Sunday, September 4, 2011
Told ya I was gonna be busy!!
Yes, I'm crawling out from under the books and paperwork to update this mess a little. When we last left our intrepid heroine, she was dealing with school, health problems, a too-small apartment, roommates and the usual suspects (stress, depression and anxiety).
I did manage to pass my summer classes, despite taking a week off for a run back to Michigan and Indiana. The family reunion was great, and I finally managed to get what was left of my stuff in Indiana. I even got to stop by Tom's mom's house on the way back!
Since then, we have moved to a larger house on the other side of town. It has maybe 1/4 acre of land for yard and garden, too! Our temporary third housemember got his own place last week, so it's a bit quieter now, but still nice. Boxes abound still, and there's still some things that I can't lay hands on yet, but it's getting better.
I made it into the paramedic cohort for this fall, and we started class last Monday. Talk about hitting the ground running! Tests and homework and skills, oh my!! There are 18 of us in the cohort, and we've split up into 4 squads. There's 5 in my squad, and we're getting to know each other. By the next month or so, we'll all be pretty tight-knit, since we see each other for a minimum of 24 hours a week in class.
Bubonicon went well this year. I'm still trying to carve out a new niche for myself there, since my hectic school schedule is going to keep me from doing some of the major jobs. I finally managed to get myself a piece of Peri Charlifu's ceramic work (a nice udon bowl) at the art show with my birthday money. His work is awesome, and if you want to check it out, go to his Facebook Page.
Tom is also back in school full-time, and got a work study job, too. He's excited and enjoying his classes, and that really makes me feel good. He's a great friend, and we can motivate each other if things get rough. He's going for a degree in Transportation Technology, which is auto mechanics plus core college classes. He'll not only learn the technical stuff, but also how to run a business someday.
Anyway, that's a brief update. I'm on Facebook a fair amount, and there's always email. I know I will be less social for the next 7-8 months, simply because school is going to take 99% of my time, if not more. TTYL!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Don't Panic, Dammit!
Okay, people, I understand that "radiation" is this big scary thing that we don't know what to do anything about. We're not quite sure how it works, how far it can travel, and what it can do to us.
Here is your reality check - Potassium Iodine pills and such are NOT necessary, and can in fact be harmful to people with heart trouble, kidney trouble and other health issues that they may not be aware of. Potassium directly affects heart rates and rhythms, and even us EMS types are only allowed to monitor it at very low levels! If you use iodized salt, you should be fine for most anything. I mean, geez, most of us get more radiation from an x-ray!
Interestingly enough, before we had ever heard of the atom bomb or a nuclear energy plant, X-rays and fluoroscopes were the big fad. You could go to the shoe store and put your feet in a machine so they could fit your shoes and see your bunions and such without even having to remove your current footwear! http://www.museumofquackery.com/devices/shoexray.htm
The likelihood that dangerous levels of radiation will reach Hawaii, let alone the mainland US, is low. The radiation workers in Fukushima have been allowed back into the plants to continue their efforts to cool the reactors and keep us all safe. The design of these plants is different from Chernobyl's plants, and are operated according to very safe protocols (unlike the "ooh, let's see what this does" mentality that led to the Chernobyl incident).
If you simply must have something to worry about, put your energy toward something useful, like a rational plan in case of whatever natural disaster your area is prone to. And if you can, spare a thought, a prayer, a donation for the people of Japan, and remember New Zealand as well.
For my part, I am working on better living arrangements, including a garden and livestock. We have lanterns and gear for power outages, and are working on plans for self-sufficiency. If that's too much for some folks, then prep an emergency bag in case you need to leave home or be stuck at home with no power or water. Just something to think about.
Here is your reality check - Potassium Iodine pills and such are NOT necessary, and can in fact be harmful to people with heart trouble, kidney trouble and other health issues that they may not be aware of. Potassium directly affects heart rates and rhythms, and even us EMS types are only allowed to monitor it at very low levels! If you use iodized salt, you should be fine for most anything. I mean, geez, most of us get more radiation from an x-ray!
