ch-ch-ch-changes...

So sorry I have been M.I.A in the blog world lately things have been crazy busy for us as of late. First and foremost has been my new job...which I LOVE!!!

I have been working for county 911 for about 7 weeks now, and while it has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done, I could not be happier with my decision to pursue this career. The people I work with are A-MAZING and there is something new with every call. It keeps me on my toes and more importantly it keeps me interested. I am one week in on taking calls, and while I still have SO MUCH to learn and figure it out I think it will be something I am happy doing everyday. The first 6 weeks of training was in a classroom, where they really have the system set up for your success. This journey has not been a solo journey...I have had a study Buddy, a counselor, and a partner in crime throughout this whole thing...Tasha. I honestly don't know if I would have gotten thru the classroom and onto the floor without her. She has been phenomenal and just one of those people that you immediately click with. I am so lucky to have somebody that I get along with, can joke with and who understands how stressful this entire experience has been. Even though she is a duck fan (and an eastern eag), I really love this girl and don't know what I would do without her! (You can learn more about her on her blog)

Things are in full swing, in the McCollum household. With Jim is back in school, and coaching football full time and my new job there isn't much time for anything else. Our schedules are pretty much the exact opposite of each other now... when he is going to bed, I am getting home and trying to unwind. We are both so busy I'm not sure either of us have really noticed yet but I am sure that will come when things start to slow down a bit. We (I) have managed to squeeze in a Brad Paisley concert at the gorge and a few more promising events coming up in October but besides that work is pretty much all encompassing. I promise to blog more about our camping trip in August, and the concert last weekend but for now I just wanted to fill you in on why I haven't been around so much. I will try my best to keep you updated, but if you need to get a hold of me, my new number is 911 :)

Last day...

Today is my last day of work before I start my new job. I'm so looking forward to having some time off and getting things crossed off my to-do list. But first things first. Its that time of year again. Time for the 3rd annual McLaSnyd camping trip. We are heading out tomorrow for some fun in the sun at Preist Lake. Can.NOt.WAIT!!! Here's a few shots to help you remember our past few adventures.

HERE'S TO HAPPY CAMPING!

A new leaf...

911 what are you reporting?

Hopefully for most of you this is something you will never have to hear. For me I will be hearing it often, and I could not be happier about it! I just got a job as a 911 operator. This is something I have thought about doing numerous different times and have actually started the process a few times but never was the timing right for it to actually work out. Now it has, and I am thrilled!

This has seriously been about a 6 month process when all is said and done. I filled out my application the end of January and took the initial test back in February and from then on its been a lot of waiting, testing, and hoping. I've had three follow up tests, an interview in front of a committee, an interview with the hiring manager, a polygraph, and a psych evaluation. During the testing process they also conducted a background check; so if you were one of the lucky ones to get to fill out a 5 page questionnaire about me, thanks I appreciate it! I still have a hearing test and fingerprinting that will be taking place next week, but if and when all goes well there, I will start August 9th.

The probation period is even longer than the application process. One month classroom training, 12-16 weeks with a training officer, and then another 6-8 months probation where you can be let go at any time if they don't think you are going to work out. Just thinking about that is a little scary but I'm trying to stay positive and know that this is what I am supposed to be doing and God has me in the right place at the right time.

Honestly-this is something I have always wanted to do and I think I will be successful. I am under no illusion that it will not be highly challenging and stressful at times but I'm up for it and really looking forward to learning something new and doing something to help other people, however small a part that role is. Even though I truly believe this is going to be my dream job I am not above asking for positive thoughts, prayers, and keeping fingers and toes crossed that all goes smoothly; so if you are so obliged I would greatly appreciate any or all of the above if you get a chance! And hopefully I will never have to talk to any of you at my new job :)

Happy Birthday...

To our 3 year old puppy, Beasley!

It seems like yesterday we brought you home and you were all sleepy and cuddly and looked so calm and easy.

now you are much bigger, and less calm but still as cute and cuddly as ever

You make us laugh and smile daily and we don't know what life would be like without you.

You are crazy but we love you and your chaos :)

Faith and Fate...

Jim and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary last night, and we have been together for just over 6. We kept with our tradition of eating dinner at the Wolf Lodge in CDA (YUMMMM!) and then on our way back stopped at old navy so I could pick up a few things. All in all a great night, and so far a great life together (if I do say so myself)!

