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.  

Back at work......

Ok, so camping was tits!  We had a great time, in spite of the fact that I had to bring a flight suit with me.  :(  Yeah, I know, WTF is that all about?!  It's difficult to feel "spring break-ish" when you have to bring work with.  So, there was a meeting smack dab in the middle of my trip that was mandatory to attend.  Good times.  Fortunately it didn't last too long and it was back to hammock swinging and doing nothing.  I ate more junk food in the last three days than I have in the last month.  Oh and Red Stripe  ;).  

Here is an account of the kid casualities:  K = no injuries (she got extra Goldfish for that one), J = split lip....pretty impressive actually poor little guy....yeah so he tripped on the monkey bars somehow and attempted to eat the metal bar, and Miss Priss = one cut heel....all taken care of by two bandaids so not too bad.  Adults were unscathed.

So, I'm back at work today for 24 hours of bliss.....let's hope the EMS gods are shining favorably today.  I have quite a bit of paperwork to do and I'm not feeling particularily ambitious (hence blogging instead).  I have to get this crap done because I'm trying to get my a$$ to the beach for the weekend!!

Oh.....and I have a minirant this morning.  I am extremely stupid in regards to the whole "vehicle inspection sticker" crap here in the lovely state of TX.  To begin with, we DON'T have them in Michigan, so I don't remember them!  I know, not a good excuse, but still.  Also, vehicle registration (yes mine is up to date, inspection.....not so much).....in Michigan, the license plate follows you and not your vehicle.  Is expires on your birthday, which is always easy to remember.  Yes, this is leading up to something.  So, I got pulled over for speeding after an uneventful blind date and the 12 year old State Trooper notices that my inspection is grossly out of date.  I get a citation for the sticker and he waives the speeding which was only 4 mph over in my defense.  So, guess what the fine is for this shit?!  $156!!  So, I'm an idiot.  So, I have to get my car inspected....I think I'm going to wear a hot pink Britney Spears wig, some glasses, a fake nose, whatever it takes to avoid my actual identity being revealed!  The last time, it turned into some event where I was chastised by this hooker behind the counter.