two weeks early, not a moment too soon

I got my letter from Seattle Fire today. They said not to expect them until the beginning of June. But, when I was getting the mail I knew it was in there. But, I know that every time I open the mailbox lately. I seriously was talking to myself like a crazy person while I was opening it. Trying to expect the worse but really not wanting it. And, I passed. One written test and two oral interviews. I made it to the top 25% of eligible candidates. According to the website, that at least gets me one more written test (a psyche exam). So, still chipping away at the steps. Each move forward feels like such victory. Funny how I feel like I've come a long ways but there's still almost 700 people in the pool. If you ever wonder why firefighters seem to have egos, this is why. After over one year spent plugging away at one test, you'd probably feel damn good about yourself when you finally put on your blues. So, there's that. My dad was in the backyard working on the coop when I checked the mail. I dropped my bag (like a girl) and ran back to tell him. He was super thrilled. I can tell when he's pleased and he was. I got home after work to a cheesecake on the table saying "Fired Up" and a card. He's such a good dad. I have to call my mom tomorrow to let her know. She'll be happy but I think she's less thrilled with the idea of me being a firefighter. My dad really wants it. I know he does. He was so proud of me when I was a resident at North Kitsap. When I get the real deal he'll probably pop. Mom is less stoked. She wants me to be a firefighter somewhere rural. She's worried about a terrorist attack on Seattle and that I'll get killed. But, that's there no matter who/where/what you are. Getting killed, not a terrorist attack. Anyways, I'm super excited. I feel great. I feel like I need to get in shape and work on my interview skills.