Starting break-in & what now

Hola! We had an amazing grad party last Saturday before taking off Sunday morning for four days in Cabo San Lucas! Four uninterrupted, perfect days with my Officer! Kev and I had a blast and soaked up every moment of the sun and beach together. I told him no Spanish though since all he knows is how to arrest someone ;) "Cruzar sus dedos detras de la cabeza" may not go so well when we are offered a painted turtle or blanket on the beach. So we just stuck with a couple Coronas, snorkeling, and adventuring while I checked out my hot man, buffed up from 6 months of PT and pushups by my side! It was the perfect transition from Academy to coming home.

So what now?

Well, last night was the first Sunday Kev didn't have to leave home to head back to the Academy! He shined his boots and brass while I cooked us dinner and we got to bed early for his big day!

Day 1.

Kev started the first day of his career as an Officer today and officially began break-in! I considered printing and deleting the blog when Kev completed the Academy, but I'm still not sure what my plan is right now. However, I do think it's time to even out the keel and focus a little more energy on my personal career now too. Now that Kev is an Officer, I'm not going to write about his day to day but I do plan to keep you posted on FTO and life with a LEO from a girlfriend's perspective. We live together now too :)  Some have said break-in is worse than the Academy, but as I said about the Academy experience - your experience is a reflection of the person you share it with! Im looking forward to the stories, lessons, and challenges our new beginning will offer. I'll try to check in for lessons learned and to shed light on break-in from a home-life perspective.

Thank you to everyone who read this blog and followed us along the way. Good luck to those of you who chose to apply to the Academy or are current cadets pushing through the seemingly long days. There is a beautiful and noble future awaiting you! The days are long, the weeks are fast and before you know it, it's over. It gets better and believe it or not, you might just look back and miss it. If you want it, you can do it.

Don't dream your life, live your dream. 

Dedicated to my grandma, Bobbie. She would have loved to have read this everyday, hear our stories and take a seat with us on graduation day. She always loved law enforcement and the military and believed in their good nature and selfless service. You are missed everyday and I know you will always be an angel watching over Kev and I <3

Grad Gift Ideas!

Law enforcement grad gifts can be tough to think of, so I hope this little list helps spark a great idea for your loved LEO :)

Luminox Watch:
This is what I bought Kev. Very light, scratch resistant crystal face, water resistant, and self illuminates at night for when he has graveyards. Some are pricey but a few styles are more affordable. Nordstrom also carries these and they have a great return policy, just in case you purchase one but find something you like better.

http://shop.luminox.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjw26C9BRCOrKeYgJH17kcSJACb-HNAU1ZSknhA7F4XGpmb060Z79AGgKEp3XzjURywzblD9xoCiwDw_wcB

Personalized Benchmade Knife:
Benchmade has great knives and you can take one to any "Things Remembered" store to etch their name and badge number on it. Ask your Officer-to-be about the types of knives they can carry on them. I believe the blade has to be manually flipped out without a button or trigger in order to be legally carried.

http://www.benchmade.com/

Custom Velcro Patch:
Kev mentioned a few times that there is extra velcro on his war bag and vest, and wanted something special for it. I ordered this American Flag/Blue Line patch with his first initial and last name on it. The quality was great, and it comes with a hard velcro backing. He loved it for his war bag!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AXTFU5M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Custom Ticket Book:
There is a retired CHP Officer who makes custom leather ticket books with the Officer's last name and badge number. Kev's parents ordered him one and it was beautiful. He also makes holsters. I believe they found his information from an ad in the CHP newsletter. This is a really awesome gift your Officer can use everyday.

Saint Michaels Necklace:
 This isn't the exact one he was given, but here is an example.

http://www.personalizationmall.com/ProductReviews.aspx?productID=7130&itemID=0

6 pack bag
Keep your Officer fit and away from "quick" unhealthy meals!

http://www.sixpackbags.com/products/best-seller.html


*I also found this cupcake idea on Pinterest and Kev's Aunt nailed them for his grad party ;) 

Graduation and a new beginning! Part 2!

