In Times and Out Goals

Well Hello There...

2012-01-16T21:19:00.003-05:00

It has certainly been a while since I published anything. I have to say that things are drastically different now than they were last year, and for the better I think.

Recently I read a book that reminded me a lot of the last post that I did here, and when I came back to re-read it I remembered just how cathartic (in the psychological sense) it is to write and express the thoughts that race around inside with some depth and without a thought to the impact that they will have.

As my lot in life has improved, so has it become ever more complicated. I think that for my New Year's resolution (which I never made) I will be visiting this project much more often, although some of what I write can't be public, it will do me good to write, even it is for my own consumption.

Stay Safe,

The Mantra

2010-12-02T16:07:00.001-05:00

“What we focus on we magnify.”

In recent times I have had the benefit of guidance from a very wise and reasonable individual. Various aspects of my life have been in disorder, and at times this has come close to tearing me apart, tugging at the steams that held my consciousness to a familiar plane. This disorder is not of an uncommon nature, nor is it uncommon to find one’s self in such a state. Even the strongest among us, those that seem the most “together,” have moments of disarray. The people that overcome these obstacles are those that are able to simply accept that there are things we can change, and there are things we cannot.

When we allow the negative aspects of human behavior, our own or others, to dominate our lives, we suffer from a great plague of negativity. Such is the disease of the world, of humanity, of my generation and the one before it. The world has become so cynical that we gloss over the good in favor of the terrible nearly without exception. The culture of cynicism has taken faith, politics, and everyday life to extremes never before thought of. Look around you, and you will find that rare is the soul who has true and unshakable faith in anything.

It is beyond reproach to say that we as a collective people have brought ourselves to this point, and sadly there is no turning back. The children of today are brought into a world where trust and ethics are optional, and in some cases, counter-intuitive. Can they help it if their minds are warped to focus on the negative? In a society that is moving further and further away from the simple virtue of goodness, it is only logical that we are moving towards darkness.

My prayer for all that are able is that they find the strength to magnify the positive aspects of their lives. However insignificant they may seem, if good becomes your focus you have no choice but to retreat from the poison well of negativity. Set aside the never ending tide of indiscretions and embrace the trickle of light that manages to elude extinguishment. If you are able to grasp this life line, eventually you will find that the bothersome onslaught will eventually subside.

In short, focus on the goodness of humanity and reject the evil. Rebuff that which threatens happiness. Positive things, however small, can become a monstrous presence in our lives as soon as we cease to ignore them. It is a difficult road, and one that is not mastered easily, but in the end it may prove to be the best one you ever took…

Stay Safe,

But What, If Anything, Is Needed?

2010-10-31T01:51:00.006-04:00

“Each one of us here today will, at one time in our lives, look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question.

"We are willing to help, Lord... but what, if anything, is needed?"
It is true we can seldom help those closest to us.

Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give, or more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted.

And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us, but we can still love them. We can love completely… without complete understanding.”

- A River Runs Through It

Last night my wife and I watched probably one of the most soul stirring movies I’ve seen in a very long time. Like so many of the inspiring moments we take from film, it was not so due to the flashy use of special effects, or the terse use of language, but rather by capturing and enveloping the viewer in the true sense of what it means to be human.

The quote above has been stuck in my head since I saw the movie, and it seems entirely appropriate to bring it to light here. One must wonder if when in times of their greatest need, those that we love really need more than a constant presence. Do they require an action on our part to substantiate their struggle? Or are we simply to bear witness and allow them to muddle through to find their own truth…

The further I progress in this life I see that the animosity and angst that we all possess is more a product of our distinct disappointment in ourselves than the failings of others. Perhaps if we allowed our most basic tenets, the very foundation of ourselves, to guide us on our Earthly path, we would be better off. To take an introspective view is to find the true origin of our behavior.

If one truly examines the inner conflicts that bind all of us, can we truly say that we understand all that makes us who we are? It brings a point to bear that many take as truth: You cannot love another until you are able to love thyself. It makes it all the more important that we are able to love completely, without complete understanding.

Stay Safe,

Rob

The Impediment of Charity

2010-09-03T11:07:00.003-04:00

Shortly after my 16th birthday I joined my towns volunteer fire company. I joined so that I could give back to my community and in doing so committed myself to the furtherance of the Company. I have always been active, and participated in fundraising events when I was able. This year I have found a new recreation, golf, and luckily the same Fire Company holds a fundraiser tournament.

So after submitting my teams entry form and payment, I receive word that the tournament is full. O.K., no problem, except for the fact that multiple teams, both long standing players and new teams such as myself, have verbally committed but not paid anything. Three days after the deadline for payment they are still trying to collect payment from these people, and yet are turning away donations that are cash in hand?

This is simply another example of what happens when the powers that be make stupid decisions. Explain to me, someone, how a non-profit organization can turn away a donation from ONE OF ITS OWN MEMBERS, in the interest of a possible donation from an outside source? Not to mention, a donation from a member that continues to be active with the organization regardless of their all consuming full time job, personal life, and general disgust with the corporate leadership?

They say that they don't want to alienate long time contributors, but at the same time have lost many huge donors this year due to the economy. Think to yourself how those long time contributors first started... If you don't allow them to start, they would never contribute in the first place. In times as tough as these perhaps the people that have missed the deadline to play simply can't afford to. As far as I'm concerned, when your soliciting for donations in return for playing a game, then the first people the come up with COLD HARD CASH should be the ones that get to play, not those who verbally commit with promises that aren't fulfilled by the deadline.

Call me old fashioned, but you simply don't look a gift horse in the mouth. See if I become a long term contributor....

Stay Safe,

Disgusted

2010-08-25T18:12:00.001-04:00

I'm honestly ashamed to be part of my generation. There are some that are exceptions, but most fail to realize that if you work hard, contribute, and do what is asked of you, your life will go much smoother.

The world owes us nothing except life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But individual happiness cannot be obtained by stomping our feet and holding out our hand for things to be given to us. People have no respect for long term goals, commitment, or hard work.

I was once asked if society or parents where to blame. I think it is a combination. Most of my friends growing up seemed to have parents that where more concerned about being their child's best friend rather than being a parent, and I think that has a lot to do with it.

Parents also compound the issue by meeting their child's every need, and never letting them get disappointed. That's part of growing up, and if you never go through it as a child you are going to react poorly as an adult.

Ugh…

Stay Safe,

I Ment to Die Today...

2010-08-23T18:32:00.000-04:00

"I Ment to Die Today"

The sun came today,
it dries most every sorrow away,
and still we hold our untruths tight,
for fear find them, someone might.

The rain came today,
it washes all our past away,
but for those of us with secrets near,
it cannot touch what we hold dear.

The snow it came without perdition,
much like time with no condition.
It stayed and coated the world anew,
and covered up those things untrue.

Like seeds of death the words lay dormant,
While those that hold them wither with torment.
For surely as the winter follows fall,
the spring will come and melt it all.

The Wolf Peach… Plump Thing with a Navel

2010-05-16T00:02:00.001-04:00

Since the time of the Aztecs the fruit that we now call the Tomato has been cultivated and used as a food stuff for generations of adoring fans. Native to South America, the plant is thought by some to have been named for the Aztec word xitomatl, meaning quite literally “plump thing with a navel.” This fact is questionable, as no one that speaks the language is around to cooperate the story.

Tomato’s belong to the nightshade genus, and share that distinction with upwards of 2,000 plants. Many of the plants in this group are deadly to humans, and some have been known to cause convulsions and death. Yet in typical human form, we indulge in and enjoy many others from the group. It should be noted however, that even our beloved tomatoes in unripe (green) form, the stems, and the leaves, all contain trace amounts of a poisonous compound called tomatin. The California Master Gardeners Handbook purports that a tea made in with the leaves of tomatoes may have played a role in at least one death. However, there was an article published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that linked the alkaloid compound to the inhibition of growth of various types of human cancer cells. You can draw your own conclusions…

The tomato is also one of the only (may be the only) plant to have it identity determined by the US Supreme Court. It the late 1800’s the US placed a tax on vegetables, but not on fruits. Technically, in the world of plant science, the tomato is a fruit. Fruit is defined as “the ovary of a seed bearing plant.” In culinary circles fruits are typically sweet and served as a desert, many plants not falling in line with this culinary description are incorrectly classified as vegetables. Some of these include squash, pumpkin, cucumber, peas, beans, corn, eggplant, and sweet pepper. Insomuch as the federal government stood to loose a ton of revenue by having the wildly popular food item classed a fruit, the high court issued a ruling in Nix v. Hedden that declared the tomato as a vegetable. Awfully convenient don't your think?

The whole point of this article is to bring up a point that has always confounded me. I have many personality traits that some might call neurotic, and among them is the persistent need to never have a raw tomato touch my food. I always order salads without them, never order anything that has them as a garnish, and the thought of a plate full of raw ones (even with the fresh mozzarella and basil garnish) makes my skin crawl. I have been known to send back whole meals because there was raw tomato in it when I had asked for none.

The truly disturbing factor to the whole discussion is that I adore tomato’s in any cooked form. Diced, whole, stewed, fried, pureed, as a sauce, baked… You name it, and if its a cooked tomato, I’m game. A quick search of the internet netted a cache of similar quandaries. One article said it best,

“I love cooked tomatoes, but raw ones taste like rotting garbage!”

I concur… Now I’m off to eat my chop suey, diced tomatoes and all..

Stay Safe,

Ladies and Gentlemen… Linda McMahon

2010-05-14T16:55:00.001-04:00

After some careful consideration, I have chosen to endorse Linda McMahon for the 2010 Connecticut Senate GOP nomination. Assuming the republican convention next week endorses her, she will be pitted against the current Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal for the seat being vacated by nearly 30 year incumbent Chris Dodd.

Ms. McMahon started off life with aspirations to teach, and graduated with a BA in French and certification to teach from East Carolina University in 1969. Together with her husband Vince, they started a company in 1980 that would later spiral from a family owned enterprise to a publicly traded billion dollar corporation. They overcame bankruptcy, stiff competition, and a major scandal involving their performers over the course if those years, but still managed to come out on top. If you haven’t caught on yet, their business which started out as Titan Sport, Inc., is now the multinational World Wrestling Entertainment.

By no means am I a fan of the product that her company produces, nor have I ever watched such foolishness. However, through her efforts as President and CEO of the integrated media company, Ms. McMahon has demonstrated that she has the leadership ability needed in the US Senate. In thirty years she turned a mom-and-pop operation into a media empire that has allowed her to finance her own campaign. This has caused a stir among her competitors including the dishonorable Rob Simmons, who was quoted as saying

"If McMahon, with no political experience, who often did not bother to vote, whose company spread money to Democrats as well as Republicans, can defeat a former congressman, defense intelligence expert, party loyalist, and bronze star military veteran, then it's all about the checkbook and nothing else."

While these are all admirable traits, I fail to see the issue in his argument. I have donated to both sides of the party line, and I believe that anybody who sticks to the party line simply for the fact that it is the party line regardless of right and wrong is a buffoon. America has had enough of “defense expert military veterans” with too much political experience and no practical business sense. I respect the fact that Simmons spent the vast majority of his life in service to this country, but this does not qualify you to be in the body of government that will dictate how our money is spent. A businessman belongs making decisions that make the best financial sense for his or her company, and if they make enough wise decisions they succeed. Ms. McMahon has obviously done something right.

Stay Safe,

An Ethical Dilemma

2010-04-25T13:32:00.002-04:00

I was recently invited to join a group on Facebook entitled “Make It Illegal to Protest At Military Funerals.” While I understand the sentiment behind the group, I will not join.

The right of free speech is one that is held very dearly to the American Heart, and it is in fact protected by the US Constitution. When members of the armed forces enlist, they swear an oath to support and defend the same. An amendment, law, or court decision that would make it illegal to protest any specific event would be counter intuitive to the very values that the solider died to protect.

I consider myself a hard line conservative, and as such I am supportive of the US military. They often put forth the ultimate sacrifice for this country. I personally believe that the actions of groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church are reprehensible, but in this country, despite what we may think, they have the right to express themselves just like anyone else.

When we begin restricting peoples rights via federal law, we take another step away from freedom. Although it may seem completely appropriate to restrict this type of offensive demonstration, doing so opens the door for other restrictions. Would you agree to a ban on protesting abortion, taxes, or the government itself? How about a ban on protesting war, violence, or drunk driving? The point of this is to shows the parallels. A ban on free speech, a Constitutionally guaranteed right, of any kind is more disturbing than the speech itself.

As Malcom X said, “You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.” The Facebook group claims that “Any true American would realize that this is a complete outrage. All the members of this group stand together in our belief that new laws should be provided federally prohibiting any group from protesting at a funeral.” It disgusts me that these people are so near sighted that they can’t realize that any TRUE American would never dishonor the memory of a fallen solider by outlawing a part of the document that they gave their lives to protect. That, in reality, is the truest form of disrespect. To die for your country, and then to have died in vain, is simply an unconscionable concept.

I suppose that this entire debate shows the dependence that we have come to have on the federal government. We have come to require them to solve all of our problems, and are simply steps away from Socialist Rule. The long march is coming to an end, and it will come to a head when we simply surrender to the will of the government. There was a quote published in early 2001 that was originally attributed to Caesar:

“Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind.

And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so.”

Although later found to be not attributable to Caesar, it is still a valid point. Beware, my friends, because we are fast approaching a state of total disregard for the individual. I leave you with another quote that sums up my views.

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain

Stay Safe,

GAHHHHHHH!

2010-03-09T12:38:00.001-05:00

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME!

Stay Safe,

Rob

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-25T22:48:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

--Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

This year as we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, head off to work, or enjoy a simple day of rest, it seems paramount that we consider those who are unable to do any of these simple things.

Thanksgiving has traditionally been celebrated officially in the US since 1863 when in the midst of the Civil War President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving. He called upon all citizens in the darkest hour of uncertainty for what the future might hold to look upon their many blessings that had been bestowed upon them and give thanks. Even though we where engaged in a great civil war, testing whether a nation conceived in liberty could long endure, he took the view that the Lord through divine providence, provided for each and every American.

