fireworks

Not really a vacation, mean in some capacity it is because I always find ways to enjoy myself while there, but our headquarters location for our jewelry store that I run now. So I fly there from time to time. Not really sure about the whole "city of love" thing, sure for some people it's romantic. I've wined and dined a few there, but nothing serious so would say I'm not the best judge of that. Massages I can enjoy, but will say locks aren't my thing, personally. Like to keep it short and cut. Think I pull it off better.

Oh, wow. It’s good that you took the time to enjoy yourself in between all that, then. What do you mean by you’re not the best judge? If you don’t mind me asking, but feel free to shut me down. I won’t pressure you, or anything. And no, you didn’t strike me as the type to get them, but I try not to make a habit of presuming things where I can.

Jamie sat close to them, and nodded. He was grateful for the short pause, the course had been pretty long, and he could use the moment to take a breath or two. “I think I’ve got something that might help,” he said, nodding. He reached into his pouch to pull out a few items that he had carefully wrapped and prepared for the course. “Then we can get to the tent and have it looked at. Good news is that we’re almost there. So no shame in having to hobble over the finish line,” he grinned. “Teamwork makes the dream work or whatever the kids are saying now,” he chuckled. After looking at her leg carefully, he figured he could makeshift something. He took some medical tape to wrap it around their sock carefully. “You wanna hold on to me as we make it to the end of the course? I can see it from here, maybe twenty, thirty-something feet to go,” he offered. “Take a breath, we’ve got a lot of time,” he smiled.

Camille was appreciative for the assist — despite the subtle embarrassment of the ordeal. They weren’t about to let their wounded pride ruin the event, however, and as a smile lifted their lips, they nodded in agreement. Cami swung an arm around the others shoulder before using her other leg to push up off the ground. “I don’t need a breath. Let’s do it.” In truth, they probably could have, and their body likely would have thanked them for it; but they also wanted to get the course done, feel some sense of accomplishment before tending to their ankle.

Who: Jamie & @camimichaud

Cami had been training for this the moment the event became public knowledge. Now well over three quarts through the course, there was one thing on their mind and that was the finish line. The adrenaline was pumping through their veins, catching a breath after climbing the last wall but Camille must have landed wrong after leaping what they thought wasn’t too far from the ground. A sharp pain shot up their calf, evoking a wince and they stumbled to the sidelines. Shit. I was so close. They thought, falling to a seated position and clasping the surrounding areas to assess. Probably a sprain, or a torn ligament — if their training had taught them anything. A voice amidst the chorus of cheers pried Cami’s attention away, eyes wide at the amount of discomfort that they were in and how disappointed and defeated they were in themselves at the same time. “Hey — I’m not sure… I think I might’ve done a little damage, but hopefully it’ll be fine with some ice and rest.”

“I won’t block my blessings.” She replied. She grabbed the tongs to start boxing up everything and placed the boxes in a large plastic bag with extra napkins. “The total is 21.12.” Naomi tapped the credit card option on the touchscreen and nodded. “Yeah. He probably still pops in from time to time but he’s been here since 2006 so it’s been a long time.” She hadn’t stopped to think just now long it’s been. “How are you liking it there?”

“Rightfully so.” Cami quipped with a smile, body dipping to the side as they prepped themselves to tap away. “I’ll have to make sure to say hello next time, if we cross paths. There’s never real free time at the station, right?” They joked, leaning their palms against the lip of the countertop. “Oh, I love it. At the risk of seeming overly enthusiastic, I wouldn’t dream of being anywhere else career wise. You know?”

"She's a great cook," he smiled at Cami before nodding, "I just might have to. Because I'm pretty sure I haven't eaten since breakfast." He glanced at how watch as he had lost track of time with all the paperwork he had piled up. "Absolutely, and hey it'll be a good idea for you to get familiar with it too. Learning the ins and outs of reports and such."

Cami couldn’t (and wouldn’t) argue on the topic, instead of replying digging their fork back in for another mouthful. While not a terrible cook themselves, they’d never turn down a free feed. “My thinking exactly. I promise I’m not gunning for your job, or anything like that. On my honor.” Camille chimed. This was more the fact of the matter that the more knowledge and skills they could acquire, they would.

