I Just Call It As I See It

The Night Before Christmas

2009-12-10T09:14:00.005-06:00

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the town;
They were out partying, chugging them down;
The drinks were all poured and shared with a smile,
One more wont matter I only live but a mile;
The presents were wrapped all shiny and bright,
While they soon all headed back out into the night;
The engine turned slowly protesting the cold,
While they were ignoring what they had been told,
When out of my pager there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to tend to the matter.
Away to the scene we flew like a flash,
Threw open the doors and eyed up the crash.
The moon lighting a scene of hurt and of sorrow
Gave sight to tears and pain for the ‘morrow,
She didn’t have a chance you could tell from afar,
But worked and pryed to free him from the car,
Pulled from the mess, so swiftly and quick,
Excuses were coming, the road is so slick!
Rapid as eagles the assessments were made,
While talking and working we all silently prayed;
Now, pressures! Now, fluids! Now, IVs and blood sugar!
On quickly! On swiftly! A helicopter to conjure!
To the top of the roof! To the end of the hall!
Now fly away! Fly away! Fly away all!
For him there’s no presents from under the tree,
That can replace smiles, hugs and cheers full of glee,
Just pain and regret of the choices he made,
For their night of celebration with her life she paid.
No time for us here to dwell on the thought,
For our warm beds and a clean engine is sought.
Out we all headed into the cold night
Knowing that man would never be right.
To stay sober and drive it isn’t such a task
And I really don’t think it is too much to ask.
So this year please just do what is right.
Don’t drink and drive, and have a safe night.

2009-12-21T20:52:00.002-06:00

Today, the world lost a beautiful soul.

Born July 30, 1930 she became a mother to four, a grandmother to thirteen and great-grandmother to four. She was a avid Cubbies and Bears fan. She was the queen of jigsaw puzzles.

We always swore she had nine lives like that mean old cat she loved so much. She survived bipass surgery, cancer, two seperate broken hips and various other bumps and bruises along the way. She did it all without ever complaining.

Her last few weeks were painful to witness. Uncomfortable and confused, we knew it couldn't be long when she even refused her beloved hot fudge sundaes. She may not have been able to recognize us by name but I believe that she knew she was surrounded by those that love her.

This morning she left this world behind along with all the pain and uncertainty. She may be gone, but she definitely will not be forgotten.

Goodbye Grandma. I love you.

Trailer for ‘The Chronicles of EMS’

2009-12-18T08:27:00.002-06:00

If you haven't been following along, you are missing out. The Chronicles of EMS is taking on it's own lifeform and turning heads. Watch the trailer by clicking here and when you are finished with that, check out Justin and Mark's blogs.

Enjoy and follow along!

Yes, I'm counting.

2009-12-15T07:43:00.003-06:00

It has been 13 days since I saw JB. I have another 4 to go.

PleasesomeonemakethisweekgofasterImissmyhunny!

Hugeoid favor

2009-12-14T12:16:00.004-06:00

Okay, so what if that isn't a word... I am still in great need of some assistance.

First, I need a link to prove that it is proper form to start CPR once a choking person goes unresponsive. I have a love/hate relationship with our facilities guy here and because I don't have the proper male anatomy, I am dumb. This is the same man who will not recognize my CPR certification for the company-wide list because I didn't take the course through the class my company offers. Granted, I could teach the class, but you know... that just doesn't matter. Oiy. I have searched high and low and the man just doesn't believe me and refuses to take down the poster in our lunch room that still advertises abdominal thrusts via straddling the patient. Any links provided earn you 200 cool points.

Secondly, Peppridge Farms is trying to kill me. While in Florida over Thanksgiving, JB and I had an attack of I NEED JUNK FOOD NOW so we ran to Publix where I found come cookies that would make angels cry. I am not even kidding you, they were amazingly delicious. So delicious that I ate the entire bag of cookies in a matter of hours. Perhaps you don't understand, but I don't do that. I will have a couple cookies or a little treat and then I'm good. But noooo... they had to go and lace those things with crack! Of course I needed more, so off we went to the Publix on the other side of town and they didn't have them! I have searched their website trying to find the cookies and they are no where to be found. I'm sure they are part of their limited holiday collection because they were in the red-tinted bag. They had raspberry filling, a spiced, shortbread-esque cookie part and had powdered sugar on them. I swear I am starting to think I made them up. Please tell me I didn't!

There are exactly...

2009-12-11T07:21:00.003-06:00

120 days, 7 hours and approximately 38 minutes until I become Mrs. JB. Not that I'm exciting or counting or anything.

