Hi Team!
Wednesday
I am feeling crappy still though the nausea seems to have passed. OMG!! as I write this I realize that many of my recent symptoms are reminiscent of... AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! NO it CAN't BE>>> I am NOT pregnant! But I have been way tired lately. And I am peeing a lot. I mean often but not a lot at all. YIKES!! I better not be late! As if I can judge that. I haven't been regular in three years! OMG OMG OMG!!! I'm really scared!!! That would SO suck!!! Just this past weekend I saw a mom with a teeny tiny infant and said, "Oh, I want one of those..." then shocked myself when I quickly said, "But not to keep!" I was just thinking I had finally passed a major milestone in my life. OMG!! NOOOOOOO!!!!!
OK, stop freaking out. Nothing to worry about until I know something. RIGHT? I cannot believe that I am going through this thought process on my blog. Well, that's life. It IS part of my journey right now. OMG I am freaking out! I mean like... almost panicky! The timing would really suck! I WANT TO BE A PARAMEDIC!!!
I'm too freaked out to write right now. Sorry to leave you hanging!
Stay safe!
Hotflash out!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Report From Ladder Company 40 Days 170 and 171
Monday
Ok I admit it. I only exercised today because I was afraid to call Coach Alex and cancel. I'm glad I walkd though! I just felt so tired and worn out. Even after 12 hours of bed time on Friday night. I drank my fluids today, two quarts plus a little more. I don't remember what time I went to bed Sunday night so I'll be conservative and say I am two for three though I may have been better than that. I am still feeling crappy.
I just feel sick to my stomach, and very tired. Nothing else to report for Monday.
Tuesday
Well, I have had a headache all day but otherwise have been feeling a little better. No nausea. I drank about 3 quarts today of WATER, and iced tea. I have kept busy today, not exercising on purpose but not lazy either. It isn't a scheduled workout day so I am giving myself three for three. (oh, I got a fair amount of sleep!)
Today was the first CERT class. We have quite a varied bunch of volunteers taking this class. Child Care directors, , Paramedic wannabe, School librarian, Traffic engineer, architect, safe streets leaders, former first responders from NY, retired CIA, young adult neighbor of mostly elderly people, military guy just back from Afghanistan and his wife, etc. Great mix! This should be very interesting.
We got our green CERT helmets, goggles and gloves made for andre the giant! (seriously, I couldn't do anything in my gloves if my life depended on it!) I will have to go find some other gloves and buy them. We are required to bring these items to each class hereafter. When the class is over we will be issued substantial disaster kits. I am told they cost the city 60 dollars each before tax. I can see waiting to make sure we are serious before issuing them. We are not being charged a penny. And they feed us too. Today was pretty much orientation to CERT. Thursday we will launch into small fire suppression. Using extinguishers complete with practical exercise. I hope they'll accept whatever gloves I find as a substitute for what was issued. My gloves would be too big for my feet with shoes on!
Not much else to report.
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Ok I admit it. I only exercised today because I was afraid to call Coach Alex and cancel. I'm glad I walkd though! I just felt so tired and worn out. Even after 12 hours of bed time on Friday night. I drank my fluids today, two quarts plus a little more. I don't remember what time I went to bed Sunday night so I'll be conservative and say I am two for three though I may have been better than that. I am still feeling crappy.
I just feel sick to my stomach, and very tired. Nothing else to report for Monday.
Tuesday
Well, I have had a headache all day but otherwise have been feeling a little better. No nausea. I drank about 3 quarts today of WATER, and iced tea. I have kept busy today, not exercising on purpose but not lazy either. It isn't a scheduled workout day so I am giving myself three for three. (oh, I got a fair amount of sleep!)
Today was the first CERT class. We have quite a varied bunch of volunteers taking this class. Child Care directors, , Paramedic wannabe, School librarian, Traffic engineer, architect, safe streets leaders, former first responders from NY, retired CIA, young adult neighbor of mostly elderly people, military guy just back from Afghanistan and his wife, etc. Great mix! This should be very interesting.
We got our green CERT helmets, goggles and gloves made for andre the giant! (seriously, I couldn't do anything in my gloves if my life depended on it!) I will have to go find some other gloves and buy them. We are required to bring these items to each class hereafter. When the class is over we will be issued substantial disaster kits. I am told they cost the city 60 dollars each before tax. I can see waiting to make sure we are serious before issuing them. We are not being charged a penny. And they feed us too. Today was pretty much orientation to CERT. Thursday we will launch into small fire suppression. Using extinguishers complete with practical exercise. I hope they'll accept whatever gloves I find as a substitute for what was issued. My gloves would be too big for my feet with shoes on!
Not much else to report.
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Report From Ladder Company 40 Days 168 and 169
Hi Team!
Saturday
Today was a humdrum kind of day. I went to bed a little past 8pm last night, or maybe a little closer to 9, I'm not quite sure but friday night wrestling was still on (UGH!). I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and Brian did not get me up until 8 this morning so I had PLENTY of sleep last night. I drank 2 quarts of juice/sugar free drink mix today, barely. I did not go exercise even though I am a little behind. I simply did not feel that well today. I have to give myself a two for three. I did go with my husband to help my mother-in-law pick up one of her two vehicles that were in the shop and then we went to breakfast together. It was nice to catch up with her for a change. We only live 6 tenths of a mile from her and we both love her dearly, but we haven't been connecting much lately. I enjoyed our morning together. After that Brian and I did some much needed grocery shopping. How fun! (NOT) After that, I was pretty lazy the rest of the day. The long week must have caught up with me because even after 12 hours of rest I am still exhausted.
Sunday
Today I am in worse shape than yesterday. I woke up feeling fine. But after I ate breakfast (the largest banana I have ever seen -and I shared it with my gluttonous brat), I started to feel nauseous and that remained feeling that way for pretty much the remainder of the day. I went to church anyway and then came home and napped. Nothing else was accomplished today. I awoke around dinner time feeling much better. I did get two quarts of sugar free drink mix down today, after dinner. I simply didn't feel like or think about drinking anything much earlier. That makes me 2 for three again today. Could be worse. I'll try to get better, I just think my body got worn out.
