Blowing bubbles

Sam had his follow up the doctor yesterday. His shoulder has been getting better but he is still in some pain and discomfort following certain motions. Like he tried putting on his gun belt, something he hasn't done since the middle of May. The verdict is in: another month of light duty in the office.

I don't think he's happy. He'll be bored unless they televise some other trial for him to watch off his phone. He did report that the ladies in the office are super excited. They like having him in there because he gets all the work done. I think they've been backlogged on their paperwork.

His other spot of brief news is that he probably wouldn't get the traffic position when going back on full duty. He definitely doesn't want to go back to day shift though...even if I would love it.

Luckily, one of his Lt.s stuck their neck out and it looks like Sam is going to be guaranteed into the Traffic Division. Drunk drivers better watch out when Sam is on duty!

Gonna need a storm warning

Sam is doing well since his shoulder surgery earlier this month - he had a bone spur on the end of his clavicle that was tearing up the muscles and tissue in his shoulder. I would say he has about 85% full range of motion and if keeps up with his exercises he'll be back to his old self in no time at all. He also got cleared for light duty yesterday and will be back at work doing odds and ends in the department office starting Monday - no more late nights and sleeping in for this guy!

And wouldn't you know it, it's that famous time of year here in Florida - HURRICANE SEASON! This year I want to get us prepped. Only took three or four years to get there. I think because I've lived in the state all my life and have always dealt with hurricanes that I guess that it's no big deal (I'm sure there are so many others that think this way too). And mainly because my parents were always the ones doing all the prepping.

So instead of working, here I am looking up Hurricane Prep (but you know, it is kind of work related). During my search I've stumbled across FEMA's page (site) and saw they have a section dealing with first responders and their families. I haven't gone through this whole brochure (Here: Ready Responder Toolkit)but it looks well put together - it's in a nice PDF file so you can save it to your desktop if needed. And it can probably serve as a nice guideline for other severe weather climates.

We've been lucky here so far that we haven't had a severe enough storm where Sam has had to bunker up at the department for the duration of the storm. I think I worry about that the most. I would hate to be separated from him during a disaster of some sort and left to fend for myself and four critters (that's right, I said four. We just added a new dog to the mix - Zelda, black lab mix puppy). Dealing with them is a hurricane in it's own right.

And since season starts tomorrow, I guess I need to start building our emergency kits. I'll have to make a post of everything I include. Suggestions are always welcomed!

Turbulence

The past few months I've been absent from here and I hate it. I have yet to follow through with anything on my life resolution post. This past month has been just about the worst ever.

On the same day that Sam went to the doctor about his shoulder. It's been bothering him since late last year - I can't remember if I posted on it or not. I'm pretty sure, after watching the dash cam footage that he got it at work, but it didn't start to bother him until a week after the incident. So on 2/28/13 when he saw the doctor for his steroid shots and possible talks of surgery there was a horrible crime committed against a fellow officer.

The whole ordeal of that day put Sam in quite a nasty funk. He's just starting to come out of it now and getting back to his usual self. I'm hoping with our upcoming weekend to the Florida Renaissance Festival will put more spirit in his step.

Sergeant Morales - Our prayers and love are with you and your family in this dark hour. Love Marie and Sam.