HotWife :: Firefighter Wife

An Important Update From Val

Posted on May 17, 2012 by HotWife

I’ve had a rough time writing this post. In fact I’ve stared at the blank screen for hours now. Time to just blurt it out.

I have sold the site.

For those of you on the newsletter list this won’t be a surprise. You were the only one’s that new I was putting it up for sale. I wasn’t looking to sell to a big company and get rich from it. Firefighter Wife was never about the money. I wanted to make sure it was going to be taken over by someone that would continue it forward with being a helpful resource.

I believe I found that person in Lori. I’m excited about ideas she’s shared with me and some of her vision for the future here.

When a decision is right it can be easy to make. Selling FFW was an easy one and one that has also gone smoothly. My other sites are keeping me really busy (yeah) and I’m unable to post as much here as I’m sure you have noticed over the months. It’s been one more thing on my to do list that weighs on me. Instead of letting the site go downhill I wanted to let someone else keep it growing. Not only keep it going but push it in the direction I’m sure it can go.

Lori is graciously letting me hang out and post here and there so I won’t be completely gone. I’ll still be on the fanpage, commenting on posts and joining in on the forums as well. :)

I’m so happy I created firefighter wife. It has served so many purposes over the years helping me work through this new life we entered into once he became paid. All of you have been incredible with support for me and for each other. Not once have I ever have to edit or delete a hateful comment from one of you readers. That is amazing and shows how great all of you are. I know you’ll continue to be helpful to Lori as well.

Thank you to all of you for helping me create the community atmosphere at FFW and for becoming friends. I’m glad this isn’t a case that I’m having to say goodbye. Just a see you around in a different capacity.

With love,

Val

Categories : Everyday, Relationship

Comments (11)

Cooking While They Work

Posted on May 8, 2012 by HotWife

Why does it seem such a chore most days he works to get a meal completed? I cook for four adults in my house. It’s really not a big difference any day of the week. Yet if he’s at work I can almost guarantee that dinner time will be odd.

Right now we’re in the middle of another 24 day challenge so I’m being really good about food. I’ve also noticed the poor eating habits the teens have as I’ve let them slack. This is exactly how and when bad habits are formed. I have to change the habits in a positive way. Not easy with teens that could go cranky at any time for no reason lol

I tend to cook plenty of food when I make a meal. 1) I like leftovers for hubby and I for lunch 2) This way I can send food with him to work. Depending on the shift they may not have time to eat or they may have to snag what they can. 3) The kids and I have the leftovers on the nights he’s working.

Last night I made stir fry and it worked out well. Non-stop running so stir fry is quick and still healthy. I made a ton of it so I’ll be freezing some for later use. That is what I really love to do. Fill the freezer so I don’t have to worry about it. Our chest freezer was leaking so we had to get rid of it and now I’m having to contend with just two normal fridge freezers. Not easy after having so much room before. It’s going to take a lot of relearning.

What’s your fav or go to meal when they are working? Do you cook or is it almost always takeout?

Categories : Everyday, Family

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What a Week

Posted on May 5, 2012 by HotWife

I had deemed this week the week of no. You may have seen that on the forum. You’ll have to log in to be able to read the post btw. Thankfully I did deem it so. I had a lot going on.

My oldest got her license finally on Tuesday. I can tell you that yes, it does make a difference living in district to how I feel about this. We live in district and she looks so much like me there is no mistaking who she is before checking her id. Then we know a lot of people in the town next to us that are fire as well so we have it covered there too. Then cops in both towns and the county cops. We’re golden for coverage. lol

The first day we were sending her out it was raining cats and dogs. It’s the Seattle area, this is how it’s always going to be. Nothing like getting over my fear of her driving alone by throwing her out in a downpour to pick up her brother. I wanted to send money with her and promptly forgot. I remembered well that when I first took my brother out we didn’t go home. Thankfully the youngest had some cash on him because of course he texted they were going to the store. Aww adult bonding, brings a tear to the eye. OK, eyes, stop picking on me.

I had a major proposal to write up that day and it was completely out of my comfort zone. Like freaking out, out of my comfort zone. It didn’t pan out at this time but so many things have come from me taking that step that I’m stuck with a permagrin. I grew a lot on Tuesday. I also opened up a lot to a group that I’ve been a member of for many years. Creeped them out with my honesty but that’s how it goes lol

Now we’re off to the start of a new month. This month hubby only has his “k” day off. Then he also has 2 extra days that he took as shift trades to cover the most amazing summer we’ve ever had planned. Which is a good thing because it’s also the summer before our oldest goes into her senior year.