I have accomplished some things in order to secure my title as the Mrs, other than charming him with my amazing wit and intelligence. Such as hiring a photographer, purchasing the most amazing dress I have ever laid eyes on (for about 1/3 of the price of retail mind you) and having both sets of rings. Other than that, I have gotten zero accomplished. Do you know how difficult it is to find a suitable place for dinner for a party of 35-40? To large for plain old restaurant reservations and way too small for 99.9% of reception halls. What is a girl to do? I know, avoid the subject all together and instead focus on Christmas! And that is exactly what I intend to do. I figure I'll really get moving on planning the wedding after the holidays. Three months is enough time to send out invitations and put everything together right? Of course it is!

I guess if you are in the Florida panhandle area and have the scoop on a fantastic restaurant or place to have dinner by all means, let me know. Wait, does this count as calling for mutual aid?

Where in the world?

2009-12-02T14:26:00.003-06:00

Have I been? Well the correct answer is a little bit of everywhere and nowhere all at the same time.

Life for this girl has been great and crazy and wonderful and terrifying.

I'm planning our first attempt at a winter fundraiser for the fire department and in all honesty, I'm not quite sure how well it is going. I guess the numbers will tell.

I'm planning a wedding and inching closer and closer to going to see the man with the famous gyrations instead. Whoever wants to attend can get a plane ticket and show up.

I'm planning on putting my house up for sale despite the fact that my trusted mortgage/real estate guru about swallowed his tongue when I told him how much I needed to sell it for in order to cover what I owe.

I'm planning on asking something of my boss that I'm not sure will go over or not but I'm praying that I can at least give it a trial run.

Basically, my head is about to spin right off my neck. I'm trying to remember that everything will be just fine and it will work out as it is intended to, but dangit if I wouldn't love some answers right now. What can I say, I'm not a patient woman.

I have a lot to say but I lack the brain power to say it and honestly, I don't think more than the four people that still visit me here are interested in my day to day adventures. So, I will try and come up with something other than more appologies for not writing anything in the near future. Unfortunately for now, this is all you get.

Peeved.

2009-10-27T11:30:00.003-05:00

I have seen many posts over the last couple months about things that just rub you the wrong way and annoy you like no other. Last night or this morning, however you look at it I came to the realization of what exactly makes me want to kick puppies.

Tape. Little dirty pieces of tape. Stuck to doors, rails, seats, everything. It's gross watching the edges slowly turn greyish brown and finally mutating into black.

I am just as guilty as anyone about sticking pieces of tape to the edge of the counter, to the rail of the cot really, wherever I can put it where it is within reach to secure IVs. But when I'm all done, every last piece gets taken off and tossed in the trash.

I'm not sure why it sends me into a fit, but it does. I even go as far as to pick it off of any surface my hand lands on - bank counters, grocery carts, bay doors... everything. So please, for the love of cheese, for the sake of my sanity clean up your tape!

EMS 2.0

2009-10-23T14:29:00.003-05:00

I just read AD's response to the EMS 2.0 frenzy that has exploded across my known corner of the Internet and well AD, that was quite a mouthful (er, handful)? Read it here. And honestly I am being pulled in two different directions. It isn't that I don't think that things can change it is just such a huge and daunting task.

I am constantly seeing/reading a huge difference between full time EMS and volunteer EMS, not to mention between the service I run with and those that I read about. It is actually quite staggering. So if there are these huge gaps in training, experience and just the way of doing things how in the world are we going to move forward as a profession if we all aren't even on the same page?

I want to be excited about a change in EMS and honestly I am. I have seen how a small town's view of EMTs can change. We went from "those people with the medical supplies" to skilled and knowledgeable EMTs working alongside firefighters who once boasted the last good ol' boys club. It sucked, it was hard but dang if it isn't awesome to sit back and realize that I helped change that. So why can't it be possible to change the country's view of EMS? Right? I'm not so sure.

I'm not always a glass half full kind of gal, but I try. I want to be all sparky and go-get-em about this whole idea, but there is this nagging in the back of my head that you wrote about. This is a great idea and in Utopia it would work and work well. Things would change and life would be peachy and keen for those of us riding in the big metal box. Unfortunately, I can't even get past working on myself to be the best EMT I can and we wont even start in on the others on my department.

I have been absent for a while, dodging calls and just feeling sorry for myself. (See I told you I'm not always a sparkling ray of sunshine.) Why? Because it sucks. I don't run calls that often (you know, when I'm not dodging them) and I don't use the skills that I have now as often as I should. Hell, I couldn't tell you the last time I ran a code and did CPR. I'm embarrassed to think of the last time I even opened a protocol book. So to quote Mel Gibson in one of my favorite movies, "aim small miss small."

Before you write me off as a looney toon and send me off to the men in the white coats, hear me out. Before we can change how the public sees us, shouldn't we first change how we see ourselves? It's no mystery that EMS is chock full of whiny, egotistical, backstabbing slackers. So if we treat ourselves and each other that way, why would the public do any different? What I'm saying is start small. Lets dip our toes into the water and maybe hang out on the edge of the pier before jumping into the deep end of the giant scary pond.

