DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
Well today could have gone better... It was not what I would call a good day. But then again, just one more day is good, no matter how bad it might be.
My father died about one year ago. Being Jewish, tradition dictates his headstone be, "unveiled" about a year after his death, so that time is here and my brother and I and our cousin Lillian were to go to the cemetery and plant evergreen bushes on Dad's grave prior to the unveiling.
I spent almost 5 hours doing computer work for a client, and glad I had the extra time due to the fact that David (my brother) was driving down from Connecticut, but was leaving much later than anticipated.
So, instead of us meeting at the cemetery at about 11AM, we met at 3:30PM. Mind you the cemetery closes at 5PM sharp. So we were alittle rushed. Dig, clear, dig, plant. I wore a pair of my EMS gloves, but had on a short sleeve shirt. I am obviously allergic to something that must have been sprayed or powdered on the small evergreen bushes because I broke our in a rash on my fore arms while planting. Itchy hives but thank heavens that was all. So we continue and finally finished. It looks nice. We had previously planned to get a bite to eat after the planting, so we are driving out of the cemetery, on very narrow roads.
Cousin Lillian, who just got back to driving after knee and hip operations, drives a handicap equipped car, with gas pedal on the left of the brake. (left foot better than right) Well, on the first tight turn, Lillian ran into a cement/stone pylon and knocked over a huge granite headstone. Knock on wood, she was not hurt and I chidded her on not receiving the safe driver award this month. Now however, it's 4:45PM and the cemetery closes at 5PM. Workers and the supervisor come to look over the damage (extensive to right front bumber, fender and passenger door. The workers were great though, they actually helped change the flattened front passenger tire and we're on our way again.
I was going to leave while they changed the tire, since I really had to get back and finish the computer jobs for two clients, and did not know how I would be able to finish and be to my other job by 10PM. (work dispatch an fire district 10pm - 6am Monday to Friday). I contacted a co-worker and she arranged for coverage for me for 2 hours, so I did not have to be in until midnight. Good thing too, because once home (7:45) it took until 11:30 PM for the work to be complete. In any event, it was obvious, being in NYC, that if I left at 5:30 or 6:30, I'd get home the same time due to rush hour traffic. So I joined Lillian & David for a quick bite then got on the road home.
Once all the work was done, I delivered the jobs and back to work I go...
So here I am, in the radio room giving you (the reader) the daily scoop. Could have been a better day, but shit happens, I'm just glad Lillian was not hurt. Gonna take some fix-up to repair her car though. Oy... Later...
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Sunday, September 19, 2004
ANOTHER MEETING & A SHOW
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
Well... been awhile since my last post. Lot's goin on. Where do I begin (imagine Love Story music, "to tell the story of how great a love can be") ... no..ok...
We had another monthly meeting at the ambulance group.(Sept 2004) it went well and included a lively discussion about prohibiting life members from voting in elections in the future. You see, according to our original by-laws, once a member is in the corps for 10 years, they achieve life time member status. They could stop riding on the ambulance, (in effect take "life status") but still be considered members in good standing, eligible for all the benefits of active riding members, but without riding, doing trainings, being on a committee, etc. As life members in good standing, they could come back to the corps on election night and vote in our yearly election of officers. Some do, most don't. But since I was elected (March 2004)and a number of our life members came in to vote, there are those who believe I was elected to office (Chief) because the life members vote turned to tide. This is very possible and quite legitimate. After all, it is the life members "right" to vote in elections. Now, however, there are those in the corps that feel this should no longer be allowed. So we had a long, loud discussion about it. Nothing was resolved though. So we continue as before, for now. A group of us went to Friendly's Ice Cream Parlor after the meeting. Then I headed off to work.