The winds are a changin’ I’m going along for the ride quite well at the moment. Other moments not so well. But I’m excited for the future. The possibilities, the fun, the personal growth. What are you looking forward to this week?

Categories : Cheers, Everyday, Family

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HeroRide

Posted on April 26, 2012 by HotWife

The longer I have the blog the more cool sites I find. More organizations getting on facebook is helping a lot as well. I found nobleheroes.org this way. Their mission is to help first responders and their families in the days, weeks and years after a severe or permanent disability. I really liked their mission the minute I found the page. I will contact them soon to get a full interview to post here.

But they have an upcoming fundraising event and I wanted to make sure everyone had time to get involved if they are in the area. You can read the press release below.

HeroRide Scheduled: Benefiting Fayette County Firefighter Brad Boemanns

(Tyrone, GA) Starting at 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 12, motorcyclists from across the Southeastern United States will assemble at Wings N’ Things on Senioa Road in Tyrone, GA to raise money for Fayette County Fireman Brad Boemanns who was injured October 29, 2011 in the line of duty.

Put on by the NobleHeroes Foundation, riders and their passengers will gather together to raise money to help defray medical bills for Boemanns, who was burned on over 18% of his body. Attendees can enjoy free food donated by Sysco, local band Tangent will perform, and there will be a 50/50 raffle and auction.

The cost of the ride is $20.00/rider and $10.00/passenger. Kickstands will go up at 1:30 PM and the ride will travel through Tyrone to Fayetteville. For information on how to sponsor this ride or to donate an auction item, please contact NobleHeroes Foundation Executive Director of Operations Karen Davis at kdavis@nobleheroes.com.

The NobleHeroes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing financial and social support to severely injured and disabled first responders nationwide. More information about the ride and the Foundation can be found on the NobleHeroes website at nobleheroes.org.

Categories : Inspiration and Poems, Resources

Comments (4)

When Life is Good, Enjoy It

Posted on April 25, 2012 by HotWife

I’m feeling spoiled, loved, happy and fulfilled with life. You know, all the things you hope and dream for. Is everything perfect? No, but it’s perfect for me right now and that’s all I can ask.

It’s all going so smoothly that I have to fight back that voice in the back of my head that it’s going too great. That negative voice in my head that tends to tell me I can’t keep everything this perfect for long. Yes, I fight negative demons, but I’ve gotten good at it and it’s not a daily thing I have to do anymore. I’ve also gotten good and making them go quiet and only pop up here and there.

Why am I feeling all these things? I’ve had an amazing few weeks with my family and the funny thing is it all started with our remodeling projects and me getting really sick from it. I was less my usual pansy self when I get my allergies and asthma that bad and just kept “trying” to battle through. I know I wasn’t much help as I was a walking allergy zombie but it was still good. Hubby and I got a few days alone to work on the house, go to lunch whenever and make dinner whenever. It was like a trial run for empty nesters. Since then the communication has been incredible.

Ever since the kids came back they’ve been getting along amazingly. Joking and harassing each other without it causing a big fight. Doing stuff around the house without complaint. Joking and talking with hubby and I and even wanting to hang out with us more. Hey, they are teens, I’ll take that as long as I can before the bubble breaks.

As you can see above, the weather has been beautiful. This is always a help for me. I definitely have the seasonal mood issue and living in the UNsunshine side of the state is a mood killer. The longer the sun is out the better I’m feeling. And the more I can look and see how I can keep feeling this way. Taking advantage of each moment is the key.

Hence the picture above. Hubby bought me a new laptop to work with. I have a 5 hour battery now! I’M SO BEYOND GEEKED! The sun was out, the kids had mowed and I set a goal to finish things up and go outside to blog. I succeeded at that goal. Not with this post like I wanted but that’s ok. I even ate my dinner out there. It wasn’t lonely today with the sunshine to keep me company and I didn’t feel guilty for eating outside the first time of the season without him.

I know some of you just went WHAT?! But yep, it’s a girl thing and it’s worse after the kids. Taking a step any direction brings some niggling of guilt. It’s stupid, but there it is. It’s not like feelings have anything to do with rational behavior or control. But I’m getting good at fighting them down and I just think it takes practice. AND putting myself first again. Which I haven’t been doing the last 5 years. When I put myself first my entire family always gets this way and I need to remember that. The adage, happy Momma, happy family is very true. Because you really set the tone for the emotion in the house.