Interestingly enough, before we had ever heard of the atom bomb or a nuclear energy plant, X-rays and fluoroscopes were the big fad. You could go to the shoe store and put your feet in a machine so they could fit your shoes and see your bunions and such without even having to remove your current footwear! http://www.museumofquackery.com/devices/shoexray.htm
The likelihood that dangerous levels of radiation will reach Hawaii, let alone the mainland US, is low. The radiation workers in Fukushima have been allowed back into the plants to continue their efforts to cool the reactors and keep us all safe. The design of these plants is different from Chernobyl's plants, and are operated according to very safe protocols (unlike the "ooh, let's see what this does" mentality that led to the Chernobyl incident).
If you simply must have something to worry about, put your energy toward something useful, like a rational plan in case of whatever natural disaster your area is prone to. And if you can, spare a thought, a prayer, a donation for the people of Japan, and remember New Zealand as well.
For my part, I am working on better living arrangements, including a garden and livestock. We have lanterns and gear for power outages, and are working on plans for self-sufficiency. If that's too much for some folks, then prep an emergency bag in case you need to leave home or be stuck at home with no power or water. Just something to think about.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Spring Cleaning and Revamping
It is high time and then some for me to get off my duff and start using this blog again. I'm going to go back to the original purpose of having it, and start putting forth my thoughts on various topics. When I first started this blog, I had intended to do just that, but ended up having an attack of self-consciousness. I mean, who'd want to read what I think about stuff?
Well, in the past year or so, I have read a lot of stuff on these here Intarwebz, and have realized that if people are really reading some of the things I've seen, then maybe my viewpoint would be appreciated after all. I mean, really, people...
This may also turn into a good way for me to explore what I really do think about certain issues. I can't pigeonhole my politics, as they don't fit the molds that are presented by the media lately, but I do have some thoughts on certain issues. My religious views are also probably in the minority, but I'm cool with that. Some things I talk about will be of mainly local interest, there will be some ranting in there somewhere, and hopefully some insights that will invite you to think. (Like the old saying goes, "You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make 'er think!") If there's interest in a certain topic, and y'all really want to know what I think, then by all means suggest it.
I can't promise any regularity of postings, especially with school, but I will do my best.
Thank you for your kind indulgence.
Well, in the past year or so, I have read a lot of stuff on these here Intarwebz, and have realized that if people are really reading some of the things I've seen, then maybe my viewpoint would be appreciated after all. I mean, really, people...
This may also turn into a good way for me to explore what I really do think about certain issues. I can't pigeonhole my politics, as they don't fit the molds that are presented by the media lately, but I do have some thoughts on certain issues. My religious views are also probably in the minority, but I'm cool with that. Some things I talk about will be of mainly local interest, there will be some ranting in there somewhere, and hopefully some insights that will invite you to think. (Like the old saying goes, "You can lead a horticulture, but you can't make 'er think!") If there's interest in a certain topic, and y'all really want to know what I think, then by all means suggest it.
I can't promise any regularity of postings, especially with school, but I will do my best.
Thank you for your kind indulgence.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Getting ready for school!
Some progress in the education portion of my life. Not without frustration, of course...It seems that CNM did a wonderful job recruiting students, but FAILED to evaluate whether their infrastructure and offices could handle all that traffic!!
I didn't make cohort, so ended up doing my registration, paperwork and payment arrangement stuff all today (way late for me), because I had to wait for word on that. Unfortunately, it's also the first day for all the brand new students to do the same. Epic long lines and wait times ensued. My home printer is still not working, on top of all that, so I also had to hit a computer lab - which I *swear* had twice as many computers in it when I went by there last week! WTF??
Anyway, it's done. I have till mid-September to make the next payment for my classes, and by then I should have some financial aid coming my way.
The budget is still very tight, but not impossibly so, with that breathing room. I will deal with books once I have my loan money, and already have the most important ones, thank goodness. I am also signed up for a free algebra refresher workshop which may enable me to change math classes before school actually starts, and save me time and money by letting me skip a lower level pre-requisite for the class that my degree requires. That's a very good thing!
I've got a pagan camping event next weekend which I am looking forward to. Bubonicon is about a month away, and my birthday is the week before that. I'm still baking and hope to be able to get some orders for breads and cookies for extra cash. My roomie, Tom, is working hard, though still part-time, and is helping as much as he can. The "woods" seem a lot less threatening today. I'm not out of them, by a long shot, but it's less Mirkwood and more Greenwood sometimes. ;-)
I didn't make cohort, so ended up doing my registration, paperwork and payment arrangement stuff all today (way late for me), because I had to wait for word on that. Unfortunately, it's also the first day for all the brand new students to do the same. Epic long lines and wait times ensued. My home printer is still not working, on top of all that, so I also had to hit a computer lab - which I *swear* had twice as many computers in it when I went by there last week! WTF??