I guess I'm agreeing with you and disagreeing. I think and hope, that we can start some sort of push to better ourselves and our individual services and eventually EMS as a whole. It's not that we don't already, but I know for myself I could do a heck of a lot more. Even if this does fizzle out in a few months, I can't see how it can be a negative if even a few people get the kick in the pants to train a little more frequently and ask a few more questions.

I am but one lowly EMT-IV Tech who has a big mouth and an even bigger heart but dangit if I don't wish I could make a difference. Isn't that what we are all here for anyway?

And with that, I will stop talking, or writing. Whichever you prefer and see what kind of response comes out of this...

Liar Liar Pants On Fire!

2009-10-21T13:47:00.004-05:00

Okay, so his pants weren't on fire but I sure did a number on them when my trauma shears came out to play. But that isn't the point of this post, I just had to have something to go with the phrase that popped into my head and became the title. What I really have to say isn't very nice at all and doesn't apply to everyone, but dang if I didn't want to slap a (insert derogatory term of choice here).

Pedestrian vs car. I'm sure you can figure out who lost. I get on scene and what do you know, someone is crouched over the patient holding c-spine. Sweet is what I thought. Sweet it was not.

We have all had times (particularly if you are a first responder of some sort) where you hear the words I'm a (insert medical profession here) and we breathe a sigh of relief knowing you have a person willing to help who has hopefully at least been exposed to some sort of medical training. Now, don't get me wrong. I have had many lay-people who's only medical experience was being birthed by their mamas that have been rockstars, but this post isn't about them. This post is about those people that strut around and with a tape measure attached to their belts to ensure doorway clearance. Those people may think they are helping, but they are in fact not.

Generally my rule for family members on scenes are that if they are calm and are providing some assistance by way of reassurance for the patient or elsewise, by all means stick around. On the other hand, if you are earning/yearning for a slap to the face to get you back to the realm of controlled emotions, please take a seat in the next room.

So what does this giant digression have to do with what I have to say? Well, it has everything to do with it.

Person in the road just got hit by a car. Person is scared. Ms Immanurseiknowwhatimdoing keeps finding the exact time I open my mouth to ask a question the appropriate time to console/question the patient. Ugh. Since I was the only person there at this time, I could hear the ambulance sirens coming and the kid was talking/breathing/had a pulse, I didn't think much of it. She was keeping him calm, well for the most part, so that was good enough for me.

The problem was when the calvary showed up and this person refused to relinquish control. They continually talked over all of us, answered questions for the patient and generally got in the way. Add that to the chaos of multiple agencies trying to work together it was a cluster. Being the awesome rockstars we are, we got the patient loaded and on the way to the hospital despite the few speed bumps along the way but it doesn't irritate me any less. (Insert inappropriate joke about patients and speedbumps here.)

How do you handle people like this? When in a home/room it is a little easier asking them to step out of the room, but when you request they step back the question is, how big of a step? At what point do you request someone else to step in and play referee/bouncer/bad guy? I can have quite the silver tongue when need be, but sometimes - okay most times, I am blunt and to the point which of course is quite offensive to most despite the lack of ill intent behind the words.

So how do you do it? Please enlighten me because frankly, I just don't know if I'm making the proper decisions anymore. I second guess myself enough, but when the eyes of those around you are also second guessing you, it just makes me sweat. And ladies shouldn't sweat, we should glisten. So help a sistah out. What say you?

Ice ice baby.

2009-10-01T15:55:00.006-05:00

Okay, so you know how I have been flying a lot? Well I was getting good at it too. And then I trusted an airline employee and just like that it was 10:45 and my plane departed at 10:30. Yeah. So I gave JB a little jingle and that sweet, amazing, loving man drove 9 hours one way to come and pick me up. So for 11 or so hours this was my view.

We turned around and headed back through two more states going straight to work where we both propped our eyelids open with whatever various office supplies we could find. 3:00 rolled around and it was decided we might both pass out if we didn't get some sleep and STAT!

Once back at the house JB asked if I wanted to wash up before hitting the hay because well I always do and I just spent 11 hours in an airport about two hours of that time laying on the floor. I politely declined stating the need for a pillow much greater than that of a clean face. Of course he asked again, you know just to be sure. But of course I just wanted a pillow! So I stumbled down the hall when I was abruptly steered into the bathroom. Of course I was quite befuddled as I stared at an empty sink. And then my tired eyes moved up to the mirror and desperately tried to decipher the hieroglyphics's that decorated the reflective surface, illuminated by candles. Like a ton of bricks I my brain de-scrambled and realized exactly what preceded the question mark.

