tiedyedbeth

Thanks! I'm doing well with the class so far, and I'm having fun! We are working on the Trauma module this week. No time to chat though, I need to run and get lunch but I wanted to say hello again (no internet at home right now so I'm at the library).

Hooray! I'm finally getting started! I'll begin an EMT-B class come next Monday morning! I'm so excited!! I know it's going to be intense but I'm looking forward to the challenge! Originally I had planned to just get my Basic as part of being enrolled in the associate's EMS program at the local college, but life has changed so I'm going to get the Basic through continuing education and work for now, and start the degree for medic next fall once my youngest is in school.

Thanks, Dust! Paul is my husband by the way (I should have specified that), and not quite so easy to ignore! LOL

Well, at this point, all I have left to do is wait for orientation in July, and classes begin in August. I'll have Anatomy & Physiology I, EMT-Basic, and Emergency Vehicles and EMS Communications. There is also a computer course scheduled, but I've taken it already, and am just waiting to find out if the credit will transfer. The monkey in the works is that Kaplan University says I still owe them $600 in tuition, and until it's paid, I can't get my transcripts. No transcripts, no financial aid here. I'm not certain just how I'm owing any money, given that I had enough in student loans to cover my tution and books completely. So I'll have to call and try to get it sorted out, hopefully in my favor. If not, then I need to come up with $600 QUICKLY so that I can be sure of financial aid for this fall. If not, it's going to put me back a year, because EMT Basic for academic credit is apparently only held in the fall semester. Paul says that if I have to delay starting EMS specific courses for a year that it won't be a big deal, we can pay for me to take A&P and a couple other general courses until we can straighten out my transcripts. It would allow me to focus on the EMS classes when I'm there, one or two less classes to worry about. ***Phone call, brb*** Paul just called, and he asked how things are going. I said that I was just trying to figure out how we can come up with the money to pay Kaplan, and he said we may have to wait until next year to pay them off (we're also trying to get his car fixed right now and need about $1,000 for that). So I may not be able to take the EMS courses this fall. THEN Paul said that he had thought of a couple other things I need to keep in mind about starting school next fall. 1) Gracie won't be in school full time. She'll be in HeadStart, and there is no after-school care. We'd have to make sure that not only can Aunt Angie watch Gracie, but that we can pay Aunt Angie. 2) Paul is up for transfer in April of 2008, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to stay here. We were allowed the mutual transfer that brought us home to NC because of Megan's special needs, but it might not keep us here because of Megan no longer being considered autistic. SO, is it in my best interest to start this program when I may not be able to finish it here? When we can possibly end up somewhere that does not have an EMS Associate's Degree program? While I could do continuing education, I want the degree. Do I want to stay here with the kids, depending on where he gets orders to, and be alone with four kids and in school full time? DARN IT!

I don't have a problem with homosexuals. I have a good friend from high school who I'm still in touch with who is a lesbian. She knows I'm Christian, and she knows where I stand in that regard. But we agree it's between her and God, not she and I. We leave it there, and continue our friendship as always. What I don't care for is the tendency within that community for some to be "in your face" about it. I believe what goes on in the bedroom belongs in the bedroom, and to that degree I don't care to see PDA from anyone. A person's sexual orientation certainly won't affect the care I give someone when answering a call.

Thanks! Up until the beginning of this month, I've been pretty sedentary - well, as much as you can be when you're homeschooling four children. I regularly pick up my kids (38lbs, 42lbs, 51lbs) and carry them across the house. My oldest (11) is 108lbs, and I can pick her up (using my legs, of course!) although I can't walk with her (she's as tall as I am, at 5'5") The kids went to school just after Thanksgiving though, so it's just me and my 3 y/o. We already had a habit of walking every day, but admittedly not very far or fast. Just walking. SO we've been walking further, and going out to the base to walk the fitness trail which is very hilly! At the beginning of the month, I joined Curves - but I think I'm going to cancel that membership and just go to the gym on base. It's further away but free. I think I might be better off to use the money that was going to Curves for a personal trainer. The base has more than one gym, actually, and I can develop a routine that incorporates alot of different activities including a good rock-climbing wall (which sounds like more fun than pullups, which I wasn't ever able to do at my fittest when I was active duty in the Coast Guard!). So that's what I've been doing, to get myself started and used to doing something - but I want to be better prepared and thought I'd see what ya'll recommended!

I am wondering..when they say "be able to lift 200lsb with only one person's assistance" how are they talking lifting the weight? Someone on a backboard from the ground to the lowest stretcher height? Waist height? I know I'm somewhat out of shape and a little overweight, but knowing I'm starting medic classes in August has me focused on strengthening and getting in shape and bringing my weight down. I just am wondering if there is anything I should focus on when I'm in the gym or what. Thanks!

I suppose they know best, but that sign's about confusing! Three things to identify and consider before you can react? Hmmm what's this sign saying....ok, that's radiation...could die....is that figure running? That way? I should go that way? ...Why again? But then again, I don't see Mr. Yuck stickers around anymore either.

Coastal Carolina (aka 4C's) in Jacksonville's is 5 semesters (two fall, two spring, one summer) for an Associate's. 4C's Continuing Education Department's got an 18 month certification program, 5 modules. So we're probably not what you're looking for! If I'm not mistaken, Cape Fear in Wilmington runs the same but don't quote me on it.

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm a collector. I have CG stuff from when I was in the CG - printing dye of the CG emblem, a belt buckle I bought for my husband that he's never worn, Tshirts, suncatchers..you name it; CNA stuff from when I was a CNA; Cheerleading stuff from when I was a cheerleader in high school and most recently a cheerleading coach; I have handbells and music themed items as I've always been a musician (I just purchased a new Tshirt at the Bell Festival yesterday). I have an EMT shirt (the blue flame one) hanging on a hook in my bedroom on a padded hanger for inspiration and focus, but I don't intend to wear it or purchase anything else EMS until I pass EMTB. And yes, I know I'm a geek :roll: :wink: I don't see anything wrong in having pride in what you do.

Wow..definitely a close call!

http://www.amazon.com/Megasystems-980807-H...0/dp/B000HLP64W I was looking at the box last night at the HP kiosk at the base exchange, and I was thinking of purchasing it to help with A&P this fall. If you have any experience with this software, how did you like it? If you didn't like it, why not? Thanks! Beth Http://bellsandsirens. blogspot. com

Ruffems...if it's coffee, I think I would start one on myself LOL!

I learned to do SQ/IM injections as a CNA working for a physician who I worked for in his office. I used a sponge, but it was the very start of flu vax season, so I just kinda jumped in under observation, got over being squeamish about "hurting" someone else and went from there. I'm looking forward to learning IVs, and I'm VERY thankful that I know that my left inner elbow is a good stick!

Very well written! I really enjoyed reading what you have to say, and I added your blog to my list of favorites!