Anyway, it's done. I have till mid-September to make the next payment for my classes, and by then I should have some financial aid coming my way.
The budget is still very tight, but not impossibly so, with that breathing room. I will deal with books once I have my loan money, and already have the most important ones, thank goodness. I am also signed up for a free algebra refresher workshop which may enable me to change math classes before school actually starts, and save me time and money by letting me skip a lower level pre-requisite for the class that my degree requires. That's a very good thing!
I've got a pagan camping event next weekend which I am looking forward to. Bubonicon is about a month away, and my birthday is the week before that. I'm still baking and hope to be able to get some orders for breads and cookies for extra cash. My roomie, Tom, is working hard, though still part-time, and is helping as much as he can. The "woods" seem a lot less threatening today. I'm not out of them, by a long shot, but it's less Mirkwood and more Greenwood sometimes. ;-)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Yes, I'm alive.
High time that I got back to blogging. My apologies for the lapse/hiatus, school and work and life...eh, you know the drill.
As of June 12th, I officially joined the ranks of the unemployed. Our call center closed down, after a long and drawn out period of false hopes and corporate assmillinery. I am getting unemployment insurance, but apparently that disqualifies me for food stamps. Things are tight, and I haven’t managed to get either of my vehicles running, though thankfully the scooter is repaired and back with me. I haven’t had my truck running since March, and apparently it needs a new engine (blown head gasket).
My friend Tom has moved in with me, and that helps. He’s only working part-time for now, but it’s better than nothing, and he may be able to get the food stamps that I couldn’t. We just got a better futon couch handed down to us, so at least he can sleep comfortably. He’s a good guy to have around.
I’m waiting to hear back on my petition to get into the paramedic cohort for this fall. I’m not optimistic, frankly. Spring semester was very rough, what with the bad reaction I had to the Prozac they put me on, and the stress over work and the truck. I should have the money to register for fall semester next week, at least, and then I can go for intermediate if I don’t make cohort. At least if I can manage to stay in school, I’m not in danger of losing my unemployment.
I’m trying to keep my spirits up, but I admit that I’ve been stressed and down a fair bit. The weather may have something to do with it, too - it’s been horribly hot, worse than normal. We didn’t manage to get the garden in, and our landlord has the backyard torn up in order to install drip irrigation.
I’m still planning to throw myself a nice birthday party on 8/21, though it looks like I’ll have to move it from my yard to the park down the road. That may actually be nicer, since the park has grass and trees and a playground. We can cook on the grill and have a good time.
Anyway, more later!
As of June 12th, I officially joined the ranks of the unemployed. Our call center closed down, after a long and drawn out period of false hopes and corporate assmillinery. I am getting unemployment insurance, but apparently that disqualifies me for food stamps. Things are tight, and I haven’t managed to get either of my vehicles running, though thankfully the scooter is repaired and back with me. I haven’t had my truck running since March, and apparently it needs a new engine (blown head gasket).
My friend Tom has moved in with me, and that helps. He’s only working part-time for now, but it’s better than nothing, and he may be able to get the food stamps that I couldn’t. We just got a better futon couch handed down to us, so at least he can sleep comfortably. He’s a good guy to have around.
I’m waiting to hear back on my petition to get into the paramedic cohort for this fall. I’m not optimistic, frankly. Spring semester was very rough, what with the bad reaction I had to the Prozac they put me on, and the stress over work and the truck. I should have the money to register for fall semester next week, at least, and then I can go for intermediate if I don’t make cohort. At least if I can manage to stay in school, I’m not in danger of losing my unemployment.
I’m trying to keep my spirits up, but I admit that I’ve been stressed and down a fair bit. The weather may have something to do with it, too - it’s been horribly hot, worse than normal. We didn’t manage to get the garden in, and our landlord has the backyard torn up in order to install drip irrigation.