When we first started dating we always said that fate brought us together but we would have to have faith in each other to stay together. I actually wanted faith and fate engraved on our rings but they couldn't do it with the ones we ended up getting. Anyway we still say it to each other every once in a while and its kinda just become this mantra of ours. I found this letter I wrote to Jim awhile ago and thought I would share it with you for our anniversary.

***********************

Thank you for working as hard as you do.

I know it is not easy on you but I also know it is not in your DNA to sit back and relax.
It's one of the many reasons I love you, and one of the things that drive me crazy; but that is why we are so good for each other. Your drive and passion and my easy-going way of life help balance each other out.

Thank you for your friendship.

You are the most amazing friend I have ever had. I have never known someone so selfless and loyal and your love is the best gift I have ever been given. Fate may has brought us together but our faith in each other is what will keep us together.

Thank you for not giving up on me, and us.

I made it easy for you to walk away, and I am so grateful you didn't.
I don't know what I would do without you, your support and your love to help me through everything. I never want to know what its like to be without you.

No one ever said love and marriage was easy and they were right its not. But you are definitely worth every single struggle and hardship. I promise to never give up on you and to always work at what we have. Being your wife is worth all of the work it takes for us to build a lifetime together.

I love you!

makin matches...

A blog I read is hosting a "show us your life" link up party and this week its show us the single men you know. So immediately I thought of my brother, Terry. He really is one of the greatest guys I have ever known and one of my best friends; and I am not just saying that because he is my older brother.

Terry is 33 and a great catch ;)He has a very quick wit and the best sense of humor out of anyone I have ever met. He loves the outdoors, sports, travel, music, movies, books, kids, and I could go on and on. Basically he is an all around great guy!

He is 5 years older than me and has ALWAYS been my real life hero. Growing up he would always take the time to hang out with me or teach me things, and has always been there if and when I've needed him. A girl would be lucky to find someone so loyal and committed as he is to his family and friends.

So if you know any single ladies in the NW area or if you yourself are single drop me a line and lets see if we can make a little love connection :)

ps> Sorry about the pics, they were all I could find off his facebook that show his face...he is so going to kill me for this-ha!

Dad's Days...

I have been working on this post for quite some time, and was not quite sure if I was going to post it or not, but I figured if you are reading this, you already know me pretty well so why the heck wouldn't I share it:)

June is pretty much my Dad's month as it is the month of father's day and then the next week is his birthday. This year we decided not to do a big thing for either, as dad was not really up for it. So instead of presents or a party Jim and I went and visited him. As his present I decided to write him a letter telling him all the things I have ever wanted to say. Here just a few of the things I included that I am most grateful for:

Thank you for sending me to St. Thomas More. Some of my oldest and closest friends (and their families) are still a HUGE part of my life and I have known them for over 24 years now(I am only 29!). That formative education also made me eager to learn and has led to every success I have ever had, of this I am sure!

Thank your for being such a strong catholic role model for me. You never flaunt your religious background but you have always been a proud Irish Catholic and that is something I will always admire.

Thank for you for providing me with everything and anything I ever wanted or needed including: my education, my faith, unconditional love, a shoulder to cry on, a lap to sit in, a cheering section in the stands at all of my games, new cars when I broke mine, a wedding I will always cherish, a down payment on mine and Jim's house and so many other tangible and intangible things.

Thank you for showing me what a real marriage and commitment is. One that is based on faith, love, respect and hard work. I know that Jim and I will be ok because we have 4 of the best role models to base our own marriage on.

Thank you for your sense of humor-You have always been able to lighten the mood with your quick wit, and while I did not inherit it, I certainly appreciate it

Thank you for passing on your love of sports-I have impressed many people in my life with my knowledge of where people played college ball. And I believe my strong competitive side has helped me be successful in anything I have set my mind to or have a passion for.

Thank you for always believing in me and for teaching me to believe in myself. The excuse of "I'm a girl, so I can't do it" was never a reason for me to attempt something.

Thank your for listening to me and showing me that I have a voice and an important one, and when I choose to use it, that voice can have an impact.

For those of you who know my dad, you know all of these to be true and so much more. This list could go on and on, but some I want to keep between the two of us. So with that I will leave you with this cute little quote I found the other day:

The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!
~Author Unknown