Nick's Blog

Random though #382

2009-08-19T19:42:00.001-07:00

So, Yesterday I went to the grocery store and among other things, I bought a bag of baby carrots. Today, I open the bag and it suddenly occurs to me for the first time.....These carrots are all of perfect uniform shape and size. Its like they were all cloned. I know they don't grow like this. Do I want to know the process by which they make this happen? No, I don't, but I wonder anyway....hmmm...its probably like a bad Cheezit commercial......They probably get liquified and squeezed out of a tube by 5 year old in a sweat shop in Taiwan...maybe not....

Anyway, its been a few days, everything has been going great. I mean, what more could a guy ask for? The cockroaches here are bigger and can fly. Publix grocery stores are monopolized and outnumber people 4/1....And lizards out number Publix grocery stores 250/1....AND.....baby carrots are in fact uniform in shape and size.....just like everywhere else....Awesome...because, its so nice to not play the guessing game when reaching for a carrot...."...Oh man, I hope it is at least a good bite size....but I don't want it to be 2 whole bites.....That would STINK!!!! I might have to sue somebody if that happened...."

Anyway, I just got home from church awhile ago and it was awesome...It was a college and career group that meets every week and it was really awesome. I met so many awesome people, its nice to have people to talk to besides phone calls from home. Im really greatful. And for the rest of the week, I am out on the street as a third rider on an ambulance...which I am really happy about....I don't know how many more lectures I could have sat through. So, I am definately looking forward to tomorrow. Love you all, Ill write again soon,

Starting Sunstar

2009-08-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday, I started my 3 week long orientation for Sunstar. YAYYYYY!!!! (not really). It its going to be a long one. For the next 21 days, I will be drowning in a sea of bland powerpoint slides and boring lectures (by no fault of anyone but the deathly uninteresting material). For example, matterial such as: Don't drive like an idiot, and don't perform open heart surgery in the back of your ambulance, and don't run over your patients with the ambulance, and don't drop patients down 4 flights of stairs....catching the theme????? Actually, the best part of it is the occasional clip popping up on the slide from one of two movies; "Mother Jugs and Speed" or "Bringing out the Dead". Basically a perfect example of what not to do.... So, its been interesting....I am suppost to start riding on the street in two weeks...I really can't wait.

On another note: There are lizzards everywhere! Its kind of cool when I walk through the grass pretty much anywhere....I see these little brown or green streaks running away from me through the blades of grass....It was really trippy at first, but now I just find it entertaining....When I asked the people that live here what kind of lizzards they are, most replied: "They're just lizzards...I don't know..." And apparently, they are the kind that shed their tails when they need to escape predators. This facinates me and probably indirectly entertains my neighbors due to the fact that Ive been trying so hard lately to spook one enough to get its tale to fall off. I think I might look like a dumb redneck when I do this...Oh well....I haven't had any luck so far....I guess Im not that intimidating....

The Move

2009-08-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the only regrets so far from making this move is: due to the fact that it happened so fast, I wasn't able to tell all the people I care about. For example, I called my cousin on the way down to FL because it just then occured to me that she had know idea I was moving 1100 miles away. So for those of you who had late or no notice of me leaving, please don't be offended. It was a crazy time for me and there were several factors that made it uncertain until the last minute if it was actually going to happen.

So, I did in fact make it, if you didn't already figure from facebook status. I made it with no more than I could fit in my truck (and my jetskis) Duh.... Mom has a picture of how high things were stacked in the bed of my truck. It was scary at times on the way down, but God allowing, I did in fact make it without any issues.

So I've been moving into my appartment little by little. Ive been running around to people on craigslist for furnature here and there. I bought a really nice couch for $50 yesterday from a guy in Tampa. Its green cordoroy....so what Patti....Friends was filmed in the 90's and that entire appartment probably still isn't out of style. (Patti told me "Cordoroy is SOOO 90's." Whatever.....). I've been really trying to make this place not look like a bachelor pad. I think I've been doing okay, I know the kitchen does but I don't care, I like the license plates.... I guess I'll find out how I did when Mom comes.....(haha).. My bedroom is still completely empty and I will be sleeping on an air mattress until I can afford to get a bed but Ive been sleeping great on it. Here's a few more pictures of the appartment....

Anyway, my appartment is in a really nice complex with really great people. Its in a really good area and its only 2 minutes from where I work and 5 minutes from the beach where I've been running a few miles every day I've been here (Awesome)...Needless to say, Im thrilled about my living arrangements.

God has been so good to me over the past week. I was so thankful just to get here safely. My truck was so weighed down from all my stuff and pulling a trailer, I wasn't so sure it was going to make it at times, especially in the hilly areas of Tennessee. But God allowing, I made it. Ive also met so many friendly people. I always heard that people were friendly around here and they really are. People will just strike up conversations with you in the grocery store. Its kind of nice when you don't know anybody. I went to a church right down the street from me this morning and loved it. The people there were really great and I got hooked up with a weekly college age group meeting there. Im kind of excited about that. Even people like my landlord, the painters, and the maintainance guys from the appartment complex were all really cool. I've been thanking God so much lately for even the smallest things working out so well. I was really nervous about this move but its been really great so far and I love it here.