I’m still planning to throw myself a nice birthday party on 8/21, though it looks like I’ll have to move it from my yard to the park down the road. That may actually be nicer, since the park has grass and trees and a playground. We can cook on the grill and have a good time.
Anyway, more later!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Commuter Camping!
A busy, full, weekend, but relaxing in its own way. Mabon camping, a wedding to officiate and school or work...whew!
Thursday, I worked early, then went to class. Took the second half of the day off so we could get to the campsite and set up before dark. I got my stuff packed, picked up my friend Tom, and off we went. We did manage to get set up in decent time, though it was dark by the time we were finished. The rain did not help. It wasn't heavy rain, but it was quite muddy, and all the wood was wet. Eventually, we got a fire going, and after a nosh, headed over toward the drumming and fire circle. Poor FoxWoman was struggling with wet wood, too, and eventually the bow-drill gave way to the magic of matches and lighters to get the fire started. Yay, alchemy! We didn't stay too long, but it was good to see who was in camp and get a bit of dancing in.
Friday morning, up at the crack of dawn, since I had class and Tom had work, all at 8:00 a.m. I don't know how I made it through the day, but I suspect the large mug of coffee heavily laced with cream and sugar had something to do with it! After class, I scooted down to the Abq BioPark for the wedding rehearsal. We only had time for a quick walk-through, but it was enough. I got my robe and stole that Erich and Celeste had made for me, and swung by the house to grab a couple of things that we needed for camp. Pick Tom up from work, and back to camp we go!
Friday was a bit easier with the fire-starting, though it was still a bit damp. I'd grabbed some drier wood from my house, and that helped a lot. Dinner was ramen noodles, char-grilled chicken and peaches for dessert. Got done in time to head for the bardic circle, and caught the last go-round. I sang my song that I'd written at EMG again, and Matti sang his latest one "Alive", which he had debuted at Beltane. So much talent from all in this community, too. The transition from the bardic fire to the dance/drum fire was really neat. A procession of torches lit from the bardic fire, leading us all to the other circle. A huge gong, lots of drums and other instruments, all sorts of joyous noises! I danced and sang and drummed a bit, and generally had a good time. Good drink, good smoke, good friends...Gods, it's good to be home!
Saturday morning, up early again. Work for the Tom, and I have to get ready for the wedding. Ok, I admit it, I went home and got a bit of a nap, too! :-) Headed over to my friend Yvonne's house, and she helped me do my hair and makeup. I wanted to be clean and nice for the wedding, and well, if it got any notice from certain fellows in camp, I wouldn't complain! We did take pictures, and those will go up on the Facebook shortly. I really think I looked good, which is rare for me.
The wedding went beautifully. It was small and intimate, and the happy couple were just awesome together. This was the first wedding I've ever officiated, and I was a bit nervous, too. Guess I did okay, though! Paperwork done, I got a bit of a nosh while the pictures were being taken, and then headed off to get Tom and go back to camp. I was still wearing my nice clothes when we got there, and as we'd eaten already, we just grabbed some stuff and headed down to the fire circle. It was an awesome circle. I got warm and had to run back to my tent to change into something cooler. The fire was very large and hot, and eventually, it was just a bumper sticker in action...Happy Naked Pagan Dance! Not me, of course, I don't do skyclad, but I did end up ditching my t-shirt for a while and just wearing my bra and jeans. The ground was cold, so I had to put my boots back on after a while. It was good to see everyone having so much fun. The energy was great, and it was truly magical. Even Tom got out and danced a bit!
Today was a day off, and we got up later than we had been doing. Eggs and bacon for breakfast, and we managed to catch the last workshop of the weekend, a talk by Dorothy Morrison. We finished breaking camp, and were almost done when they called for closing ritual. It was a nice one, and then people started saying goodbyes. Lots of hugs, and then I got the truck moved closer to camp so we could pack out. It didn't really take long, and we were back in town by a quarter to two. I dropped Tom off at his place, then came home and unloaded the truck. A bit of a nap and decompression and I think I'm good to go again.
So, there's a brief overview of my busy weekend! Work hard and play hard, for sure.