Today's times aren't really that much different than they where so many years ago. Just as our ancestors where engaged in a war to secure the blessings of freedom and prosperity for all men, we to find ourselves fighting a war. We find ourselves fighting for the freedom of others once again, and the great sacrifice given by many, to most, would seem unbearable. Please remember all of those who are not able to be with their loved ones not only tomorrow as we give thanks, but for all other those who have, are, and continue to serve so that others can experience the blessings that we have all come to take for granted, In a rare moment of weakness, I have to say that I agree and support President Obama in remarks he made today on the North Portico, "We're proud of you, and we are thinking of you, and we're praying for you."

Although we should all be thankful for the sacrifices of others, the day also requires a moment of solemn introspection. Consider the things in your life that your are thankful for. No matter how bad it may be, no matter how dark a place you may be in, we are all blessed even if we don't know it. I know that this year has been exceptionally rough for me, and I am thankful for the strength and wisdom I received when I needed it the most. I am thankful for true friends, and even more thankful that those who are dishonest and spiteful where exposed. I am thankful for my family, my job, my calling. I implore you to take a moment to realize that although the fourth Thursday in November is Thanksgiving Day, every day is indeed a day to recognize all that we have.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Stay Safe,

The Audacity of Hype

2009-09-21T20:32:00.001-04:00

According to Webster’s:

racism:
1: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

It amazes me that people can be such blatant idiots. While reading up on current event this evening on CNN.com, I stumbled across an article which was a transcript of an interview with Dave Matthews, the front man for the DMB. Like most in the contemporary music scene, he is a flaming liberal and had this to say:

“CNN: President Carter said he thinks that a lot of the animosity directed toward President Obama is race related.

Dave Matthews: Of course it is! I found there's a fairly blatant racism in America that's already there, and I don't think I noticed it when I lived here as a kid. But when I went back to South Africa, and then it's sort of thrust in your face, and then came back here -- I just see it everywhere. There's a good population of people in this country that are terrified of the president only because he's black, even if they don't say it. And I think a lot of them, behind closed doors, do say it.”

There is probably a greater population in the country who is terrified of the man in the Oval Office because he is a Marxist and a racist who blatantly stated in his campaign that he felt Anglo-Christian’s where simply “bitter” and that is why they cling to guns and religion. Never mind the fact that he condemned a decorated Cambridge, MA police sergeant for “acting stupidly,” when he arrested a black Harvard professor who intentionally and unforgivably berated him for simply doing his job. Lord knows that that men and women that serve and protect us should only follow protocol with those of their same race because otherwise they may well be classified as stupid and racist in a prime time news conference by the man in the Oval Office.

Further proof of Obama’s racist leanings can be found in a quote from his own book. In “Dreams from My Father” Obama wrote: "I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race." Obama’s mother, after all, was a white women. The point is not to illustrate that we have elected a man with a mask of post-racial ideals but a dark underbelly of hate to the office of President, rather it is to demonstrate that he is a bold faced liar. Hmm, sounds a lot like Jimmy Carter…

Socialist: One who practices socialism.

Socialism: 1: Any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods,

2a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property,

2b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state,

3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done.

His socialist tendencies have also been well documented. As part of his new healthcare initiative, he proposes a “public option” for healthcare with premiums that would be 10-20% lower than those of private insurers. In an economy that is already struggling, all private industry must make a profit and none can be expected to compete effectively with a government that neither needs to make a profit or be accountable for it’s spending. Eventually the private insurers will be forced to fold and then all that would be left is the public, government owned and administered, option. Sounds an awful lot like number 1.

Let us not forget the famous conversation with “Joe the Plumber” during the campaign when he expressed a desire to “spread the wealth around.” Number 3… Further, he was ranked by the National Journal as the most liberal member in the Senate. The People's Weekly World, official newspaper of the Communist Party of the USA, editorialized in favor of Obama, calling his a "transformative candidacy that would advance progressive politics for the long term."

“The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."
—Margaret Thatcher

I hope that in the long run this country isn’t left in the cold due to the unsustainable policies and spending proposals that this idiot propagates. To take a page out of His Highness’s book, the American people, sans about 58,000,000 of us, “acted stupidly” in electing this man.

Stay Safe,

An Ode to Nothing

2009-09-17T19:00:00.001-04:00

I have really been slacking on the blog for a while now, in fact, ever since I vowed to return to blogosphere. I’m not really sure why that is, nor do I really have the ambition to find out.

Lack of ambition seems to be a common problem these days. Lack of motivation to do anything is a contagious disease I suppose. In fact, it very well may be the next pandemic.

With no desire to do much of anything, including continue this post, I leave you to ponder the complexities of listlessness, or rather, simply do nothing.

Stay Safe,

In Remembrance – September 11, 2001

2009-09-11T15:34:00.001-04:00

Eight years ago the worst terrorist attack in the history of the United States took place in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.

Religious extremists who sought to change the way of life for every American failed in their mission to paralyze the nation and cause a deep fissure in the ideological foundation of freedom. Rather, they seemed to spark a “quiet, unyielding anger.” This anger drove the nation to unite once again for freedom and justice. The resolve gained allowed us to recover as a nation stronger for the ideal.

Remember the 2,998 victims that died, pray continually for the families, and above all, don’t forget how that day made you feel, what it made you think, and how it changed your life.

With a heavy heart, a thoughtful mind, and a prayerful soul,

Stay Safe.

Past the Impasse

2009-09-03T16:31:00.001-04:00

With the times as bleak as they look, it simply amazes me that the Democrat led (131 democrats / 56 republicans) Connecticut General Assembly passed House Bill 6802 which effectively ended the longest budget standoff in Connecticut History. Lasting months, this budget standoff even lasted longer than one 18 years ago that resulted in the passage of the State Income Tax.

With the passage of the this mockery of concession, the state has imposed a 10% Corporation Surcharge on all companies with greater than $100 million in gross revenue, thus enforcing a minimum $10 million dollar annual tax on the largest employers in the state. According to the 2008 CNBC “Top States for Business” rankings, CT ranked 34th in the country for overall ease of doing business. By imposing yet another tax hurdle on companies who employ the resident, we are once again heading for a economic crash by driving out corporations.

In addition to the negative effect of the restrictive business tariffs that the budget imposes, the state further penalizes workers and businesses by raising almost all license and certification fees by:

1. increasing fees to at least $15;
2. doubling fees under $150;
3. increasing fees between $150 and $1,000 by 25%; and
4. adding $ 250 to fees of $1,000 or more.

These fee increases not only include occupational licenses issued by the Department of Public Health, but also permits and licenses issued by other state agencies including the DPS, DEP, Dept of Agriculture, State Consumer Protection. This in effect will double the cost of licensure for employers of skilled worker who bear the burden of maintaining said state required licenses.

Perhaps the most egregious and repulsive inclusion in the license increase is the doubling of the state fee to carry a firearm / hunt and fish. These are a requirement to exercise your Second Amendment rights in the state, and as it stands after the passage of this bill, they continue to hold the taxpaying, law abiding, hard working gun owners of the state hostage for $140 dollars, and then an additional $70 dollars every five years. All this, as a state fee, to exercise a federally granted right.

Also consider that the estate tax threshold has been increased to $3.5 million, up from $2 million. Effectively, this meaning that no tax liability applies until the $3.5 million dollar threshold is reached, and now, after that the tax paid is incremental. The budget further imposes a punitive income tax hike on high earning workers, and stalls the personal exemption for $13,000 dollars for the next three years, effectively compounding the effects of inflation on the wallets of all citizens. Meanwhile, the state sales tax is set to decrease by 0.5%, while the state plans to impose an additional $1 per pack punitive sales tax on cigarettes.

This budget simply is not a viable solution to the current economic problems facing the state. The democrats have yet again have shown their insatiable aptitude for increasing the tax burden of the citizenry without any meaningful spending cuts. Of the $2.8 billion dollars, $2.5 billion of it was smoke and mirrors of shifting potential expenses and costs. With bloated state government and everybody's overwhelming desire to have others pay for them, it won’t be long until we become the Peoples Democratic Republic of Connecticut. Emperor Obama will be so proud.

Stay Safe,

The Day the Splatter Died

2009-08-11T11:04:00.001-04:00

Jackson Pollock was one the most influential painters of the early 20th century, and one of the most tragic as well. Pushed deeper and deeper into alcoholism by increasing media attention and demand for new works, he died in an alcohol related car crash less than a mile from his home. Some speculate that he actually committed suicide. Sadly, Mr. Pollock died at the age of 44 on August 11, 1956 after taking more than a year hiatus from painting.

Pollock was one the the original action painters, who defied convention by laying unstreched canvas on the floor and painting while walking around it. This allowed him more freedom and in fact, more artistic license since he was able to apply paint in any way he chose. While his paintings seem random to some viewers, he denied that any of them where by accident and that he had a specific vision for each one before he started painting.

Another interesting aspect of his work is that Pollock sometimes incorporated himself into his painting, as well as outside materials including sand, broken glass, and cigarette butts. As seen on the left, he usually let the painting paint itself with him as its instrument. He was never afraid to ruin a painting because he believed that as long as he was “connected” with the work itself, it would come out fine.

Because of his abstract style and seemingly random pieces, he alas drew praise from some critics and stark rebuke from others. I believe that he was one of the great masters of the 20th century. This was proven by rights when in 2006 when one his paintings became the most expensive ever sold for the sum of $140,000,000.00.

Rest in Peace.

Stay Safe,

The Way It Is

2009-07-20T06:30:00.000-04:00

So while reading the local newspaper on line today I stumbled across an article about a town in the region that has been petitioned by the fire department for paid staff. Due to the rapid increase in call volume over the last several years, the Colchester Fire Department, like many in our region, has exceeded the amount of service requirement that a purely volunteer service can provide.

The article states that the department of 110 members responded to just under 1700 calls for service in 2007. It also states that the huge majority of the department, 96% in fact, is volunteer. This means that on average five times a day the dedicated men and women of this department leave their homes, families, and maybe even jobs to respond to a call for aid.

Being a volunteer myself, I recognize the sacrifice that it takes to do something like this. Keep in mind that the everyday response isn’t even the tip of the iceberg as far as the time it truly takes to be a volunteer. Most people do not realize that most volunteer EMT/Firefighters in the state endure over 400 hours of training (mostly nights and weekends – more time away from family) just to gain entry level status, with continuing education throughout the year. When you consider the training requirements, juggling family and work responsibilities, and ever increasing call volume, it is not hard to understand why the burnout rate is as high as it is. Research has been published that the average volunteer firefighter/EMT lasts only about five years in the service.

With all that being said, Emergency Services has long been a bastard child of the budget world. Much of the dilemma is simply that the general public as a whole has no idea the amount of resources it takes to operate in an industry such as ours. Any line item increase in this economy is bound to raise an eyebrow, and when it is for Emergency Services, people are always quick to judge, except when it is their emergency. Another factor is that the rural areas of the state have relied on volunteers for so long that many can’t comprehend why they should have to pay for the service.

I was surprised in fact to see that the margin of separation wasn't larger in this online poll that accompanied the article in the newspaper today. I also wonder how many of these towns are in fact all volunteer based systems struggling to meet the increasing demands with little or no support from local, state, and federal leaders, and a public that has no idea how bad it really is.

Thankfully the town that I volunteer my time for is relatively progressive and the voters see fit to make sure that the Fire Company and Ambulance have what they need. I hope that other towns will follow suit. Please keep in mind that as you read this, dedicated men and women, volunteers and paid staff, are out helping others. Please give them (us) the support that they deserve for the hard work that they do.

Stay Safe,

The Worth of Contrition

2009-07-19T16:48:00.001-04:00

Webster’s defines contrition as the act of being contrite; feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin or shortcoming. To often in today’s society we find that egregious behavior that would have been grounds for damnation in the past is forgiven without a second thought. To few are made to show that they are in fact truly sorry of their errors. In a world where murder, adultery, and rape are a part of everyday life, one seems to hardly ever consider what comes after this life.

Sincere remorse for ones actions is considered an absolute prerequisite for salvation. However much like Judas after the betrayal, feeling sorrow for ones actions because of the impending consequences is no path to Heaven. True contrition requires a dual act, that of remorse for the love of the Lord, and that of an active promise to avoid such activity in the future.

We see these things daily. People who blatantly wrong others, themselves, the Creator, and only express remorse when they feel that there are unpleasant consequences. We should all be careful to make sure repentance is not only in our mind, but in our heart as well. Only then will we be welcomed into His house.

Stay Safe,

2009-07-10T21:44:00.001-04:00

A Cranberry by Any Other Name

2009-07-08T23:48:00.002-04:00

Please see the disclaimer before proceeding.

As of July 1, 2009, American Ambulance assumed the contract to provide 911 paramedic intercepts to the northeastern region of the state. I would like to thank all of the AMR medics for the service that they have provided to the communities in the Quite Corner, and a special thanks to several who inspired me to become a paramedic myself.

As a volunteer, I have been involved in EMS for a little over five years, and during that time have served as all levels of pre-hospital care. Now, as a paramedic serving my community, the towns that I grew up in, I hope to be able to provide the same compassionate care that I witnessed coming up through the ranks, and learn from the mistakes, my own included, that I witnessed as well. No person is infallible in this business, and regardless of what shirt you are wearing, in the end it should, it must, be about those who call for us in their darkest hour.

I for one, am proud to work for a family owned and operated company that while, like all companies, has it’s faults, takes care of it’s employees. It says something when I can call the Vice President of Operations at 0630 in the morning and not only is the call answered, but so are the questions asked. Those that may have chips on their shoulders need to realize that business is simply that, business. Say what you will, but like most businesses, employees that cause the least grief for the employer receive the least grief in kind.

As part of this transition, American has invested in a new intercept vehicle for the Northeast. Pictured above is the newest addition to the AASI fleet, Gamma 2. As I’m sure you probably noticed, they chose to go with the Half-Battenburg Livery. This marking scheme has been extensively studied in Europe and proven to be recognizable from distances of 500-1200 meters. The increased conspicuity of the fluorescent squares coupled with reflective lettering is a step in the direction of safety that may take some getting used to, but is one that is necessary and progressive.

With this step into the future, the company is once again taking a proactive step to protect it’s employees and the communities that they serve.