This post has been all over the place I know. That’s how I am so you can tell this just spilled right out. I’m trying to figure out a good schedule for getting everything done. But most of all, I’m getting my priorities really straight and trying to add other important things in. Without letting that little nag in my head ruin everything. The one that tries to tell me that everything is going too well.

Do you battle with the feeling that everything is going too well sometimes?

Categories : Everyday, Family

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Winner of American Hero Giveaway

Posted on April 23, 2012 by HotWife

{{{{{ DRUM ROLL }}}}}

Elizabeth G. I find it very fitting that your winning entry was one of your tweets since you were tweeting it every day! I’ll be emailing you as soon as I click publish on this post.

Thank you to all of you that participated! I will definitely start putting these together more often.

And a huge thank you to American Hero Clothing & Accessories for my awesome bag to review and for sponsoring the contest! Everyone go show your love and order your blinged out tank top for the season.

Don’t forget that Michelle is always open to suggestions for items you want and sayings you want imprinted or bejeweled.

Categories : Everyday

Comments (4)

American Hero Clothing Bag Review and Giveaway

Posted on April 13, 2012 by HotWife

I’m excited to introduce you to American Hero Clothing and Accessories. A company ready to bling out your love for your American hero. Michelle is ready to bling out your pride whether you are a firefighter wife, military wife or both

American Hero Clothing carries some unique products and I was really attracted to the styles. The shirts she has are right up my alley. They have longer length football style t’s, soft thermal hoodies and even maternity shirts. But I’m here to tell you about the bag I received because it’s so stinking cute.

I’m not a traditional pink girl. Which might be why I’m randomly attracted to really cute pink products. I also get a lot of raves when I do have them because they stand out a lot with my typically dark clothes. I’m getting better with my clothes choices but it sure does make cute accessories pop if I’m wearing boring dark clothes.

Michelle said she had a new pink bag she’d gotten in and I jumped on the offer to review it. It turned to be an incredible choice. It’s not just pink, it’s bright fuschia, which is my favorite color of pink. She let me pick what bling saying I wanted and I chose I love my Fireman, of course.

As you can see it’s a quilted bag. I was immediately hit with the cute, polka-dot bow. Dots get me every time and I didn’t know it was going to have this little bow on it. The bag is approximately 12.5″ x 15″ and the base is 5.5″ wide. This is a very large purse or a medium size tote. I love the size. I have a small purse and what I’d consider some medium size purses. But nothing large that I can really toss some extras in when I know I’m going out for the day or weekend.

One of the things I immediately thought of with this bag is how many electronics I can fit in it. Now I have a huge 17″ laptop so that doesn’t carry anywhere comfortably. It’s 4 years old and heavy. But hubbies Kindle Fire and my kids laptops will fit very nicely in this bag. In fact I’m already considering how I can sneak hubbies Fire in my bag so he’ll forget to take it to work with him. He never forgets the darn thing. I need my own Kindle so I’ll read more books.

However this bag will work perfectly for taking to my kids sporting events. The wrestling tournaments specifically. Inside there are two open pockets and a zippered area. The smaller pocket holds my old school droid so I’m sure it will hold almost any smartphone. I like that it will fit in the elasticized pocket so it’s more likely to be in that pocket when I grab for it. Since I am used to carrying a smaller purse this will fit the need of carrying a purse AND a tote that I’ve been doing. While I like my electronics, I’m still an old school pen and paper gal. So I love the fact that it’s large enough to hold a notebook or two and even a real book on top of that. There is still nothing cooler than a real book, no matter how much easier it is to download. If we want to talk about the gingham then you’ll get a sentimental response. We didn’t find out the sex of either child. After my first was born I sewed a full crib ensemble in pink gingham. I’m a sucker for gingham.

Since it’s larger I’m happy that the top zips. This will also help at sporting events. There are quite a few times that the bleachers aren’t enclosed and I’m paranoid of dropping my things down to the floor below. If my bag is zipped and everything is in that one bag, then my worries are all on watching everyone on the mat. As it should be. The stitching is very well done and I did some tugging on things. The handles are a great length so I can rest my arm on the bag while I have it on my shoulder.

I’m excited to take this bag to the firewives bunco tonight and show it off. I’ll have to leave some extra comments (or hopefully they will) after I get some raves.

