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Showing posts from December, 2010

Scathed : Please Send Fudge.

It's been a tough year for me. I have been scathed. My Pop was injured shortly after his birthday in January and died in November. My sister was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer two days before she flew out to bring Pop to the mainland in the hopes of finding him resources that would aid his recovery. I have been forced to jump through hoops to satisfy folks regarding my disability. I could go on and on but trust me, I have been scathed. Repeatedly. As I sit at my computer under the influence of the medications that make living with degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and cervical spinal stenosis bearable, I have been reflecting on a few things- mostly concerning stuff in the media. Here are some things I have jotted down in no particular order. They were all fodder for stuff I might write. Remember...rambling is not organized, rambling is ... well... rambling. I am glad the Chilean miners were rescued. I live in a coal mining state and have come to appreciate t

Speaking as a First Responder aka: PASS THE BILL

I had hoped my first post after so long an absence would be one that was lighthearted or some amusing anecdotes about the certifiable folks in my family. Alas, it was not meant to be. Although at some point there will undoubtedly be stories about my trip to California to bury my Pops, today is not the day. Instead I am having my Howard Beale moment. I am mad as hell and I am not going to remain quiet about what has provoked my ire: Our Senate. I devoted many years of my life to being a 'first responder' most of which I did behind the comfort of a desk and radio, though not all. I was an EMT 1A and a volunteer firefighter and actually went out on a few calls when absolutely necessary. Working a flood in 1986, I got "Nearer my God to Thee" sick from sitting around in wet, contaminated clothes after walking through fetid water. Rescue work does not come with set hours. In a state of emergency you do what you must and keep going until your body stops. I remember ta