How DO you find the time ?

To all and any who care (and this list is small and limited) I have been a bit absent lately, I know. In my defense, I have been a tad busy. I have also been a tad unmotivated to put virtual pen to paper. Work, life, house, EMT class, kids, house, life, EMT class, ambulance calls and firemans balls. Busy, busy, busy.

I admire all of you who find the time and the inspiration to write something more than just a few paragraphs of drivel on a daily basis. I doff my cap to you, I do.

In big news, tomorrow is my 'naturalization' interview. It's where I get to find out if I'm eligible to join the club of American Citizens. Could be a big day. I'll let you know.

Now I'm off to be busy again.

No bones about it

I have a new found respect for all those in the medical profession.

I'm in the process of reviewing anatomy for my EMT-B Class, and let me tell you - there's a LOT to know. The amazing thing is that I'm not even scratching the surface - we're only learning the real basic stuff. My naturally inquisitive nature often wants a bit more perspective, so this handy web reference certainly gives that. It's then that you realize just how much STUFF your average med student and/or doctor has bouncing around in their noggin (and how many bits there are inside this fleshy bag we call a body).

Of course, they also have to remember all the OTHER stuff, like diseases and ailments, medications, procedures and such. It's no small wonder that medical school takes so long. It is a small wonder that so many people make it. God bless 'em.

Still, with all that knowledge it still ticks me off when I'm sick. After two weeks of suffering I finally drag myself to the doctor (or more correctly, my wife made me go). Expecting final relief after my period of stoic suffering, I'm disappointed to discover that it's probably viral and that I should 'take 4 ibuprofen' when I need them. Er, thanks - I already figured that one out.

Anyway, today is now officially 'Hug a Medical Professional Day'.

Oh, well, it's actually Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - so maybe tomorrow ?

Surrender

So, I gave in.

For the first time EVER, I have allowed another carpenter (dare I say a PROFESSIONAL Carpenter) to work on my house.

I think I've just reached the point where I really want stuff to get finished, and I'm tired of doing it myself. I made a valiant effort with the porch - I got the thing 80% done before snow and had a roof on. I spent countless days nailing and finishing the floor. I spent cold days up ladders nailing on trim.

I have exceeded my personal budget of enthusiasm, and when the opportunity arose for a friend of mine who is a carpenter to spend some time on it, I gave in.

Now, I can safely say that there is NOTHING quite so nice as sitting on the couch and hearing the sounds of someone else sawing, nailing and banging away.

Still, I'd better not get used to it. My wallet can't take this kind of luxury for too long....

Nicole Kidman !

So, I did not see Nicole Kidman today. I had no brush with stardom.

I'll admit that I'm quite fond of Nicole. I think she is a very attractive woman, and a good actress to boot. I loved 'The Interpreter'.

So, I was a bit sad to hear that she was here in our teeny little town, hanging out in our teeny little coffee shop (Green Tea with Jasmine, apparently, in case you were wondering), mere yards from my upstairs office space. I missed out.

Oh well. Next time. Wonder how many Google hits I'll get from people searching for 'Naked Nicole Kidman Pictures' ? Oops.

Happy Hangover

For all those who, unlike myself, partied long and wild. Happy New Year !

There will be a year when I stay up past 10 O'Clock. Maybe when the kids are older. Then again, maybe I'm just not cut out for the job of drunken reveler. Some of us just don't have it in us, I guess. There's always the sensible one in every crowd, and maybe I am that person.

Oh well. Happy Hangovers to all the people that carried out their duties and partied hard for the rest us.