Thursday, I worked early, then went to class. Took the second half of the day off so we could get to the campsite and set up before dark. I got my stuff packed, picked up my friend Tom, and off we went. We did manage to get set up in decent time, though it was dark by the time we were finished. The rain did not help. It wasn't heavy rain, but it was quite muddy, and all the wood was wet. Eventually, we got a fire going, and after a nosh, headed over toward the drumming and fire circle. Poor FoxWoman was struggling with wet wood, too, and eventually the bow-drill gave way to the magic of matches and lighters to get the fire started. Yay, alchemy! We didn't stay too long, but it was good to see who was in camp and get a bit of dancing in.
Friday morning, up at the crack of dawn, since I had class and Tom had work, all at 8:00 a.m. I don't know how I made it through the day, but I suspect the large mug of coffee heavily laced with cream and sugar had something to do with it! After class, I scooted down to the Abq BioPark for the wedding rehearsal. We only had time for a quick walk-through, but it was enough. I got my robe and stole that Erich and Celeste had made for me, and swung by the house to grab a couple of things that we needed for camp. Pick Tom up from work, and back to camp we go!
Friday was a bit easier with the fire-starting, though it was still a bit damp. I'd grabbed some drier wood from my house, and that helped a lot. Dinner was ramen noodles, char-grilled chicken and peaches for dessert. Got done in time to head for the bardic circle, and caught the last go-round. I sang my song that I'd written at EMG again, and Matti sang his latest one "Alive", which he had debuted at Beltane. So much talent from all in this community, too. The transition from the bardic fire to the dance/drum fire was really neat. A procession of torches lit from the bardic fire, leading us all to the other circle. A huge gong, lots of drums and other instruments, all sorts of joyous noises! I danced and sang and drummed a bit, and generally had a good time. Good drink, good smoke, good friends...Gods, it's good to be home!
Saturday morning, up early again. Work for the Tom, and I have to get ready for the wedding. Ok, I admit it, I went home and got a bit of a nap, too! :-) Headed over to my friend Yvonne's house, and she helped me do my hair and makeup. I wanted to be clean and nice for the wedding, and well, if it got any notice from certain fellows in camp, I wouldn't complain! We did take pictures, and those will go up on the Facebook shortly. I really think I looked good, which is rare for me.
The wedding went beautifully. It was small and intimate, and the happy couple were just awesome together. This was the first wedding I've ever officiated, and I was a bit nervous, too. Guess I did okay, though! Paperwork done, I got a bit of a nosh while the pictures were being taken, and then headed off to get Tom and go back to camp. I was still wearing my nice clothes when we got there, and as we'd eaten already, we just grabbed some stuff and headed down to the fire circle. It was an awesome circle. I got warm and had to run back to my tent to change into something cooler. The fire was very large and hot, and eventually, it was just a bumper sticker in action...Happy Naked Pagan Dance! Not me, of course, I don't do skyclad, but I did end up ditching my t-shirt for a while and just wearing my bra and jeans. The ground was cold, so I had to put my boots back on after a while. It was good to see everyone having so much fun. The energy was great, and it was truly magical. Even Tom got out and danced a bit!
Today was a day off, and we got up later than we had been doing. Eggs and bacon for breakfast, and we managed to catch the last workshop of the weekend, a talk by Dorothy Morrison. We finished breaking camp, and were almost done when they called for closing ritual. It was a nice one, and then people started saying goodbyes. Lots of hugs, and then I got the truck moved closer to camp so we could pack out. It didn't really take long, and we were back in town by a quarter to two. I dropped Tom off at his place, then came home and unloaded the truck. A bit of a nap and decompression and I think I'm good to go again.
So, there's a brief overview of my busy weekend! Work hard and play hard, for sure.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
An update at last
A day late, but time for a birthday blog, at least. Had to work yesterday, and still wasn't feeling 100%, but over all it was a decent day. Got many well wishes from friends at work and online, and though I wasn't up to going out or anything after working so late, it was okay. My mom sent a card, and a bit of money, so that was cool. I know I've got some presents coming, too, though it's my own fault that one of them's late...should have thought of what to ask for sooner!
Work has been getting rougher. All of us are feeling it, not just in our department, and we're really trying to pull together to keep each other sane and surviving. More of us are heading back to school this fall, too. It's not the actual work as much as the soul-draining atmosphere. Our supervisors are feeling it nearly as much as we are, and nobody likes to feel like a mistreated drone.
