Literary Selfie

This kind of cracks me up :-)

Happy Reading Everybody!

32YOF Reads EMS Book By NREMT-P

I was going to write this post like I write my patient reports...but then I remembered people might actually want to read this at some point :-)  The reason for this burst of medical creativity is I just finished reading a book called A Paramedic's Story: Life, Death and Everything in Between by Steven "Kelly" Grayson.  This book is not one that lends itself to synopsis, so I will just jump right into rambling about it.

I originally picked this book up for EMS week, and the author regularly posts on EMS1.com and I have enjoyed those.  The book is pretty much a look at the authors EMS life through quick little stories about calls he has run through out his career.  Not a whole lot I can say about the actual content other then it is exactly that, a few pages on each call he chose to wrote about.  I enjoyed reading about the calls in this Louisiana parish that the author worked in for many years.  It was interesting to see how they handle calls, what rules they have that we don't and vice versa, the resources they may or may not have, and different issues they may be concerned about. The structure was a bit rough for me.  I felt like he kept referring to events that we should know about, but had never been discussed.  A lot of times the story would just end, with no resolution to what happened, for example the last sentence in one story is how he and a Dr. were named as primary defendants in a malpractice suite...and that was it, it was never mentioned again.  I would have liked to at least know the outcome of that case as it would be a good teaching moment.  I also wanted to know more about the author personally, he would give us tantalizing tidbits, but rarely any linear cohesiveness...if that makes any sense. I also wanted just a touch more background on the stories, I was never sure where he was at for most of the calls.  My overall impression of the book is that I was intrigued, but I wanted more of everything.  In some ways I think the telling of "calls" works best in person.  Our favorite past time at the station is all gathering around, the table, the grill, the alarm room, the rigs, whatever and share stories over and over again.  This is how we pass stuff on to the new recruits, how we brag, how we bond and as well written as these calls are, it loses something in being read and not told.  I love reading the authors blog, and would love to actually meet him in person and hear his stories.  I give this book a 6 out of 10 lights and sirens.
Do you like to read books that relate to your work?  What are some of the oral vs written story issues?  Do you ever feel like trying to write down your crazy work experiances?

Maya Angelou

It is a sad day today, Maya Angelou has died.  This amazing woman is probably most known for her work I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in which she tells her own story.

This strong, yet gentle woman has touched countless people of ever age, color, creed and gender across many countries with her poet's gift.  Aside from sharing her life in her autobiographies and poems she has shared herself with the world through music, acting an writing for tv and movies.  This multi-talented, unique woman will be very much missed, but her spirit will live on through her works.

Books And Burlesque

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY SIS!!!!!!  My baby sis and her sweet husband came down for the weekend to celebrate her birthday, as an added bonus our brother also showed up to surprise her, fun was had by all.  Later we ditched the boys to head out to the Sax Lounge where we were not only treated like royalty but were privy to the clubs in house burlesque shows as well. I love burlesque, mostly 'cause of the musical Gypsy.  I love the old school sexy, but not completely slutty feel to it, I like that it is a bit more of a show and dance then a strict strip joint kind of deal, also you rarely actually see the naughty bits, just the idea of them. So in honor of that wonderful evening her are some books about the famous Gypsy Rose Lee for you to read and partake in the love of all things burlesque.

Gypsy: A Memoir

Gypsy Rose Lees take on her life

The G-String Murders

A mystery novel written by Gypsy Rose Lee

Mamma Rose's Turn

A biography of Gypsy's mother, who had a substantial influence on her life

Early Havoc

A memoir by Gypsy's sister June, telling a different side of the story

Gypsy

A book version of the famous and most wonderful musical

Hopefully that will give you a well rounded insight into the world of vaudville, burlesque and marathon dancing, with a healthy dose of drama and humor, enjoy.  

On a side note I have an interview in the middle of nowhere tomorrow so I may not get a post up, or it may be late, so you have been warned.  Happy Reading Everybody!

Cold Politics

So I am pretty excited, I got to cross off one of the items on my living in the capital of the US bucket list.  I got to see not one, but TWO presidents speak live.  My ambulance crew did a stand-by (we are part of the team ready to go if any medical problems or injuries occur) for a rally involving President Clinton, President Obama and Dave Matthews!   Regardless of ones political preferences it was very exciting to see the current leader of our country in person.  The only downside to the whole deal was how incredibly cold it was, I like the cold and even I was shivering uncontrollably, we are talking down into the 20's after the sunset.  Oh well over all it was an amazing opportunity that does not come around very often and I was excited and proud to be a part of it.  The whole thing got me thinking about all the different presidents that I remember in my life time and how things have changed and stayed the same all at the same time in the political arena.  Here are some books by the presidents I have been around for starting with the most current.

The Audacity of Hope

Decision Points

My Life

Speaking of Freedom

An American Life

Regardless of your political leanings, I think it is always interesting to read about these administrations from their perspective.  I hope everybody goes out and votes tomorrow 'cause like my Hubbin says, you can't complain if you don't vote.  

What is on your hometown bucket list?  Who would you write in vote for if you knew they could win?  Do you know when the Secret Service says stop, you should listen...quickly?