In the last 34 hrs I accomplished the following:

1 ten hour afternoon tour (that became eleven and a half hours)

followed by

1 eight hour overnight tour

followed by

getting home in time for a shower and change of clothes

before

getting back on the train to open the bookstore

followed by

working another eight hours

then finally getting back home

and doing a load of laundry so that I have something resembling clean uniforms...

...And discovering that my loan application for next year's full tuition at my chere college was approved.

So yes, the last 34 hrs without sleep were worth it. Completely and entirely worth it.

Dear EMS powers-that-be: STOP CHANGING MY EFFING SCHEDULED PARTNERS. I don't like working with a new person every single shift. I like coming in brain dead and half-done with my caffeinated beverage and having someone who already knows that I'm not fit for human interaction for at least three hours, and that I love to tech, and that I like bottom on stretcher, and that I take my second set of vitals in the bus before we leave the scene. I like predictable routine, ladies and gentlemen. Having a good relationship with your partner makes for better patient care. Building a new one every effing morning when I'm already grumpy and sarcastic as hell? Not ideal. I'm just saying.

In other news, I got promoted to manager at the bookstore. Yes, pay raise. Yes, staying part time.

Because standing in one place all day is starting to become a foreign concept...

Things I like:

Rubberbands shaped like sea animals.

Fruit bowls with just kiwi, strawberries and blueberries.

Movies about babies.

Ginger lemon white chocolate from Dylan's Candy Bar.

First firefly of the summer.

Also, my friends.

<3

Driving Code 3 (Or Code 1, for us Non-911 EMS)

This is why you alwaysalwaysalways STOP and LOOK before proceeding through intersections. Even if the light is green, there might be another emergency vehicle coming against the regular traffic rules. Props to these drivers. :)

Glucose Measuring Tattoo?

Can we just appreciate how awesome this is? Because this is AWESOME.

Nano Ink Tattoo Could Monitor Diabetes - DiscoveryNews

Who doesn't want a tattoo that changes colors depending on the glucose levels in their skin?

Wind Shear. Also Known As: Why I HATE Bridges

The New York Metro Area has 2,027 bridges and tunnels. Tunnels are easy. Make sure you've got enough clearance for your ambulance and don't change lanes.

Bridges are a whole other story. Single level suspension bridges have minor wind shear to begin with. Keep both hands steady on the wheel and stay in your lane.

Now, when you're in the ambulance that drives like a poor abused dog because it's been in too many accidents, this is a little more difficult. Every little bump and dip will send you drifting into your neighboring lane.

When you're in the aforementioned ambulance crossing a long suspension bridge in a spontaneous monsoon on an emergency call...

...you will be honked at. Repeatedly.

Safety suggestions, according to my partner:
1. Slow down
2. Open front windows of vehicle
3. Change to middle lane (the left lane is not your friend, that divider makes the situation worse)

Safety suggestions, according to the American Red Cross:
1. Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
2. Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
3. Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.
4. Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as a truck, van, SUV, or when towing a trailer, as these are more prone to be pushed or even flipped by high wind gusts.
5. If winds are severe enough to prevent safe driving, get onto the shoulder of the road and stop, making sure you are away from trees or other tall objects that could fall onto your vehicle. Stay in the car and turn on the hazard lights until the wind subsides.

So here's some information on wind shear and suspension bridges. (Don't read stuff about the Tacoma Bridge. It's not reassuring.)

Suspension Bridges - bukisa.com

Wind Shear - Wikipedia.com

High Wind Safety Tips - American Red Cross

Driving In High Winds - Midas