Day 194, the last day of the Academy!
Graduation day. The day we have been dreaming over the last 6 months. For Kev, he has geared his life towards this day far before the course of the Academy. The events of that day we will never forget and Kev will forever cherish that paramount feeling of pride and accomplishment for as long as he lives.

Kev stayed the night with me at his brother's house on Thursday night and stayed up shining his brass and boots to perfection. On Friday morning, he woke up before me to report back to the Academy for graduation. His family, my parents and I all got ready and met at the Academy around 8:30AM in time for the inspection by Commissioner Farrow which began at 9AM. The cadets marched out perfectly in sync by company for inspection. The Commissioner, Captain and other Officials stepped forward to inspect the cadets. They exchanged hand shakes, congratulations, and thanks. Kev was part of Company B, so I elected to leave early to save a seat for us in the gym with his mom, and let the rest of the family watch Kev step up for inspection. Although I would have loved to see Kev be inspected by the Commissioner, I am really glad we went to the gym to save seats. We were right in the isle by the CHP star and just a couple seats back from where the cadets were seated. At approximately 10AM, the Captain addressed us and welcomed in the Officers-To-Be. Everyone stood and cheered as they marched in. Those were my first tears. It was beautiful watching the proud, stoic faces march past us. Many of them were tearing up as they marched towards their seats in front of the stage. I can only imagine how they felt in that proud moment. Then I saw Kev march by and I knew he was living his dream.

The entire ceremony was perfect.  After addressing the hard work, determination, and physical, mental, and academic outstanding performance by the class, each cadet was called to the stage and presented with their badge by Commissioner Farrow. What a proud moment. I've never witnessed or been a part of such a noble and honorable moment. Nothing in my life has ever quite compared to watching Kev take that stage. I felt the same respect for everyone taking the stage because I had a glimpse from the sidelines into what they endured and sacrificed to make it to that very moment.

After Kev was presented with his badge, we were able to take a photo with him, the Commissioner and Secretary of Transportation. When all the Officers were presented with their badges, they marched out of the gym for the last time. They left behind seemingly endless mornings of PT exhaustion and the memory of Pick Up Day in that very room. When they cleared the gym, we headed to the memorial fountain where the cadets marched out to their designated areas for pinning. In a beautiful moment, Kev's father proudly pinned his badge. Kev and his class stood stoically with their badges pinned for the first time. I never knew the beauty of a badge until that moment. That little gold star is truly something to be proud of. CTC 1-16 fell out for the last time and the state of California gained 100 amazing new officers.

After the pinning we all enjoyed an incredible EVOC demonstration out on the course. It was a great way to wrap up the day with fast cars, a soaring CHP helicopter, and a lot of impressed faces. When that was over, Kev and I packed up the remainder of his room and said goodbye to his roommates before he signed out for the last time.

Kev completed his journey through West Sacramento and fell asleep that night with his badge next to him on the nightstand. It was everything. But best of all, we were together, we made it, and we are now part of the CHP family.

Congratulations to all of the Officers of CTC 1-16! Here's to your new beginning!

- Mimi

Graduation and a new beginning! Part 1!

I'm back! I honestly can't even put into words how amazing the last two weeks have been for Kev and I but I'll do my best!

Day 191 - 192, Capitol Run & Graduation Party

Graduation week was everything we dreamed of and more. I drove up to Sacramento on Tuesday night so I could wake up bright and early for the Capitol Run on Wednesday morning. His mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law and I all met at 5AM and walked to the street just outside the gates of the Academy to watch for Kev and his class run out. Eventually a few CHP cars stopped traffic, and motor officers lead the class of cadets illuminating the street with their flashlights. We were outside the gates so we didn't get to see the junior class on their knuckles lighting the path with their lights and yelling to amp up the seniors. As the cadets finally ran by us, my heart was literally jumping out of my chest. I was so excited and absolutely in Heaven knowing we made it to that moment. I scanned every face but all the cadets looked so similar I couldn't even spot Kev. Before we knew it, they passed us and were off on their 5 mile run to the Capitol, lead by the Captain.  We jumped in our car and headed to the Capitol. Faster than you would imagine, the cadets were in the horizon! The Captain had them circle around the fallen officer memorial there and gave a moving speech dictating how far they have come, the service they will soon offer their community, and to always appreciate the love and support of the people there who supported them during their tenure at the Academy. Soon after, they met on the steps of the Capitol for their last knuckle push ups! When they finished, we had 10 minutes for pictures and hugs with our sweaty Officer-To-Be before they ran off to board a bus back to the Academy. 