Stay Safe,

A New Home…

2009-06-09T21:12:00.001-04:00

Back Yard

When one considers the definition of home, it has varying meanings to each of us. To some a home is simply a place to put your stuff, a place to sleep. For others the term, and in fact the place, hold a much stronger meaning.

For me, home has always been my sanctuary from the world. The place where I could be myself, not worry about what others might think, and a place where my soul was at rest. I have always taken solace in knowing that when I was at home nothing else really mattered. The physical place really doesn't make a difference, although some are more conducive to peaceful relaxation than others.

Another huge part of the concept of “home” for me in the last four years has been the people that where there to share it with. For the last three, that person had been my girlfriend, and then fiancé. When that person suddenly disappeared, my home suddenly felt empty and cold. No longer was it the place where I took refuge from the world, but rather an object of despair full of more ghosts then I ever cared to confront. No matter how hard I tried to fill the void with friends and family, it very seemed to plug the slow leak of happiness that the place had.

So over time I found a new place to call home, she realized that what she was throwing away was really worth more than she ever imagined, and things have started to look up again. No longer is the world a dark and foreboding place, and although trust in people is slow in coming, it is returning. The things in life that really matter, those as crucial as breath itself, simply don’t disappear, and sometimes it takes a terrible experience to make you realize your own self worth.

I’m back… more to come.

Stay Safe,

Until Further Notice

2009-04-01T23:23:00.003-04:00

While I really have enjoyed blogging over the last couple of months, and I appreciate your continued support, I am suspending all further blogging activities until I get my real life sorted out.

Sadly, this will be the last post for a while. I will continue to read, follow, and maybe even comment on all of you. I intend to keep this up for future use, and the archives will remain intact.

Stay Safe,

Don't Worry About Me....

2009-03-21T21:40:00.002-04:00

So today out and out sucked. It's amazing how everything can be going very well and then in a split second of mis-communication the entire day is shot to hell.

Anyway, on the way home my Sirius Receiver decided to die, so I had to put on the *gasp* FM receiver. The local country station came on and as I drove this incredible song came on the radio. I haven't ever heard it before, and... Wow. It's been a long time since a song has made me tear up, but this is one of those, and I don't know why.

I do this funny thing where I hear a song and have to hear it over and over again. So I have been listening to this for about 20 minutes and it gets better every time. Figured I would share with the masses, and hopefully your day was better than mine.

Stay Safe,

Test

2009-03-13T11:16:00.000-04:00

This is a test of the emergency mobile blogging system. This is a test of the emergency mobile blogging system. This is a test of the emergency mobile blogging system. This is a test of the emergency mobile blogging system. This is a test of the emergency mobile blogging system. This is a test of the emergency mobile blogging system. This is a test of the emergency mobile blogging system.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone with Nextel Direct Connect

Ugh

2009-03-13T11:08:00.002-04:00

I was so sick Wednesday that I called out of work, and spent the day
at home with my awesome fiancé. It was a really good day, and I got to
use up the last of my PTO which renews April 1, so I guess it was an
all around win for me.

When I came in for my 8-6 shift yesterday I was elated to have a great
partner, and it had the makings of a decent day, except for who was
working in the ivory tower. We dealt with it all day, and at 1500 the
maven of the mid afternoon airwaves, as my partner referred to her,
took over. We were relieved that someone with a clue had taken over
the dispatch console. Three BLS calls and a VERY last minute intercept
later, I was clocking out at 2000 hrs.

Its pretty bad when one of our senior dispatchers takes over for you
and the spreadsheet is so messed up that she feels overwhelmed. I
don't know, I just shake my head and wonder...

Stay Safe,

Posted via Crackberry

To Her…

2009-03-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Easy Silence
When the calls and conversations
Accidents and accusations
Messages and misperceptions
Paralyze my mind
Busses, cars, and airplanes leaving
Burning fumes of gasoline
And everyone is running
And I come to find a refuge in the
Easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay
Monkeys on the barricades
Are warning us to back away
They form commissions trying to find
The next one they can crucify
And anger plays on every station
Answers only make more questions
I need something to believe in
Breathe in sanctuary in the
Easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay
Children lose their youth too soon
Watching war made us immune
And I've got all the world to lose
But I just want to hold on to the
Easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The easy silence that you make for me
It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay

Stay Safe,

The Grass on the Other Side…

2009-03-06T21:17:00.002-05:00

So the company that I work for periodically does a shift bid, where all of the employees submit bids for what shifts they want, and based on scheduling needs of the company and seniority, along with a host of other factors, they assign, or reassign shifts.

As one would expect, this is a source of much moaning and complaining. The new schedule, effective 4/5, was posted in the bay today and I’ve already heard several people mumbling and complaining and some even making a huge stink about it. Multiple people are threatening to leave, and the “Poor me’s” are pouring in.

I’d like to stop and take a moment to quote a friend of mine who left the company briefly and then returned. When I asked him what happened, he said;

“You know, the grass was a lot greener on the other side, and then the grass fuckin’ died.”

AASI is not a horrible place to work, and if you are hearing that it is probably from someone who burned their own bridges, screwed up their own life, or is just generally disgruntled because they chose a thankless career with high burnout, low pay, and little respect. People who blame the company for their own stupidity and lack of drive are what is killing this country.

I got a message today from CNN that said that the unemployment rate in this country is 8.1%. An estimated 12.5 million people are unemployed in the US and that number is climbing. There are few jobs to be had in the first place, and anyone who has a secure one should cling to it for dear life.

FYI, the b/s that we put up with is no different anywhere else, just different people for you to belittle and attack when you don’t like what is being done. Companies are always going to make the decision that make sense for the business, and unfortunately, if you want a job, you have either find a fitting solution to the problem or, *gasp* GROW UP AND DEAL WITH IT!!!

And for future reference, those who just do their job, go with the flow, and don’t make problems for the company will always be treated better than those that moan and make a fuss. Welcome to being an adult. Welcome to the real world.

Stay Safe,

Manic Monday – Waffle

2009-03-02T06:30:00.000-05:00

It been a while since I participated in the Manic Monday meme and I figured that with a word like Waffle, this week is a good one to step up.

When I was younger my family used to make an annual trip up to Vermont for vacation in the summer. We would usually go up for about a week, and whenever we went we always used to stop at an IHOP just south of the Vermont line for breakfast.

The International House of Pancakes has one of the very best Belgian Waffles in the country, and it was always what I ordered on these trips to paradise. One of those things that stick in your mind, and a memory I hope I never forget.

Stay Safe,

The Sins of My Youth

2009-03-01T17:52:00.001-05:00

The back pew is a weekly feature of In Times and Out Goals that attempts to present the reader with a topical theological viewpoint. Most of these are excerpts from full sermons available shortly at The Forgotten Flock.

Happy March 1st everyone. Today marks the first Sunday of Lent, a period of time leading up to Easter. During the season of Lent we are invited to take a good look inwards to see where we stand with ourselves and God.

There are times in everyone's life when we question our own actions, and I am certainly no exception. Many of us have at one time or another felt much like David in Psalm 25;

“Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O Lord.” – Psalm 25:7 (NKJV)

In this particular passage David asks the Lord to not remember him for his sins, but rather to forgive him of his sin and remember him with mercy. This is a concept that many of us could benefit from; although we may have turned out alright in the end, we all have things in our past for which we should ask forgiveness.

Think of a moment in your life when you where engaged in something that you may not be so proud of. Who did you turn to for support? To whom did you pour your soul to? If there was a person that was there for you, remember to thank them, and then know that the Lord was there with you, and perhaps you should thank Him too…

Stay Safe,

Mad As Hell

2009-02-28T22:16:00.002-05:00

****(Apparently this can't be embedded, search YouTube to view, it's worth it.)****

In early 2003, while performing on a stage in London England, lead singer Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks spoke out against the (then) upcoming Iraq war. She stated that the group didn’t want the violence, and was in fact ashamed that President Bush was from Texas, the groups home state.

“Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.”

The fallout was massive, and with 32 words she managed to alienate most of the groups fan base, and earning the blind hatred of most country music fans. The group found themselves shunned at the 2003 AMC awards show, and the award for Entertainer of the Year was given to Toby Keith, who had been involved in a very public, and very ugly, feud with Maines after she decried his 2002 hit “"Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American)” as ignorant.

After the fallout from “The Incident,” as the group referred to it, the girls spent a significant amount of time in Europe. Finding their music boycotted on country radio, fellow artists snubbing them, and numerous death threats arriving almost daily, security was tightened for all subsequent performances. They accepted that they where in fact no longer part of country music as a culture, but one notable supporter during the turmoil was country legend Merle Haggard, who was quoted in July of 2003 as saying;

“I don't even know the Dixie chicks, but I find it an insult for all the men and women who fought and died in past wars when almost the majority of America jumped down their throats for voicing an opinion. It was like a verbal witch-hunt and lynching.”

In March 2006, almost exactly three years from “the incident,” the Chicks released their comeback album Taking the Long Way. The first single, “Not Ready to Make Nice,” was a scathing defense of the early position taken by the group. With growing opposition to the Iraq war mounting in the US, the single made it to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, but not surprisingly just barely cracking the top forty on the country charts, peaking at #36.

The track, which was co-written by the Chicks, includes references to the death threats, as well as the blind ignorance of some people, specifically one women who the band witnessed telling her small child to swear at them. It went on to win three Grammy’s, and should be listened to for not only the beautiful music, but also for the poetry in the lyrics. The music video makes heavy use of the metaphor of staining, and is one of the most visually stunning that I have seen.

I guess the whole point of this post is that it is amazing how fast people will condemn others when confronted with their own beliefs. I supported the President and still do, but the very fiber of our moral character as a country is that while I am allowed to have my feelings, so is everyone else.

Stay Safe,

The Good Fight

2009-02-22T06:30:00.001-05:00

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

- II Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

In the year 68 AD, Paul the apostle was martyred for the faith. In his letters to his son Timothy, he reveals that he is content to be offered as a sacrifice to the Lord. Probably one of my favorite lines in this section of the NT, is the declaration of Paul that he has in fact fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.

I often wonder if God allows us to plot our own course in life so that we can, and ultimately do, find him in our own time. The story of Paul demonstrates that no matter how sinful you may have been, there is forgiveness for us all. Paul, in the book of Acts, solicited and received authority to round up early Christians and deliver them to be murdered, simply because he did not agree with their faith. This went on until one day of the road to Damascus, a vision of Christ knocked him to the ground with a blinding light and confronted him with his acts, and he converted.

At the time of his death, we find Paul taking stock of his life and finally coming to the conclusion that he in fact did his best to walk with the Lord. He goes on to talk of a “crown of righteousness” that awaits him in the kingdom of heaven.

This always brings a question to my mind. If I where to die tonight, could I look back on my life and honestly say that all is well? Could I, on the eve of my death, be confident in the way that I would be received in the kingdom of the Lord?

Could you?

Stay Safe,

A Stolen Meme

2009-02-19T22:02:00.001-05:00

This is a meme that Linda posted, and although I wasn’t tagged, I like the concept so I am stealing it!

***Rules***

1. Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.
2. Go to the 6th Folder and then pick the 6th Picture.
3. Post it on your blog and tell the story that goes with the picture.
4. Tag 5 other glorious peoples to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog tellin’ them ’bout it.

I have two distinct places to store pictures, so there are two photos, first:

Well. This is one of the early pictures of Dani and I as a couple, and frankly one of my favorites. This was taken at the 2007 Couples night, I function that my FD holds every year. We had been dating about three months at this point.

Second:

This is one from medic school. I took feverish notes an then typed all of them into to computer, and even manufactured images when needed. This happens to be the formula used to calculate the amount of time you’ve got left with an oxygen bottle based on PSI and Liter Flow. The kind of crap they teach, but you will never use again. Keep in mind that there is also a factor table that goes with this.

Seeing as I stole this meme, I don’t intend to pass it on to anyone specific, but if it peaks your interest, steal it yourself, and be sure to let me know.

Stay Safe,

You Forgot the Body!!!

2009-02-18T22:31:00.005-05:00

So today was another one of those days. I don't know what's gotten into people, but the last couple shifts have been crazy. Today I was finishing the run form for my 1200 call at 1630... Insane. 8 total calls in 9 hours, not bad...

I have discovered another wonderful thing about the crackberry, and that's Facebook Mobile. Now I can check, update, and deal with my facebook when ever I want, which leads to comical updates like this one today:

"Rob's quote of the day: You forgot the body!!!"

I figured that it was kinda funny and my suspicions were confirmed when I received several comments in short order, all implying that they wanted an explanation. This all happened on call 7 for the day, mind you, so I was a bit frazzled to begin with and it just lightened my day.

One of the SNF's that we go to on a regular basis has a nurses station near the door when you first walk in. Invariably, LOL's (little old ladies), in various states of mind congregate around it. Being in and out of these places often, I make it a point to say hello to each one, because it makes me happy to see the look of joy on their faces because someone noticed them.

After my partner and I dropped off our patient, I got the stretcher ready and took it out to the ambulance while he got his signatures, and I had to pass by the same group. This time because I had a minute I engaged them in some small talk. The weather, how warm it was... ect. After I finished this little chat, I began to walk away when one of them yelled...

" Hey wait, you forgot the body!!!"

Mind you we just had the conversation that we where bringing someone in. I can't wait for dementia! Then I have an excuse when I have these kind of moments, which I seem to be having often lately.

Stay Safe,

Once Again...

2009-02-12T22:58:00.002-05:00

So today was pretty bad, and pretty good as well. Running around like a chicken with my head cut off is becoming a daily occurrence, but today was not that bad. I had a change from my usual Thursday partner, and did a nice mix of emergencies, transfers, and BLS.

My most notable was a cardiac arrest call where everything went right. CPR was started almost immediately, an AED was used within minutes, and ALS (me) arrived seconds after that. Thanks to the quick actions of the EMS providers that where first on scene, the victim had a strong pulse and was already breathing on her own. An hour later I had the opportunity to transfer her to a higher level of care with CCT flight team.

It just goes to show that when everybody does their job, and the stars align, sometimes things do go well.