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Saturday
Today was a humdrum kind of day. I went to bed a little past 8pm last night, or maybe a little closer to 9, I'm not quite sure but friday night wrestling was still on (UGH!). I just couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and Brian did not get me up until 8 this morning so I had PLENTY of sleep last night. I drank 2 quarts of juice/sugar free drink mix today, barely. I did not go exercise even though I am a little behind. I simply did not feel that well today. I have to give myself a two for three. I did go with my husband to help my mother-in-law pick up one of her two vehicles that were in the shop and then we went to breakfast together. It was nice to catch up with her for a change. We only live 6 tenths of a mile from her and we both love her dearly, but we haven't been connecting much lately. I enjoyed our morning together. After that Brian and I did some much needed grocery shopping. How fun! (NOT) After that, I was pretty lazy the rest of the day. The long week must have caught up with me because even after 12 hours of rest I am still exhausted.
Sunday
Today I am in worse shape than yesterday. I woke up feeling fine. But after I ate breakfast (the largest banana I have ever seen -and I shared it with my gluttonous brat), I started to feel nauseous and that remained feeling that way for pretty much the remainder of the day. I went to church anyway and then came home and napped. Nothing else was accomplished today. I awoke around dinner time feeling much better. I did get two quarts of sugar free drink mix down today, after dinner. I simply didn't feel like or think about drinking anything much earlier. That makes me 2 for three again today. Could be worse. I'll try to get better, I just think my body got worn out.
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 167
Friday (FINALLY!!!)
Hi Team!
I did it. I survived to Friday. I'm not sure how. But I did drink three quarts of iced tea and juice today and I slept 7 hours. YAY ME! (I did not go meet Coach Alex to walk today so I have to take a two for three today.) Instead, I met with a fellow Fire Buff Battalion member and our most recent wannabe (John) to go visit some fire stations. John has been an unofficial buff for a long time and has taken a lot of pictures and posted them on various websites he has created. Photographing fire apparatus is a hobby of his and he wants to be a firefighter some day. He is kind of shy and so is Firekat, the member that went with us. I claim to be the shy one but they put me to shame.
We went to station 15 first. When we got there, Firekat told us to go ahead of her. John starts to go to the back fo the fire station and I tell him to follow me, the front is over there (pointing). He says to me,
"I never knock on door before" (he is Japanese with good but not perfect English) "I always stop when they are washing trucks." This particular fire station is a converted house with a large bay built along side of it for the fire engine. The windows on the bay door are so far up that none of us can tell if anyone is even in quarters. I told him we'd have to knock because no one was out and proceeded to lead the way. Being shy as I am, I signalled for him to go first when we got to the door. He backed away quickly. I looked at Firekat who very quickly said, "Don't look at me!" AUUUUUGGGGHHHH! Okay. Babies! I knocked on the door. They both stepped back. The door opened and I was holding a clear plastic box of home made chocolate chip cookies in front of me. An older fireman looks down at us and says, "Nobody's home! Go away! (I am sure he has noticed my fire buff battalion patch on my sleeve of my coat and Firekat is wearing a fire buff battalion sweatshirt). I said, "But we have home made cookies!" He opened the door wide and looked at only me saying, COME ON IN!!! Funny how cookies always seem to break the ice. I introduced myself to him and the other two firefighters, who came to the door when they heard "cookies" and I introduced Firekat and John and explained why we were there. They were so kind and obliging! One of the guys pulled the engine out onto the apron and another one said, "Hey, it's kind of dirty from the last shift. It's got a little mud on it, should we wash it?" The officer nodded in the affirmative and the three of them began washing it. I tried to make some small talk with one of the firefighters just so I could feel a little more comfortable. John was kind of demanding, I thought, in his requests but I think it was a cultural thing in how he went about it. I tried to throw in the pleases and thank you's and explain a little about what John was doing this for. The guys were very obliging moving the engine into the best light, closing the bay doors, removing the helmet from the dash and out of the picture, etc. They joked with us and were really very nice. They quizzed John on CPR because he told them that one of the guys from the C shift had been his instructor. I told them about my dream of becoming a paramedic and that I was starting school soon and hoped to be doing my ride-alongs with our fire department. They were very encouraging. Our visit got cut short when they got a call but they thanked us for our interest and thanked Firekat and myself for our work with the Battalion telling us how much they really appreciated us working to take care of them. Aw shucks! They are way too kind. I love firemen!
When we left 15's we went to 8's. I had never been in 8's in their current building but always wanted to. (Remember I grew up near 8's original station house). At 8's John knew one of the firefighters. She remembered him so that made things a little smoother. They were happy to see cookies and were then willing to oblige us as well. I told one of the guys I would never show up to a fire station empty handed and he laughed. We talked quite a bit while John was making requests and doing his thing with the camera. This guy, whose name escapes me now doggonit, was around the old 8's when my brother was around there. I was telling him that I grew up four houses to the south of the old 8's and he started asking me questions about when and exactly where. He knew the exact house but he was there several years after I was gone from the area. I told him about some of my brother's antics and he had heard all about him. In fact he knew very well who my brother was! My poor bro, his reputation preceeds him! He is infamous. I told the guy my brother grew up to be a good guy and a father of six and a fireman. He was quite impressed. He almost choked when I said they all lived in a fire station and of course I had to explain. He thought that was really cool and said so. I told him my brother was pretty embarrassed about his legendary past but he blew it off. He said we all do things when we're kids and then we grow up. Then he started telling me about his kids. It was really fun talking with him. Later he asked me what I did and I told him what I currently do and about school and my dreams. I even admitted that I grew up secretly wanting to be Roy DeSoto, to which he laughed again. I told him that I knew it was likely too late to become a career fire department paramedic but that I was going to do my best and see where it took me. He asked why I thought it was too late and I told him about an email I got from a new fire chief back east that I had contacted. (She just became the first full time female fire chief in her state!) She told me that if I was looking at a paid gig, civil service, then 41 was too old to get started but that if I was interested in a volunteer department to go apply. This firefighter said that was not true. He added that it might be where she's from but that our town did not have a cut off for civil service. He told me of a man who was 51 when he was hired on as a rookie just a few years ago. He told me to not give up and to go for it! Forget could nine, I'm now on could 57! I LOVE FIREMEN! (Did I mention that already?)