Kev met up with me at his brother's house around 3PM and we got ready for the Graduation party! The party was at Thunder Valley Casino in a banquet hall. It couldn't have been more perfect and it was amazing to finally meet all of the classmates Kev had spent the last 6 months with and told me all about. It was also great to meet some of the staff too - Kev introduced me to a few Staff Officers and PT Staff. What amazing people! Honestly too, I'm not the type to beat around the bush for the sake of fluffing someone. Every person I met at that party was spirited, ambitious, proud to be there, and gracious. Towards the end of the party a few cadets did impersonations and even some of the staff took the mic. Cadets and officers were impersonated and everyone took the jokes with a grain of salt. Some of the impersonations were pretty hilarious, and others just stepped up to thank their class for the support and camaraderie over the last half a year together. It was pretty touching to see how close they all were. I also finally met some wives and girlfriends! The entire time Kev was in the Academy, I never knew any other spouses to talk to. In some ways it was helpful, because we only had our own hardships and worries, and other people didn't shed light on issues that weren't prevalent or at the forefront of our mind. However, at times it would have been nice to know someone in the same boat. Regardless, we made it and now I have a few new Chippy ladies to stay in touch with :) 

Day 193, Family/Spouse Seminar:

On Thursday, Kev reported back the Academy at 6 AM and I arrived with his Mom and Dad at 8:30AM for the seminar. I highly suggest going to the seminar, even if you are in law enforcement already! However, since I'm not in Law Enforcement I thought it was especially helpful. PT staff, Range Staff, LEO wives, and other speakers addressed us. The PT staff pressed the importance of a healthy diet and exercise routine, range staff addressed gun safety surrounding having a gun in the home, and the LEO wives shed light on the last couple decades of their lives married to an Officer. I soaked it all in and really thought every aspect of the seminar was well done. Kev and I typically eat well and exercise, but we plan to start meal prepping and finding time for us to hit the gym together with his new schedule. We also plan to have a little in-home gun training! I know nothing about guns, other than the one time he took me shooting at his cabin. So, Kev is going to show me how to check if a gun is loaded, about safety switches, unloading, handling etc. I also loved hearing from the two LEO wives. What spunky ladies with great stories and advice. One of the ladies was the author of "A Chip on My Shoulder" which I read when Kev started the Academy and the blog, "How 2 Love a Cop" which I also follow and really enjoy:) The seminar also offered different resources for LE families and spouses when in need, mostly for emotional support. I know that time will come for Kev and I, when he has his first heavy day. I don't think we can ever fully prepare ourselves for that, but it's nice to know that there are different resources available to us if we need help at some point along the way.

After the seminar, we met Kev in front of the chow hall for lunch at the Academy. He looked so handsome and proud in his blues with his campaign hat on and aiguillette! He changed into his "civis" aka jeans and polo and walked us through the chow line. They served tri-tip sandwiches which actually didn't look too bad, but I passed and had a yogurt and pasta salad ;) Kev looked at me, like welcome to my world. Speaking of which - for those of you who read the post about Kev being shorted his 5th shrimp on the day of the Senior's run because one was still frozen, he did get 6 shrimps on the day of his Capitol Run - we weren't leaving without the shrimp he was owed! ;)

After lunch we parted ways with his parents and headed to one of the classrooms to watch the video, "The Fall of Badge 17054". The classroom was mainly filled with cadets and their wives or girlfriends, but a couple cadets did bring a parent. The video was about a man who graduated the Academy to become a CHP Officer but eventually let his ego and cynicism lead to his own professional downfall. This was a last minute addition to the day and was well received. It was a reminder that as each Officer continues their career, to always remember why they started and to remain humble. No service is too small and none better than last. To remain noble and honest, and always embrace CHP PRIDE.