On another note, I will be attending a meeting about new ambulances tomorrow, let's hope that the stars align for me and we are able to get through it without a call... Fingers crossed!

Stay Safe,

(Posted via Crackberry)

Crackberry Posts

2009-02-11T18:31:00.001-05:00

So I figured that I had the whole mobile posting thing figured out,
but as you can see with the last post there is still much to learn!

Today was nuts, and I blame the fact that my partner called out,
forgot she had to work, or didn't show up. I'm not sure what really
happened, but bottom line is she wasn't there and I worked with
Marvin. Working with Marvin is always a trip because the minute he
gets in your ambulance the world turns to shit. For instabce being
dispatched to an unresponsive, being updated that it was a confirmed
respiratory arrest, then being updated that the FD is doing CPR. The
kicker? Getting onscene and finding that the patient is in fact
responsive, and nobody ever did CPR.

What a day...

Stay Safe,

My re-election campaign

2009-02-10T18:15:00.001-05:00

I've got your back John.

Stay Safe,

Hello Again

2009-02-09T22:40:00.001-05:00

Things around here have been pretty dead, with is in direct correlation to the fact that my real life has been really busy. I do miss writing here and am amazed that even though I haven't posted in a week people still come 10-15 times a day to this little piece of the blogsphere. I am humbled and thankful.

In recent weeks I also got a new cell phone, a Nextel Blackberry actually. I am in love with it and will have to find out how I can blog from it. Lord help you if I do, because you guys will never hear the end of me.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in to say hello and let you know that I’m still alive. I have had several comments from readers that I need to write more, and I will make a concerted effort in the future.

Stay Safe,

Rob

Good Ol’ Rusty

2009-02-02T09:14:00.001-05:00

So back when I started in the EMS business, I used to run with an older gentleman name Rusty Yates. He was an MRT driver at my fire department and together we spent many a long night doing call after call.

Rusty and his wife used to run a little bed and breakfast here in town, and as a result he was almost always available for calls, and even in the middle of the night you could count on him to show up. Always with a coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Sadly his wife developed cancer, and while undergoing treatments they decided to re locate back to their native Texas. I have pretty much lost contact with him at this point, but thanks to the marvels of the internet and my stalking talents, I think I have found his address.

I will be shooting off a letter very soon to see if this is in fact the same Rusty. Wish me luck.

Stay Safe,

Down The Road

2009-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Love that song…

So I made the most fantastic Thai Chicken Stir Fry last night. I was going to take pictures along the way, but alas I got side tracked by the actual cooking and forgot to take any. If you like Thai food I would recommend it to anyone. The best part bout it is that it cost me a grand total of $6.47 in ingredients that I didn’t already have in the house, and I don’t keep a hugely stocked kitchen. If anybody makes it please let me know hoe you liked it. I made the full recipe and am having it for lunch today as well!

Thai Chicken Stir Fry

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into 1/2 inch strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons grated FRESH ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli flowerets
1 medium yellow squash, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch strips
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/3 cup chicken broth
8 ounces linguine
2 green onions, thinly sliced

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.

Add chicken, garlic, and ginger. cook and stir until chicken is lightly browned and fork tender. Remove chicken mixture to bowl, set aside.

To drippings in the same skillet, add broccoli, squash, and red bell pepper strips. Cook and stir about five minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove vegetables to bowl with chicken and set aside.

To same skillet, add peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar and crushed red pepper; stir in chicken broth.

Return chicken and vegetables to pan, heat through. Serve over linguine and sprinkle with green onions.

Makes 4 modest servings.

It was phenomenal! The only thing I changed was I left out the crushed red pepper, I don’t do spicy!

Stay Safe,

My Fellow Americans

2009-01-22T17:52:00.001-05:00

“My fellow citizens: I stand here today in total shock, grateful for the trust you've bestowed, mindful of the ignorance that led to this trust.”

Yes we can… And I guess we will now get to see what the great Obama media machine can shove down our throats next. He managed to get himself elected, and although I am not generally racially motivated, I wonder what role to novelty of the first black president really played in his election.

I guess that in the coming years we will see. When the novelty wears off and he can’t accomplish anywhere near the amount of change he promised, where will he take this country, and how far astray will we allow ourselves to be led?

Quite frankly I hope he can deliver what he promised, and I wish him the best of luck. However, mark my words, this is the beginning of the end.

Stay Safe,

I Win!

2009-01-20T22:53:00.002-05:00

So I guess it pays to be persistant.

More.
Later.
Bye.

Stay Safe,

Random Quote of the Day

2009-01-13T11:36:00.001-05:00

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

Albert Einstein

Stay Safe,

Let’s Make Some Tracks!

2009-01-12T16:21:00.001-05:00

I have discovered photography. Now I can kill myself. I have nothing else to learn.

- Pablo Picasso

I think that Picasso, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, expressed a fairly common sentiment. Why does the world need painters and sculptors when there is an art form that simply captures the wonder and beauty of nature in perfect rendering? If one can have an exact rendering of a masterpiece, then where does artistic interpretation factor?

In all truth, we desire art to further our delusion that everything has a greater meaning and significance that it really does. It allows our minds to work and figure out what the creator was thinking, gives us a chance to get inside someone else's head. But more importantly it allows us to get inside our own head and think about what WE think it means.

Take for example this awesome shot taken by a very good friend of mine, and heavy hitter in the blogosphere, Linda:

This photo to me, in a secular sense, is a representation of freedom, and that with perseverance and time anything is possible. The tracks provide the means to accomplish anything you want, or a way out of any situation, but it requires perseverance to follow them around the bend to get there.

There is a much more ecclesiastical meaning for me as well. Last weeks sermon was about Gods plan for us all and how his plan and ours may not bee the same. In reflection of that, these tracks represent His plan for us, and the fundamental conflict between good and evil manifests itself in ones soul. To follow the tracks, and thus walk with the Lord, is a long and difficult journey into the unknown. It would be much easier to scorn Him and return to the walking path, leaving in our own way, to follow our own plan. This photo clearly, at least to me, shows a basic internal conflict that all face at one point or another, it shows us standing on the cusp of decision, it shows us struggling to be faithful.

Any who, as you can see, photos really do capture emotion, even if its not the one intended. It takes incredible talent to move people as I was by this photo, and Linda seems to possess that talent. As a hard working single mother always struggling in these hard economic times, she has decided to share her art with us in a manner that allows her to reap some of her much justified benefits. Please take a moment to head over to her Red Bubble account and take a look around. I think that these would make a wonderful addition to any collection! If you get a chance, leave her a comment or two and let her know Rob sent ya!

Also pop over to her blog and take a look at the contest that she is running… might be worth a go!

Stay Safe,

And When I Was Done…

2009-01-08T23:00:00.001-05:00

This is a throw back to a show that we did back in high school… Love it.

Stay Safe,

YIKES! Woes of an Ambulance Driver

2009-01-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

This recently appeared at my sponsor hospital ED. I’m not sure if it was directed at me, but I try to keep this blog free from any possible issues. This sounds more to me like a kid who didn’t have an ounce of professionalism in his whole body. This post is mostly to not only share this story, but to let anyone lurking out there know that I have seen it. long read, but a good one.

Once again I remind all visitors to see my disclaimer.

BLOGGING? A GOOD IDEA?

My name is Zach Bieghler and I’m a paramedic in the State of Kansas. I have served with various EMS agencies in South Central Kansas as well as for an educational institution. I’ve been a paramedic since September of 2005 and in EMS since 2002. I’ve spent the last six years of my life dedicated to EMS, working as much as I could, between multiple EMS jobs to gain knowledge and experience. Life was good. I had recently become established enough to buy my first home in the town of which I served. I was taking various EMS courses to be a better instructor for my students of which I taught. Life as it seemed was on the right track I hoped and dreamed for. Unfortunately, that dream came to a sudden stop, which came by no one else’s fault but my own.

In April of 2007 my EMS partner and I were called out for an inter-facility transfer. The patient had several medical complications, in addition to being severely obese. Several hours after the call and when the report was finished, I sat down at the computer, while on the clock mind you, and entered Myspace.com. There I started a “blog” which I wrote about the call I had just ran hours before. Out of respect for my previous employer, I’m not going to discuss what I had written in the blog, but to say ashamedly, it was vulgar and offensive and related to the patient’s level of obesity.

I had written the blog for my friends to see only, most of which are in the EMS profession. I later discovered that I did not have settings adequate on Myspace.com to prevent the general public from viewing. I wrote the blog to share my experiences and to make them laugh.

As a healthcare provider, we all must be empathetic and sympathetic towards all patients regardless of the situation. As I wrote this blog, my empathy for this patient was absent. I didn’t think about the anger, humility, and mistrust that could have manifested by the patient towards me, my agency or my profession. Not to mention a legal preceding that could have been initiated by the patient that could have damaged my agencies trust and reputation. This will present a tough, but extremely important lesson to learn as time goes by. After I had written the blog, time went by as usual. As months went by I had actually forgot that I had written the blog. I had actually cared for this patient two more times since the blog for various reasons. As I continued caring for him I grew to like the patient. I remember one time as I entered his residence he greeted me by first name with a smile. You have developed a special bond with a patient when they remember you by name and you remember them. At this point, I would have deleted the blog from my site, but as I said, I had forgotten all about it.

In September of 2007, a co-worker reported the blog to my employer. This initiated a meeting between my Director, hospital Vice President and my agencies attorney. While participating in a mass casualty drill I was pulled away and escorted to the Vice President’s office. I knew it had to be a significant matter to pull me away from such a training exercise. Completely oblivious as to what was going on, I found myself in the office with the Vice President of Operations and the Director of EMS. I was immediately confronted with the blog that I had written. I had a rush of emotions, the most
powering being sorrow for what I had done. I was instructed not to talk about it, delete all work related blogs immediately and was given a 30 day unpaid suspension. My Director also told me that he would more than likely be reporting the incident to the Kansas Board of EMS.

In a state of complete devastation I arrived home and immediately logged onto Myspace.com and deleted every blog I had ever written. I found out that evening that two of my co-workers had also been suspended 30 days without pay because of my personal blog and their return comments. I’m the author and they got suspended as well! I had never lived with such guilt in my life as I felt then. So guilt ridden in fact, that I lost 10 lbs over the next few days.

I continued to work for the educational institution during time I was suspended. After a week of my suspension, the Dean of Instruction at the educational institution received a letter accompanied by a copy of my blog. Now, this blog not only caused my problems at my EMS service, but my secondary job as well. This resulted in a very stern meeting between me and the EMS Program Director. The Program Director is my mentor and I had really let him down. Not only did I let him down, I let down the entire staff and students at the educational institution. The guilt and disappointment in me was starting to become unbearable. Serving a thirty day suspension from my career and my primary source of income took its toll. I had to completely drain all of my savings to stay afloat. All of this resulted because of my poor choice of judgment. I soon found that things were just starting.

I returned to work after my suspension and found myself working with those extremely disappointed in me. After a couple of days and a few talks with co-workers, things only improved by a little. I will never get that full respect back that I had prior to the incident and I wouldn’t ask for it either. What I did was wrong and hard for anyone to forgive. Still guilt-ridden and disappointed beyond words, I found myself having difficulty coping with what I had done and fell into a deep depression. February of 2008 rolled around; I was enrolled in an Instructor Coordinator class to further my education and passion to teach.

I found that my Director did in fact report the incident to the Kansas Board of EMS. The Board’s Investigations Committee was meeting in just days. I had contacted the Board and confirmed the news and was told that a decision would be made at the meeting later that week. The week passed slowly by as I waited in horror. Friday came and I contacted the Board office. I found that a decision had been made to revoke my Paramedic certification.

My world was soon spiraling out of control. As one could imagine, the process to revoke a license is not a quick and painless process. The process took months. Not knowing when my license would be revoked and trying to concentrate on my career was painstaking. One of the hardest things to complete was my Instructor Coordinator class, uncertain of my careers future path. I had finally started to build my savings back up and was advised to seek an attorney. This was another financial hit from my original mistake. I hired an attorney to help me through the revocation process.

A total of nine months passed since my original suspension. Nine months of guilt, anguish, disappointment and depression, I finally received a consent agreement. Given the options and willing to
accept my mistake and consequences of my action, I signed the consent agreement. This agreement listed several things, to summarize, I was being revoked for no less than 90 days for professional misconduct emphasizing on a possible violation of patient confidentiality. Consequently, I resigned as a paramedic for the service I worked for and had to quit teaching, which is something I’m very passionate about. I had to take a job as a vendor merchandiser, stocking shelves in grocery stores. Working alone everyday gave me a lot of time to think about what I had really done and who I had disappointed.

Having resigned from the EMS agency and not being able to teach, I roughly took a 60% pay cut. Once again, the financial burden, for my moment of poor judgment, continually hung over my head. During this time I relied very heavily on my family, friends and mentors. As I relied on them, they too suffered, feeling the ups and downs of the process. Also during this time I sought counseling for my actions from a mental health hospital. Having completed the counseling I learned more about empathy and it’s importance.

It instilled in me the importance of patient confidentiality as I found myself as a patient in a mental health hospital. After barely struggling though my 90-day period it was time to try and get reinstated. I knew that it was possible that the Board could extend my revocation or worst yet revoke my MICT indefinitely. I soon found myself sitting in front of the Investigations Committee in Topeka, in a small room, crowded with people I didn’t know. I felt alone as I really only knew three individuals there, two of which testified on my behalf.

As I stood out in the hallway with the panel during deliberation, I felt sick with emotions. “What if they say no?” was all I could think of. I thought about how much effort and time (6 years) I had put into my career. For what? All for the chance to blog on Myspace.com? The large group in the hallway filed back into the conference room as I took a seat back at the table in which I had testified at. The decision was made to reinstate my MICT! This was all I could ask for. There were two conditions that followed: 1) Write an article for the KEMSA Chronicle, which would also be published on the KSBEMS website, and 2) make myself available to any EMS agency across the State of Kansas to speak about what I had done and the consequences that followed. Having listed the conditions stated, I want to emphasize that I’m not writing this article because I have to. I am writing this article to educate other EMS professionals.

