Nothing much . . .

To say. See, here's my problem. I'll think of something during the day (where blogging is strictly forbidden), and by the time I get home, I've completely forgotten about it.

I can tell you this. I'm tired. I was out late last night on a squad call, and up early this morning. Now, I don't mind calls, but when the patient gets to leave the hospital before I do? Fail. I was told when I started running calls the time would come when I wouldn't jump to answer everything. I laughed. I need to hunt that person down and tell them that they were right. Even now I'm listening to tones go off, and making no move to go answer them. The call? MVC. Vehicle off the roadway, engine still running, no one around car. Now, before people jump to anything, we do have an assigned crew, so someone is going. It's just not going to be me.

On another note. My poor Britney dog has had a heck of a time lately. Last week she suddenly wouldn't tolerate standing, and was "gimpy" as she walked. Fortunately, I have a totally awesome vet who saw here less than 12 hours after I called him, and she is now taking Novox every morning. The only problem? She now thinks she's a puppy again! Crazy thing.

This weekend will be busy. Racing, BIG racing. If you're in the Southwest VA area, Natural Bridge Speedway is going to be the place to be . . . come see us!

Hey. At least it's a post. :-)

Since January?

Wow. Just, wow. I used to love writing, daily, and I just . . . got away from it. I think in some ways I've forgotten how to be me. And what I want. In other ways, it's become far more clear, what is important. But, for now, can I tell you about the bracelet I'm wearing?

This past week, I was on vacation. I was supposed to go see the Boy, but since that, well, fell through for various reasons, I found myself with a week with nothing to do. My friends, Karey and Laurie, and their respective families, had made plans to visit VA Beach. K. invited me to ride down with her sister, but her sister ended up leaving earlier than I could have left work. Bummer, but I was still flattered that they would even have invited me. I underestimated my friends. Karey and Laurie banded together to make sure that I had transportation there. Once I got myself to VA Beach (without a wrong turn!), Laurie let me bunk up with her family. The next two days were spent applying sunblock, chasing kids through waves, more sunblock, riding bikes, sunblock, eating yummy sushi and seafood, (did I mention sunblock?), and all in all, having a fantastic time with my friends. On Sunday, as Karey's mom was leaving, she tossed me the jelly bracelet they had given out at the hotel in case I needed it for something. I came home Monday evening, and spent the rest of the week contemplating and enjoying not having to be anywhere.

Each time I look at that bracelet, I'm reminded of how much I have to be grateful for. I have incredible co-workers, who jumped in at the last second to watch Britney for me. I knew how much I liked my friends, how much I consider them my family, but I was overwhelmed by their show of friendship. It's exactly right - Friends are the family that you choose for yourself. I've chosen, . . . very well.

Idio-craty

Is that even a word? Along with most of the nation, I've been watching the news. My heart aches for those lost, people who have no idea if their family and friends are ok. I remember when Hurricane Ike went over Houston - my parents were on a mission there, and for about 24 hours, I couldn't get in touch with them. I knew they were ok. I mean, the Church is very good about notifying family and all that, but I was still worried. I can't imagine longer than that, and with the images we are seeing.

I'm a Christian. I believe in helping anyone and everyone you can. As I told a friend the other night. I believe in being a productive member of society. Work as much as you are able, and make a difference. Give of yourself. Make the world a better place because you were here. I work (technically) 3 jobs. Volunteer with the Rescue Squad and Fire Dept. While I'm a clutz, and make more than my fair share of mistakes, I consider myself a decent person.

When I see, and hear, idiots like Limbaugh making comments like he did, it just infuriates me. I remember Mama teaching me: If it isn't kind, necessary, and true, don't say it. It's not like Meatloaf sang. You can't have 2 out of 3. I overheard a person today saying, "What's the big deal? They were overcrowded anyway." Who says that??? Anyway. Sharing this response. I don't do politics, I don't do a lot of big, fancy words in a conversation, but I got this. What do you think?

While I'm on it, in case you hadn't heard, you can text "Haiti" to the American Red Cross at 90999, and $10 will be donated that will show up on your cell phone bill. In the past 24 hours, over $5 million has been raised. Please don't let this stop you - it's a drop in the bucket when you look at what's going to be needed over time. Also, Ree, at www.thePioneerwoman.com is doing a fundraiser. Leave a comment, and be entered to win a drawing for her to donate $500 to the Haitian charity of your choice. She's also donating $.10 per comment left, so go, help her do a good thing!

Seriously?

Have y'all seen this article? Let me back up. I work in the financial industry. Here's the dirty laundry you're not hearing. Not all the institutions that received bailout money wanted, or needed it. But, the government didn't want people to know which ones were hurting, so they grouped a bunch up and said, "Here's how much you're taking. Not an option." As soon as we could pay ours back, we did. With interest. And fees. And all the extra's. Now, it appears that AIG, GM, and others may not be able to pay there's back. So, Mr. Obama, your solution to recoup the costs are to levy taxes and other fees against everyone who took the money??? Hold up. How is that any different than said "Big Evil Banks" giving a loan to a person with all the fine print, etc., that goes with it. That person pays it back early, paying all the penalties, and fees associated with it. Then, the bank says, "Oh you know, Mr. X over there didn't pay his back, so uh, client? Fork over some more dough." What. the heck. Seriously? Why is it wrong for banks to make money? They are a FOR PROFIT industry. If you don't like paying overdraft fees, here's a novel concept. Don't spend money you don't have. Don't like late penalty rates, and over limit fees? Pay your bills on time, don't spend more than what you have. Realistically, the majority of people never overdraw their account. A few will do it once or twice a year. A handful will repeatedly overdraw their account. Guess who's making the most noise? Ugh. I'm so tired of hearing about this. When you make bad decisions, there are consequences. If those are bad business decisions, than your business would fail. Some of these badly-run institutions need to fail. There are plenty of good ones that are eager and waiting to help people be financially sound and successful.

Getting off soapbox now. Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts . . . . it's a pretty hot topic for a lot of people.

New Year

Wow. I haven't been on here since October? How did that happen? Oh, wait, I know. Life. And, lack of something cohesive/funny/etc. to write about. However, lately I've had things in the back of my mind, and I've thought, "Ooh! I could blog about that!" So, since I have this here laptop (borrowed) fired up while here at work, why not give it a shot?

We had a major snowstorm blow through here about a month ago. In the past 3 years, we've had less than a total of 12" accumulation. It just doesn't snow. Evidently, Mother Nature didn't get the memo, because we got 24" at my house, in just under 24 hours. Snow! Yay! Fluffy white stuff! I'll try to get pics/video posted once I'm back on my own 'puter.

However. Did you know that snow as a kid, and snow as an adult are two entirely separate things? Shoveling all that, by yourself, not so much fun, really. I have a new respect for people who suffer a heart attack while shoveling. Ugh. I got enough dug out for my car, then made snow angels so the dog could have a place to do her thing, and called it good.

One thing I enjoyed (and benefited from) seeing was the people who were quick to help others out. We had well over 100 people stranded on the interstate. Fire and Rescue were doing what they could to take them food, water, and to shelter if they wanted it, but there were many ordinary citizens who made their way to incident command to see what they could do to take care of the rescuers. People were out shoveling out elderly people, or those who couldn't do it for themselves. Warms the heart, to know that there are still good people out there trying to take care of others, ya know?

Really. I'm getting back into this whole blogging thing. Are there even any readers still out there? Drop me a comment, say hi and smack me around a bit. See you soon . . .