Now we all know I am smooth and suave and always say the right thing at the right time, so when the first thing out of my mouth was exclaiming "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" I turned to find him on one knee. Around this time I once again forgot my manners and forgot to say yes. Of course I did eventually answer in the affirmative. Lots of hugging and squealing... I mean I was perfectly composed the entire time...

And then I saw this.

Holy sweet mother of pearl! Do you see that thing?

What can I say? I think he loves me.

So there you have it folks. This girl is getting hitched to the most patient, kind, loving and understanding man. I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I am to have him in my life, but to call him mine... now that folks, is something to smile about.

Oh yeah!

2009-09-23T07:56:00.004-05:00

Work is insane, my project list is only getting longer despite busting my butt every night of the week, I haven't been on a call in weeks and I just need a break and it is only Wednesday. So, crank it up and dance. That's right... you know you like it.

No Mercy - Where Do You Go

Real McCoy - Another Night

Real McCoy - Come And Get Your Love

La Bouche - Sweet Dreams3

Scatman John: Scatman music video

Eiffel 65 - I'm Blue

Daft Punk - One More Time

Have fun storming the castle!

2009-09-22T14:02:00.011-05:00

Last weekend was my second of four weekends spent with JB in the Great White North. (Thank you JetBlue!) I decided we should do a little sight-seeing along the way and I found Boldt Castle. A love story that tragically ended, it is a beautiful island and really neat place to visit. See if you are me, you think that Mr. Boldt was devastated when his wife passed, but if you are JB, you assume she nagged him incessantly about building her a castle, you know, if he really loved her and when she died he was relieved to know that he no longer had to build a castle he didn't want laden in girly hearts. So, it depends on who you talk to. Whichever story you chose to go with the beauty of the buildings and island is hard to deny.

While you are there, stop by some of the little shops in Alexandria Bay, NY. It is a cute little town with plenty of parking, once you find it. So without further delay, I present Boldt Castle.

This is the Yacht House. We didn't pay the extra money to head over and check it out, so I can't tell you much about it. But you get a picture anyway.

This one is the Play House. There were no plans made and it was build ad hoc if you will.

That's JB and the Play House.

This is from the 4th floor balcony. It had an amazing view.

The next three pictures are of the outside of the castle. I'm not sure who those two people are but now they are semi-famous as "those people" in my picture.

These two pictures are of the Power House. It was build before the castle was even thought to be built. It is really cool and might be my favorite building on the island.

The pictures really don't do it justice. The weather was beautiful and my time was spent laughing, which of course makes the whole thing that much more enjoyable. If you are ever in the area, I say check it out. Next on the list is Singer Castle. :)

Thankful

2009-09-18T12:39:00.002-05:00

Ten things I am thankful for today:

1. A little brother who should really start wearing a cape because he really is a hero both in combat boots and out.

2. A man who loves me with all my oddities, forgetfulness and crazy emotions.

3. A job where I am secure and make enough money to pay my bills and stuff a little away for my future.

4. Friends that make me laugh until I have to scurry cross-legged to the bathroom.

5. Good health.

6. JetBlue and their fly-all-you-want pass. :)

7. Dove chocolate from Jo

8. Rootbeer and pretzels

9. Leftovers for lunch

10. Pens that write nice

And with that, I'm off to eat some lunch and get my butt to the airport. Weekend #3 of all JB all the time. Makes me happy.

2009-09-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

So I'm now a landlady and you know what? I really, really dislike it. I honestly don't know how people do it. I like to talk the big talk and let people presume I am a big old tough girl, but really I am squishier than a marshmallow in July. It really doesn't help that my renter cries. A lot. In front of me. This is where you can break out the awkward turtle. It has been a rough first two months with issues with the security deposit and managing rent on time. Granted all was within the grace period, but still aggrivating.

Instead of whining about the bad stuff, we will focus on the positive. What is the positive you ask? I am a handy little bugger. It's true. I may be prone to skinned knuckles and unexplained bruises from forgotten furniture corners but dangit if I haven't proven myself with my limited selection in my sad little tool box. For example... the garbage disposal (that was running properly when I moved out) decided for one reason or another to stop functioning. I grabbed my flashlight, a few buckets, a rag or two and my tools. Somehow, some way I got that thing running again. I took the whole blasted thing apart and managed to get it all back together with zero injuries and zero leaks. AND it worked. I know. I was just as surprised as you. Granted after about a day they called and let me know it was broken again so I gave up and just bought a new one. Even though I eventually had to spend the money on a new one, I still have the satisfaction that I fixed it once. Right? Sure, we will go with that.