Shortly after that Engine 10 pulled up to station 8 and the Lt. of 8's went to the engine to talk to the crew. After about five minutes, Firekat and I were talking to each other waiting for John to finish up his pictures and Engine 10's crew was ready to leave. We didn't know it though. Before they pulled out they turned on every loud noisemaker they could and Firekat screamed a little and we both jumped out of our skin! I may have screamed a little too, I don't know because I was watching Firekat and hearing her scream! After Engine 10 was a half a block away they turned off their siren. So I guess they did it on purpose! GOOD one guys! You GOT us!!! It's nice to be loved!
When we left 8's we tried to deliver cookies at 7's but they were not home and we waited until John had to leave for work. We dropped John off at his car and drove back to 7's to wait for them. After a while though, we gave up and decided to go to 10's. I'm sure they would have gotten a kick out of it if they had been home but they were out too so we tried 11's, which was on my way home. They too were out. Busy day I guess for the local FD. I can't give away the last dozen cookies. Oh well. My staff are looking foward to them.
Yesterday, I told my staff I would be visting fire stations today and that I had to bake cookies when I got home last night. One of them said, "Sure, she makes cookies for the firefighters but she forgets all about us!" I said if they called me Chief I would bring my crew cookies! When I got there I found my teacher and called her Captain. I gave her cookies. My assistant was the Leiutenant and our substitute assistant was the boot. (he asked if he could at least be the helmet! LOL I had to explain what boot meant.) They didn't seem to mind. They like cookies as much as firemen do.
Today at work I was so tired that I couldn't even write an incident report without sleeping. Seriously, my eyes were open but I had no control over what I did. I was writing a report about a child's unsafe behavior. It started out fine. "Joe's" behavior was unnaceptable when he continuously tried to leave the play area today. There was a stranger on the playground who had balloons and he kept trying to talk to this person even after he was talked to several times about it. Ms. "McGillicutty" attempted to discuss the...... (you won't believe what I wrote next) "beholden monkey stealth." Suddenly, after I wrote it my brain started to re-engage and I thought to myself, "What did I just write?" Then I looked.
"...attempted to discuss the beholden monkey stealth."
What in the WORLD???????
Where did THAT come from???? What does it even mean?
Oh my gosh I am SO tired!!!
Okay, not only am I so tired, I am certifiably insane. On that note...
Stay safe.
Hotflash out.
Hi Team!
I did it. I survived to Friday. I'm not sure how. But I did drink three quarts of iced tea and juice today and I slept 7 hours. YAY ME! (I did not go meet Coach Alex to walk today so I have to take a two for three today.) Instead, I met with a fellow Fire Buff Battalion member and our most recent wannabe (John) to go visit some fire stations. John has been an unofficial buff for a long time and has taken a lot of pictures and posted them on various websites he has created. Photographing fire apparatus is a hobby of his and he wants to be a firefighter some day. He is kind of shy and so is Firekat, the member that went with us. I claim to be the shy one but they put me to shame.
We went to station 15 first. When we got there, Firekat told us to go ahead of her. John starts to go to the back fo the fire station and I tell him to follow me, the front is over there (pointing). He says to me,
"I never knock on door before" (he is Japanese with good but not perfect English) "I always stop when they are washing trucks." This particular fire station is a converted house with a large bay built along side of it for the fire engine. The windows on the bay door are so far up that none of us can tell if anyone is even in quarters. I told him we'd have to knock because no one was out and proceeded to lead the way. Being shy as I am, I signalled for him to go first when we got to the door. He backed away quickly. I looked at Firekat who very quickly said, "Don't look at me!" AUUUUUGGGGHHHH! Okay. Babies! I knocked on the door. They both stepped back. The door opened and I was holding a clear plastic box of home made chocolate chip cookies in front of me. An older fireman looks down at us and says, "Nobody's home! Go away! (I am sure he has noticed my fire buff battalion patch on my sleeve of my coat and Firekat is wearing a fire buff battalion sweatshirt). I said, "But we have home made cookies!" He opened the door wide and looked at only me saying, COME ON IN!!! Funny how cookies always seem to break the ice. I introduced myself to him and the other two firefighters, who came to the door when they heard "cookies" and I introduced Firekat and John and explained why we were there. They were so kind and obliging! One of the guys pulled the engine out onto the apron and another one said, "Hey, it's kind of dirty from the last shift. It's got a little mud on it, should we wash it?" The officer nodded in the affirmative and the three of them began washing it. I tried to make some small talk with one of the firefighters just so I could feel a little more comfortable. John was kind of demanding, I thought, in his requests but I think it was a cultural thing in how he went about it. I tried to throw in the pleases and thank you's and explain a little about what John was doing this for. The guys were very obliging moving the engine into the best light, closing the bay doors, removing the helmet from the dash and out of the picture, etc. They joked with us and were really very nice. They quizzed John on CPR because he told them that one of the guys from the C shift had been his instructor. I told them about my dream of becoming a paramedic and that I was starting school soon and hoped to be doing my ride-alongs with our fire department. They were very encouraging. Our visit got cut short when they got a call but they thanked us for our interest and thanked Firekat and myself for our work with the Battalion telling us how much they really appreciated us working to take care of them. Aw shucks! They are way too kind. I love firemen!
When we left 15's we went to 8's. I had never been in 8's in their current building but always wanted to. (Remember I grew up near 8's original station house). At 8's John knew one of the firefighters. She remembered him so that made things a little smoother. They were happy to see cookies and were then willing to oblige us as well. I told one of the guys I would never show up to a fire station empty handed and he laughed. We talked quite a bit while John was making requests and doing his thing with the camera. This guy, whose name escapes me now doggonit, was around the old 8's when my brother was around there. I was telling him that I grew up four houses to the south of the old 8's and he started asking me questions about when and exactly where. He knew the exact house but he was there several years after I was gone from the area. I told him about some of my brother's antics and he had heard all about him. In fact he knew very well who my brother was! My poor bro, his reputation preceeds him! He is infamous. I told the guy my brother grew up to be a good guy and a father of six and a fireman. He was quite impressed. He almost choked when I said they all lived in a fire station and of course I had to explain. He thought that was really cool and said so. I told him my brother was pretty embarrassed about his legendary past but he blew it off. He said we all do things when we're kids and then we grow up. Then he started telling me about his kids. It was really fun talking with him. Later he asked me what I did and I told him what I currently do and about school and my dreams. I even admitted that I grew up secretly wanting to be Roy DeSoto, to which he laughed again. I told him that I knew it was likely too late to become a career fire department paramedic but that I was going to do my best and see where it took me. He asked why I thought it was too late and I told him about an email I got from a new fire chief back east that I had contacted. (She just became the first full time female fire chief in her state!) She told me that if I was looking at a paid gig, civil service, then 41 was too old to get started but that if I was interested in a volunteer department to go apply. This firefighter said that was not true. He added that it might be where she's from but that our town did not have a cut off for civil service. He told me of a man who was 51 when he was hired on as a rookie just a few years ago. He told me to not give up and to go for it! Forget could nine, I'm now on could 57! I LOVE FIREMEN! (Did I mention that already?)