In my short tenure as Chief, we've brought in five (5) new members and brought back into the fold two (2) members who left because they were unhappy with the previous administration. (and boy having them back has really pissed off the previous administration) In addition, in an effort to increase our ALS (advanced life support) capabilities, I've been recruiting. We have commitments from an EMT-CC and a paramedic. Both are from out of our district but will do in-house shifts twice a week. Once they are in, it will help quite a bit.
Recently, for my birthday, Liz & I went into NYC to see a revival of the show, Fiddler On The Roof. It was great. We love going into the city. It's so "alive".
Well, another show, I've wanted to see again was Man of Lamancha. I saw the original with Richard Kiley in 1970 or so, at the Anta Theater in NYC and have been enthralled with it ever since. So when I found out, a local production company was presenting it, we decided to go. Friends, Glenn and Sharon went with us, dinner first then the show. I thought is was terrific, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Next we want to see either Phantom of the Opera or Momma Mia. (Liz bought the tickets to Fiddler for my birthday, I owe her a show, as that was our agreement as birthday gifts we'd go to shows together.
Well that's it for now. Lot's more to say, but not now... later...thanks for reading.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
Well... been awhile since my last post. Lot's goin on. Where do I begin (imagine Love Story music, "to tell the story of how great a love can be") ... no..ok...
We had another monthly meeting at the ambulance group.(Sept 2004) it went well and included a lively discussion about prohibiting life members from voting in elections in the future. You see, according to our original by-laws, once a member is in the corps for 10 years, they achieve life time member status. They could stop riding on the ambulance, (in effect take "life status") but still be considered members in good standing, eligible for all the benefits of active riding members, but without riding, doing trainings, being on a committee, etc. As life members in good standing, they could come back to the corps on election night and vote in our yearly election of officers. Some do, most don't. But since I was elected (March 2004)and a number of our life members came in to vote, there are those who believe I was elected to office (Chief) because the life members vote turned to tide. This is very possible and quite legitimate. After all, it is the life members "right" to vote in elections. Now, however, there are those in the corps that feel this should no longer be allowed. So we had a long, loud discussion about it. Nothing was resolved though. So we continue as before, for now. A group of us went to Friendly's Ice Cream Parlor after the meeting. Then I headed off to work.
In my short tenure as Chief, we've brought in five (5) new members and brought back into the fold two (2) members who left because they were unhappy with the previous administration. (and boy having them back has really pissed off the previous administration) In addition, in an effort to increase our ALS (advanced life support) capabilities, I've been recruiting. We have commitments from an EMT-CC and a paramedic. Both are from out of our district but will do in-house shifts twice a week. Once they are in, it will help quite a bit.
Recently, for my birthday, Liz & I went into NYC to see a revival of the show, Fiddler On The Roof. It was great. We love going into the city. It's so "alive".
Well, another show, I've wanted to see again was Man of Lamancha. I saw the original with Richard Kiley in 1970 or so, at the Anta Theater in NYC and have been enthralled with it ever since. So when I found out, a local production company was presenting it, we decided to go. Friends, Glenn and Sharon went with us, dinner first then the show. I thought is was terrific, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Next we want to see either Phantom of the Opera or Momma Mia. (Liz bought the tickets to Fiddler for my birthday, I owe her a show, as that was our agreement as birthday gifts we'd go to shows together.
Well that's it for now. Lot's more to say, but not now... later...thanks for reading.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
MADE IT THROUGH ANOTHER WEEK...
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
September 11, 2004
On this day especially, I pause to remember all those we lost 3 years ago in the terrorist attacks on our nation. Make G-d hold all of them close to him and may they rest in peace.
My life is just one more day and then another... Like anyone else... But I treasure each... Some days I accomplish more than I believe is humanly possible. Others nothing. But this past week was a goody. My daughter Rachel celebrated her 22nd birthday with friends...(I had to work that day) and this week end (today as a matter of fact) I'll take her and a friend our to dinner. Happy Birthday Rachel.. Love you.