Also, you know that wall I have been whining about off and on? Well after Monday, the drama shall be (mostly) behind me. Tonight shall be the night of venting frustrations when I head over and *finally* take down the studs. I have a big hammer and some pent up aggression waiting to come out. Afterwards I will have plenty of 2x4's. I'm thinking they will be stacked in the corner and saved for some future project. You know, right next to the trim for the master suite. All that will be left is to fix the landscaping outside to grade away from the house instead of right towards it. I'm really hoping that will be a single weekend project and I will have plenty of volunteers to help.

In news completely unrelated to anything I am searching for the perfect pair of boots. Of course this includes a balance of style, comfort and most importantly, cost. I bought one pair, but I'm not sure I love them and since they do not have a heel I can't figure out if they are comfortable or not. So there they sit on my kitchen table sad and alone wanting nothing more than to be worn.

Okay, so I started this on Thursday and never posted it. I had a fantastic weekend with JB and I'm excited to see him again on Friday. Thank you JetBlue. :) In the mean time, it's laundry, replacing a garbage disposal and training at the FD. You know, life. Now if you will excuse me, I have a pot of coffee to drink.

2009-09-11T09:09:00.002-05:00

Today, I remember quietly. Ever thankful for those that gave and continue to give their lives for others. Ever sad for the families of blood and profession, broken and shattered. Always proud to part of a nation that can and will pull together in a time of tragedy, anger, hurt and sorrow.

I have so much I would like to say. Something profound to convey my feelings about this day, but I can't seem to get them just right. However, my simple words cannot possibly capture the emotion like the images of the day and the days after.

I will board a plane today and fly into a city whose scars still throb with the sting of that day. I will remember. Will you?

Why hello there...

2009-09-03T13:25:00.003-05:00

Hi, I'm here. Well not really here in the sense that I am around the "blog world." Been sitting back and ignoring it for a bit to be honest.

Things are good. Wait, scratch that. Things are great. JB is headed my direction for the weekend and I will see him for exactly 5 if not 6 weekends in a row, Will is headed home for good and the bosslady is talking a pay grade boost. So all in all I can't complain. Can you imagine that? Me... not complaining? Or if you are JB - whining? I know. Crazy.

I've noticed some of you out there *cough*Michael*cough* have been somewhat quiet as well so I say you should at least let us know you are still upright and kicking. Okay? Great. Thanks.

In other news... the fire department has hit is fall frenzy. It happens every year around this time when everyone decides to roll cars, break bones, forget how to breathe and well, up and code. Unfortunately I am a giant slug have not been very successful in getting my tired butt out of bed in the middle of the night. I mean, I do, but not nearly as often as when I was young* and sparky. This is not a direct result of covering other people's shifts however more so that the bad stuff happens on my nights I can sleep. And yes, I probably did just jinx myself. Not so good considering I can't find anyone to cover my crew night Saturday which is absolutely no good since I will have company. I might have to stoop to bribery. We shall see.

Well folks, I'm more dull and uninteresting that watching golf on tv on a Sunday afternoon so I will stop yammering (and wasting time until my "Friday" begins) and leave you all with a request to stay safe and enjoy the long weekend.

**I can refer to my "young" days since they were 7 years ago and I'm fast approaching 30. Which of course 30 is the new 20 so in reality I should be the same age as when I started this crazy circus called EMS... right? Oh wait, I think I've confused myself...

The Handover

2009-08-28T10:20:00.002-05:00

It's that time again folks!

Head on over to Medic999's blog
and read up on some fantastic stories.

Cuteness Defined

2009-08-26T07:41:00.004-05:00

27 years ago today, my mother experienced a whole new version of childbirth. Her stubborn "Steven" wouldn't budge. When that baby decided SHE wanted to make her debut she arrived sunny side up.

You know, just to be different.

Of course she didn't always resemble a primate so much.

Eventually she got even more adorable.

She had a few more trips around the sun - made her fair share of mistakes and perfected the eye-roll. But she has always done what she wants...

Wait for the singing? No way!

This child was not only cute as a button, she was a budding artist. Sharpening her mad pig sculpting skills. Making her parents very proud.

So come on folks... Celebrate this painfully adorable genius child's birthday!

I know my momma is.

Routine.

2009-08-25T10:10:00.000-05:00

What the….? Oh yeah, that’s a pager. My pager. Ripping me out of my precious and much adored sleep.

Feet on the floor. Shirt over the tank top. Swap jeans for pjs. Shake the cobwebs from your brain.

Phone… check. Radio… check. Pager… check. Shoes?! There they are…

Pause at Jo’s door. Detect no movement or light.

Grab car keys and boots. Don’t forget to lock the door.

Wipers on to clear the fog on my window. Window down to allow the cool air to chase out the spiders from my brain.

Updates… location change… doesn’t sound good.

Pull in. Phone into the pocket. Pager and radio on my hip. Grab your helmet. You always forget your helmet.