What I did was wrong and should never happen to anyone. I want people to learn from my mistake. I have heard several of my colleagues talk about calls that they had ran, some even in the same format as what I had wrote. We in EMS all have to know that “blogging” has consequences. Each and every bit of electronic postings must edify the profession, other technicians, ourselves and the patients we serve. I want my colleagues to think twice before saying or writing anything about the patients they care for. We have to be empathetic, put yourself in their shoes. Or as the hospital Vice President asked me in her office, “What if that patient was your mother, father, son or daughter”? As to the second condition listed, I would be more than happy to discuss my experience with your employees, co-workers or students. This is free of charge as required. You can schedule this by contacting me by email at emsmedic712@gmail.com.

I would like to thank the Kansas Board of EMS for giving me the privilege and opportunity to share my experience with others. I would also like to thank KEMSA for publishing this article. Also thanks to all my family, friends, colleagues and my counselor who has supported me through this trying experience.

Nuts huh? Well maybe not. A word to the wise to any fellow bloggers who may not realize what they are typing.

Stay Safe,

Manic Monday – Sale

2009-01-05T06:30:00.000-05:00

This weeks word is sale. As appropriate are this may seem for the after Christmas rush, I think that humanforsale.com is a lot more fun.

This site is a simple two page survey that evaluates your worth based on a variety of factors. Kinda fun and a complete waste of time, but interesting none the less. I apparently am worth slightly less than the average male who was as of my survey, worth about $2,084,210.87.

It is, however, hard to believe that people are honestly answering questions as I did. Looking at the “most valued” list there appear to be a lot of 13 year old doctors in India making over a million dollars. Hmmm….

Stay Safe,

My Debut of 2009

2009-01-04T16:49:00.001-05:00

I figured for the first post of 2009 I should post a recap of 2008! Seems to make sense right?Good, lets get started.

February 5th, 2008 – Finished Paramedic School.

March 31, 2008 – Nationally Registered EMT-P.

April 4, 2008 – One year of Service at AASI.

April 16, 2008 – Moved into my first place.

May 14, 2008 – Connecticut Licensed Paramedic.

July 23, 2008 – Granted Medical Control through WWBH.

September 2008 – Engaged to Danielle L. White.

November 2008 – One year of service at APES

November 30, 2008 – Quit smoking.

That’s a pretty intense list… What a year.

Here to hoping that 2009 is just as eventful for me and with just as positive a twist!

Sorry for the lack of posting, but I’ve been struck with a case of “blogger guilt,” where I felt that others in my life deserved my attention more than this blog. Never fear, I’m not guilty anymore!

Stay Safe,

Nollaig Shona – Merry Christmas - Hyvää Joulua

2008-12-25T22:41:00.001-05:00

As this Christmas draws to a close, I hope that all those who celebrate this day can try to keep the true meaning in your hearts and minds. The title of this post is the translation of Merry Christmas in Irish Gaelic, my mothers side, and in Finnish, my fathers side. I hope this celebration of life and hope has brought you much peace. Remember, it’s not really all that bad.

I think that Linus Van Pelt said it best…

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them!”

“And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Merry Christmas Everybody.

Stay Safe,

Company Man...

2008-12-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

It has been said, and I cannot dispute, that I am a company man. I am thankful for all of the opportunities that my companies have afforded me. Sure there is the occasional BS, but I find myself powerless to change it and as such, mostly accept it.

As an instructor for APES, the very same institution that gave me my paramedic education, I get the opportunity to pass my knowledge on to those who are new to the field. Some people choose to enter the field because of a fire department affiliation, job re-training, or simply a desire to help others. The reason doesn't really make a difference, the important part is that people want to learn and come to us with that intention.

Recently we eliminated the newly forged Drivers Education program at APES. This allows us to put more effort into our EMS and other medical classes. The focus of the company has always been to give those that want to learn the tools and opportunity to succeed. Because we tend to do so much for our students, we are the premiere EMS and AHA education provider in Southeastern CT, and in my opinion, this side of the state. With one of the highest pass rates in the region for the NREMT exam, we must be doing something right.

This post is in response to the Instructor meeting that we had this week, and some of the comments made there. 2009 has the potential to be a huge year for APES, and I hope that my fellow instructors will join me in trying making that happen.

Stay Safe,

Another Award?

2008-12-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

So I've been slacking as of late with this whole blog deal, and seeing as things have been kind of hectic, I haven’t really gotten around to doing much reading either. It seems that while I have been doffing my blogger duties, Linda has not, an even found time to give me an award. As usual, this one come with some rules, and as usual, I don’t intend to follow them!

The Rules!

Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people (if possible) at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Well I think I can do that. It seems that these meme’s want to know everything about you, even if there is nothing left to tell. forgive me if I repeat stuff from previous ones!

I love trains…
There are days when I can’t remember… Uh?
I have arthritis in my shoulders, wrists, ankles, and knees. Yey Lyme!
I’ve seen a person being embalmed.
I had my first car accident on Feb. 5, 2004.
I’ve never had a speeding ticket, that stuck.
I’m thinking about going back to school to be a Chaplin.

As usual, I intend to break the rules and not tag anyone, but if you read this, consider yourself tagged and let me know when it’s up.

Stay safe,

Manic Monday – Candle

2008-12-15T06:30:00.000-05:00

This weeks word is Candle. It is a fitting and appropriate word for the season, since this is the season of Advent.

Advent, from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming,” is the first season in the liturgical calendar of most western Christian churches, and is comprised of the first four Sundays before Christmas. Advent Sunday, or the fourth Sunday before Christmas, is also the first day of the liturgical year.

During the Advent season, many denominations celebrate the imminent coming of Christ by lighting a candle from an Advent wreath. The Advent wreath usually has four candles for each of the Sundays, and a fifth is sometimes added for Christ himself, and is lit on Christmas to celebrate his arrival.

The first four candles are each vested with a meaning, and the service usually centers around the four themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Traditionally, three of the four candles are purple in color, symbolizing royalty, or the sovereignty of Christ, and the for the third Sunday, is rose in color, and again is meant to symbolize the light of the early dawn. If a fifth is used, it is placed in the middle of the wreath and is snow white in color, symbolizing the purity of his Love.

In many Protestant churches a Christmas pageant may be substituted with a sermon on the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday to retell the story of the Coming though the eyes and mouths of the congregations children, bringing much joy, the theme of the service, to all those in attendance.

As we move forward in this new church year, and eventually into the new secular year, I hope that all my readers find peace and comfort in whatever beliefs they hold, and know that regardless of your creed, you are loved and needed by someone. This season has started off rather sadly for some of those close to me, but we should all be able to rejoice knowing that we are not alone, and are never alone.

Stay Safe,

For Real…

2008-12-10T20:39:00.001-05:00

So today was a decent day, an intercept, and ALS transfer, and a couple of psych calls for Jay to do…

Now I have never accused Jay of being the most stable being on the planet, so what happened at the end of my transfer should have been of no surprise to me.

After we arrived at Hartford Hospital I got my patient to sign the tablet computer that we use for our paperwork, and expected Jay to open the back doors of the ambulance so we could proceed into the hospital. Since there was a significant delay, I opened the back doors of the ambulance and low behold, in the parking lot of Hartford Hospital, my partner is petting a squirrel.

We figured he must have been a Blood, and seeing as we were on his turf, and wearing the right colored shirts, he should socialize.

Oy Vey….

Stay Safe,

Oh Lithograph, Oh Lithograph…

2008-12-08T17:18:00.001-05:00

The Rautio/White Family 2008 Christmas Photo

Stay Safe,

Countdown Meme…

2008-12-07T21:16:00.001-05:00

This is a pretty intense meme bestowed (kinda) upon me by Linda, and I figured that I might give it a shot. I agreed with some of her answers, so I left um!

Ten things you wish you could say to TEN different people right now:

Are you really that stupid?
I love you.
Stop calling, I am NOT going to answer the phone!
Seriously?
Take your call and shove it up your p******* *******.
Your poor planning shouldn’t result in my poor mood.
Can we just take it over already?
You really need to get over yourself.
STFU!
So… about that tuition reimbursement…

Nine things about yourself:

I’ve never broken a bone… of my own.
There are days when I have no idea what I’m doing,
I have only a handful of true friends, and many acquaintances – the hallmark of a sociopath….
My music library has everything from Bach to Rob Zombie
I love uncooked ramen noodles.
Sometimes I get misty eyed at the sight of the American Flag.
I’m a cynic.
I lived in five different towns before I was five.
My momma wore combat boots, literally.

Eight ways to win your heart:

Be Danielle Lynn, otherwise none of it matters.
Be able to carry on an intelligent conversation.
Give 100%.
Let the little things go.
Be willing to stand up for the big things.
Understand me.
Enjoy a nice dinner in, just the two of us.
Make me feel needed, but be able to do it alone.

Seven things that cross your mind a lot:

F***ing Dispatchers!
Yeah Right.
Maybe if I do, they might notice those of us who try….
I guess I should work OT today… Nah!
Is it time to go home yet?
What was that dose again?
I’m really with him/her?

Six things you do before you fall asleep:

Give goodnight kisses.
Plug in my cell phone.
Make sure the lights are off.
Read something.
Rub Dani’s back.
Roll over on to my right side.

Stay Safe,

Joy To The World....

2008-12-07T06:28:00.000-05:00

IT SNOWED!!!!

Rest In Peace

2008-12-03T07:52:00.001-05:00

Timothy M. Romanchuk

Timothy M. Romanchuk September 8, 1960 - November 30, 2008 BROOKLYN - Timothy M. Romanchuk, 48, of Canterbury Road died unexpectedly on Sunday in Brooklyn. He was the husband of Michelle (Glaude) Romanchuk, who survives him. They were married on April 26, 1980 in Stamford, CT. Born in Stamford, CT on Sept. 8, 1960, he was the son of Robert Max Romanchuk of N.Y. and the late Kathleen (Sheard) Romanchuk.

He attended school in the Stamford area. Upon completion of his education, he entered the sales field in various areas. He worked at Cambridge Industries for eighteen years. He was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, where he was the senior warden, and was very active in the youth ministry for disadvantaged youths. Mr. Romanchuk was a loving husband, a very devoted father and a giving person. He also supported local veterans' groups.

Besides his wife and father, he leaves three sons, Nathanael M. Romanchuk, of Brooklyn, Nicholas G. Romanchuk of Danielson, and Alexander S. Romanchuk of Brooklyn; two brothers, Robert Romanchuk of Greenwich, CT and Jeffrey Romanchuk of Meriden, CT; three sisters Jeannie Dawson of OK, Joyce Romanchuk of N.Y. and Nancy Romanchuk of NY; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are on Friday 7-9 p.m. at the Gagnon-Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. There will be a Requiem Mass on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, Rte 6, Brooklyn. Following cremation, burial will be at Old Trinity Church Yard, Church St., Brooklyn. Donations in his memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 276, Brooklyn, CT 06234.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2008-12-02T20:32:00.001-05:00

This post is a little delayed due to events beyond my control, but the day after Thanksgiving we went an got our Christmas Tree.

The tradition of getting it the day after Thanksgiving started with a promise that my mother made to us kids some 15 years ago. She is allergic to pine, and so we were only able to have a real tree in the house for about 4 days before she couldn’t breath, and then we’d have to chuck it.

She decided one year that it wasn’t worth it inevitable headache (literally and figuratively), and made a deal with us kids. She told us that if we could get a fake tree we could put it up the day after Thanksgiving, and didn’t have to take it down until January. Naturally, not only did we accept, but we held her to her promise EVERY year since.

Being that this is my first Christmas in my own home, I continued the tradition, but this time with a real Blue Spruce from Ingalls Tree Farm in Brooklyn. $40.00 flat rate isn’t the bad. The Blue Spruce is really the only tree that I think fits, and I loved the quote of the tree farms web site…

“ Blue Spruce -

Sharp, spiny needles, excellent needle retention. Dark green to bluish green. Rule of thumb for identification, firmly grasp branch with unprotected hand - if you don't bleed, it's likely not a blue spruce.”

We went with a red, white, and blue theme, and in the process of putting it up and such had to buy a new vacuum because it killed our old one. Justifiable homicide if you ask me, it was a POS.

Stay Safe,

Prayers, Thoughts, Forgiveness

2008-12-02T19:43:00.001-05:00

So things have obviously been rocky over the last several weeks, and it does not seem to be getting any better.

I would like to thank everyone for the words of encouragement, and to let you know that it is appreciated. With two deaths close to me and my grandfather, again, in the hospital, it’s been a trying week, and its only Tuesday night!

Oh well, more to come.

Stay Safe

................

2008-12-01T01:13:00.003-05:00

It's been a very long night, and it's going to be a longer couple of days. More to follow.

Stay Safe,

My Very First Award!

2008-11-28T09:16:00.001-05:00

So I got my very first award from Linda today! Seems fun, and it of course come with rules. I will try to abide by them, but it may be tricky!

Rules: Pass it on to five other bloggers, and tell them to open the nearest book to page 46. Write out the fifth sentence on that page, and also the next two to five sentences. The closest book, not the coolest, or the one you think will sound the best. THE CLOSEST

Hmmmm… the closest book to me is The First Law, by John Lescroart. I really don’t know anything about this book, and I’m not sure why it is sitting on my desk, but here goes.

“He lost six thousand dollars at Sam’s the night before.”
The number jerked Russell’s head up. “Six thousand?”
“That’s the number Nick gave me.”
Cuneo whistled, “he came to this game with six grand in his pocket?”
Russell was on the same page, “Where’d he get that kind of money?'”

I’m really not in a tagging kinda mood, but if you’d like to give it a shot have at it, just be sure to leave a comment with a link!

P.S. If you don’t have a blog, start one!

Stay Safe,

Thanksgiving and the Like…

2008-11-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I hope your day is filled with family, cheer, and reflection. Of course a good glass of wine and some turkey probably wouldn’t hurt either!

This is one of my favorite holidays, because it is one of the most introspective. Time to think about all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you in the last year, and to give thanks to God, Allah, Ra… whoever. It’s not bad idea to take a look at one;s life and see the good every once in a while, and for those of use (myself included), who usually don’t see the silver lining, its a nice change.