Dan called from Gulfport MS, he arrived to drill (USMCR) 1 hour late due to heavy, heavy traffic on I-10. But he arrived none the less and in formation last night my son was pinned, CORPORAL, USMC. Outstanding Dan. Proud of you kiddo. Dan also told me, double drills next 3 months and January '05 will be the 2005 active duty 2 week camp... All of this leading up to, of course, the dreadful possibility of his unit being re-activated and sent back to Iraq. Perish the thought. But Dan, being the Marine he is looks forward to whatever the Marine Corps orders him to do. Semper Fi Dan. I love you son.
Finally got in touch with Jay. An able bodied seaman on the tall ship US Brig Niagara on Lake Erie, and I offered to send him his next package of mail. He said hold on to it... He's coming home!! He'll be here this coming Monday. Alrighty then.
As for me, this past week was as hectic as ever... Seems my first 5 months in as Chief of an ambulance company somewhere on Long Island, just flew by. I have made some strides on trying to bring the corps back together after the election debacle, but it ain't easy. There are so many opposing forces. I think sometimes, some people are just doing their best to split the corps and see where the pieces crumble. It makes no sense. I have helped to bring in 5 new members in my first 5 months tenure. 3 EMT's and 2 aides. (both going for EMT certification).
Met with my fellow officers and a former Chief and current Chairperson of the Board of Directors. She (chairperson) offers, even though she opposed my running for Chief, help in any way possible. Especially in making calls to members, to help get the rigs out. Afterall, getting our ambulances out with personnel to emergency calls is our first priority. I believe she'll challenge me, if I run for Chief again next year. But whatever the future brings, I'm just trying to make a positive difference in the here and now. I am hoping the old line saying "what does not kill us, makes us stronger" holds true... Cause some of our members are truly trying to kill us.
Yesterday we got hit with 7 ambulance calls in a row... Just like Wheat Thins, the just kept comin... One after another... But we covered them all.
It's amazing to me that some members can find fault, even in the good things we do. But we try to do good things anyway. The day before yesterday, took a patient to a distant hospital (University Hospital @ Stony Brook) and when we were ready to return, I was having a conversation (and a cigarette) with a WWII veteran of the Normandy Landing. His name is Anthony and he was upset. First, he and his wife had to take a cab to get to UHSB since the ambulance company in the district in which he lives, refused to transport him (back pain from prior operation) to Stony Brook. Then, when he was finished in the emergency room, he waited over an hour (to that point) for a cab (that never showed up) to take him and his wife home. He was pretty upset.
Realizing he lived close to our district, and being a Veteran myself, I wanted to help. I asked my crew if they would have any problem transporting this man and his wife back home. Both said, "let's do it" I'm so proud of them. (I also cleared the transport with a fellow officer) You should have seen the look on Anthony's face when I told him we'd take him home in our ambulance. We did, and had some great chat about his experience in the Normandy Landing on the way. Maybe it's just me, but it's these little things we can do for others that are rewarding. Upon bringing him up to his house, Anthony and his wife thanked up profusely. It was good.
Coincidentally, and this is a funny one... The other day we had a chest pain call for a woman in a car near the expressway. Upon arrival, the woman, in her 40's looked at me and said... I know you. 10 years ago I helped delivery her baby girl. (one of my fifteen so far) Small world. She laughed and said she remembered me, that I might not remember her, with her pants on... oy... Now that's funny.(well it is to me anyway)
Alright, enough for now. Rachel's 22, Dan's a Corporal and Jay's comin home. G-ds in heaven and all is right for now. Later.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
September 11, 2004
On this day especially, I pause to remember all those we lost 3 years ago in the terrorist attacks on our nation. Make G-d hold all of them close to him and may they rest in peace.
My life is just one more day and then another... Like anyone else... But I treasure each... Some days I accomplish more than I believe is humanly possible. Others nothing. But this past week was a goody. My daughter Rachel celebrated her 22nd birthday with friends...(I had to work that day) and this week end (today as a matter of fact) I'll take her and a friend our to dinner. Happy Birthday Rachel.. Love you.