Shortly after that Engine 10 pulled up to station 8 and the Lt. of 8's went to the engine to talk to the crew. After about five minutes, Firekat and I were talking to each other waiting for John to finish up his pictures and Engine 10's crew was ready to leave. We didn't know it though. Before they pulled out they turned on every loud noisemaker they could and Firekat screamed a little and we both jumped out of our skin! I may have screamed a little too, I don't know because I was watching Firekat and hearing her scream! After Engine 10 was a half a block away they turned off their siren. So I guess they did it on purpose! GOOD one guys! You GOT us!!! It's nice to be loved!
When we left 8's we tried to deliver cookies at 7's but they were not home and we waited until John had to leave for work. We dropped John off at his car and drove back to 7's to wait for them. After a while though, we gave up and decided to go to 10's. I'm sure they would have gotten a kick out of it if they had been home but they were out too so we tried 11's, which was on my way home. They too were out. Busy day I guess for the local FD. I can't give away the last dozen cookies. Oh well. My staff are looking foward to them.
Yesterday, I told my staff I would be visting fire stations today and that I had to bake cookies when I got home last night. One of them said, "Sure, she makes cookies for the firefighters but she forgets all about us!" I said if they called me Chief I would bring my crew cookies! When I got there I found my teacher and called her Captain. I gave her cookies. My assistant was the Leiutenant and our substitute assistant was the boot. (he asked if he could at least be the helmet! LOL I had to explain what boot meant.) They didn't seem to mind. They like cookies as much as firemen do.
Today at work I was so tired that I couldn't even write an incident report without sleeping. Seriously, my eyes were open but I had no control over what I did. I was writing a report about a child's unsafe behavior. It started out fine. "Joe's" behavior was unnaceptable when he continuously tried to leave the play area today. There was a stranger on the playground who had balloons and he kept trying to talk to this person even after he was talked to several times about it. Ms. "McGillicutty" attempted to discuss the...... (you won't believe what I wrote next) "beholden monkey stealth." Suddenly, after I wrote it my brain started to re-engage and I thought to myself, "What did I just write?" Then I looked.
"...attempted to discuss the beholden monkey stealth."
What in the WORLD???????
Where did THAT come from???? What does it even mean?
Oh my gosh I am SO tired!!!
Okay, not only am I so tired, I am certifiably insane. On that note...
Stay safe.
Hotflash out.
Report From Ladder Company 40 Days 165 and 166
Hi Team!
Wednesday
Well, I did not meet with Coach Alex today because I had an early release day at work, meaning I had to come in early to greet kids that got out early. In addition, I had a meeting with the Fire Buff Battalion during the shorter split. Today I received my set up for my car to be used as Canteen 6. I got two magnetic signs, gatorade, water, and cookies. I just need an ice chest now. (pictures coming in a future post)
I did well on fluids today. 3 quarts! YAY me. I did not go exercise but was again very active at work, especially since I had an extra two hours and extra children. I slept about 7 hours so that makes me three for three. I'm still really tired though. It is hard to catch up on missing sleep.
Thursday
Good gracious me, I am TIRED!!!!!!!!!! I am a walking Zombie, officially! I drank two quarts today, barely. I was as active as I usually am on a non scheduled exercise day. But I can only claim 2 for three because last night I did not sleep. It wasn't my fault but as tired as I have been this week already, I'm not gonna try to defend it. I'm just too beat. Here's what happened:
It seems my dog got into the garbage this morning, where she found about 2 1/2 pounds of chocolate. It had been mixed with Craisins and was a great snack, until the craisins crystallized (well the sugar in them did anyway) and left a texture that was less than desirable (apparently) to my son and husband. My son threw them away.
Although my dog is not perfect, Kaylee has always been pretty well behaved even without formal training. However, lately she has decided to knock over recycle bins and the garbage can every time she is left home alone. Usually we put the trash can in the bathtub to prevent this. Unfortunately, my son forgot to put it back after his shower. When I came home after my morning shift the can was knocked over and there was garbage strewn about. I cleaned it up after scolding Kaylee and didn't think about it again. I did not know that it HAD been full of chocolate.
When I came home from my morning shift, Kaylee seemed a bit more "clingy" for lack of a better way of describing it. She wanted lots of cuddles and attention. Okay, so I figured she was lonely. No big deal, I took a nap because I was exhausted from the night before and Kaylee cuddled up to me and napped too.
That night after dinner and after everyone else had gone to bed, I was starting on writing my blog. (I did not finish it due to the next event but I saved it and finished it later.) As I was writing, suddenly I heard Kaylee start to wretch. Oh no! I turned to look at her and she threw up chocolate puke all over my carpet. I ran to get something to clean it up and before I got back and cleaned it, she had done it three more times in different places. (Sorry to gross anyone out!) I cleaned up several messes and called my husband out of the bedroom to give me a hand. Kaylee went and drank a bunch of water then tried to settle on the couch next to me while I petted her and tried to comfort her. By this time I had figured out she had eaten chocolate because it looked and smelled (sorry) like chocolate. But I had no idea where she got it or how much she ate. After about an hour of this happening over and over and after a lot of prayer, she seemed to settle down and want to sleep. I let her curl up in my lap in the recliner chair and we started to go to sleep. Shortly after the light was off she did it again. All over my top blanket. In order to contain it and to try and keep my second blanket from getting yucky, I wrapped her up in the top one. Of course, this covered her in the mess. I hollered for my husband because I could not let go of the dog to un-recline the chair and I couldn't get up with it reclined. He came and took the bundle from me and started her bath. I got the laundry started. This cycle of puking, drinking water and trying to sleep lasted all night. My husband took over her care at 11:45 because he knew I had been up the entire night before due to the fire. ( I LOVE my husband!!)