Into the ambulance and off we go.

Ration out gloves and talk game-plan. Right there. See the squad?

Wow! That looks like it hurt… don’t cringe on the outside. Gloves on… Jump kit… check. Spinal board… check.

Crap, I forgot my reflective vest.

Blood. Lots of blood. Music is blaring. Odd thoughts of musical notes floating upside down out of the car on it’s roof. Dancing to the beat on the inside. Hands are steady holding c-spine.

Frustration mounts… my questions are more important that yours. I’ll get you his info in a minute.

What? Trauma shears? Right pants pocket. Oh wait… left. Speaking of spiders, please shoo that one off my leg.

Ants? What’s with the bugs? Ick. Can’t let go. Kinda itchy.

No-Bama. Funny even in pain.

Whoa. That looks like it hurts. I’m intrigued. Memories in check. Stay there please. Thanks.

C-spine kit in a giant ant pile. More itchy. Yuck. Tease new guy about placement of gear. Surprised it wasn’t me this time.

Check the back. Roll him on my count. Straps and backboards. Out of Bug Central.

Wow… things are going smooth as silk.

Big needle… giggle. All before the BP cuff deflates. Booya. One shot. Go me.

Wait. He just asked that question 2 minutes ago. Here come the 11’s... Put your thinking cap on.

Okay, time for the mental checklist…

Anyone else? Any changes?

No, don’t get mad at us. We are helping you. I’ll smile. You take deep breaths.

There. That’s better.

What’s that? I can’t tell you one way or the other. Yes, I was holding c-spine. Sorry it’s not the answer you want to hear but I can’t say yes or no. Sassy man with a star…

Helicopter is here.

Nice Flight crew. New partners to dance with. They join effortlessly.

Recap and recheck. Switch monitors. Pack up IV’s. Pain meds mean a happy(er) patient.

Personal items nestled in between his legs.

Off to a hot load. Man… that never gets old. Rush of cool night air as they ascend into the black. Straight up sure is impressive.

A blinking star takes off into the night.

Disaster in the squad. Gloves. Blood. Wrappers. Remnants of a shirt.

Clean it up. Back to the station. So tired.

Paperwork. Restock. Clean. Don’t look at your watch. The watch I get teased for. Happy thoughts.

Windows down. Music up. Need to stay awake for 5 more minutes.

Hot. Sweaty. One hour until daily beeping.

Fan on high. Beg for sleep.

Pillows to the floor. Pillows on the bed.

Right side. Left side. Flop like a fish.

Forget it.

Time for a shower.

One of our own...

2009-08-14T22:12:00.005-05:00

For those that are in the field of EMS we often wonder where all the "good" people are. Stuck with partners that don't care or just don't get it, we dream every day for the elusive soul that is not only good at what they do, but you know they have your back no matter what. The same holds true for people not in EMS. When you find yourself dialing those three numbers for yourself, your mother, your friend, your child - you want someone there who can connect with you and earn your trust in seconds. So what are we to do when that person everyone wants to come running when they call 911 can't? What are we supposed to do? Well folks, this is your chance.

There is one such woman who puts her heart and soul into the job day in and day out. Her heart takes permanent residence on her sleeve while she cares for you physically and emotionally. This woman has worked her butt off to attend medic school. And wouldn't you know it has been faced with a barrier I hope we can all help her overcome. Epi has become like a sister to me. She is strong, passionate, loving and one of the coolest people I know. And she needs our help.

I know money is tight. I know we most of us don't "know" her, but I dare you to take five minutes and read through Epi's blog and tell me she doesn't deserve a chance to make her dream come true. She has worked so hard to get where she is today only to be stopped in her tracks.

I'm challenging all of you to three fives. Give five dollars, tell five friends and take five minutes to stop by Epi's blog and give her some words of encouragement.

I have put a donation button in the sidebar. Every last penny goes to Epi and getting her to medic school. I HATE asking for money but I can't think of anyone else that deserves this as much as she does.

Thank you all so much!

UPDATE: Epi gives a bit more of an explanation here. There have been several people wondering why I have been so vague as to why we are helping her out financially as well as with as much love and support we can muster and frankly as much as I would like to remove any doubt from your mind as to why she needs us, I don't want to cross lines of revealing more personal information than she is comfortable giving out. The bottom line is we have all been there at one point or another. When everything seems to fall apart and the one good thing you had your sights on gets taken away. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. But as I said before, I'm not sure how much I can truly share beyond what she has already.

Thank you for your understanding.

gigglesnort

2009-08-13T13:26:00.001-05:00

Enjoy.

Canadian, please.

2009-08-12T07:54:00.001-05:00

Mucho funny. Considering...

Because you know you want to know...