Dan called from Gulfport MS, he arrived to drill (USMCR) 1 hour late due to heavy, heavy traffic on I-10. But he arrived none the less and in formation last night my son was pinned, CORPORAL, USMC. Outstanding Dan. Proud of you kiddo. Dan also told me, double drills next 3 months and January '05 will be the 2005 active duty 2 week camp... All of this leading up to, of course, the dreadful possibility of his unit being re-activated and sent back to Iraq. Perish the thought. But Dan, being the Marine he is looks forward to whatever the Marine Corps orders him to do. Semper Fi Dan. I love you son.
Finally got in touch with Jay. An able bodied seaman on the tall ship US Brig Niagara on Lake Erie, and I offered to send him his next package of mail. He said hold on to it... He's coming home!! He'll be here this coming Monday. Alrighty then.
As for me, this past week was as hectic as ever... Seems my first 5 months in as Chief of an ambulance company somewhere on Long Island, just flew by. I have made some strides on trying to bring the corps back together after the election debacle, but it ain't easy. There are so many opposing forces. I think sometimes, some people are just doing their best to split the corps and see where the pieces crumble. It makes no sense. I have helped to bring in 5 new members in my first 5 months tenure. 3 EMT's and 2 aides. (both going for EMT certification).
Met with my fellow officers and a former Chief and current Chairperson of the Board of Directors. She (chairperson) offers, even though she opposed my running for Chief, help in any way possible. Especially in making calls to members, to help get the rigs out. Afterall, getting our ambulances out with personnel to emergency calls is our first priority. I believe she'll challenge me, if I run for Chief again next year. But whatever the future brings, I'm just trying to make a positive difference in the here and now. I am hoping the old line saying "what does not kill us, makes us stronger" holds true... Cause some of our members are truly trying to kill us.
Yesterday we got hit with 7 ambulance calls in a row... Just like Wheat Thins, the just kept comin... One after another... But we covered them all.
It's amazing to me that some members can find fault, even in the good things we do. But we try to do good things anyway. The day before yesterday, took a patient to a distant hospital (University Hospital @ Stony Brook) and when we were ready to return, I was having a conversation (and a cigarette) with a WWII veteran of the Normandy Landing. His name is Anthony and he was upset. First, he and his wife had to take a cab to get to UHSB since the ambulance company in the district in which he lives, refused to transport him (back pain from prior operation) to Stony Brook. Then, when he was finished in the emergency room, he waited over an hour (to that point) for a cab (that never showed up) to take him and his wife home. He was pretty upset.
Realizing he lived close to our district, and being a Veteran myself, I wanted to help. I asked my crew if they would have any problem transporting this man and his wife back home. Both said, "let's do it" I'm so proud of them. (I also cleared the transport with a fellow officer) You should have seen the look on Anthony's face when I told him we'd take him home in our ambulance. We did, and had some great chat about his experience in the Normandy Landing on the way. Maybe it's just me, but it's these little things we can do for others that are rewarding. Upon bringing him up to his house, Anthony and his wife thanked up profusely. It was good.
Coincidentally, and this is a funny one... The other day we had a chest pain call for a woman in a car near the expressway. Upon arrival, the woman, in her 40's looked at me and said... I know you. 10 years ago I helped delivery her baby girl. (one of my fifteen so far) Small world. She laughed and said she remembered me, that I might not remember her, with her pants on... oy... Now that's funny.(well it is to me anyway)
Alright, enough for now. Rachel's 22, Dan's a Corporal and Jay's comin home. G-ds in heaven and all is right for now. Later.