On the other hand, I miss all you guys at home. As much as I love it here, it has made me realize how much I left behind. Its a shocker being so far away because Ive realized how my family and friends play such a huge role in my life. I also really miss Maxine. There is a dog park right next to my building, which is torturous sometimes.

Well, I will try to keep this updated so I can keep up with everyone at home. I really want to thank everyone who helped me with the move....

My Mom and Aunt Judy for cleaning out their kitchen drawers....I am definately well equiped for just about anything cooking wise...And the table works perfectly...I love it...

My Dad for taking me out shopping for all the things I probably would have forgot....

And my sisters for just being supportive of everything...I know its hard for April because I left right before she came home. It would have been fun to live with you again....Maybe some day....

Well, I will update again soon, hopefully.....

My latest Missouri trip!

2008-11-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well, It has been awhile since my last post, but I was just waiting for something exciting enough to write about. This last weekend, I drove down to Missouri to see Stacey. It was a long ride but always well worth the trip. I have been needing to get away from my busy life here and have some fun.

I was happy to finally meet Stacey and Dustin's new puppy, "Deisel".

And yes, she is wearing a sweater! (Mom bought it and made me bring it). I thought that was a "lonely old lady thing" to do to your ugly toy poodle, but hey, thats just me talking.

But she is really cute, as you can see. She is really spunky and playful. I brought Maxine along for the trip and by the end of the first day, Diesel was chasing her around the living room.

But for most of the weekend, Stacey, Dustin, and I went backpacking along the Buffalo River in Arkansas with three of their friends. No toilets, no showers,no city lights, nothing that weighs more than ten pounds and doesn't fit in a backpack. It was a blast! This place was out in the middle of nowhere. We had to drive almost 20 minutes on this mud road through the woods just to get there. By the time we got to the trailhead, it was almost ten at night. I must say, hiking in the dark is a very cool experience. The moonlight was so bright out there we barely needed a flashlight....Luckily it was a clear night.

The scenery was amazing. The trails we were on passed a ton of lookout points and clifftops. I really didn't think Arkansas had that kind of landscape.

All three days put together, we covered about 14 miles. Maxine did so well. We got her her own backpack so she caried all her food and a few other things. She was a trooper. I didnt think she was tired until the ride home on sunday when she slept the whole 8 hour ride home and most of monday.

All in all, it was a great trip. I haven't been on a trip like that in so long. It feels good to be self sufficient. I like not having to rely on so much modern technology and comforts. It was also a blast to spend some time with Stacey and Dustin. I wish it was easier to come down there more often.

Catching everyone up!

2008-09-11T21:30:00.002-07:00

So....Its been awhile. I'm just starting to get my head together after finishing school and I thought I should update this. April won't get off my back until I do. So there are several a few exciting things happening these days with me. Most people know that I in the testing process for Milwaukee Fire which is very exciting for me. Its one department that I have been wanting to test for since I gratuated high school so I am hoping for the best. I took the written a few weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back, but none of the people I took it with have either. Im just waiting to hear about that.

I Finally graduated paramedic school last week! Im really excited. My State Exam is the 22nd of this month. If I pass that, Ill be a licensed paramedic....

I also got my first fire with the fire department. I wish I had pictures. It was a car that caught on fire while in a garage and burned the garage down. It was awesome just to be on a fire even though it wasn't that glorious. I just ended up pulling hose but it made my week anyway.

I hope everyone remembered september 11th today, I've been thinking about that alot this week....

Well, Ill try to be more consistent with my updates here, Im sure all three of you will appreciate that.

Catching everyone up!

2008-09-11T21:30:00.001-07:00

A few things that made me laugh this week...

2007-12-19T20:33:00.000-08:00

"...I was feeling a bit depressed the other day, so I called Lifeline

I was put through to a call center outsourced in Saudi Arabia

I explained that I was feeling suicidal

They were very excited at this news............

and wanted to know if I could drive a truck..."

www.badgerbadgerbadger.com

On a more serious note....

2007-12-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

I take my last state exam for the fire academy this friday. Its the hardest of three. I passed the other two with decent grades and Im decently confident with the but it will be tough. Its comprised mostly of all the boring and tedious stuff that I'm suppost to know. Please pray that I pass it.
I can't believe its almost over..............

Pot Smokers

2007-12-12T18:55:00.001-08:00

I have never done drugs. But today, I gained an appreciation for those who do. Check out this beautiful piece of brain rotting, time wasting entertainment.
http://www.badgerbadgerbadger.com/
Don't watch it for too long......Trust me.

Of the utmost urgency,

2007-09-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

Halo III is Freakin Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is all.....

Frustrating Day.

2007-09-29T21:32:00.001-07:00

I backed into a car with an ambulance. Lots of fines, idiot cops, and one angry boss. Ill never do that again, thats for sure...

Simply: CARRIBOU COFFEE

2007-09-29T21:18:00.001-07:00

Carribou Coffee made simple,

PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE!