“That’s what we’re here for.” She boasted. Naomi would like to think that her little place was the spot to find unusual baked goods. Her creativity sparked in the early mornings before the sunrise and she always wanted to put the customer first. It was about the experience and the willingness to try new things. “I know it’s totally unusual but, it’s more cookie dough than anything.” She informed. Naomi had always wanted to step out the box. “Not yet, but I can give you a box to go.” She smiled. “The firehouse used to my old stomping grounds when my dad was still part of the team so consider it on the house.”

Listening to Naomi while they finished their mouthful, Cam’s smile softened at her offer. “That’s too kind, but thank you — I insist. You’re operating a business at the end of the day.” In saying that, they dug out their card from their wallet and lifted it into the air ready to tap away. “Is he retired now? Your dad, I mean. I’m quite new to the crew, so I only know who’s currently there.”

Smelling the food coming from the kitchen, Theo realized he hadn't eaten yet that day. Slaving over paperwork, he had a deadline to meet regarding a particular incident he was on scene for. But seeing Cami and then the food, told him he needed to slow down and eat. "Tam's one hell of a cook," he nodded towards the food knowing it would be delicious even before taking a bite. Nodding as the other recounted their morning, "perfect. And pretty good, but I've been doing paperwork all morning and in desperate need of a break it seems."

“Well, make yourself comfortable, she made enough to feed an army it seems. Best hurry before the rest of the crew realise and demolish every bite.” Camille smirked, fork stabbing a piece of meat before popping it into her mouth. “No problem. And hey, if there’s anything I can do to help when it comes to paperwork, I’m always happy to help.”

Who: @camimichaud and Theo

The morning had been pretty steady, but that didn’t mean they hadn’t worked up an appetite. Much to their delight, it just so happened that the captains other half cooked up a feast for all in the building; a more common occurrence as of late. In the midst of enjoying ragu beef, Cam’s head lifted and they quickly worked on finishing their mouthful. “Hey, Cap.” They greeted with a small smile, moving to grab the glass of water they’d prepared to go alongside their meal. “It’s going good — I finished cleaning the truck, so it’s spick and span for our next call. Everything’s accounted for and stocked, too. How’re you travelling today?”

Who: Naomi & Open!

Stopped in their tracks, not expecting the greeting, Cam’s confusion turned quickly to pleasant surprise at the mention of a little treat. “Well, it must be both of our lucky days because I may be in training, but i’m here for something sweet.” They didn’t particularly believe in restricting one’s diet, personally, and that everything was fine so long as it was consumed in moderation. “Wow, so many flavours, how do I choose which one to try first?” Cam asked, genuinely in a predicament, but it didn’t last too long. “Alright, I’ve got to go with the cookie dough croissant first. Carbs are my kryptonite, and that sounds heavenly.” Picking up one of the sample cups, Cam lifted the slice of croissant up with pincer fingers to their mouth, placing it on their tongue. “Oh, my god.” They hummed in delight, hand covering their lips as they ate. “Yeah, I need to take some of these home with me. Are you selling them yet?” The combination of cookie and croissant was perfect. “Man, the crew would go totally crazy over these.”

Since returning to Merrock from Paris, after a bit of an impromptu trip, I will admit coming back never gets old -- which me in my early twenties would have never thought I would say that. Feel pretty accomplished, got one of my favorite cars out of storage now that it looks like storms have passed us by, at least snow storms, planted a tree, and got my hands dirty back on the work bench working on some new pieces that I was inspired by my travels. Accomplished, I think so, unfortunately I'm very award driven to get tasks done and might already be considering my options for something a little special. Anyone else the same way, if they get a certain amount done they'll treat themselves to something? Tell me your favorite ways to splurge, because I'm always open for suggestions. @merrock

Paris, wow… I’m sure that was quite the vacation. Or did you go for work? Is it true what they say, is it really the “city of love”? But it is always nice when you get all your tasks done, knowing that you can finally relax and unwind. Personally, I like to treat myself to a deep tissue massage or some new locks, and I feel like the latter isn’t quite your style… correct me if I’m wrong, though.