Passed the NREMT!

I now have national certification to work as an EMT.. I even got a patch! So now all I need is my LA county cert and I can work. This process is longer than I expected, but I can only see it as a great thing. I mean, if I didn't have to go through all of this, I'd have little faith in the pre-hospital care we receive. soon.. very soon.. =)

Haiti

I've been watching CNN coverage for the past 2 days, just wishing that I were further along in my schooling. I want to be there, I want so badly to help, to provide medical care for these people. I am making it my personal goal to be able to help in the next major emergency, in some way. Any way. I've thought of joining the Peace Corps, but I think linking up with the Red Cross or a similar aid organization would be even more fulfilling. Many doctors and nurses are on their way to Haiti to do whatever they can to help these people. I want to be that help...

In the meantime, Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross Haiti relief.

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times are tough.

I have THE absolute GREATEST friends and family. If you've seen me in the last few months, you're exactly who I'm talking about. So many of you have helped me in your own special and distinct way. I couldn't ask for a better support system. Hopefully I'll be up and running smooth shortly! Thank you for everything.

Soon to be.... EMT!

It was only 3 weeks long... but the most crazy intense immersion program I could have imagined. I have been eating, sleeping and breathing nothing but basic life support and I wouldn't have it any other way! Literally, since I finished I have dreamt about saving people's lives every single night. I met a lot of really great people in my short time there, and I intend to grow those friendships as I make my way through this insane career path.

I learned so much more than I ever thought I would, and this is only the beginning! Everywhere I go, I see potential to save a life. I know why the body reacts to things, I know how major disease affects us, I know how to keep someone alive if they suffer an accident or heart attack or diabetic coma. I can stop bleeding, splint an extremity, deliver a baby (if I HAVE to)... I can breathe for someone, keep their heart pumping blood, treat for shock, I can triage, I'm prepared for mass casualty, this is just madness. The body is an AMAZING thing, yet so incredibly fragile.

I have a ride along scheduled for this Sunday, actually with one of my instructors, so hopefully I'll really get some hands on action. I'm doing my ER hospital shift next week as well. Then I take my National Registry Exam, then get Certified in LA County.. and THEN I can get a job. I am looking forward to so much!! It can only get better from here. I can't wait to save my first life. I realize I'll be taking the bad with the good, but I know that the positive experiences will FAR outweigh anything traumatic. I'll see some things that I'd never wish upon anyone else... but I'll also see some things that I will cherish forever.

New Year's at Betny's

Thanks Beth and Danny for hosting - again! Sing Star, 'Absince', Rockband, Korean Tacos, Jello shots, Dress up, and Snuggies... That about sums up the night. We had a blast, celebrating with close friends can never be bad! Happy Birthday Beth, we love your place and the new year's sleepover is probably the best idea ever. Everybody had fun, and nobody had to worry about driving home! I love you guys!

HH Holiday Party 09!

Tine and Rhino hosted this year and as always we had a LOT of laughs =). Beth and Danny ended up with the dreaded Penis statue, which is now beautifully engraved with the names of previous owners (thanks Em!). There were some great gift wars, especially between the boys, and everyone ended up with something suitable to them. I'M certainly more than happy with my new pair of Handerpants courtesy of Christina!

YES YES YES YES!! It's about to begin!!!!

I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait!!!! I have all of my pre and co-requisites taken care of including physical and vaccinations, my books are purchased, I scoped out my classroom and parking locations (as well as lunch options!)... My journey is about to begin =). I finished reading an anatomy book I got from the library, working on the physiology book now, gotta brush up on CPR before I start, but I'm SO ready for this.

By January you will be looking at LA's newest B-EMT. I still need to decide between working for an ambulance company vs. an ER, but I'm guessing that will fall into place as I go through my classes and studies. Wish me luck, it's gonna be a shock to this girl's system. I'm used to getting my 8+ hours of sleep and cooking whatever I want whenever I want it. But for those of you who know me, I'm all about change and diversity, so this will be a welcome challenge.

Vegas is Fantastik

The Indoor Swapmeet, no better way to start off the trip!
Fremont Street Experience, woot
Bryan said, 'give me tiger'. this is what he got.
A Healthy dinner of hot dogs. My veggie version consisted of a bun, melted cheese, onions, jalapenos and peppers. Absolutely disgusting.
This Cab Driver asked "You wanna take my pikchah?" yes I do..
Dressed to impress... and go bowling
Birthday hats always warrant a smile, no matter how sheepish.
I think Bryan felt like a kid with all the decorations.
I had to find a way to get both me and the Dam in the same picture and get the right exposure on both..
portraits in action
A long way down
Bear makes an appearance
Trevor is a F***ing rockstar
Dam buttons make for a good Picture
They were dropping pennies off the side
Night FOUR. We sat at the casino bar for 3 hours.
Trevor meets Bear
I have always wanted to drink at the Circus Circus carousel bar: because of Fear & Loathing. FAIL, it was closed.
I was expecting to see a great trapeze show including flying bears.
At last, time to go.


Vegas on a budget for 5 days is quite a feat, but Thanks to everyone who went we had a FANtastik time =). It was Bryan's birthday, and his present was a few days in a timeshare in Vegas. The condo was simply awesome, with a full kitchen and laundry, sweet pool and jacuzzi, etc. We didn't step foot on the main strip even once, preferring to spend our time in Downtown and within walking distance of our condo. We still did plenty of slot play, however it consisted mostly of penny and nickel slots... and we actually won a little bit! We even took one day to hit up the Hoover Dam, which I haven't done since I was a little kid. It's so great when you don't have an agenda or a plan. We got imaginative and really made the trip fun. Thanks Mandy and Bryan, this would not have been possible without you both =)

Andrade Family 2.0

This family is ALWAYS a blast =). I'm thankful that I had the pleasure of joining in on their Thanksgiving festivities once again. This year, the theme was '20's', in honor of Lyndsey's 20th birthday. sooooo everyone dressed up in their 1920's best. Angel decided that we should go as Bonnie and Clyde, and we watched the movie about 4 times before the day to make sure we had it right. Lots of fun, lots of laughs!