We do have fun, though, and the other day, I was the one getting picked on. Since my birthday was coming, and I'm a bit older than my friend Tom (we're rebuilding a motorbike, and have been hanging out some), I was getting some ribbing about that, especially since he just had his birthday a couple of weeks earlier. I don't know why, I just happen to have several male friends who are a lot younger than I. But the one guy I'd really like to be with is only a year younger, so there! Anyway, cougar jokes aside...
The bike is only progressing slowly, due to financial shortages, but we have gotten a new gas tank and parts to re-do the rear brakes. It's a start! We need to get it running soon, though, so Tom will have an easier way to get back and forth to school and work. His scooter got stolen in July, and was never recovered. Work's within bicycle range for him, but school's too far, and the buses aren't dependable enough. Bicycle and buses don't work for my schedule and location, either, darn the luck. The most I can hope for is on Fridays when I have lab all day, and that's only IF the buses run early enough to get me clear across town in time. I'm skeptical.
School for me this fall is 15 credit hours, including retaking Pharmacology and Drug Calculations classes. I didn't do well enough in those, and want to make sure I get the material down before I try to get into the Paramedic Cohort in January. My other classes are Advanced Trauma (one lecture, one lab), Intro to Fire Science (online) and Financial Literacy (online). The nice thing about the Financial Literacy course is that it will enable me to start a matched savings account through CNM that can be used for school, buying a home or starting a business. The online courses start a few weeks later than the live classes, so that'll give me time to get organized.
I did manage to get student loans, and I hope they'll be enough to get me through. If I get into Cohort in January, the program recommends that you not work, since it's very intensive. Since I'm my only support, I'll have to try and work part-time if I can, and stretch the money as best I can. I am going to get myself a new computer, and I'm getting a MacBook. Other expenses coming out of the loan money are getting the gas turned back on in the apartment, and possibly upgrading my cellphone. I'm also considering getting a Costco card, or at least getting into 'planned bulk shopping' mode to save money. Paying rent ahead is a consideration, and of course I'm getting my teeth fixed while I have the insurance to do it. I'm going on the presumption that I won't be able to work full-time come January. If I don't make Cohort, it'll be the following Fall before another one starts, so I'd continue working and take other classes in the meantime. We shall see. I'm also looking for the chance to start working in EMS even before I finish school, so I can get the experience.
But, before the next round of classes start, there's Bubonicon 41!! Yay! I'm running registration again, and spent a good part of the day laminating badges. We have one last meeting tomorrow, and the con starts on Friday. My good friend Mishalak is coming down from Denver, and three or four of us are going to be sharing a room. Sure, I only live a couple of miles from the hotel, but this way, I have a pied-a-terre at the con, in case I'm too tired to drive home or can't easily leave site. We're also planning out a meal in the Crock-Pot, hot oatmeal for breakfasts, and other good food and drink. Downright civilized, huh? We'll probably do something similar for MileHiCon in October, too.
September's gonna be kinda busy, at least on one weekend. Mabon weekend, the 17th - 20th, is a campout event, and Tom and I are planning to go. But...we'll head out Thursday after work, come back Friday morning so he can work and I can go to lab, then back to camp. He'll stay out Saturday, but I have a wedding to officiate, so an extra trip for me, but Saturday night's gonna be lots of fun, and Sunday, well, we probably both have to work. Crazy, but it just might work!
October's shaping up to be busy, too. My friends Danielle and Gary are getting married in Indiana, and I'm her maid-of-honor! It'll be a short trip, since CNM doesn't have a mid-term break and I have to leave after class on Friday and be back on Tuesday. MileHiCon is at the end of October, and I'm not sure how I'm going to handle that. I may end up driving up after class that Friday, too. I do want to drive, so I can swing by the mountain on the way home and visit.
Other than those outings, it's pretty much gonna be work and school and not much else! Oh, I'm sure I'll get to do some things, and my new schedule will let me start going to ASFS meetings again, at least. But I'll be sticking fairly close to home otherwise. Thank heavens for the internet!!
That's a brief update for ya. It's been a busy summer, and fall's shaping up to be the same. I'm sure it's going to be interesting!
Work has been getting rougher. All of us are feeling it, not just in our department, and we're really trying to pull together to keep each other sane and surviving. More of us are heading back to school this fall, too. It's not the actual work as much as the soul-draining atmosphere. Our supervisors are feeling it nearly as much as we are, and nobody likes to feel like a mistreated drone.
