Eight Years

At night, while on my 24 hour shifts, I look at blogs. And read. But mostly the blogs occupy time between runs. I read and take in the pics. . .and dream. In less than eight years I can retire from the fire department. I've had nine injuries in 12 years that required me to stay home and heal. The fire department is a physically greedy place if you do the job right. The fact that I want to retire to a garage not too far from some mellow surf, and live out my dreams- stimulated from the blogs- makes eight years seem so far away.

I wonder how many more beatings I can take until then. I would rather die than not do the job 100% every time we go out the door. I hope I make it. I really just want my few bikes, my dog, a little work space, my 9'4" Mayo, and a bunch of books. . .in eight years.