2009-08-11T14:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I totally stole this from TJ. Thanks for providing my mental break for my Tuesday afternoon. So here you go folks. Enjoy watching the paint dry.

Have I:

Gone on a blind date: Nope. Never.

Skipped school: High school – no. I was a goody-goody. Well for the most part anyway. College – Yep. A person can only read/debate/dissect Hamlet so many times before you want to drink the wine yourself.

Watched someone die: I guess that is the debate. Are they already dead when I get to them or do they slip away despite our best efforts. I assume I have in fact watched someone die, but it just sounds so passive. You know, like I wasn’t busting my butt to save them. Ick. I don’t like this question.

Been to Canada: Indeed. I foresee a lot of Canada in my future.

Been on a plane: Yes. Quite a bit in the last 6 months. That’s what happens with long distance relationships.

Been lost: Never lost, just taking a detour.

Been on the opposite side of the country: Well I kind of live in the middle section, but I have been to every side at one point or another.

Swam in the ocean: Yes. I tried surfing in California and ended up sicker than sick. Do not inhale ocean water. Just sayin’. AND I went snorkeling in St John. Of course I am the freakazoid that got motion sickness from snorkeling. Go figure.

Had your booze taken away by the cops: Funny story with that one. Maybe some day I will write about it. Oh, right… the answer is yes. If you hadn’t figured that one out yet.

Cried yourself to sleep: It used to be a nightly occurrence. Not so much anymore.

Recently colored with crayons: YES! I made a pretty sign complete with hearts and sent a picture to JB. I’m a dork, but he loves me.

Sang Karaoke: Never. Nor will it ever.

Paid for a meal with coins only: Two words for you… dollar.menu.

Cheated on an exam: Nope. It’s just not worth the satisfaction in passing if I didn’t pass on my own.

Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose: You hang out with Will and see if YOU can keep things from flying out your nose.

Caught a snowflake on your tongue: It’s the only way to go. Less odds of ground contamination if you know what I mean.

Danced in the rain: Not really “danced” persay, but we used to run around in the yard when we were kids. Then my dad would hold our heads under the downspout and call it “Chinese Water Torture”. In fact that might be one of my favorite memories from my childhood. The running around, not the face under the downspout.

Written a letter to Santa Claus: I can’t say that I did or didn’t. I remember waiting for “Santa” at my grandparents house and watching out the window. When he arrived, I freaked the hell out and ran to the safety of my mothers lap and would not release my judo death grip until the creepy man left. Funny enough, that creepy man was my uncle. Who is still, to this day creepy. Even without the Santa costume. I was a smart child.

Been kissed under the mistletoe: No! Never. What a rip off.

Watched the sunrise with someone you care about: I’m not really a sunrise kinda person if ya know what I mean.

Been arrested: Negatory. I’m a good girl.

Blown bubbles: I love doing this with the nieces and nephews. They LOVE it and it occupies them for hours. HOURS I tell you! Well if you don’t pass out first that is.

Gone ice-skating: I grew up next to a lake. I was practically born on ice skates. Just beware the TOE PICK. (100 cool points to anyone that can identify the reference.)

Been skinny dipping outdoors: Yeah.

Favorite drink?: If we are talking non-alcoholic it’s water. But room temperature water. I hate cold water. It makes my teeth hurt. As for alcoholic – it totally depends on my mood. But I do enjoy a good Woodchuck from time to time. Nummy.

Tattoos?: I have one on the small of my back that is an ivy design and another on the inside of my left wrist of a dragonfly. I’m not sure if I want any more. I feel “complete” right now.

Piercings?: Two holes in each ear. I miss my tragus piercing like crazy, but alas it does not jive with stethoscopes so I wont have it redone. Bummer.

How much do you love your job?: Which one? My full time, sit at a desk and stare at numbers one? That one is okay. I wish a few things were different, mostly the commute but for the most part I like it. I don’t love it though. The EMT thing… of course I love it. Even if I do get tired of the drama-llamas and whatnot. Few things put a smile on my face and a spring in my step like interacting with patients. When I’m on the job, it just feels right. Like it is what I was meant to do with my life. Oh and then the massage thing… I don’t love it. Well I might if it didn’t beat me up so bad. I think I would like it a whole lot more if it was more rehab/treatment based and not all Swedish boring blah massages that are exactly the same every time.

Birthplace? It’s a secret. And you don’t get to know.

Favorite vacation spot? I can’t tell you enough how much I loved St John. So laid back and the weather was perfect. It helped that I thoroughly enjoyed the company I kept while I was there too. My mom is awesomeness. Although there is something to be said for my grandparent’s house “up north”.

Ever been to Africa?: No, never.

Ever been on TV?: Yep. I was screaming bloody murder for a scenario. They didn’t use the audio though… I wonder why.