Six Things I’m Thankful for this year (in no particular order):

Medical Control, because it has been a goal that I was able to meet!
My family, been a tough year, but me got though it.
My Freedom, what with moving into my own place.
My Fiancé, who puts up with my crap and loves me all the same.
Friends who you can rely on.
Someone looking out for me so that I always have what I need, but not always what I want.

What are you thankful for this year? Give it a shot and you may end up surprising yourself.

Stay Safe,

Impossible Task…

2008-11-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

“Don't try to fix the students, fix ourselves first. The good teacher makes the poor student good and the good student superior. When our students fail, we, as teachers, too, have failed.” ~ Marva Collins

Sometimes I forget that I really do love teaching. I have days when I feel like I am simply wasting my time, a mindless drone that is simply going though the motions of instruction to benefit my coffers, and no more. Then I realize that I really do love it.

I had a particularly difficult day with one of my classes recently, and it seems as though some of them simply are not getting it. they have no love for learning, no hunger for knowledge, no desire to succeed, and that makes it a task to get them to show up for class, let alone pay attention. It probably doesn’t help that I only see this class sporadically, and that we have to un-teach what some others try and teach.

You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.

Albert Einstein

I suppose that they will muddle through, and we will move on to other classes.

Sigh…

Stay Safe,

Manic Monday - Harvest

2008-11-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

This weeks theme is “Harvest.”

The Peoples Harvest Garden is a joint community initiative between several community based organizations, that provides fresh vegetables to the low income community. The garden is located in Pomfret Center, CT, an the volunteers consist of school groups, UConn Extension center master gardeners, EFNEP educators, and members of the community.

Funded by grant money, and using donated sate land, the garden is productive throughout the Connecticut rowing season, sometimes leading to an over-production of fresh foods that leads us to distribute outside our normal guidelines. Everyone loves fresh foods, and it is critical that those is need are able to eat nutritiously regardless of the cost.

Some of our harvest includes green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, squash of three different types, lettuce, cabbage, onions, peppers, corn, greens, turnips, scallions, garlic, herbs, radishes, spinach, and much more.

For more information about the Peoples Harvest Garden, contact

Cheryl Rautio
Program Coordinator - Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)
cheryl.rautio@uconn.edu or by phone @ 860-774-9600

Stay Safe,

To Get Me Through This…

2008-11-23T11:00:00.001-05:00

So everything in my world seems to be back to normal, and that good because I have some serious groveling to do. In the eight days that I haven't posted my grandfather has come home, my schedule has stabilized (for the most part) and life is back to its normal pace.

Every Saturday in the DK area is working pretty well, although some days are busier than others. There are days when we do 5-6 calls, and days like yesterday when we do none. Oh well. At least I got all of my sewing done. (Patches on new uniform shirts!)

I am really not liking this whole dark at 1600 hrs thing though. It pretty sad when it’s pitch black when you get out of work at 1800 hrs. Ick…

Oh well, I guess it’s that semi-charmed kinda life.

Stay Safe,

Hello Again…

2008-11-14T22:20:00.001-05:00

Remember me? Yeah, the guy that is supposed to write this blog?

Well I’ve been away for the last few days due to a combination of several things, chief among which is that my grandfather was again hospitalized. This time his blood sugar dropped to 23 mg/dl, and apparently got fairly nasty with the rehab staff at the facility.

That’s their story.

Seeing as I have a friend that happened to be the medic that responded to the call, and after getting the appropriate HIPPA release form signed(sigh…what a sad attempt at humor), he told me that he was in fact not combative at all, but rather just pissed off. Agitation is a normal side effect of a BGL that low, and it was fixed right quick with an amp of D50. When the medic asked if they had been feeding him, the staff said that they had given him some ice cream earlier. ICE CREAM? Great for that blood sugar spike right before it plummets to the earth.

So anyway, he was seen in the emergency room again, and admitted to the floor for further testing and observation. Once they get his meds adjusted and everything stabilized, they will hopefully get him back to rehab so he can com home.

In other news… work, work, work. SSDD.

I started my new schedule this week and love it. Hopefully it will last.

Stay Safe,

Thank You

2008-11-11T06:33:00.000-05:00

To all of the men and women who served this country in her time of need, my heartfelt thanks and gratitude go out to you all.

I would like to mention my mother above all else. Enjoy your day Captain.

Stay Safe and God Bless

Manic Monday – Bounty

2008-11-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

**** Please note that I wrote this post when the Themes were first announced, before Mo posted his bounty picture. ***

Oh dear, it seems that it’s Monday yet again, and theme for this week is “bounty.”

Growing up my parents never had paper towels in the house because it was a “waste of money.” I always thought that that was crap, but as I am discovering the longer that I live on my own, mom and dad where probably right. On a recent trip to the grocer I decided that we should get a couple of rolls to make things easier.

Sure. I never realized just how many varieties of paper towels there where. Bounty alone has White, ExtraSoft, Prints, Select-A-Size, Cooking, Super Duty, and Bounty Basic.

Well needless to say I couldn’t bring myself to buy them, so I continue to have a dish rag in my kitchen. I did however get to make a really cool to do list over at QuickerPickerUpper.com. Who woulda known.

Stay Safe,

What’s My Age Again?

2008-11-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

So I have always had a problem with ages. I cant guess age to save my life, and apparently people seem to think I’m older than I really am.

I was teaching a basic EMT class a couple of weeks ago and during the break the subject of age came up. I generally don’t discuss how old I am with my students because at 20, it is hard enough to garner the respect of those around me, an when teaching people that may be 20 years my senior, it gets even harder.

Anyway, one of the students asked me how old I was and I responded with my usual, “how old do you think I am.” I got the usual 24, 28, 28, 27, and 32. I said that most people think I’m 28ish, and left it at that.

A week or so later I came up in a conversation between the class and one of my former teachers, now a college, who apparently told them that I was only 20. Low and behold, the very next class I took I was cornered and told that I lied about my age and that the class wanted and explanation. I told them that I never SAID I was any age, and they seemed OK with that.

Then the other day I was in Worchester visiting my grandfather at UMass, and I walked into a convenience store to buy a pack of cigarettes (dirty nasty habit I know), and she was wearing a 4 inch pin on button that stated “ We card because we care, anyone appearing to be under 30 must show ID for tobacco.” She never asked for any ID, and I asked her if she really carded everybody. “Of course I do!” came the reply, and when I asked her why she didn’t card me, she said “Well your like 32 right?”

Arg. It probably didn’t help that I was wearing a suit and tie, or that my Expedition was parked in front of the door, but come on people. 32!? I pride myself on trying to work hard and rise above all the crap that goes on in these parts. Age seems to be a factor, but never has it bothered me before.

Linda of Are We There Yet? sent me an email earlier that asked me to describe her in one word, and in return she would do the same. When she replied back I was elated to read:

“Hmmm ... for you ... integrity.” “For someone your age, you seem to have more of it than a lot of people I know.”

Gives me a great sense of pride to hear that.

Stay Safe,

One Thing That Makes Me Happy

2008-11-08T13:03:00.001-05:00

And no, it not the only thing. However, he’s in the top three.

In a former life I worked as a vet tech for a rather eccentric (i.e. flat out bat shit crazy) vet in a neighboring town. One morning we where opening up the clinic, and after tending to all the animals and administering all the treatments, I took the trash out to the dumpster.

Low and behold, laying in the bottom of a crate on top of the dumpster in the 90 degree blistering sun was a cat. People often drop animals off at clinics because they feel like they will get a better home, but the reality is that after 10 days the animal is considered abandoned, and is usually put to sleep.

So I brought him into the clinic and he was hissing and spitting and just doing as scared cats do. We were able to get him into a cage and give him some food, but only with considerable effort and many bite marks later. He refused to allow anyone to touch him for days, and the vet simply wanted to euthanize him because he was so nasty. as the days progressed he got to the point where he would let me take him out and hold him, but only for short periods. We discovered that he was a declawed, neutered male about 2 year old. He still wouldn't let anybody but me near him.

So the days wore on and as we where approaching the two week mark, the doc decided that if no body claimed him in a day or so we where going to put him down. Needless to say I couldn't let that happen so he became Ollie, named for one of my childhood camp counselors, and came home with me.

He didn't get along with other cats, and for a long while lived in the bathroom at my parents house where he seemed happy enough. Once he had warmed to Danielle he moved from the bathroom to the bedroom, and eventually to his own house free from other cats and small children. He lets Dani and I live with him, and makes sure that we know it.

Stay Safe,

Steamed

2008-11-08T00:38:00.003-05:00

I think that someone has it out for me in the stupid call distribution center, and I don’t mean my dispatchers.

The SCDC is located somewhere very secretive and places calls in areas where I am the closest unit, regardless of the time of day. I am convinced that they coordinate with the Things That Aggravate Rob Association, and together plan ways to flat out piss me off. I really think one day they are just going to go all out and I’m going to roll up on an overturned bus full of loud mouthed liberal hippie Mexican MRT’s that don’t speak English, take baths, or where their insignia straight. Then, to top it all off, none f them will have ID, nor socks, nor shoes and all ten minutes after my out goal.

Together the SCDC and the TTARA where able to get me so steamed that I simply was not able to contain myself, and had I not needed my job I probably would not have it any longer. If I had said what I was thinking over the radio to the smart ass dispatcher in training, I most likely would have been suspended pending termination. Thank God Kevin stepped in. I wouldn’t ask for directions if I didn’t need them. And I have a feeling that Kev knew that he should probably give me what I needed himself. After all, it is a lot of paperwork to explain why there is an ambulance embedded in the top of NPD.

I really do love my job and I try not to bitch or moan about it AT work, because all that does is foster a poor environment for everyone, and that’s why I have this blog. Stress relief. I understand that people are not out to get me, and that shit happens, and that in my industry thing never go as planned. Anyone who reads anything on here hopefully can relate, and doesn't take things to seriously.

Oh well, Se La Vie I suppose.

I am going to enjoy these next four days off!

Stay Safe,

...

2008-11-04T23:24:00.002-05:00

As of 22:59 Barack Obama has won the election for the presidency of the United States of America.

As I choke back the bile, I must congratulate Mr. Obama on accomplishing a historic feat. As the first Black, and the first socialist to be the president elect, he will be quite a gem in office.

As I sit here I plung deeper into an abyss of worry and sadness for this country.

If we have proven anything tonight, it is that no matter what your background, or your policies, anyone, ANYONE, can be be elected the president, regardless not only of the color of your skin, but also without regard to the content of your character.

RIP Lady Liberty
1776 - 2008

I Voted – Now I Cry

2008-11-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.”
- Sir Winston Churchill

Congratulations douche bags. Hope you enjoy the unemployment line when Obama chases all of the business out of the country.

Stay Safe,

The 11th Hour

2008-11-03T19:01:00.001-05:00

"I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me." - John McCain

In less than 12 hours voting begins across the nation for the next President of the United States. With unprecedented voter turn out expected, it appears that we will have an interesting evening. Although I will be unable to watch the viral news coverage due to the fact that I won’t be home ALL day, I am sure that it will ending up being one of the closest races or by far a landslide victory for one of the candidates.

It is important to realize that this election is going to be one of the most significant in modern history. With the economy in turmoil, un-won wars is distant lands, and decreasing citizen approval, our government is faltering and it needs to be saved. Voters should think long and hard before they cast the ballot this year, because all things considered, we can’t afford another Bill Clinton in this day and age.

What we need is a strong leader that understands the limits of his power and will work with a bipartisan congress to effect law that will benefit all of us. Not 95% of us. Not the top 2%. Every American citizen, regardless of their wealth should be allowed to reap the benefits of their hard work or smart investments, with equal tax and restrictions for all. Regardless of your political affiliation, we need to be careful who we place at the helm in a year when we very well may end up with a democratic super majority in congress, in effect allowing them filibuster proof approval of their pet bills.

Democrats have been attacking the GOP for years because of the pro-business tendencies of the party. What they don’t seem to understand is that is you make it hard for people to do business here, they will leave. CT is a primary example. Consider all of the companies that have left this state for lower wages in the south and even in other countries, meanwhile the unemployment rate soars. Tax cuts are great, but to be able to see it, you need to have a job, and a paycheck from which to be taxed. I would rather pay my extra little bit to have a job and be able to support my family, but that’s just me.

Join me in support for the candidate that makes the most sense. Join me in support for the candidate that supports business, the economy, and responsible government. Join me in support for a brighter future. Join me for John McCain.

Stay Safe,

It’s Just Another

2008-11-03T11:56:00.001-05:00

So the word f the week is “colorful.” and in the spirit of Jackson Pollock I’ve created my own abstract piece for you.

Pollock was one the most influential painters of the early 20th century, and one of the most tragic as well. Pushed deeper and deeper into alcoholism by increasing media attention and demand for new works, he died in an alcohol related car crash less than a mile from his home. Some speculate that he actually committed suicide. Sadly, Mr. Pollock died at the age of 44 on August 11, 1956 after taking more than a year hiatus from painting.

What a colorful man.

Stay Safe,

It's Been a Long Day...

2008-11-02T22:03:00.004-05:00

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

With the election less than 72 hours away, and my family life rather progressively getting more complicated due to the recent but serious illness of my grandfather, it seems that things are out of control. I have always been one that need to be in control, and it's not easy when there is nothing you can do about anything.

This election may very well be the most crucial in history, and we are about to elect a left wing socialist. I fear for my country and her well being. I cannot fathom Wednesday morning and the pomp and circumstance for such a man.

As for everything else, the Lord is in control, and there is nothing to do but sit by and watch His will unfold. I try not to get preachy, but I love this verse and it rings true.

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
(Ps 18.1-2)

On well,

Stay Safe...

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T06:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween All!

WATCH OUT FOR THE KIDS!

Stay Safe

Sober…

2008-10-30T22:51:00.001-04:00

So apparently my brother has decided to go sober. He is a steamfitter by trade and because there is no work in CT right now the union decided to ship them all off to Maine to work in a boat yard there. After work, everyday, all the guys would go out for drinks.

Needless to say that kind of peer pressure is hard to resist, but he decided after watching a good chunk of his pay disappear down his throat that he should quit drinking all together. So now when they go drinking, he goes swimming, odd, but apparently effective. 7 days sober and counting. Keep it up Jack.