I am happy to report that at about 4:00 Kaylee stopped puking and she has been fine ever since. Thank God!! I really thought she was a goner this time. I would have been SO sad. I love that little brat. (get it? She's a weiner dog! hee hee) -sorry
Sorry this has been posted so long after the time it should have been. I had it almost finished in draft form but not posted because I kept falling asleep at the keyboard before I could finish and post it. Now I'm playing catch up!
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Wednesday
Well, I did not meet with Coach Alex today because I had an early release day at work, meaning I had to come in early to greet kids that got out early. In addition, I had a meeting with the Fire Buff Battalion during the shorter split. Today I received my set up for my car to be used as Canteen 6. I got two magnetic signs, gatorade, water, and cookies. I just need an ice chest now. (pictures coming in a future post)
I did well on fluids today. 3 quarts! YAY me. I did not go exercise but was again very active at work, especially since I had an extra two hours and extra children. I slept about 7 hours so that makes me three for three. I'm still really tired though. It is hard to catch up on missing sleep.
Thursday
Good gracious me, I am TIRED!!!!!!!!!! I am a walking Zombie, officially! I drank two quarts today, barely. I was as active as I usually am on a non scheduled exercise day. But I can only claim 2 for three because last night I did not sleep. It wasn't my fault but as tired as I have been this week already, I'm not gonna try to defend it. I'm just too beat. Here's what happened:
It seems my dog got into the garbage this morning, where she found about 2 1/2 pounds of chocolate. It had been mixed with Craisins and was a great snack, until the craisins crystallized (well the sugar in them did anyway) and left a texture that was less than desirable (apparently) to my son and husband. My son threw them away.
Although my dog is not perfect, Kaylee has always been pretty well behaved even without formal training. However, lately she has decided to knock over recycle bins and the garbage can every time she is left home alone. Usually we put the trash can in the bathtub to prevent this. Unfortunately, my son forgot to put it back after his shower. When I came home after my morning shift the can was knocked over and there was garbage strewn about. I cleaned it up after scolding Kaylee and didn't think about it again. I did not know that it HAD been full of chocolate.
When I came home from my morning shift, Kaylee seemed a bit more "clingy" for lack of a better way of describing it. She wanted lots of cuddles and attention. Okay, so I figured she was lonely. No big deal, I took a nap because I was exhausted from the night before and Kaylee cuddled up to me and napped too.
That night after dinner and after everyone else had gone to bed, I was starting on writing my blog. (I did not finish it due to the next event but I saved it and finished it later.) As I was writing, suddenly I heard Kaylee start to wretch. Oh no! I turned to look at her and she threw up chocolate puke all over my carpet. I ran to get something to clean it up and before I got back and cleaned it, she had done it three more times in different places. (Sorry to gross anyone out!) I cleaned up several messes and called my husband out of the bedroom to give me a hand. Kaylee went and drank a bunch of water then tried to settle on the couch next to me while I petted her and tried to comfort her. By this time I had figured out she had eaten chocolate because it looked and smelled (sorry) like chocolate. But I had no idea where she got it or how much she ate. After about an hour of this happening over and over and after a lot of prayer, she seemed to settle down and want to sleep. I let her curl up in my lap in the recliner chair and we started to go to sleep. Shortly after the light was off she did it again. All over my top blanket. In order to contain it and to try and keep my second blanket from getting yucky, I wrapped her up in the top one. Of course, this covered her in the mess. I hollered for my husband because I could not let go of the dog to un-recline the chair and I couldn't get up with it reclined. He came and took the bundle from me and started her bath. I got the laundry started. This cycle of puking, drinking water and trying to sleep lasted all night. My husband took over her care at 11:45 because he knew I had been up the entire night before due to the fire. ( I LOVE my husband!!)
I am happy to report that at about 4:00 Kaylee stopped puking and she has been fine ever since. Thank God!! I really thought she was a goner this time. I would have been SO sad. I love that little brat. (get it? She's a weiner dog! hee hee) -sorry
Sorry this has been posted so long after the time it should have been. I had it almost finished in draft form but not posted because I kept falling asleep at the keyboard before I could finish and post it. Now I'm playing catch up!
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Report From Ladder Company 40 Day 164
Hi Team!
Tuesday:
WOW I am TIRED!!! :) And happy! Last night at 10:45 pm we got a call for a structure fire. Reported to us as a garage fire that moved into the house. I woke up fast enough to get the light on, grab paper and pen and get the address written down before Our fearless leader finished the PTT call out. Then I radioed back, "This is Flash. I am responding!"
The fire was less than three miles from my house. My heart was pounding as it sunk in that this was a working fire. I remember thinking, "This is silly that I would get so excited. I'm not going to FIGHT the fire. I'm going to support the guys who do." Still, I was excited. My husband chatted with me briefly as I threw my clothes on and got ready to head out the door.
"Be careful," he said.
"I will, but my job isn't dangerous, you know." I replied.
"I know, but drive carefully, and you never know what can happen," he answered.
"Yeah, I know." As I tied my shoe I looked up at him. "Wanna come with me?"
"Are you crazy? I'm going back to bed!"
LOL
I ran out to the car and opened the back, grabbed my orange turnout coat and threw it in the passenger seat up front. It had the Fire Department ID on the front of it and I knew I might need it to get past police blocking intersections near the fire. I "raced" down the road. (Actually I drove the speed limit because I have no special privileges, but with the streets fairly empty, it was kind of racing. My heart was. I certainly wasn't dawdling!) About half way to the fire I found myself on a main thoroughfare following about two blocks behind a fire engine running lights and sirens. We were headed south. The fire was ahead to the south west of where we were. About three blocks from where it will be necessary to head west, the fire engine pulled over on the east side of the road. I thought, "?????????" and then as I passed I saw them hopping out, removing turn out coats and heading into an apartment building. Ah, another call. Not a fire.
