Why my room needs to be under lockdown!

So, this morning I'm out in the yard doing manual labor like a cabana boy on crack.  Which is extremely unfortunate, since I was actually *off* of work.  Oh and I had absolutely NO coffee this morning.....GAH.  

This emergent grass cutting adventure was truly my own doing, so I really shouldn't complain, but what the hell.  I'm pretty sure I haven't done the yard since right before Hurricane Ike and it was getting about as deep as Sasquatch's crotch (totally double meaning for my nasty friends out there ;) ).

During this time, Miss Priss is holed up in my room.  My bed is fabulous and she covets it on a daily basis.  My response to MP...........wait, besides you don't even have back problems yet!  There is a whole future ahead of you during which time you too can own a fabulous bed.  She fails to see the amusement.

So, she is on my laptop visiting her webkinz site and playing with her pet, Zack.  Yeah good times.  All's well, not to many interruptions during the mowing which is always suspect.

I'm going to preface the next part with some background.  I posted earlier about the air medical crash that killed my coworkers/friends.  It was a very difficult time and I chose not to discuss it with my daughter for several reasons.  I felt that at the time, it wasn't necessary for her to have to carry that around with her.  She already worries when I am at work and the weather is bad and I certainly didn't want to add to that pressure.  I could go on and on, but I digress.

Well, several people had sent me newspaper clippings in regards to my friends and I have kept them in a manilla envelope in one of my nightstands.  There were also several items from the memorials and a bunch of photos.  We also have a memorial patches on our flightsuits, but I am always careful to remove it prior to seeing MP, so it is never an issue.

So, as you can imagine, MP decided to dig through my nightstand to look for "something".  Of course, she took it upon herself to read EVERYTHING in the envelope.  Then came the questions.

I knew that I would have to tell her about this.  However, I was not even close to prepared to discuss it when the accident occurred.  I really wasn't ready for it today either.  I feel like it went ok.  How they all died was something she did not focus on and for that I am thankful.

I could really use an adult beverage......cheers!

Hurricane season.....

So, as far as I'm concerned, hurricane season can't get over with soon enough!  That is seriously the WORST part about living on the coast.  I guess it's my inner Yankee in me coming out.....I'm all about a hurricane party if the storm is going to be "minor", but Cat 3 and higher......I'm so outta here!!  Me, the kid, the dog and the camper (tiki hut) are going elsewhere....preferably someplace with adult beverages AND electricity!  I know, pretty demanding huh?!  lol  I'm not actually high maintenance, but it sure is fun to pretend.  ;)

I've actually been pretty overwhelmed lately with projects and work stuff.  I need to clone myself.  Scary prospect for y'all!  

MP (kidlette) just started third grade and had choir tryouts.  I can't believe she is already at this stage in her life.  She is a pretty independent little thing.  I can't imagine where she gets that from.  I am dreading the teenage years.....I'm sure she will try to "school me".  She better bring her "A Game"!

On a more somber note......the three crewmembers who perished in June will be receiving the Star of Texas awards on September 11th in Austin.  I'll be in attendance as will a lot of PHI employees, they deserve the honor.  It has still been difficult on some days, but most are getting by.  

Well, I'm off for now......I'm trying to get back into the swing of things here on my blog, but I haven't felt very inspired lately.  Think I'll go for a Jeep ride and look at some waves!  Cheers!

Well, I'm finally back

                                                                 I have no idea where to even start.   I guess the Cliff's Notes version is probably the most appropriate.  Well, my baby girl has turned 8 since my last post.  My Mom from Michigan has visited and we all had a great time.  Did some pretty cool little day trips and the kidlette got spoiled.  One of my best friends also had a birthday (xo).  

And then there is this news.  On June 8th, one of our air medical helicopters (Med 12) crashed killing all on board.  Four people total including the critical patient that they were transporting.  It has been one month and it still feels like yesterday.  They were our friends and our family.  It's so hard to have a phone conversation with someone and then they're gone 2 days later.  I can't even begin to explain how it has been for our PHI family.  

The memorial service in Bryan / College Station was amazing.  It was incredible to see the outpouring of support from our EMS family.  People had driven for hours just to be there.  So many agencies.....it was surreal.  For starters, you never feel that this will ever happen, especially to people who you *know*.  They were more than a tragic story on the news for us, they were a special smile, a laugh that you will never forget, a sarcastic comment that will always make you cackle.....the list could go on and on.

Jana, Stephanie, and Wayne will always be in my thoughts *every* time I get in that aircraft to go help someone.  

I have taken an excessive amount of time to think about my choices.  I know that I am supposed to be here and therefore I will stay.  

"Two Fer" Sunday

I just had to post this link for the two people (and I'm being generous) who I think "may" read my fledgling blog.  I am a part of a medical flight crew (rotorwing) and have been for the past few years.  I was a ground Medic prior and continue that side of my career as well.  I'm not sure if you guys ever watch TLC, but tonight they are having an episode of "My Secret Life As A Soccer Mom" on at 1900 central time.  It is focusing on our sister flight program in Arizona (Air Evac) so I am pumped.  My family never gets to see anything that I do.....as I live approximately 1600 miles from them.  So, I'm pretty excited.  Funny thing is that I don't even have cable / satellite at my house so I'm basically SOL.  I ditched TV approximately 4 years ago, but I digress.  Guess I will be making a trip to work to watch it with the on duty crew!  Pitiful....

Well anyway, here are a couple of pics of our bird.  The "funky" green pic is actually what we see through our night vision goggles.  They really increase our level of safety especially during scene flights at night.  The landing zones can hold several devastating obstacles and the nvg's allow us to see practically everything.

Please have a safe holiday and keep the people you love from doing any "stupid human tricks".  Happy Easter to all.