comes to mind too and after watching this video about the flooding in Fernie, I realized that I'd hit the nail on the head.

Go ahead and watch the video, when you're done, stop here and take that step towards a new prospective in your life today.

Fire Practice and owning my own business aren't much different after all

It was a pretty good evening. Not what I expected from practice but it's what I needed. Lots of support from my parents and the guys at the hall trying to help me find where I need to be rather then just getting by. The guys at the hall want to see me succeed in this business so I can be around more and more time with my family which to them is more important then a job that is all consuming. My Chief said he thinks I'm losing too much weight and burnt out before my time.

Being the only female on the team has its advantages and disadvantages too. Being in the centre and everyone aware of me and my life is the same coin with two sides. I feel more grounded and understand better what I need to do. I'm going in the right direction, I just need to believe in myself. My deputy chief and the chief said, "Remember that feeling of climbing that ladder for the first time in your bunker gear?"

"Yes" Read more

My Response: A Letter from a Fire Fighter's Wife

Found this letter on Facebook today and wanted to share my response with you.

Click link: Letter from a fire fighter's wife

My time is precious with my son, whom I see for a few days each month, but I too am a fire fighter. He knows when my pager goes off, no matter the time or day, I'll kiss his cheek and go on the call. He's proud of me and worries about me. When I get home after a call, he asks if I'm ok and gives me the biggest hug. If it's the middle of the night, he'll stir from his sleep to make sure I'm ok.

We, here at the hall, are paid volunteer members. This means we volunteer our time throughout the year and one day just before Christmas each year we get a pay check. It's not big but it helps. It's not easy and it's not complicated, it simply is a path we have chosen to take.

I'm proud to stand with the fire fighters from all over the world. They don't think they're heros but I know their big hearts often get in the way of time with family and friends, and their families see them as I do, they are our heros. Their lives are priceless just as you are.

Thank you to my family and friends for understanding why I do this. Because even as I gear up, you are always on my mind and in my heart. As I go out, know my partner has my back.

Keep the candle burning in the window, I'll be home soon.

Traffic control learnin

We were suppose to do the extracting practice last night instead three of us needed to start our traffic control course. After the MVA a couple nights ago where we needed certified traffic members, tonight became a priority.

It's really interesting... for the most part. A few things were no brainers, like the sign we carry, Stop and Slow, what it means and how to carry it. Some things were new to me. How to control traffic, keep safe and still be available for my crew and the people coming upon the scene.

We have a test and the practical in June.

While we were in class studying, the rest of the guys - minus the newbies that came - were outside getting us ready for next week's auto demolition. hee hee Can't wait! We get to practice on a SUV. One of the guys mentioned "Tammie's in the back" Oh fun... I think he was teasing, but if he means I'm in the vehicle then Superman better be there to rescue me :) I know, Fire fighters are superheros in bunker gear.

Have a good day everyone!