An oldie, but a goodie. :)

[KatieMH21]

So, a few times this past summer, as I hung out with Darin, I realized that I missed keeping in touch with some of my old friends on the forums. I relied on Darin to keep my up to date and be able to answer all my questions about y'all, but clearly the past couple months he's been slacking... so I decided to suck it up and log back on and catch up with everyone myself.

Although, now that I'm here, I'm realizing a lot of people probably don't remember me, but I'm okay with that. And for those that do remember me here's an update...

Back in 2006 I moved from Florida to North Carolina. I didn't end up in Florida by my choice (I am originally from San Antonio, TX) and as much as I loved my job and my department there, I didn't see myself being happy in Florida for the rest of my life, retiring there, having a family there, etc and I figured my early/mid-20's (and single) was the best time to pick up and move. Two years later, I met my husband... in jail. I ran a breathalyzer test for a drunk he had arrested and then made fun of him incessantly for an incident that happened that night (because that's how I roll). (To this day he swears he married a sweet, nice girl... but I constantly remind him that the first time we talked I was making fun of him... so he's completely fooling himself.) We got married shortly after and he ended up transferring to Highway Patrol (with intentions of moving back home - to Western NC). Several months later HP moved us, of course, to Eastern NC. Fortunately for me, it was still within reasonable commuting distance to where I was working (90 miles). For several months (and what felt like years) I commuted, for my 12 hour shifts. Eventually I got tired of it and during one of my drives I decided that it was time for me to re-evaluate my career and life choices. So long story short, I decided to leave. Now I run my own business and also work part-time. I make my own schedule, I get to share a bed with my husband every night, and I make more money than I did in law enforcement. And... we're finally in Western NC, my husband is insanely happy to be in the mountains again... he mountain bikes 3-4 times a week and is looking forward to snowboarding when winter hits.

Truth, I miss patrol every single day. Fact, our marriage is amazing and life is much easier with one of us being off the job.

So, here I am... back... as a civilian. I'm so fortunate to have stayed in touch with a handful of you guys (like BigSexy, who has been an awesome friend the past 7 years - please don't judge me based on my friendship with him though! ;) ) but I'd love to catch up and re-connect with some of the old members that are still here.

[Cat_Doc]

Welcome back and it's great to hear you are happy and thriving!

Does this mean we can count on an occasional quip of wit from you, again?

[KatieMH21]

Welcome back and it's great to hear you are happy and thriving!

Does this mean we can count on an occasional quip of wit from you, again?

Hmm... there's a 33% chance. 1) I won't be on as much as I used to and 2) I don't know if this new crowd can handle my wit, but 3) I've missed the hell out of some of you guys!

[JeffW]

Hmm... there's a 33% chance. 1) I won't be on as much as I used to and 2) I don't know if this new crowd can handle my wit, but 3) I've missed the hell out of some of you guys!

Bring your wit on. We can handle it. At least those of us in your home town can. I think????????

[pac201]

Welcome...again from a newby.

[greg72982]

In what part of eastern NC did you work if you don't mind me asking?

[KatieMH21]

Bring your wit on. We can handle it. At least those of us in your home town can. I think????????

We shall see... only time will tell.

Welcome...again from a newby.

Thanks, pac.

In what part of eastern NC did you work if you don't mind me asking?

PM sent. ;)

[Curt581]

KatieMH... as I live and breathe... damn, girl, it's good to see you back.

[Darin]

Yay!!! Can't wait till November!

[Big Sexy]

I'm so fortunate to have stayed in touch with BIG SEXY, who has been an awesome friend the past 7 years.

Now THAT'S more to BIG's liking.

[cntryboy0531]

Welcome back. We didn't burn the house down while you were gone..

[KatieMH21]

KatieMH... as I live and breathe... damn, girl, it's good to see you back.

I know! It's been a long time since we've chatted... we have quite a bit of catching up to do.

Yay!!! Can't wait till November!

Hell yeah! November 27... I'll do my best to make it happen, darlin'.

Now THAT'S more to BIG's liking.

I aim to please. ;)

Welcome back. We didn't burn the house down while you were gone..

Thank goodness... heaven knows we'd hate to have to ask a firefighter for help.

[Cat_Doc]

Thank goodness... heaven knows we'd hate to have to ask a firefighter for help.

Ha! There's my girl!

[chewy]

Nice to see you on again. I'm trying to get back on more recently but, as life does, I've been crazy busy and just don't have the time I used to!

Welcome back