Proud moments.. what's yours?

What does pride mean to you?
Pride For me it is the love of my job, not only my job, but the people and area I serve on a daily basis. Pride to me is putting in the extra time and sweat to make sure the job gets done, even when others have gone home.

I've had a few moments in my career that have made me proud of who I am, and of my roots. My proudest moment so far would have to be when I was sworn in as a state fire marshal. You see, it has always been my dream to become a fire marshal ever since I was about 16 years old! It felt amazing as I lifted my right hand and took my oath. I was finally going to be living my dream. All my achievements had come to this point!

I'm sure I tripped over my words a few times. I was so nervous but excited at the same time. It was all so new!

I wish my family and friends could have been there.  In a way I guess they were.. they had always supported me in hard times. When the road sometimes was the darkest they have always been there to guide the light so I could get thru another day.

I went in to talk to a group of high school kids the other day. I usually try to relate what classes they are taking in school to the work force and explain the importance and how frequently I use the knowledge from that class on a day to day basis.  As I was nearing the end of my speech, I had a girl ask me "so what do you do on a daily basis?"

It kinda took me back a bit.  How do I explain what I do in one day.  I'm a jack of all trades,  and master of none right?  I think as public safety workers we do it all. Not just one job, but multitudes of professions.. we are counselors when the public needs to cope or talk, plumbers, construction contractor's,  mechanics for the people who broke down on the side of the road, parents and baby sitters for the parents who can't or refuse to raise their kids...

Instead of telling her all that I simply replied, " I go to a clubhouse everyday" .. I continued with.. " you see I don't go to work everyday. I go to a place where I enjoy. I enjoy coming in to talk to you guys. I don't have bad days , I have freaking awesome adventures every day

I chose a job that I am absolutely in love with, And if you do what makes you happy, you won't ever go to another day of work your whole entire life.

Needless to say when I left that room most of the students had smiles on their face and I knew then that my message had gotten accross..

If you walk into my bedroom today you will see a picture frame on the wall. In that frame there is a piece of paper that is my oath. A daily reminder to me of how proud I am to be in my position and how if you work hard towards your goals in life, anything is achievable!

Proudest day of my life? I've had so many and they keep on coming.. what's yours? 

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Everyone starts somewhere

Where to start? I guess where it all began? Both my twin brother and I started out in this business back in 1999 in a rural college town in Northeast Ohio.  We were just green horns back then, who couldn't even tell you what a hose dragger was, or better yet, where to find it on the truck (assholes).

But over time we learned the ropes and passed on the traditions that the old guys taught us when we first came aboard.

I'll let you in on a little secret .. thick skin goes along way in the fire service. I've always liked a challenge when it comes to razzing the shit out of someone. It builds commeradery and character within the crew!

I eventually decided to part ways and go else where.. fire investigation had always interested me and I decided to go to another department so I could have the opportunity to further my experience with that.

Let me tell you. Nothing beats standing out in the middle of a night fire, pouring snow, and your trying to figure out how it started. You learn real quick how to stay warm, and interview techniques lol.

Although I can't tell you about any investigations I can share this

Big houses and small houses, they all burn.

And

There's nothing like working with your best friend..especially as a boss! although we have had our moment's, never once did I feel unsafe or unsure about an order.. if he was thinking it, I was doing it, and vice versa!  What an absolute pleasure that was! That's when you know you have a great crew!

Another time that sticks out in my head....I had the opportunity to work with my twin a few years back again. We went on a late night structure fire and had put in work. We were tired naturally and decided to go have a cigarette and a Gatorade and take a chill pill and talk.. it was our second bottle each and we figured fuck it. My brother had asked one of the cadets in the front yard "where we could get a drink at" .. only to get a reply of "you don't need that get back inside".. knowing my brother being my brother he politely told this kid to go fuck himself and we found rehab on our own...I still laugh to this day over that.

Needless to say, when we are all home, dinner at our house usually consists of talking fire code or runs we have all been on. We have so much to be thankful for. For me, the fire service has greatly impacted my life. It's kept me out of trouble, and I've met some amazing people. Never forget where you started out though... that's the most important thing..  always remember, we all start somewhere.

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Memory lane

From day one of my career I thought it would be an excellent idea to start out to just jot down some of my most memorable visions from incidents that occurred during my , almost now, 16 year tenure. But I feel  before I get to that, you have to get to know what a person is about, their personality, And beliefs.
After all.. this is my blog right?
So here goes.

I was born Nathan Erin Bushek on June 12 in euclid ohio to my parents, Len and Marilyn . I am an identical twin, my brother nick is a minute older that me. We always tease each other.. I kicked his ass out of the womb first, but he had his umbilical cord around my neck, so see, even back then we were fighting.. lol
Anyway moving on, I have a little sister named Kim, and an older brother named Don.

I've always been a hard worker. I was raised that way. You keep your head up, put in your time, shut your mouth and work your ass off, and good things will come. Never give up. I have to thank my parents who have always believed in me for that.

MY family and friends are my world! You guys are my rock! Without you I have no idea what I would do or where I would be. My motivation comes from you!

Surround yourself with good people, I've often said. Most of you know who you are, if you have to ask yourself that question we probably don't talk.

Remember,  we all make mistakes. We are only human.  I'm often reminded of some of the stupid shit I've done throughout my life, and I have scars to show for it. BUT if there is anything that you take away from this post i hope it is this: Tomorrow is always a better day, and sometimes all you can do is keep your head up.

I am in no way shape or form a perfectionist. .I don't  want to know one.

I use thought over reason almost all the time. Sometimes it's just better to let it roll and go with the flow.

I will ALWAYS be there for you day or night.. weather you like me or not, I'm always there!

I prefer scotch over beer (make sure that shit is aged at least 15 years..single malt of course ;)  )

I smoke cigars

I gamble
I swear
I stay up late
I believe in the lord, we meet more frequently now, I will never push my religion on you. Unless you want me too (then we may have to refer to the scotch section) .

Like I said, that's basically Me in a nut shell.. you get out of life what you put in it.
Got questions?  Ask them. I'm an open book.  Stay tuned sports fans!

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What's up guys

Hey guys! This is my first post. Stay tuned each week for a new post.  The views that I post are solely my own and do not represent anyone or anything else.