Not only is it a commendable effort, it gives me a perfect segway to share one of my favorite songs ever.. Sober by Tool.

Stay Safe,

And So Goes The Reading

2008-10-29T00:14:00.001-04:00

This picture is the essence of my two days off. It is also part of my first shoot with the new digital camera that came in today. More about the later, but for now, I really like this shot and hope that it captures the solace and old world charm that the world of reading brings me. There is nothing like a good book and a fire, and if you don’t have a fireplace, get enough candles and you're in business.

But alas, on this, Linda O day, I join her in getting back to the daily grind.

Stay Safe,

And the Winner Is…

2008-10-28T16:30:00.000-04:00

Linda.

I am bestowing the “Blogger Benefactor” award to Linda of Are Where There Yet? fame for inspiring me to re-start my own blog.

Wikipedia defines benefactor as “A benefactor is a person who gives some form of help to benefit a person, group or organization.”

Linda has been invaluable to me in my newest blogging endeavor, and I am grateful to her for all of the assistance. If you have read her blog for any period of time it is obvious that she tends to put much more effort into it than most, and we all reap the benefits of her pursuits.

Therefore, in recognition of this historic award, I hereby declare October 29, 2008 as Linda O day in this corner of the blog universe.

Stay Safe

Tag, Your It!

2008-10-28T02:57:00.003-04:00

So it didn’t take very long for me to be tagged for my first meme. Surprisingly enough, by Linda! I’m pretty sure I actually got tagged for two at once, what a girl! The first one is…

Ten Things You Probably Didn't Know About Rob Meme

I have kept every cell phone I’ve ever owned.
My biggest fear is snakes.
I dropped out of high school and got my diploma a year early.
I am a GMAIL early adopter.
I am the President of the now dormant (but not defunct), Rautio Moulage Co.
My fiancé is a distant cousin of Robert Frost.
I am a certified NCIC / collect / NLETS operator.
I am a Notary Public.
I have never had a job that paid less than $10.50 / hr
I have a thing for stationary and the like. Staples is by far the best store on the planet.

Along with that tag, Linda tagged me for the Power of Four Meme… Interesting.

Four places I go over and over
Work.
King Wah.
Mortlake.
Big Y.

Four people who email me regularly
Dave Miller
Linda
Sirius Radio
People with a desire to sell me drugs at cut rate prices.

Four of my favorite places to eat
King Wah… you can’t beat $4.50 for a full lunch!
Subway.
Voc’s… Awesome Chicken Cutlet Grinder.
S&P Oyster House.

Four places I'd rather be
Ireland
England
Sleeping
Bufflo

Four TV shows I could watch over and over
CSI
NCIS
Scrubs
House

Whew! That is harder than it looks! I don’t have anyone to tag except Jen of The Flower Pot, Claire from A little piece of me, and Lois from Low Down From Lois. Good luck and happy tagging!

Stay Safe,

Gools and Gobblins and Ghosts… Oh MY!

2008-10-27T06:30:00.000-04:00

With Halloween just around he corner, it’s appropriate that this weeks word is “Ghost.”

However, I’m cheating this week because I’m coming off a long stint of working and being all grown up, and I’m going to be taking some time with the hunny today.

Thus, just when you thought you might get some profound post, it’s about to disappear…

Just like a ghost.

Stay Safe,

A Little Fun...

2008-10-26T01:15:00.007-04:00

Just because you are not a diplomat/politician/crook, doesn't mean you shouldn't be in charge of your own country.

I have been playing NationStates for several years now off and on, and found it to be interesting and, quite frankly, a lot of fun. Created by Max Berry, an author of several books, the game allows you to create a country and govern it however you wish.

The concept is quite simple. Every day you are presented with one or two issues depending on your preference, and then given several possible remedies to that problem. Based on which option you choose that country changes. Each option has both positive and negative factors associated with it, and you have to choose with both in mind. When you go to the main page it displays a small blurb about our country as it i now, and it's all based on your choices. It also classifies what type of government you have become based on your selections.

For instance:

The Armed Republic of Rautio
"So We All May Live"

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy

Civil Rights:
Some Economy:
Very Strong Political Freedoms:
Very Good

Location: The Black Market

Regional Influence: Minnow

The Armed Republic of Rautio is a huge, safe nation, renowned for its compulsory military service. Its hard-nosed, hard-working, intelligent population of 838 million have some civil rights, but not too many, enjoy the freedom to spend their money however they like, to a point, and take part in free and open elections, although not too often.

The enormous government is mainly concerned with Law & Order, although Defence and Healthcare are on the agenda. The average income tax rate is 11%. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Arms Manufacturing industry, followed by Uranium Mining and Tourism.

The government is spending millions on renovating the public transportation system, the nation refuses to provide international aid, space shuttles regularly launch rubbish into space, and corporate 'hostile takeovers' now involve ICBMs and main battle tanks. Crime -- especially youth-related -- is totally unknown, thanks to the all-pervasive police force. Rautio's national animal is the Wolfhound, which frolics freely in the nation's many lush forests, and its currency is the Raja.

Rautio is ranked 131st in the region and 62,861st in the world for Nicest Citizens.

Drop by and give it a look see, it's a lot of mindless fun and sheds some light on why, just maybe, people in power do the things they do....

Stay Safe,

Love.

2008-10-25T06:30:00.000-04:00

The two most important beings in my life.
I don’t know who’s more spoiled.

Stay Safe, enjoy the weekend!

First Edition…

2008-10-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

So the First Edition printing of the new David Liss novel The Whiskey Rebels arrived from Barnes & Noble today. I have abandoned all hope of anything until I finish the book. Within the first to pages I came across a quote that, aside from his impeccable research, wonderful detail, and natural ability for the written word, demonstrates why Mr. Liss is my all time favorite author, and why B&N has an automatic ship order for anything he publishes! Historical fiction has always been my genre, but few authors are as good as Liss. Strike that last, NO author I has read is as good as Liss.

“…I met his eye. The notion that you cannot look into a man’s eye while dissimulating is, of course, an utter falseness. I could stare into the eyes of Jesus and tell him that I was John the Baptist, and should the chance arrive to do so unlikely a thing, I meant to try it, just to see how it would go…”

Keep in mind that this novel takes place in the very late 1700’s, less than a decade after the American Revolution. The prose is historically accurate, and I think its really quite witty. Perhaps you had to be there.

So if I miss a day or two, I’m not dead, just hiding in the pages of a book, where I prefer to spend the waking hours. Wow, I’m a dweeb.

Stay Safe,

p.s. JMV, thanks for reading!

In the Beginning

2008-10-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

When I decided to go to paramedic school part of the application for APES involved a personal statement as to why you wanted to be accepted into the class. My little sister is applying for the American Professional Educational Services CNA program in January, and they require one for that program. It got me thinking, and I’d like to share my letter with you so that you have a better understanding about why this all started. It’s lengthy, but not too bad. Enjoy…

Personal Statement
Written 11/27/2006

Since an early age my exposure to the world of EMS has led to an attitude of great admiration and respect. My father was always involved in the fire service, and when I was less than a year old left his full time job driving truck to take a position as an EMT with American Ambulance Service in Norwich. Not only was this job better paying, but it was also fulfilling for my father on a personal and professional level. Always tired but happy when he returned home, I remember wishing to someday have a job the left so much satisfaction at the days end.

I turned my application in to my local fire company the day of my sixteenth birthday, and was elated to receive a phone call three days later informing me that my application would be read for the first time at the next monthly meeting of the company. Two and a half years later I still remember the joy that moment brought me. Several months later when I was enrolled in the EMT-B class I felt a similar joy. Nothing gives me a greater feeling of personal satisfaction than to help those in need.

Living in a small town gives you a unique perspective on the world. Some people revel in the fact that you know almost everyone, or that the population of cows is larger than that of people, but being in the field of EMS I notice a greater, more disturbing trend. Much to my horror I came to realize that my region has only one paramedic to serve close to twenty towns. I believe that the service provided by these dedicated men and women is invaluable and I value each encounter with them not only from the patients perspective of receiving the best care possible, but from a professional level that allows basic level providers to expand their knowledge.

Working with a handful of paramedics on a regular basis has shown me that it takes a dedicated and resourceful person to become, and stay, a paramedic. I believe that I maintain these qualities. I have been employed as a veterinary assistant at the Pomfret Small Animal Clinic since 2004, a position that demands a flexible and open-minded person. In my capacity as a veterinary assistant I am placed in situations daily that require constant assessment of personal and professional conflicts directly related to patient care. I am required to maintain a professional composure and assist in rendering care as the owner deems fit, which may be at odds with my personal politics and beliefs. This position requires that I deal with people under extreme states of mental distress.

I have also been employed as a dispatcher for Plainfield Police Department since July of this year. This position includes answering 911 calls. As you can imagine this also places me in a position to deal with people in extreme situations. I am their first point of contact when they are is need of emergency intervention, and it is no small feat to keep them clam and direct them to take appropriate action to deal with their situation until help arrives.

In addition to my employment experience, I have been a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician with my local fire department for the past two years. During my tenure as a Medical First Responder and EMT-B I have been continually placed in situations that require me to be the primary caregiver to patients that require emergency medical intervention. I take this responsibility seriously and keep my skills up to date with the current DOT standards and medical control protocols. While Advanced Life Support is usually not required, I am charged with determining when and if to call for a higher level of care. This decision is not one that I take lightly and I pride myself on being able to follow both protocol and my intuition when deciding whether or not to make the request for ALS assistance.

I believe that while the level of care rendered by the EMT-B is a solution for most patients, the role of the ALS provider is unmatched in importance during the most life threatening emergencies. The EMS world is forever changing, and the great majority of those changes allow more advanced field personnel to better treat patients and secure better outcomes. I have always possessed a drive to be the best that I could possibly become, and in the EMS world, I world I cherish, the best among us are most certainly Paramedics.

As always, Stay Safe…

Times Up...

2008-10-22T06:30:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, the statute of limitations, a law that limits the amount of time police have to bring charges in certain crimes, expired for the Nashawn Williams case.

Nashawn was a then 16 year old black teenager living in the town of Plainfield, who alleged that while he was waiting for the bus on the morning of October 19, 2007, he was attacked by four white men who had confronted him about an earlier incident. He stated at the time of the initial report that he did not know the men, nor did they utter racial remarks.

Yet as the investigation continued and the dedicated men of the Plainfield Police searched for suspects, the NAACP got involved. They claimed that the Plainfield Police department was not working hard enough to solve that crime because it was racially motivated. After these people got involved. prompting the involvement of the FBI, several town meetings, and wasting countless taxpayer dollars, Nashawn and his mother started to become unavailable for continuing interviews, and several time broke appointments with the police.

In fact, not only did they not comply with police requests for further interviews, they moved back to Norwich where they started out. It has been shown that his mother, the one who called in the cavalry in the first place, is or was facing a slew of charges. I guess when you are raised by a criminal, its not a far leap to get there your self.

The States Attorney issued a letter in which she states:

"The complete lack of independent witnesses and physical evidence, and the number of inconsistencies, including a number of varying descriptions of the incident and the persons involved, would make a conviction in this case nearly impossible."

She continues,

"The justification for signing an arrest warrant and bringing criminal charges simply does not exist."

After reviewing all of the file when it was released, I have to say that this kid was simply a little punk who probably got what he had coming to him. Race is not the issue, but rather the content of his character that left a lot to be desired. This entire charade was a waste to tax money and strips the NAACP, and the Men of Color of any of their credibility in my eyes. We wonder why people do things like this, but you have to sit back and consider the source.

Stay Safe,

Unwell… My Life by Matchbox Twenty

2008-10-21T06:36:00.000-04:00

“I'm feeling like I'm headed for a breakdown,
I don't know why,
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell.”

Lately I feel like I’ve just been unwell. I am so drained by the time I get home that I don’t feel like doing anything except eating dinner (sometimes) and going to bed. I can’t seem to figure it out. The last couple of nights I’ve gone to the firehouse for a while after work and I just get irritated with the drama. It seems like we have all grown up, but not really.

“Straight up, what did you hope to learn about here
If I were someone else, would this all fall apart
Strange, where were you, when we started this gig,
I wish the real world would just stop hassling me.”

I really think that work is only part of the problem. The some of the people that I work with are as much of a drain as the job it self, if not more so. It’s tough when you work with people that are so jaded that they can’t see reality for what it is. The world, nor the company, nor the patients, nor your partner is out to f**k you over. Seriously, quit your bitching or quit your job.

“I wanna push you down, I will, I will.
I wanna take you for granted, I wanna take you for granted
I will.”

I think that part of the reason that I get so tired mentally is that my line of work is emotionally abusive and never seems to get the recognition that we deserve. I have no idea how many times I’ve have been called an “ambulance driver,” or “ambulance guy.” Fucking doctors.

When we arrive on scene WE are the ones that everybody needs to see, needs to count on, because if there is any saving going on, WE are the ones that will be doing it. Yet still, EMS is the stoic bastard child of the public safety industry. Police and Fire have always, and will continue to dominate the landscape until we are finally recognized and get a seat the table. Granted we will probably have to bring our own chair, but its a step in the right direction.

Stay Safe,

The First Ever…

2008-10-20T15:29:00.002-04:00

Bite

This is my first Manic Monday post, but I have always thought that it was a cool idea.

Do you know what bites? having to be home when your partner/best friend/fiancé is at work. Danielle started her new job today at Pierce Baptist (535) as a second shift CNA, and it’s really not making me happy camper.

Today was also laundry day, and we usually go to my parents house for dinner ad to use their washer / dryer. Today we decided to do it here at the complex and it sure has taken a bite out of my budget. At $1.50 a load in a single load washer, it not only A. Takes forever, but B. Takes a ten spot. Ick…

Stay Safe,

Spread the Wealth Around

2008-10-20T06:30:00.000-04:00

So after watching the third and final presidential debate, I can’t really say that I was happy with either guy right now. What I can say is that I would hate to be Joe the Plumber right about now. I think that he was an effective metaphor to get points across, like that fact that Obama is an out and out socialist, but it must suck for him to be knows as “the Plumber.”