When I got to the intersection where I would need to turn west, it was full of smoke hanging low. It was not impeding visibility but I could see that the Fred Meyer parking lot on the south west corner was full of smoke too, and it was fairly heavy. The light was green for me but nobody was going anywhere. I thought to myself, "This is weird." I looked around. No visible flashing lights except several blocks to the west and they were stationary. I looked again to the left, the right, in front of me, behind me in the mirror. Nope, nothing. No emergency vehicles coming. The light was still green. Still nobody was moving. "Okay people, I am on my way to the fire. I don't have time for this." I looked again, all directions then slowly pulled out into the intersection and turned west. A few blocks down was a fire engine blocking the oncoming lane. I turned south the block before it and approached the scene from behind. Surprisingly there were no police cars blocking my way this time around. (Last fire I responded to I had to show my ID to get through. When they saw it, they just rolled their eyes at me and waved me through.) I parked about a half a block from the nearest fire engine. I did not want to be in the way. I jumped out of my car, grabbed my coat and threw it on, reattaching my ID badge as I did so. I shut and locked the car and started heading rapidly toward the fire, in search of the chief to find out where he wanted us. Citizens were everywhere. The first couple who saw me approaching stopped me and said, "excuse me ma'am. Are you the fire inspector?" LOL "Uh, no." I'm laughing inside. "I'm with the canteen." (That's what it says on my BUTT!) "Oh," they said and I headed off on my way. ( in retrospect I kind of wish I had glanced toward the burning structure, squinted my eyes with my hand open above them as if trying to scan farther and said, "Yep. That there... THAT's a fire! -I would never do that!) I was the first of the Fire Buff Battalion to arrive on scene. My car wasn't set up as a canteen unit yet. I had no water, no gatorade, no cookies and no signage. I approached the scene and crosed over some small red hose sphaghetti. There was a gaggle of about 6 or 8 firefighters kind of huddled and talking. I could see a blue hat (safety), red hat (officer) and a lot of yellow hats. I didn't see the chief. I saw that nobody was overly concerned with the citizens milling around close to them also stepping over red sphagetti. There were no flames visible from where I was in front of the garage. There was a steady stream of smoke still. One of the guys in the huddle of firefighters looked my direction. I could see he recognized me as one of the good guys from the crew that re-hydrates and feeds and takes care of him and his buddies. He smiles my direction. I can do nothing helpful yet so I smile and wave and just look cute. Sigh. Where is the rest of our crew? Patience! "Remember," I told myself. "You were the closest. They'll be here soon." I staood around looking pretty for about 10 minutes before the cavalry arrived but we set up quickly and firemen started coming over before we even finished. We passed out a lot of water, gatorade and cookies. The chief talked to us and told us what was going on. He told us how much he appreciated what we were doing for them. The firefighters thank us, tell us how much they appreciate us, and give us hard time. This is great! They only give you a hard time like that when they like you. When they accept you like their own. We were there until nearly one in the morning.
Our crew went to Coffee afterwards at an all night diner. We shared stories, observations and laughs. I looked at Mike, one of our crew. He is twice my height. (well almost :) ) He has heard abaout the couple that approached me when I got there. I looked up at him and said, "Excuse me sir, are YOU the fire inspector?" He looked down the end of his nose at me, towering over my 4'10 inch self. "Yes," he says sternly. We laughed. This is a lot of fun. I am glad I got involved.
I got one hour of sleep last night. I did not exercise on purpose but I was very active at work. I also drank 2 1/2 quarts of water and lemonade today. Yes! you read me right... WATER! Okay, fluids, activity, good... that's 2! I get to count 3 though because i was responding to a call! LOL either that or 2 + 10!!!
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Tuesday:
WOW I am TIRED!!! :) And happy! Last night at 10:45 pm we got a call for a structure fire. Reported to us as a garage fire that moved into the house. I woke up fast enough to get the light on, grab paper and pen and get the address written down before Our fearless leader finished the PTT call out. Then I radioed back, "This is Flash. I am responding!"
The fire was less than three miles from my house. My heart was pounding as it sunk in that this was a working fire. I remember thinking, "This is silly that I would get so excited. I'm not going to FIGHT the fire. I'm going to support the guys who do." Still, I was excited. My husband chatted with me briefly as I threw my clothes on and got ready to head out the door.
"Be careful," he said.
"I will, but my job isn't dangerous, you know." I replied.
"I know, but drive carefully, and you never know what can happen," he answered.
"Yeah, I know." As I tied my shoe I looked up at him. "Wanna come with me?"
"Are you crazy? I'm going back to bed!"
LOL
I ran out to the car and opened the back, grabbed my orange turnout coat and threw it in the passenger seat up front. It had the Fire Department ID on the front of it and I knew I might need it to get past police blocking intersections near the fire. I "raced" down the road. (Actually I drove the speed limit because I have no special privileges, but with the streets fairly empty, it was kind of racing. My heart was. I certainly wasn't dawdling!) About half way to the fire I found myself on a main thoroughfare following about two blocks behind a fire engine running lights and sirens. We were headed south. The fire was ahead to the south west of where we were. About three blocks from where it will be necessary to head west, the fire engine pulled over on the east side of the road. I thought, "?????????" and then as I passed I saw them hopping out, removing turn out coats and heading into an apartment building. Ah, another call. Not a fire.