We do have fun, though, and the other day, I was the one getting picked on. Since my birthday was coming, and I'm a bit older than my friend Tom (we're rebuilding a motorbike, and have been hanging out some), I was getting some ribbing about that, especially since he just had his birthday a couple of weeks earlier. I don't know why, I just happen to have several male friends who are a lot younger than I. But the one guy I'd really like to be with is only a year younger, so there! Anyway, cougar jokes aside...
The bike is only progressing slowly, due to financial shortages, but we have gotten a new gas tank and parts to re-do the rear brakes. It's a start! We need to get it running soon, though, so Tom will have an easier way to get back and forth to school and work. His scooter got stolen in July, and was never recovered. Work's within bicycle range for him, but school's too far, and the buses aren't dependable enough. Bicycle and buses don't work for my schedule and location, either, darn the luck. The most I can hope for is on Fridays when I have lab all day, and that's only IF the buses run early enough to get me clear across town in time. I'm skeptical.
School for me this fall is 15 credit hours, including retaking Pharmacology and Drug Calculations classes. I didn't do well enough in those, and want to make sure I get the material down before I try to get into the Paramedic Cohort in January. My other classes are Advanced Trauma (one lecture, one lab), Intro to Fire Science (online) and Financial Literacy (online). The nice thing about the Financial Literacy course is that it will enable me to start a matched savings account through CNM that can be used for school, buying a home or starting a business. The online courses start a few weeks later than the live classes, so that'll give me time to get organized.
I did manage to get student loans, and I hope they'll be enough to get me through. If I get into Cohort in January, the program recommends that you not work, since it's very intensive. Since I'm my only support, I'll have to try and work part-time if I can, and stretch the money as best I can. I am going to get myself a new computer, and I'm getting a MacBook. Other expenses coming out of the loan money are getting the gas turned back on in the apartment, and possibly upgrading my cellphone. I'm also considering getting a Costco card, or at least getting into 'planned bulk shopping' mode to save money. Paying rent ahead is a consideration, and of course I'm getting my teeth fixed while I have the insurance to do it. I'm going on the presumption that I won't be able to work full-time come January. If I don't make Cohort, it'll be the following Fall before another one starts, so I'd continue working and take other classes in the meantime. We shall see. I'm also looking for the chance to start working in EMS even before I finish school, so I can get the experience.
But, before the next round of classes start, there's Bubonicon 41!! Yay! I'm running registration again, and spent a good part of the day laminating badges. We have one last meeting tomorrow, and the con starts on Friday. My good friend Mishalak is coming down from Denver, and three or four of us are going to be sharing a room. Sure, I only live a couple of miles from the hotel, but this way, I have a pied-a-terre at the con, in case I'm too tired to drive home or can't easily leave site. We're also planning out a meal in the Crock-Pot, hot oatmeal for breakfasts, and other good food and drink. Downright civilized, huh? We'll probably do something similar for MileHiCon in October, too.
September's gonna be kinda busy, at least on one weekend. Mabon weekend, the 17th - 20th, is a campout event, and Tom and I are planning to go. But...we'll head out Thursday after work, come back Friday morning so he can work and I can go to lab, then back to camp. He'll stay out Saturday, but I have a wedding to officiate, so an extra trip for me, but Saturday night's gonna be lots of fun, and Sunday, well, we probably both have to work. Crazy, but it just might work!
October's shaping up to be busy, too. My friends Danielle and Gary are getting married in Indiana, and I'm her maid-of-honor! It'll be a short trip, since CNM doesn't have a mid-term break and I have to leave after class on Friday and be back on Tuesday. MileHiCon is at the end of October, and I'm not sure how I'm going to handle that. I may end up driving up after class that Friday, too. I do want to drive, so I can swing by the mountain on the way home and visit.
Other than those outings, it's pretty much gonna be work and school and not much else! Oh, I'm sure I'll get to do some things, and my new schedule will let me start going to ASFS meetings again, at least. But I'll be sticking fairly close to home otherwise. Thank heavens for the internet!!
That's a brief update for ya. It's been a busy summer, and fall's shaping up to be the same. I'm sure it's going to be interesting!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