At this point I am standing by my endorsement of John McCain for president, but only because he is the lesser of two evils. I fear that mine will be a wasted voted deep in the heart of this blue state I live in, but I cannot with good faith vote for a reckless man like Obama. Should he be elected it will be one of the darkest times in the history of this country.

Worse yet we are facing a very strong possibility that the democrats will have super majorities in the Senate and the House, as well as a president who will more than likely make one if not two appointments to the supreme court. I shudder to think what a liberal government without opposition will do to this country.

I figured it out, I pay about $13,000 a year in taxes including federal, state, Medicare and SS. Sure Obama wants tax cuts now, but what happens when one of his pet social programs has to be cut? Mark my words, by the end of his first term if elected, I’ll be paying over $20,000 a year in taxes. And to make it even better, because I’m a young, white male with an education and a good job, I wont reap any benefits of “That One,” spreading my wealth around!

It's 1803, Do YOU Know Where Your Medics Are?

2008-10-19T22:15:00.003-04:00

Oh that's right, the out goal was 1800, and it's 1803 and you've just sent them on an intercept to Griswold for CRAP! This was supposed to be a well intentioned post with a motive, but I can't help but say with all seriousness...

Some days are better than others.

Fucking dispatchers!

Come on Get Higher

2008-10-19T06:30:00.000-04:00

I have found a newer song that I have become enamored with. It’s pretty sad. I first heard Matt Nathanson’s Come on Get higher on Sirius Satellite radio. I’m kinda a music whore, and as a result I’ve got a full CD changer, 4 gigs of music on my MP3 player, AND sirius. When I heard it for the first time it was on a channel the plays the 90’s and now, so I figured it was simply another gem from the post grunge singer/songwriter era. But, to my surprise, it is a recent release. Joy!

Have a great week every body, and as always,

Stay Safe

Windows Live Writer

2008-10-18T10:06:00.001-04:00

So I am in the process of exploring the Windows Live writer application for blogger… We shall see how it works out for future posts. It seems promising, anybody use it? and if so, what are your thoughts?

On a more pungent note, there was yet another shooting in Norwich last night. It really makes me wonder where this city is headed. All of this BS is one of the reasons that I don’t work nights, and why I don’t live in the city. I really wonder some times.

Today is my older sisters first annual “Octoberfest,” which is really celebration of her wedding anniversary. They decided to throw a party but not attribute it to the wedding. I don;t know why, but that was their thought process. I think they didn’t want anybody to feel obligated to come, which is good, because they live 1 1/2 hours away from the rest of us. Dani and are going to car pool with my parents and save some gas.

Speaking of gas, it is $2.89 a gallon for regular at the station up the road from me. At least something positive had come out of this whole financial crisis.

More to come,

Stay Safe

Absolutely Awesome

2008-10-18T06:30:00.000-04:00

So as promised this post is my review of my most recent literary conquest, Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson.

Lisa Jackson, who also writes as Susan Lynn Crose, is an American novelist who has penned of 75 novels, most of which have ranked as New York times best sellers. She writes primarily mystery, romantic suspense, and thrillers. As with most authors with such a large body of work, she has been published by multiple firms including Silhouette, Onyx, and her current publisher Kensington. This was my first read of Ms. Jacksons work, and I picked it up on a whim at a Rite-Aid. From what I can gather Absolute Fear is part of a six book series based in New Orleans. Published in 2007, it takes place in a pre Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, and Jackson use of imagery captures perfectly what I have always thought the city would have looked like.

As I mentioned previously this novel is part of a series, and is the prequel to Lost Souls. Other books in the series include Shiver, Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, and Almost Dead. To read an interview with Lisa about the book, wander on over to bookreporter.com.

Absolute Fear opens three months before the first chapter with the lead character, Eve Renner, reliving the death of her childhood friend Roy who was brutally killed after calling Eve to meet him in a secluded cabin in the woods. After stumbling upon the gruesome murder she is shot by a person she believes to be her fiancé. As a result she develops amnesia and is unable to remember the night of the murder with any clarity.

The plot thickens as her fiancé who was charged with the shooting is released from custody due to lack of evidence, and the killing resumes. As each victim is killed a pattern begins to develop, and they all seem to be linked to an abandoned asylum where Eve’s father was the head psychiatrist and she spent a good deal of her childhood.

Jackson does a fantastic job of creating a very creepy and rather bothersome villain called “The Reviver,” who believes that he is being instructed by God to commit the heinous acts throughout the story. He also seems to have an obsession and a deep seated hatred, as well as a lust for Eve. After killing his victims, he tattoos a number on them and them onto himself.

Overall, romance is not my type of novel, however, Absolute Fear weaves just enough through the story line to not only add to the suspense but also to develop the characters. One interesting side plot in the book is how Eve deals with loving a man that she is almost certain has tried to kill her.

The ending is a twist that I did not see coming, even though I had figured out the tattooed number thing long before Detectives Montoya and Bentz did.

I give Absolute Fear 4 out of 5 stars and a defiant thumbs up in the face of throw away novel critics. Genuinely intriguing, I recommend it to any one, and at just under 500 pages it is sure to keep you busy for a while. Pick up your own copy at the local book store or online at amazon.com for $7.99!

Stay Safe,

The New House...

2008-10-15T23:35:00.005-04:00

While I'm posting and being productive, a few shots from my parents new house. These where shot by Dani using our antique digital camera. fear not, the new one is on the way!

The Back Yard

More of the Brook

My Father...

Mums on the front porch...

My Dani.

Caught In The Vortex

2008-10-15T23:15:00.002-04:00

Some times I feel like I live my life from shift to shift, and some shifts never seem to end.

The ambulance company that I work for provides 911 service to the city of Norwich, as well as paramedic intercepts to surrounding towns. That being said, the bulk of our business is inter facility transfers.

The turn over rate is amazing, and it seems like we are always hiring new people to cover our shifts. I really think it is because we don't let people know what they are in for. Unless you are a paramedic, and most days not even that can save you, the bulk of what we do is transfers. We hire people fresh out of EMT school who are all hot and bothered to do emergencies and apparently fail to tell them that as a BLS provider you may see 2-3 a week if your lucky. This in turn results and a revolving door that in my mind at least is not only costly but counter productive.

Mind you there is a lot you can learn from transfers. Actually seeing the effects of disease on the human body is something that cannot be taught in a classroom, and by reading paperwork and associating medication regimens with various pathologies is a great way to learn about the way people might present in an emergent situation. This seems to fall on deaf ears with the new EMT however, and it irks me to no end.

Oh well, until we stop hiring people who don't get it, I guess I'll just enjoy the black hole that is my company.

Stay Safe,

Bullets, and Stabbings, and Codes, Oh MY!

2008-10-14T08:52:00.005-04:00

So it's been a particularly deadly week in the city of Norwich. Drive by shootings, stabbings, and even someone who tried to play frogger on West Main and lost...

It brings me to the point of EMS and bullet proof vests. Several day ago I posted this comment about the drive by shooting.

"And we wonder why some of the medics in this city wear bullet proof vests."

One of the obviously less informed readers of the Bulletin replied that yes in fact, some EMS people do wear vests, and thank god for the police that hand them down. I found this kinda funny because once again the under educated public opened their mouth and commented of something they know nothing about. If EMS in Norwich wants a vest, we have to buy it ourselves.

So anywho, several comments later I read this:

"...Lastly some of the medics that wear bullet proof vest are just scared geeks that most likely think it is cool to wear a vest! No one is assaulting American employees or shooting at them! They sit their fat asses in that **** ambulance all day long and at 1 American Way and only come to the scene AFTER the police have secured it. That means they do not go running into a war zone where they need to have vest. Its just for the look and to say 'I wear a vest at work because Norwich is so bad' Stop making excuses for the dumb EMTS and medics who wear vest! Most people laugh at that not support it!"

So as I was feeling my blood pressure rise I could think of several people that it might have been. Some current employees and some former, and even some people in the general public. They obviously know something of EMS, but apparently just enought to be dangerous. So I replied:

"As for the scared geeks that sit on their fat asses all day and don't go into the war zone, so of the worst calls that we answer are not the ones where the police are even there... and God forbid you need a medic some day. Some of those 'dumb' guys who were them are the best medical providers we have.

People do some pretty strange things when they are stressed/high/ill. As for AASI employees not getting assaulted, it's happened twice in the last two months, more common than you think. One of them even made this paper.

This kind of violence is a senseless tragedy and shows how bad things are really getting. Those who perpetrate this kind of violence generally have no respect for authority, and a uniform is a uniform, regardless of what color it is. No police service is perfect, but the Norwich officers do a pretty **** good job for what they have to work with.

The vest for EMS not only provides ballistic protection, but also offers stab protection as well, some more than others yes, but a 6x3 box is a pretty small space to tangle with a person with a knife or needle that was well hidden it the initial search.

Sigh... some people seem to have chips on their shoulders."

There has yet to be a reply. F*ck him. To read the article and all of the comments with it, click here.

Stay safe,

Rob

For The Love of It...

2008-10-07T23:57:00.003-04:00

Stumbling around the internet is an old past time of mine and today I found a site full of EMS humor. There were about 500 of these things, but these are some of the ones I enjoyed. A piss poor excuse for a post, but Linda pretty much wrote my post for me tonight. *sigh*

You Might Be In EMS If...

If your idea of a hot meal is a Whopper warmed on the defroster while your unit is left running outside the ER.

You believe that 90% of people are a poor excuse for protoplasm...

Discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal seems perfectly normal to you...

You believe a good tape job will fix anything...

You have the bladder capacity of five people...

You can identify the positive teeth to tattoo ratio...

Your idea of a good time is a full arrest at shift change...

You find humor in other people's stupidity...

You believe in aerial spraying of Prozac...

You disbelieve 90% of what you are told and 75% of what you see...

You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if the phrase "wow, it's really quiet" is uttered...

You threaten to strangle anyone who even starts to say the "q" word when the ER is even remotely calm...

You refer to Friday as NH Dump Day and you don't mean New Hampshire...

Your diet consists of food that has gone through more processing than most computers...

You believe chocolate is a food group...

You take it as a compliment when someone calls you dirty name...

You say to yourself "great veins" when looking at complete strangers ...

You have ever referred to someone's death as a transfer to the eternal care unit...

You don't think a referral to Dr. Kevorkian is inappropriate...

You have ever referred to someone's death as a celestial transfer...

Heh.. see, I can be made to cheer up. Oh well, when I get the energy I plan to post my review for my latest literary conquest, Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson. Until then, as always...

Stay Safe,

... For the Leg Injury

2008-10-05T00:09:00.002-04:00

In times and out goals is the Mantra of my beloved employer. The theory is that they expect you to be in the work at a specific time, and they make it their goal to have you out at the end of your shift. as we all know, goals are just that, goals. There are times in life when other things (transfers, last minute emergencies, poor planning, ect...) prevent us from meeting our goals. Some weeks more than others.

So I started the day nice and easy, several BLS calls for my partner and an ALS transfer for myself. No big deal right? Then it was off to the woods (Foxwoods Casino) for paramedic coverage. As we pulled into the parking spot, we were called on the air for an intercept to a nearby town for a person with a leg injury. It wasn't until we got on scene that we were told the the patient was 1.5 miles into the woods, and as we found out, on a trail that was mostly about a foot wide, and uphill both ways on the side of a cliff. Fun times.

So needless to say I didn't drag my 50+ pound bag and 20+ monitor into the woods with me, but we did get the IV & Med bags, along with the Cardiac monitor. As my partner and I began our assent, we found that the BLS crew from the town was already ahead of us and we followed them. At least we did till we realized that they were much faster than us and has less equipment to carry. That's also when I realized that they had sent the fat kid, and his 90 pound partner to this call. Great. The gear that we hiked in weighed more than my partner.

The best part of this whole story is that the patient not only did not need a paramedic, but that she had scooted herself about 1.5 miles already on her butt up the trail, with a sprained ankle. Well, I guess the funniest part was that the 90 pound partner got the carry all of our gear out of the woods, wist I attempted to show my inert grace helping the FD carry the patient out.

Such is Life.

At least mine.

Stay Safe,

Off to Work...

2008-10-04T07:24:00.001-04:00

Much mre when i come back... I haven't forgotten you guys!

And Then There Was Boston...

2008-09-27T13:39:00.004-04:00

Nate and I at Disney Land - cira 2007

So after a busy morning of four BLS calls in New London, a city that I hate with a passion, my best friend and partner for the day Nate got called back to the city "with no delays." That usually means get you butt back here because we stripped ourselves of coverage and there are no ambulances in Norwich. On the way back I had mentioned that I wouldn't mind a distance run, Yale, Hartford, even Boston... the time was 1130hrs.

As we are approaching city limits we let dispatch know where we were and got cleared to go get coffee, and en route got re-routed to a person who got it by a car. It ended up being a BLS call, so Nate teched it in and as we arrived at the ED the dispatcher told us that that we had a transfer going from that hospital to a local SNF (surreptitious nursing facility.)

No big deal, local run, no big deal. Nate refused to let me tech anything BLS, so it was his call again anyway. When we got to the floor we were met with the most obnoxious women I have ever met. She simply wouldn't shut up bout anything, and kept telling this story about how one time AASI took her to Boston for a broken hip and the driver drove 120 mph the whole way, and she called and got him fired, and yadda yadda yadda...

When I got to the SNF, dispatch advised me to 118, which means hurry up and get back to your ambulance. I had no problem hustling because the lady was a pill, so we got her into bed, got our signatures and signed back on with dispatch. The time was 1445hrs, and this is what I heard:

"19 code 3, a 19 in Boston, patient there returning to 422 at the ALS level."

Oh Shit. That means we had to drive to Boston, pickup the patient, and then drive to Hartford to drop him off, then drive back to Norwich. Mind you, our shift ends at 1900hrs, and this was 1500hrs on a Friday afternoon when there was supposed to be a game at Fenway. Oh yeah, and it was pouring, and the Mass Pike was a parking lot.

Regardless, we finally were able to punch out at 2200 hrs and go home. Oy Vey. That will teach me to never talk about Boston again...

Stay Safe,

Category: Inoffensive Centrist Democracy
Civil Rights: Some	Economy: Very Strong	Political Freedoms: Very Good