The last three days.

   This blog isn't all dead, just MOSTLY dead.  I have had a pretty stressful time the last few weeks.  Family stuff and all that.  I'll spare you the details.  But it did cause me to put in a job application for a deputies position in Bozeman MT.

   For one reason or another they let me come up and compete for the chance at an interview.  This is how their selection process works.  Your resume gets a point value assigned to it.  Meet a set value and you get invited to the next step.  The next step in this case is a standardized law enforcement written exam.  Again another point value is assigned and if your combined score is a good enough, you get to move on to round three.  I don't know what my scores where, but I made it to round three.  Round three consists of a standardized physical readiness assessment. The MPAT( you can look it up on youtube) looks like its kids play, but it will kick your butt if you don't pace yourself.  I did get my score on that one and I managed to max out my point value on the test with a 4:18 time.  You have a max time limit of 5:30.
    Now at this point, they tell us that they already have their sixteen applicants picked out of the seventy that started out, so unless something drastic changed, we probably would be going home at this point.  It was no sweat off of my back, but I stuck around for a few hours waiting to check the advancement list, just in case.  When it was released I checked it three times to make sure that I wasn't on there.  I wasn't so I drove the 6 hrs home, just beating a big cold snap and snow storm home.  (Its pushing -20 tonight.)
    When I arrived home, I checked the web page to see who else made it, and wouldn't you know it, there was my name at the top off the list for advancement to the interview stage.  Boy did I feel like a heel.  I sent an email out immediately letting them know that I wouldn't be making it because of my apparent inability to read.  Then the next morning I called to let them know for sure and to apologize for the inconvenience I had caused.   They let me know that it was okay, and to watch their site, as they would likely be hiring again within the next year, and oh by the way you had made the top five in points out of the seventy applicants.  Thank you and good bye.
      Now I felt like an really large ass.   But what do you do.  Whats done is done.  That, and it would seem that while I was gone, we have come closer to being able to communicate among family members.  So it was easier to decline the invitation when Bozeman called back later today and asked if I could possibly come back and interview.  You can't when for losing I tell you.