These past 2 weeks have been full of events. First of all I decided to quit my Master's degree program with American Military University. I was working toward a Masters in Intelligence Studies and have completed 12 credits when I all of a sudden felt like I didn't know why I was even working toward this degree. The more I pondered it the more it felt like it was pointless for now to be working on that degree just to do it. I determined to drop the courses and just wait an undetermined amount of time to continue with a Master's degree. A few days after dropping I learned that I can promote up to the level of Commander in the police department with the amount of schooling I already have and after that I need a Graduate degree with an emphasis in criminal justice. So if I ever decide to continue I will switch programs and make it worth it. I am really enjoying the freedom I feel from that decision, no stress and less grumpy Daddy!
We have solidified some major family trips in the past 2 weeks. we will be going to disneyland for 3 days 4 nights this month... This is our first family trip there with all the kids. I am so excited and the trip is practically already paid for. I cant wait to see the kids faces as we do all the fun things available at Disneyland. We are also going to spend some time at the beach making sand castles and flying kites. It will be great!
The other huge vacation we solidified is a trip to Europe. Anissa and I will be staying in London for a few days and then Istanbul and finally Paris. We are so excited and already have our flights and hotels all purchased and booked. We will be gone for 11 days with a one night stay in Toronto , Canada as well. I am soooo glad I dont have to be worrying about my school work during this trip any more!
Yesterday I got to do a ride along with the gang squad for an event called the Florence Prison Run. It was a great experience and I took a few pictures and video. There were hundreds of bikers and I'm sure it made the day for the people in prison to have a break from the monotony. I always feel bad to see how many people out there make choices that limit their freemdom. If only they had relationships with God that would steer them toward a better understanding of governance and self control.
Olivia is sitting here next to me eating spinach leaves and she has had 3 servings saying how much she loves "these leaves". So cute. This week I spoke to Uncle Frank, Dak and sent texts to my cousin Denise. I want to do better at staying in touch with long distance family for now on. Life is just to short to miss out on the benefit of family. Well I better start getting ready for the day. I am going to work and have spanish training for the next 2 days.
Here are some pictures of the Florence Prison Run and a picture than Noah took while I was returning from a SWAT call. I was driving the large armor vehicle back to its home station. When I drove past the prisoners lined up I got a pretty enthusiastic "Boooo" so I rolled my window down and stuck my hand out and did the "raise the roof" sign to them and the boooos became laughter.