The days leading up to graduation were incredible. The run, party and seminar are only summarized above but being there with Kev was a time I'll never forget. I felt so proud of him and us. This organization is truly made up of fine individuals and I've never seen anything quite like it. It truly is a family and composed of men and women who honestly live and breathe to serve their community. Now more than ever, I have a greater appreciation for law enforcement and I'm so proud to stand by Kev's side.

- Mimi

Day 190/194 - Grad Week!

Monday, Week 28!
We made it to grad week! The week we have been dreaming of is here! I spent most of last night packing and I'll take off for Sacramento after work today (Tuesday). The Capitol Run is at 5:30AM tomorrow morning! I am so excited to watch Kev run out of those gates. The Juniors will be on the ground ready for knuckle pushups just like Kev did for his Seniors, and we will meet him at the Capitol building at the end of his 5 mile run.

I also found out that the photos taken last week were individual photos. The group photo with the Commissioner and other high ranking officials was yesterday and Kev did have his hair cut for it!

Basically, I only heard heard about on thing on Monday - For 20 minutes I was told about CTC 1-16's new mascot Bill and that the graduating class now has 101 cadets.

Bill posing on the right.

 I think it's time we get them out of there before they all go nuts ;)

The next time I write, I'll have an Officer by my side!!

- Mimi

Day 187-189/194

Friday - Sunday, Week 27!
Week 27 is done! Holy all that is "outstanding" and "nasty" we are onto week 28! Our final week. Grad week. The Capitol Run. Badge Pinning. It is here! We made it!

Life is surreal right now. Everything that we dreamed of for the last 6 months and more is finally here. I can still perfectly remember laying down with Kev looking out his window at this big leafless oak tree outside, while talking with him about what we were going to do if he didn't get that acceptance letter. The very next day, there it was. And here we are today, preparing for graduation from the California Highway Patrol Academy!

Last Friday was a little more hazmat training and a quick test on what they learned - how to identify hazardous chemicals, spills, and to check their hazmat book to identify the specific chemical type. I guess I was mistaken when I said testing was done, they squeezed in one more ;)

Week 28 will wrap up the last of the training - impounding vehicles. According to Kev, that is the last of it, and the remainder of the time will be grad practice! Unfortunately, the Seniors aren't scheduled to run PT for the Juniors like the previous Seniors were able to do. Kev was excited for that opportunity, but for whatever reason there wasn't time for it. Oh well, it's grad week!

I'll be driving up to Sacramento Tuesday night and staying with Kev's brother and sister-in-law for the week. On Wednesday morning, we will watch Kev and the rest of CTC 1-16 run out of the gates of the Academy to the Capitol, followed by a grad party that night. The cadets pay extra dues while at the Academy to cover their party expenses. We are really looking forward to it. On Thursday, I'll attend a few family seminars in the morning with his parents, and on Friday we will all watch Kev receive his badge. His dad will be pinning him that day. He really wanted to give his dad this opportunity. I know it doesn't mean he loves me any less, but I understand the value of giving your parents these little gifts in life while they are with us. Kev tells me we will have many more, and I know he is right. Our journey doesn't stop here.

I have a ton of great grad gift ideas to share too! It was tough to think of thoughtful, sentimental, and useful gifts for a new Officer when this life is so new to me. So, I consulted with a few friends of mine in law enforcement and listened to a couple of things Kev mentioned he wanted to buy right out of the Academy. I'll be sure to share them soon - I just can't quite yet since Kev reads this and hasn't received his gifts yet. Hopefully it will help some of you with a gift for your loved ones in CTC 2-16 or a future class when they make it to graduation day too :)

- Mimi

Day 186/194 - Badge Numbers!!

Thursday, Week 27!
Kev got his badge number yesterday and graduated with amazing placement in the class! I am so proud of him! I can't believe he has a badge number!!! He also finished his very last test this week. We did it!!

