Preparing for the "Get Fit After 40 Summer Challenge"

I've been very busy preparing both physically and mentally for the "Get Fit After 40 Summer Challenge". I'm getting kinda excited about it. I really want to lose this weight and this is the perfect way to start.

Yesterday the refrigerator was stocked with all the fruits and veggies that I'll need for the first week. Today I went to Walmart and bought a tape measure, a notebook to use as a journal and pens that go with the journal.

Later tonight I'm going to take my measurements and record them in my journal. I will also get my foodmover out and refamiliarize myself with it..

So - only a few more hours until the challenge begins!!! Are YOU ready??? Bring it on!!!

The Workplace & "Big Brother"

I've been thinking a lot lately about workplace politics. There are some things at my workplace that are going on. Some are good, some not so much!!! Well - when I was thinking I starting thinking about how workplace politics are a lot like the reality show "Big Brother".

You have the players - your coworkers. One of the players in the HOH (head of household) - that would be your boss.

So the players form alliances. The HOH may like some and may not like others. The alliances change from day to day, week to week. The HOH tries to keep them all working together. Then, the HOH may decide to get rid of one or some of the players or promote one or some of the players. The players may decide to quit.

In the end, unlike "Big Brother" everyone lives happily (or unhappily) ever after!!

Kinda weird - but that's my though for the day!!!!

Hobbies

I was recently asked what my hobbies are.  I pondered this question and couldn't come up with anything.

My life consists of family, work and EMS (emergency medical services).  I've been told by a few different people that I should have a hobby other than the things I've listed above.

I thought about what I wanted to take up as a hobby.  I haven't really come up with anything that really catches my interest wildly.  My impression of a hobby is something that wildly catches your interest - something you love to do in your spare time.

I've explored quite a few options.  Reading, crocheting, knitting, crafts to name a few.  I also bought a Nintendo DS.  I thought that maybe this was a mindless gaming system that would wow me.  Although it is a lot of fun it's not something I find myself doing in every spare moment.

So - I'm still looking for a hobby.  Who would have thought that something as small as a hobby would be so involved???

Strive for 5 and the Summer 15 Pound Challenge

Ok - so I've made up my mind! I have gained 80 pounds and it MUST go!!! I have a plan and it goes into action soon!!!

A friend of mine, Ang, has a challenge on her blog. It's the Summer 15 Pound Challenge. The challenge is to lose 15 pounds in the summer months (June, July and August). That equals out to 5 pounds a month. I am taking the challenge. It will help to have some support and comraderie for this.

So I figured that I would take the challenge one step further and call it Strive for Five. That is - lose 5 pounds a month until this weight is gone.

I will do this by eating right and exercising. I also realize that I am not perfect and bad days/bad eating decisions will happen.

Slow and easy wins the race!!

Thank you Ang for this challenge! I look forward to it!!!!

NREMT-B

Ok - so I got the results of the National Registry exam that I took yesterday. I checked and checked from the moment I got home yesterday until I found out at 1:00 this afternoon.

So - it's official. I passed my exam!!! I can now put NREMT-B after my name!!!

I'm now nationwide baby!!!!! I'm sooooooooo excited!!!

Ok - now what can I study??? I'll have to work on that one. I'm thinking paramedic next!

National Registry

I just got back from taking the National Registry for EMT-B test. I've studied hard for a long time for this test. I felt like I had a long time to study but it came quick.

I got to the testing center 45 minutes early. They tell you to get there 15 minutes early for the check in procedures. I was way early but the employees at the center were glad because I was the last tester of the day.

When I got there they asked me for two forms of identification, fingerprinted me (computerized), took my picture and had me sign a form. I was then directed to put all my personal items - coat, wallet, etc - in a locker and to keep the key. The only things I could take into the testing room were my driver's license for identification and the key to my locker. I was then fingerprinted again, had to show my driver's license again and was led to my testing station. I, in some ways, felt more like I had committed a crime and was being arrested instead of taking a test!!! LOL

The test was computerized. I had 2 hours to complete the test. There was no set amount of questions. The computer was testing for competency. I get a pass/fail not a number/letter grade. I felt like the test was over too fast. I had a time remaining counter on the computer screen and the test only took me 29 1/2 minutes.

I felt like it was too short a test. I text messaged a friend of mine who has just recently taken a National Registry test. She said that generally if the test was short you did good. I sure hope so! I don't feel like I did very well.

I will know my results within 2 business days. I feel like I'll be on pins and needles until I find out.

I will post and let you all know how I did when I get my results.

Whew!!!

I see dead people.....

Yesterday I got to go to cadaver lab.  I had never been before so I didn't quite know what to expect.  I had heard that the smell of formaldehyde was horrible.  I had visions of cadavers that would leave me screaming for the door!

Well - it was none of that.  In fact, it was quite interesting.  I got to do and see things that I never would have seen had it not been for cadaver lab.

I got to see the structures, up close and personal, of the airway.  I also got to feel them.  I now have a better idea of what I'm doing as an EMT.

They let me intubate, insert a chest tube, do a surgical airway, insert an IO IV (IV into the bone), do a needle chest decompression and a whole lot more.

I am looking forward to more cadaver labs in the future.  I'm also going to see if I can set up observing an autopsy.  I'm sure I'd learn a LOT there!!