Monday, September 06, 2004
SEPTEMBER UPON US
DISCLAIMER: The images and writing contained in this blog are the thoughts and opinions of the blogger. Obviously, all names have been left out to protect both the innocent and the guilty. Thank heavens for the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution which allows presentation of my own feelings and opinions. There are those that feel I have violated privacy or confidences, however, with no names mentioned, attachment can only be made by inference. If by chance you don't agree with what is written here, or, feel you don't like what you have read, stop reading and don't bother coming back.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
Heard from Dan... PMI course cancelled. So he's staying at LSU. He's upset, understandably but the good news is his promotion to Corporal USMC came through. Jay is still sailing on the US Brig Niagara (tall ship)on the Great lakes and Rachel is going to get her nerve block shots after all. (a whole nother story)
Busy, busy, busy at the ambulance company. Many interesting calls and our newest members working out. Saving us in many instances from calling for mutual aid. The siren on the Chief's car died enroute to a call yesterday...But one of our members was able to jury rig a temporary fix until our tech can fix it. Finally got a clear insight into the stop CPR protocol situation. Now have to review with county medical director and local health care facility. Have to re-new our ambulance certification, but should not be difficult, even though getting little help from past chief, we should have past years copies to work from. Lot's of business to conduct in the next month, new ambulance purchase and building fix-up. Enough about the corps.
Liz & I are going to see Man of LaMancha soon. Hopefully friends will join us. It's being presented at a local theater here on Long Island. I saw the original with Richard Kiley at the ANTA theater in NYC, 1970. Looking forward to that.
It's Rachel Ann's 22nd birthday tomorrow (9/7). Gotta figure out what to get her. She is signed up for her EMT refresher and an EMT-CC course as well. Both Dan and Rachel are going to surpass my rankings very soon... That's a good thing, I'm proud of both of them.
Well, Labor Day is here already. Working today but hey... It's overtime (holiday pay) so who am I to complain. (doesn't help and nobody listens anyway...lol )
Will write more soon. I'm tired.
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
Heard from Dan... PMI course cancelled. So he's staying at LSU. He's upset, understandably but the good news is his promotion to Corporal USMC came through. Jay is still sailing on the US Brig Niagara (tall ship)on the Great lakes and Rachel is going to get her nerve block shots after all. (a whole nother story)
Busy, busy, busy at the ambulance company. Many interesting calls and our newest members working out. Saving us in many instances from calling for mutual aid. The siren on the Chief's car died enroute to a call yesterday...But one of our members was able to jury rig a temporary fix until our tech can fix it. Finally got a clear insight into the stop CPR protocol situation. Now have to review with county medical director and local health care facility. Have to re-new our ambulance certification, but should not be difficult, even though getting little help from past chief, we should have past years copies to work from. Lot's of business to conduct in the next month, new ambulance purchase and building fix-up. Enough about the corps.
Liz & I are going to see Man of LaMancha soon. Hopefully friends will join us. It's being presented at a local theater here on Long Island. I saw the original with Richard Kiley at the ANTA theater in NYC, 1970. Looking forward to that.
It's Rachel Ann's 22nd birthday tomorrow (9/7). Gotta figure out what to get her. She is signed up for her EMT refresher and an EMT-CC course as well. Both Dan and Rachel are going to surpass my rankings very soon... That's a good thing, I'm proud of both of them.
Well, Labor Day is here already. Working today but hey... It's overtime (holiday pay) so who am I to complain. (doesn't help and nobody listens anyway...lol )
Will write more soon. I'm tired.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
PROMOTION !!
IF YOU ARE NEW TO READING MY BLOG... PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING... LOOK FOR ARCHIVES... GOTO AUGUST 2004 AND START AT THE BOTTOM AND WORK UP. THANKS.
Heard from Marine son Dan yesterday... he got word from his reserve unit that effective 9/2/04 he is being promoted to Corporal, an NCO...
Congratulations Dan !!
SEMPER FI !!
Heard from Marine son Dan yesterday... he got word from his reserve unit that effective 9/2/04 he is being promoted to Corporal, an NCO...
Congratulations Dan !!
SEMPER FI !!
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