When I got to the intersection where I would need to turn west, it was full of smoke hanging low. It was not impeding visibility but I could see that the Fred Meyer parking lot on the south west corner was full of smoke too, and it was fairly heavy. The light was green for me but nobody was going anywhere. I thought to myself, "This is weird." I looked around. No visible flashing lights except several blocks to the west and they were stationary. I looked again to the left, the right, in front of me, behind me in the mirror. Nope, nothing. No emergency vehicles coming. The light was still green. Still nobody was moving. "Okay people, I am on my way to the fire. I don't have time for this." I looked again, all directions then slowly pulled out into the intersection and turned west. A few blocks down was a fire engine blocking the oncoming lane. I turned south the block before it and approached the scene from behind. Surprisingly there were no police cars blocking my way this time around. (Last fire I responded to I had to show my ID to get through. When they saw it, they just rolled their eyes at me and waved me through.) I parked about a half a block from the nearest fire engine. I did not want to be in the way. I jumped out of my car, grabbed my coat and threw it on, reattaching my ID badge as I did so. I shut and locked the car and started heading rapidly toward the fire, in search of the chief to find out where he wanted us. Citizens were everywhere. The first couple who saw me approaching stopped me and said, "excuse me ma'am. Are you the fire inspector?" LOL "Uh, no." I'm laughing inside. "I'm with the canteen." (That's what it says on my BUTT!) "Oh," they said and I headed off on my way. ( in retrospect I kind of wish I had glanced toward the burning structure, squinted my eyes with my hand open above them as if trying to scan farther and said, "Yep. That there... THAT's a fire! -I would never do that!) I was the first of the Fire Buff Battalion to arrive on scene. My car wasn't set up as a canteen unit yet. I had no water, no gatorade, no cookies and no signage. I approached the scene and crosed over some small red hose sphaghetti. There was a gaggle of about 6 or 8 firefighters kind of huddled and talking. I could see a blue hat (safety), red hat (officer) and a lot of yellow hats. I didn't see the chief. I saw that nobody was overly concerned with the citizens milling around close to them also stepping over red sphagetti. There were no flames visible from where I was in front of the garage. There was a steady stream of smoke still. One of the guys in the huddle of firefighters looked my direction. I could see he recognized me as one of the good guys from the crew that re-hydrates and feeds and takes care of him and his buddies. He smiles my direction. I can do nothing helpful yet so I smile and wave and just look cute. Sigh. Where is the rest of our crew? Patience! "Remember," I told myself. "You were the closest. They'll be here soon." I staood around looking pretty for about 10 minutes before the cavalry arrived but we set up quickly and firemen started coming over before we even finished. We passed out a lot of water, gatorade and cookies. The chief talked to us and told us what was going on. He told us how much he appreciated what we were doing for them. The firefighters thank us, tell us how much they appreciate us, and give us hard time. This is great! They only give you a hard time like that when they like you. When they accept you like their own. We were there until nearly one in the morning.
Our crew went to Coffee afterwards at an all night diner. We shared stories, observations and laughs. I looked at Mike, one of our crew. He is twice my height. (well almost :) ) He has heard abaout the couple that approached me when I got there. I looked up at him and said, "Excuse me sir, are YOU the fire inspector?" He looked down the end of his nose at me, towering over my 4'10 inch self. "Yes," he says sternly. We laughed. This is a lot of fun. I am glad I got involved.
I got one hour of sleep last night. I did not exercise on purpose but I was very active at work. I also drank 2 1/2 quarts of water and lemonade today. Yes! you read me right... WATER! Okay, fluids, activity, good... that's 2! I get to count 3 though because i was responding to a call! LOL either that or 2 + 10!!!
Stay safe!
Hotflash out.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Report From Ladder Company 40 Days 162 and 163
Hi Team!
Sunday was a good day. I went to church and then my husband and I had a "date" and went to lunch. Just the two of us. It was a nice time. We have been married nearly twenty years but through out that entire time I don't think we have gone out, just the two of us, for simply the purpose of enjoying our selves and each other more than about 50 times. And I think that is probably a generous guess. My husband isn't and really never was the dating type. We spent a lot of time going out with his family, or him coming to things our family was doing. We went on some dates, but they were not what most people would call dates. We went scouting for animals in the woods and did some hiking, picked up a lot of garbage in the woods, that sort of thing. LOL I just love when we have REAL (by that I mean TRADITIONAL) dates, even if they are rare.
I drank fluids all day long and didn't keep track because my hubby has been very congested and I have had some issues with it as well. I wasn't any more or less active than I am on any other Sunday and I did sleep well so I am calling it three for three.
On Friday I think it was, I found the blog of Peter Canning, a paramedic and writer. He has also worked in government and has done a lot to further the advancement of EMS and build its status as a valued profession.
I have read one of his books, Paramedic 471 and am currently reading the book he wrote prior to that, Paramedic. Both are very good books. Paramedic 471 tells of several of the calls he has run over the years and how he has handled them. It shares successes, not so successful calls, the ups and downs he went through and so forth. He shares what it was like working with various people and all of that. He was an experienced paramedic when he wrote that one. Paramedic was written before that one. In it he is a brand new paramedic and he talks a lot about his doubts and fears as far as his abilities are concerned. I have found it challenging to read Paramedic because I often feel a lot of similar doubts and fears. I just don't have the confidence for the job yet. I know it will come in time and I am not horribly worried about it but it was kind of affirming to read the same kinds of feelings coming from someone I admire in the profession.
Anyway, I found his blog, Street Watch Notes of a Paramedic http://medicscribe.com/ and I just love it. Mr. Canning clearly loves his profession. He is passionate and wants to help others with the same passion be better Paramedics and continue learning to be the best that they possibly can be. His blogs are informative and easy to read. I was very impressed. I went to the page to contact him and sent him a message:
My name is "Hotflash." I am 41 and making a career change. As a child I always wanted to be a paramedic. I ended up working as a manager of school-aged child care programs for the last 20 years instead. Now I am going for my dreams. I start EMT school the end of March and I am taking CERT training during the month of March. Enough about me though, here is what I really wanted to ask you:
What suggestions would you give me to help me in this journey? For example, Is there anything you wish you would have known before you started going to school to become a paramedic? Anything you can tell me along those lines would be appreciated.
Also: I read Rescue 471 and it was eye opening and fascinating. I finally got my hands on a copy of Paramedic and I am reading it now. In it you expressed many of the doubts and fears I am feeling right now, even before I start classes. If I hadn't read Rescue 471 first and seen for myself your confidence and what experience did for you, I don't know if I could continue to read Paramedic because as much as I want to do this and feel I was born to do this, I'm scared. And admittedly, my being twice as old as most of the students is a little intimidating too. What are some strategies that worked for you in beating the doubt monster down? Any advice you have to offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your stories in your books and thank you in advance for allowing me to contact you through this blog site.
Yours Truly,
Hotflash
(I used my real name but that doesn't matter here.)
On Sunday I was pleased to get this in my inbox:
Hi Hotflash-
Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you are enjoying my books.
I think your best bet in class is to read the material carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, take every opportunity you have to ride as an observer on an ambulance or to do ED observation time if allowed while in class. If the instructors see you are serious about doing this, they will give you extra help.
best of luck and I hope you find EMS as rewarding as I have, i know many people who have entered this career in their 40s and been glad they did.
Peter C
I was very happy to get a response. I know he is a very busy man but I appreciate that he took the time to write back. I most appreciated his last sentence though. All of you have told me not to sweat the age thing, but it really is hard to ignore when all the people I have seen and met so far trying to get into this field are almost young enough that I could be their mother! I just wanted to share this with you because it was very encouraging to me.