The Academy squeezed in one last PT session for the Seniors and let them play dodgeball. Since the cadets have been running miles and miles in preparation for the Capitol run, this was a nice way to wrap up their last day of PT. Kev said they had fun nailing each other with the balls but when they went back to their mat positions it was finally time to 'empty the bank'! AKA - the 10 push ups added to the bank for every time someone in their class dropped a baton.. remember that rule? The class had 400 pushups to do! Kev said they did 20 pushups followed by a PMA tactic until the bank was cleared. 400 push ups later!! Apparently, 400 was one of the lighter banks the Academy has witnessed too!

Kev also came home last night! It was the first time I walked in the door from work and he was there! It was amazing being in our new home together. We ran to Whole Foods for a healthy dinner and grabbed a Red Box movie but ended up passing out together before we could watch it. We were both beat from the week. It was so hard leaving him for work this morning. My sweet cadet was so happy 'sleeping in'. It was nice too because he didn't mind the lights while I got ready. I guess the Academy prepped him well in that regard too. I definitely have some retraining to do though - my boyfriend has been living with 10 other guys for 6 months. He is going to have to relearn courtesy flushes and holding his cheeks around the house! The scent of my pumpkin spice candles dissipated last night!

8 days left!!

It is a surreal feeling to be this close to the finish line and yet sad in a way too - I never thought I would say that about finishing the Academy! However, even though the Academy was a stressful experience at times along the way, it really was special. Kev made great friends and had the opportunity of a lifetime. Before falling asleep last night, we talked about the last 6 months. Kev has grown so much since he started the Academy. He is stronger and sharper, both physically and mentally. He loved the hands on training at the Academy and lived in such a high energy, regimented routine for so long, that the transition to Officer is exciting but he will miss the daily action of clearing buildings and navigating high speed tracks. It will likely have a heavy load of report writing as he kicks off life as an Officer on probation. The Academy has been stressful, exciting, and tiring. However, it was an incredible experience for Kev as a cadet and for me as a cadet's girlfriend! We are so grateful for the opportunity and are coming out of it in a great place in our relationship and as individuals. Good luck to those of you who are fortunate enough to take the road through West Sacramento's California Highway Patrol Academy too. The experience is what you make of it!

- Mimi

Day 185/194 - Week 27

Wednesday, Week 27!
Week 27 sure has a ring to it! On Wednesday, Kev got his uniform back and had his class pictures! Unfortunately, we were so busy moving this weekend that we didn't have time to cut his hair. We had been buzzing it every Sunday, until the weekend before last when he officially started to grow it back. He talked about having one of the cadets buzz it for him so it was clean for the class photo - part of me was thinking NOOOO we just started growing it back and the other half was thinking I didn't want to point to my fuzzy headed Q-tip in the class photo in 10 years ;) As far as I know, I have the Q-tip in the shot.

I didn't talk to Kev much last night because I got my hair done after work and I have been in full blown cleaning mode at the new place. I really wanted to clean and get as much put away as possible to surprise him when he gets home tonight (Thursday). I think he is going to be really happy. The place looks great! Oh, and of course a huge spider appeared in our bedroom last night while I was home alone. I got innovative, tied a paper towel to a stick and tried to squish it. Then attempting to video it at the same time, the spider fell from the ceiling and I nearly had a panic attack.

Me:




Kev:



So glad he was concerned. Thanks babe! I handled it!

-Mimi

Day 183-184/194 - Start of Week 27!

Monday & Tuesday, Week 27!
Life is good! I've been setting Kev up on FaceTime every night while I unpack boxes after work. I've made such a good dent these last couple days and I think Kev enjoys watching me slave away in pj shorts and my hair in a bun. Just wait babe, I have a whole list of chores for you this weekend ;) I also lost 6 freaking pounds in four days from moving in 90 degree weather and being too busy to eat dinner. What a workout plan!

At the Academy, the cadets had hazmat training for 8 hours on Monday. They learned to test for hazardous materials and read the signs on trucks to identify the contents in the vehicle by locating (I think) a code of some sort in a reference book they were given. Recently on the news, I saw a truck that flipped on the highway and the responders were trying to identify the liquid that had leaked from it. I was wondering if this was something Kev would have to do or not.