OKAY,

Me Drinking Carribou Coffee... yummm!!!

Carribou Coffee makes me happy!!!! Whoohooo!!!! This Day could not get any better!!!!!!!!!

No more coffee!?! Very sad.....

THANK YOU, ILL BE HERE ALL WEEK!

2007-08-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Random thought #102
So Im sitting at Condell Hospital in the main lobby and I noticed that they had a big revolving door. "Where am I going with this?" you might add? "Lots of big buildings have revolving doors like shopping malls, public buildings, and train stations." Good point, BUT!!!! Not only did this door revolve, it revolved by itself...THATS RIGHT PEOPLE! Even when people aren't using it, it still spins. Apparently it has some sort of "energy wasting" contraption built right in that allows it to not only needlessly spin all day long, but also allowing the air conditioned air out of the building while bringing the hot and humid air inside with each and every revolution. HURRAY FOR THE WONDERS OF TECHNOLOGY! WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT! What are the benefits of a revolving door? Especially a SELF-revolving door. One problem is the door spins ten times slower than the average human walks. AND THEY PUT ONE AT THE ENTRENCE OF THE EMERGENCY ROOM? Since most people who go to the E.R. are a pint or two low on blood and running for their lives for medical attention carrying a severed limb with them in a bag of ice, I don't think that it is too smart to install a SELF revolving door that spins at .02 miles an hour at the entrence. That's just me, what do I know? I can just see it now, A “Joe Shmo Landscaping Service” truck pulls into the parking lot of the ER carrying Joe’s young and not so bright apprentice, Emilio because he severed the better half of his ear trying to figure out if the lawn mower was turned on. (Turned out his suspicions were put to rest) So anyway, he's running towards the door of the E.R. He’s making great time so far. Turns out he might not die of blood loss after all. WAIT. He gets to the door, then he must wait for the next space in the revolving door to come around because he could not get there in time. He can’t push the door because it is automatic, he might break it and get sued. The door is wicked cool looking and Emilio thinks this worthless contraption might be worth more than his life. He cannot afford to take that chance. HURRY EMILIO!!!! He waits. Minutes pass....Then he is finally able to jump in. He is inside the door now. There is no turning back, he is trapped. If he tries to return the way he came, the door will strike his foot, stop revolving, and an automated voice will politely ask him to step forward. Once he does, the door continues revolving and he is FINALLY back on track. Emilio is not even half way through the death door and losing more blood by the minute. A few more minutes pass, Emilio is finally able to get out of the revolving door. But wait, Emilio has fallen asleep while walking through the door because he has been walking too slow. Still fatally bleeding, he is force to go one more complete revolution….. No just kidding, so he gets out and continues running for medical attention, as he was before he met his nemesus…. that is the SELF revolving door. Emilio finally gets medical attention. He is one of the lucky ones.

2007-08-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Houdy folks!
In case you were wondering what this all is, I do infact have a blog. I know, "SHOCKER!" Yeah well I probably won't be posting as much as you all would like. So if you are the type that would be now planning on obsessively checking this everyday to read something new, you might want to look into some sort of therapy because you will, at some point, be extremely frusterated. (end of discamer).

So I guess I should give you all some sort of update..... Actually, Ive really only been busy working all summer. I'm counting myself lucky I have a somewhat cool job. For those of you who do not know, I have been working at Superior Ambulance as an EMT since January. I really love it! I also just recently got a position at Winthrop Harbor Fire Dept. in June. This has also been a blast and Im looking forward to starting Firefighter II training at the end of this month. I must say, this is the first year of my life that I actually wished the summer would end so that I could start school. Crazy, Huh? Anyways......

Random thought #101:
You know those shoes that have the wheels on them? You know, the ones that all the "cool" kids on the block in America seem to have. Yes, those! Whats the problem you might ask? LITTLE KIDS SUCK AT USING THEM! Thats the problem. Do you know how many squirty, snot-nosed little rugrats roll right into my knee caps at the grocery store on a daily basis? It gets old. yes, OLD! REAL FAST! Kinda like Jimmyjohns delivery....Awe Jimmyjohns!!!! Tasty! Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, Its like everytime I turn around theres this little hillary duff wanabe tripping over my feet. And of course these stupid shoes dont have brakes, no that would be smart! we cant have that! You know, after a few times of getting pegged in shins by foreheads, I started looking out and waiting for those little punks to roll my way. Then when they get close, throw in a hip check....I dont even care anymore! Ill body check those little tykes clear across the isle!

People, it gets worse! Then these little kids give you, YES YOU! ......THE LOOK. Not, "Im sorry, or excuse me." "SIR." NO! The LOOK! What is the look im referring too you might ask? Its the "What the Hell is your gigantor behind doing in my roller rink" LOOK. YES! That is the look Im refering to. Every time I get that look, and yes, I get it quite often, I wish a little bit of death upon the moron who invented these contraptions. Sometimes I just want to punt those little punks at THAT guys lower extremeties!!! HOW DO YOU LIKE IT "MR. ROLLING SHOE INVENTER GUY."