Monday:
Today was another good day. Although I was worried at the start of it. When I left this morning to go to work, I got to my car and stepped up on the running board to get in. (Remember I am a shorty and I drive a full sized SUV). Somehow over the weekend, I'm not even sure when, I pulled something in my left side and a pain shot through me that almost caused me to fall. OH BOY did it hurt! I was really worried that it would prevent me from doing much today but I prayed about it and went to work. I went for my walk with Coach Alex and her son, James too. I only did two instead of three miles today and I skipped the stairs. And I spent a good ten minutes stretching before I even started. But I am happy to say that I didn't let it stop me altogether and I am glad. I still hurt tonight but usually only when I try to step up with my left leg. I took some ibuprofin and I am trying to push those fluids. With any luck, by wednesday, I'll be back on the stairs.
I made my quota of fluids just barely today. Two quarts of greentea/lemonade. I really didn't get enough sleep last night, truth be told so that is only 2 for three, in all honesty. Before I call it a night, I promised a pic when I got the patch on my coat. And I have forgotten a few times now to post it. Here it is:
Until next time, stay safe everyone!
Hotflash out.
Sunday was a good day. I went to church and then my husband and I had a "date" and went to lunch. Just the two of us. It was a nice time. We have been married nearly twenty years but through out that entire time I don't think we have gone out, just the two of us, for simply the purpose of enjoying our selves and each other more than about 50 times. And I think that is probably a generous guess. My husband isn't and really never was the dating type. We spent a lot of time going out with his family, or him coming to things our family was doing. We went on some dates, but they were not what most people would call dates. We went scouting for animals in the woods and did some hiking, picked up a lot of garbage in the woods, that sort of thing. LOL I just love when we have REAL (by that I mean TRADITIONAL) dates, even if they are rare.
I drank fluids all day long and didn't keep track because my hubby has been very congested and I have had some issues with it as well. I wasn't any more or less active than I am on any other Sunday and I did sleep well so I am calling it three for three.
On Friday I think it was, I found the blog of Peter Canning, a paramedic and writer. He has also worked in government and has done a lot to further the advancement of EMS and build its status as a valued profession.
I have read one of his books, Paramedic 471 and am currently reading the book he wrote prior to that, Paramedic. Both are very good books. Paramedic 471 tells of several of the calls he has run over the years and how he has handled them. It shares successes, not so successful calls, the ups and downs he went through and so forth. He shares what it was like working with various people and all of that. He was an experienced paramedic when he wrote that one. Paramedic was written before that one. In it he is a brand new paramedic and he talks a lot about his doubts and fears as far as his abilities are concerned. I have found it challenging to read Paramedic because I often feel a lot of similar doubts and fears. I just don't have the confidence for the job yet. I know it will come in time and I am not horribly worried about it but it was kind of affirming to read the same kinds of feelings coming from someone I admire in the profession.
Anyway, I found his blog, Street Watch Notes of a Paramedic http://medicscribe.com/ and I just love it. Mr. Canning clearly loves his profession. He is passionate and wants to help others with the same passion be better Paramedics and continue learning to be the best that they possibly can be. His blogs are informative and easy to read. I was very impressed. I went to the page to contact him and sent him a message:
My name is "Hotflash." I am 41 and making a career change. As a child I always wanted to be a paramedic. I ended up working as a manager of school-aged child care programs for the last 20 years instead. Now I am going for my dreams. I start EMT school the end of March and I am taking CERT training during the month of March. Enough about me though, here is what I really wanted to ask you:
What suggestions would you give me to help me in this journey? For example, Is there anything you wish you would have known before you started going to school to become a paramedic? Anything you can tell me along those lines would be appreciated.
Also: I read Rescue 471 and it was eye opening and fascinating. I finally got my hands on a copy of Paramedic and I am reading it now. In it you expressed many of the doubts and fears I am feeling right now, even before I start classes. If I hadn't read Rescue 471 first and seen for myself your confidence and what experience did for you, I don't know if I could continue to read Paramedic because as much as I want to do this and feel I was born to do this, I'm scared. And admittedly, my being twice as old as most of the students is a little intimidating too. What are some strategies that worked for you in beating the doubt monster down? Any advice you have to offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your stories in your books and thank you in advance for allowing me to contact you through this blog site.
Yours Truly,
Hotflash
(I used my real name but that doesn't matter here.)
On Sunday I was pleased to get this in my inbox:
Hi Hotflash-
Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you are enjoying my books.
I think your best bet in class is to read the material carefully and don't be afraid to ask questions. Also, take every opportunity you have to ride as an observer on an ambulance or to do ED observation time if allowed while in class. If the instructors see you are serious about doing this, they will give you extra help.
best of luck and I hope you find EMS as rewarding as I have, i know many people who have entered this career in their 40s and been glad they did.
Peter C
I was very happy to get a response. I know he is a very busy man but I appreciate that he took the time to write back. I most appreciated his last sentence though. All of you have told me not to sweat the age thing, but it really is hard to ignore when all the people I have seen and met so far trying to get into this field are almost young enough that I could be their mother! I just wanted to share this with you because it was very encouraging to me.
Monday:
Today was another good day. Although I was worried at the start of it. When I left this morning to go to work, I got to my car and stepped up on the running board to get in. (Remember I am a shorty and I drive a full sized SUV). Somehow over the weekend, I'm not even sure when, I pulled something in my left side and a pain shot through me that almost caused me to fall. OH BOY did it hurt! I was really worried that it would prevent me from doing much today but I prayed about it and went to work. I went for my walk with Coach Alex and her son, James too. I only did two instead of three miles today and I skipped the stairs. And I spent a good ten minutes stretching before I even started. But I am happy to say that I didn't let it stop me altogether and I am glad. I still hurt tonight but usually only when I try to step up with my left leg. I took some ibuprofin and I am trying to push those fluids. With any luck, by wednesday, I'll be back on the stairs.
I made my quota of fluids just barely today. Two quarts of greentea/lemonade. I really didn't get enough sleep last night, truth be told so that is only 2 for three, in all honesty. Before I call it a night, I promised a pic when I got the patch on my coat. And I have forgotten a few times now to post it. Here it is:
Until next time, stay safe everyone!
Hotflash out.
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