Ever been in a car accident?: Yes. One when I was 17 that has absolutely no bearing on my memory or lack thereof (love you babe!) but did produce some nasty scars (that only I see at this point) and another a few years later when I t-boned a cop. Again, a story for another day.

Favorite movie?: I love so many movies it’s ridiculous, but you really can’t go wrong with Princess Bride, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Hope Floats, Big Fish and just about any Julia Roberts movie ever made.

Favorite holiday?: Christmas. My favorite thing ever is buying presents for other people.

Favorite food?: Have I ever mentioned I’m a mood-driven person? Ask me this tomorrow and you will get a different answer. Today… I want sushi. Bad.

Favorite flower?: Lilacs. I LOVE LOVE LOVE lilacs. The deeper the purple, the more I love them. And yellow roses because they are bright and happy and out of the ordinary. Oh and coral roses because they remind me of my cousin.

Favorite smells?: The ocean. Lilacs. Summer (a mixture of grass, flowers, fresh air and food grilling), the smell right after it snows and it is freezing cold outside… I could go on for days.

What do you do to relax? Write, run, sleep, draw, clean…

How do you see yourself in 10 years?: Can I say still hot? Ha! Happy and content.

Ever been given an engagement ring?: Yes.

Longest relationship?: Six years.

Last gift you received?: Flowers from Jo.

Ever dropped a cell phone?: They designed the Nextel construction grade phones just for me. True story.

When’s the last time you worked out?: Weeks ago. I stopped running so I would stop shrinking.

First thing you notice about the opposite sex?: Their smile and how they carry themselves. And eyes. I love it when you can see the smile in their eyes.

One favorite song?: Ra’s version of Every little thing she does is magic. It makes me giggle.

Favorite mall store: Anything with cute shoes.

Longest job you’ve had: It’s either this one at just short of 5 years or my “job” as an EMT at just about 7 years.

Biggest lie you’ve ever heard: I’m gonna go ahead and plead the 5th on this one thankyouverymuch.

Favorite place to eat with friends?: It doesn’t really matter as long as I’m hanging out with friends.

Can you cook?: Anything but pancakes.

Best kiss: Any one I can get from him.

Last time you cried?: Sunday.

Most disliked foods: Onions, beets, peanut butter, sushi with the skin still on it

Thing you like most about yourself: I always find the good in people even after they’ve done me absolutely no good.

Thing you dislike most about yourself: See above.

Longest shift you’ve worked at a job?: 18 hours I think.

Can you sing?: I don’t know if you would refer to what I do as singing. But I still do it. HA!

Last concert you attended?: Shinedown.

Last movie rented: I have no idea. I have had Netflix forever and I don’t even have that anymore. Like I have time to watch movies. Pshaw!

One thing you never leave the house without: Keys or my cell phone.

Laptop or Desktop?: Laptop

Favorite comedian?: Me of course.

Do long distance relationships work?: Yes, to a point. There comes a time where something definitely has to change.

How many times have you been pulled over by the police?: Seven? Eight? Twenty?

How do you like your eggs?: Over medium. Cooked whites, runny yolks and a piece of toast. Or scrambled with cheese and peppers and hot sauce.

Number of pillows?: When he is here, one. When he is gone, 7.

Can you play pool?: I can, but it sure isn’t pretty.

Favorite season?: They all have their perks, but I think fall is my favorite.

Best thing about winter?: The smell of fresh snow and Christmas.

Name of your first pet?: Skipper – an English Setter

Birthday?: August 26! Mark your calendars people!

What do you want to be?: Happy.

Smiling right now?: Actually I am. I just remembered something wonderful and had to take a minute to just sit here and enjoy it.

Do you miss somebody right now?: Yes! A thousand times YES! :(

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?: Canada. Ontario to be precise.

Are you in high school?: Sometimes I wonder.

Do you have a harmless crush on anyone?: Hmm, I don’t know if that can be classified as a crush. And now I have Paramore stuck in my head. Thanks a lot.

Ever been on a cruise?: No. Apparently I will be going on one next October though. Ha!

What jewelry are you wearing?: Just diamond studs in my ears. Need to replace the chain for my necklace… again.

What are you going to do after this questionnaire?: Um, get back to work.

Brain Child.

2009-08-11T08:58:00.003-05:00

It is a bad idea to tie the corners of a blanket to a rope suspended from a 40 foot tree. Climb up with said blanket in hand to about the 25 foot mark. At which point to encase yourself in the blanket and jump.

Fact: Knots fail.

Fact: 25 foot fall means several broken bones.

Fact: Youtube videos are not worth the surgery or the cast for the remainder of your summer.

Fact: Your mother will ground you until your dying day.

Fact: You cannot be a shadow ninja if you glow in the dark.

The antics of teenagers will never cease to amaze me.