On Tuesday, they had another active shooter training - this training scenario always irks me. It will take getting used to that Kev won't just be saving puppies and kitties astray on the highway. Anyhow, there is a building on the Academy grounds where they practice. It has plywood walls and different areas for the cadets to clear. During the scenario, some cadets act as officers and others act as shooters and pedestrians while alarms and music blasts to distract them. They used guns with blank rounds loaded in them for the training. Despite the seriousness, it sounds like Kev enjoyed himself. It's understandable that the hands on training is more exciting that the bookwork. However, he did mention the Sac heat made for a long day.

I get to see Kev this Thursday night since the Senior class has Friday off. Next week he will be at the Academy Monday and Tuesday, and then I get him each night the rest of the week. He is only at the Academy for 4 more full days. I honestly can't put into words how proud, excited, and on top of the word we feel being only a week out from graduation! The feeling is incredible. I am so proud of Kev's accomplishments. The Academy is challenging in so many ways and every single cadet who made it to today, deserves it hands down. To the loved ones who were support systems behind the long weeks, busy weekends, and lonely nights - the day we have been dreaming about is right around the corner!!

- Mimi

Day 180-182/194

Friday - Sunday, Week 26!
We moved into our new home this weekend! We are exhausted but we are officially living together and I'll soon be waking up to the most amazing man in the world every day!

I wish I could be more detailed about last week and Friday at the Academy but we have honestly been so busy. I recall reading the end of other blogs and seeing gaps in days or less detailed posts as their cadet approached graduation, and now I know why! We have been moving, planning for graduation, juggling my job, and Academy life.

Kev had more training with the paintball guns on Friday. Unfortunately, with everything going on I only recall bits and pieces of what he told me about his day. It sounds like they had a good time though. They were trying to shoot each other this time and hiding behind cars, trying not to get hit. At the end, an Officer dumped a box of more 'ammo' in the center of the group and they all darted to it to reload.

The Academy has been busy for cadets as they prepare for graduation. Unfortunately, one cadet was sick recently and is catching up on tests, so that has held up the distribution of badge numbers.

Kev was home by about 7pm on Friday. I had already met his dad to pick up our Uhaul, so as soon as Kev got there we had to start moving things down to the garage. In the morning, his brother came down to help us load the Uhaul and that was the start of our very long, exhausting weekend.  For the record, my old place had two sets of stairs with 38 steps total. We didn't stop moving and unpacking until about 9:30pm last night. Kev was determined not to leave without making sure I was out of the old place and into our new one, in a position where I could handle the rest. I literally couldn't have done it without Kev and his family!

On Sunday evening, Kev also mentioned that he needed to print decals of the highways he will be patrolling to put on the back of his PT shirt for the last two workouts (Monday and Wednesday this week). As easy as that sounds we had the hardest time! Apparently every office supply store sells Inkjet transfer paper but every store, friend, and human in a 20 mile radius has a Laserjet printer which won't work with that paper - it smears the ink! In the midst of moving, running around to every supply store - Staples, Office Max, Michaels, etc - before they close at 6pm on Sunday, was not how we wanted to wrap up our exhausting weekend. Thankfully, we found out last minute that Kev's brother happened to have an Inkjet! Kev got there by about 10pm, printed the decals, ironed them on his shirt for Monday, and headed back to the Academy to fill out his 100 form and pass out just before midnight! I really hope those Staff Officers appreciated it today ;) Ugh! For something that seemed so simple, it sure ended up wasting a lot of our time. So, learn from our struggle and plan ahead for everything while at the Academy. Even though it's just a decal, it's one more thing your cadet wants to avoid getting chewed out for and suddenly getting this little task done is more important than anything. If you don't have an Inkjet printer, you can order 'laser safe transfer paper' online ahead of time.

Thank me later - https://www.amazon.com/Laser-Transfer-Printers-8-5x11-Sheets/dp/B005IXG71U

Class shirts also arrived for CTC 1-16 and they look great!

Cheers to August 1st, graduation month is here!! Woo hoo!

- Mimi