I’d like to thank American Hero Clothing and Accessories for sending me the bag to review but most of all for sponsoring this giveaway for all of you! They are giving away one product of your choice from the site. Yes, you heard that correctly. You are getting carte blanche to order an item on the site to be blinged out with your choice of sayings. If you are not a rhinestone fan than they will imprint for you. I was not compensated monetarily for this post, only given the product to constructively review.

The fun part! Giveaway time!

This contest is open to US residents 18 and over. Please complete the mandatory entry or your other entries will be null and void. This giveaway closes at midnight EST on 4/21.

Mandatory entry: Go to American Hero Clothing and Accessories and search out the product and bling statement you’d want. Leave a comment here saying your choice. It’s that easy! Then I have quite a few extra ways below you can enter and improve your chances. Rafflecopter makes it super easy for you to enter. GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Categories : Shop

Comments (19)

Free Kindle Download Today:

Posted on March 17, 2012 by HotWife

I just wanted to send a quick shout out that this book is free for your Kindle (or kindle app) today. I downloaded it and read a couple of pages real quick. It looks like it will be interesting to read and have hubby read…since the kindle fire is actually his lol Then I can get a review of it up.

But for today only Dangers, Toils, and Snares: Confessions of a Firefighter is free to download. So go grab it.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Everyone stay safe. Like I said on the facebook fanpage this morning, kiss and spoil your DD or hide money in your pocket for your cab

Categories : Shop

Comments (9)

Tv Show Finale’s

Posted on March 15, 2012 by HotWife

I’m a tv addict. I own it. This time of year becomes rough as my shows are all ending and I don’t know how I’m going to make it through the summer without them! How will I know my DVR is working? Good thing we do a lot of camping to take my mind off of it.

Thankfully some summer shows will be starting. My favorite show of all time is Big Brother and season 14 will start in July. Something to look forward to but still months off. Casting calls are going on right now and the applications just closed on the 11th but hurry up! My house knows that life stands still three days a week because I have to watch as many of these episodes live or right after taping. CBS is brilliant in putting it on more than one day a week. Pushed it right into cult following.

There usually are new shows that premier for the summer. These one’s are always hard to get attached to. I’ll love them and then since it’s summer they won’t get the ratings necessary to keep going. Drives me crazy.

This weekend is the finale of The Walking Dead series. I’m a zombie freak from way back. Just like I loved vampires decades before twilight came out. Now I’ve been really tempted to go to an all new form of geekdom and read one of The Walking Dead graphic novels. You could say I’ve already crossed that threshold by knowing it’s a graphic novel and NOT called a comic book, but that’s your opinion. I’ve already been told that the series isn’t following the novels, but it would still give me more time with the characters while I wait for the next season.

I’m sad to see this series come to a close but I’m thankful that we got so many more episodes to watch in season 2. It’ll be rough to wait until next October for season 3 if they have a great finale like they did in season 1. I was already hooked watching it but that put me right into superfan status and talking with friends about it online and in person.

This season has been even more fun because I unexpectedly got hubby hooked on it. My son is already forced hooked as a zombie lover, but hubby was a big surprise. My son missed the first couple of episodes of season 2 so he’s waiting until the season is released and we’ll have a marathon. I can already envision some yucky summer day and all of us comatose from watching too much tv all day and into the wee hours of morning. OH THE FUN TIMES COMING UP! At least I have plenty of zombie movies I can introduce him to in the mean time.

Other shows I’ll be missing are Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Cougar Town, Modern Family, and Whitney. Whitney was a surprise this season. I love her and this show has done a good job of just making me laugh for 30 minutes. Hopefully it got picked up for a second season.

I go back and forth with Grey’s and Practice. I know we’ve talked about them on the forums. I personally feel that Grey’s is getting tired. They either need new writers, need to go back to original writers or end it before they completely ruin it like ER did. I understand they are still getting good ratings but they have been killing the show lines lately. The issues I have with Private Practice are more with certain characters than the show itself lol I want Violet to go away and Cooper to stop being such a pansy. But if I feel that strongly about the characters then they’ve done a pretty good job with them haven’t they?

What shows are you going to be missing for the summer? Have you heard of some summer shows that look really good to pick up?

Categories : Everyday

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Author Archive for HotWife

HeroRide Scheduled: Benefiting Fayette County Firefighter Brad Boemanns