isolation

We just picked up a patient who was in "isolation" for a respiratory infection. The guy was in a room in the hospital all by himself for two weeks. He said thanks right away for picking him up since he was WAY ready to leave the place, and after our 15 mile transport to the next hospital we were taking him to he said: "I basically talked your partner's ear off back here.. I haven't talked to anyone in a while."

My heart.

I forget sometimes how our patients must feel, especially the ones who can't verbalize their emotions. Most especially the ones who don't have anyone to talk to.

And it's not just patients that this applies to.. those encountered on a day to day basis need some love and attention. I forget that sometimes.

6am

that's the time i woke up today. for work- of course! i dunno who wakes up at 6am 'cause they want to.. i'm guessing productive people do.

but yes- 8am starts are always fun.. waking up when the sun isn't out yet, battling traffic on the way to work..

wish i had a picture to post from what i did at work today! as a new hire they have me floating around each schedule working shifts at the most random times.. monday i worked a 24hr shift and finally got to spike a saline bag, yesterday i started at 11am and worked a 9hr shift, and today was the special day- a 5hr shift working a fire drill in Montebello..

today was pretty fun.. it looked something like this..

and i looked something like this
doing something like this..
we had a cool simulated mass-casualty incident where we had to wheel patients over to triage areas then transport them on our gurney to the nearest hospital.

had time to relax today after getting off early so after my super exciting shift i baked cookies, watched BOLT finally, drank a 50/50 from It's A Grind and re-watched the last episode of community! I AM SO buying the season when it comes out on DVD... =)

one thing i do in my spare time

77 words

Speed test

from Oakland Children's Hospital Website

Protect yourself and others. Follow these flu prevention tips:

HOTLINE_ 510-428-3080

Swine Flu Information (.pdf)

1. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person to person through droplets transmitted when infected people cough or sneeze. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after you cough or sneeze, and after all exposures to sick people or animals.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
That's how germs are spread.

3. If ill, stay at home and limit your contact with other people.

4. Inform your doctor if you or someone in your family becomes ill with flu-like symptoms.
Especially if you have been around pigs, traveled to an area with a known swine flu outbreak, or had contact with someone diagnosed with swine flu.

5. Stay at home if you have a fever above 100ºF (37.8ºC) along with:

• a sore throat and/or cough;
• any more severe respiratory symptoms.

6. Do not go to work and do not send children to school if they are sick with these or any additional symptoms.

7. Carefully follow medical instructions.
If you are a parent visiting a child in the hospital who has known or suspected swine flu you will be given specific instructions about:

• How to use personal protective equipment.
• How to wear gowns, gloves and masks.
• Always washing your hands after leaving the patient's bedside.

8. If ill, do not come into the hospital to visit children.
If you are sick or have any of these symptoms: a runny nose, congestion, watery eyes, or a new or unknown rash, you will not be allowed to visit.

9. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

#371.

Just to see how it feels, for the next 24 hours refrain from criticizing anyone and anything.

#357.

Evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else's.

#322.

Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.

Fr.Al says

stretch those spiritual muscles!

Josh corrected me: work out those spiritual muscles, everyone..

TODAY.

For Immediate Release: February 14^th2009

Contact: Jenah Yangwas 415.505.0620

Rick Cantora 415.215.7920

Valerie Fernandez 510.672.0522

$15,000 PAYOFF FAILS TO ADDRESS 63 YEARS OF INJUSTICE

“Waiver/Release Provisions” pertaining to these veterans in the Stimulus Plan denies chance for Filipino Veterans to receive full recognition

The San Francisco community including entities such as the Veterans Equity Center and the Student Action for Veterans Equity (S.A.V.E.), a coalition comprised of students from colleges and universities, advocates, youth and community supporters will host a press conference on February 18th, 2009, on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. This day marks the 63rd year since the enactment of the Rescission Act which deemed the service of Filipino Veterans during WWII as inactive, stripping them from all of the benefits that were promised for their service under the United States flag.

As written, the Stimulus Plan includes provisions directly affecting the Filipino WWII veterans and their fight for equal treatment. Essentially if the Stimulus Plan is enacted, the Filipino WWII veterans would receive only a one-time payoff of approximately $15,000 for those living in the United States while Filipino WWII veterans living elsewhere, including in the Philippines, would receive about $9,000. The money stated does not fully compensate for decades of discrimination and years of receiving nothing for their service.

Many are outraged for several legitimate reasons including that the brave military services of the Filipino WWII veterans would be relegated to a mere "lump sum" payment amounting to a little over a year's worth of what they would receive on Supplemental Security Income (SSI); this after 63 years of waiting to be treated equal to their U.S. counterparts. To make matters even more controversial, a release provision is embedded within the language of the Stimulus bill which waives the rights of the Filipino WWII veterans from asking for further redress. In essence, this waiver of rights would release the U.S. Government from further addressing the issue in the future and would result in the final blow of injustice to the veterans.

Filipino World War II Veterans deserve equal treatment and the full benefits that were promised to them by the US Government, such as pensions, status, etc., which will not be provided by the Stimulus Plan. It is important that Congress recognizes that a wrong cannot be corrected by creating another wrong.
SAVE sees the $198 million for "lump sum" payments as the beginning (not final) contribution to these veterans. The presence of the Filipino WWII veterans in the Stimulus Bill should stimulate Congress to secure the financial support required in treating these veterans equally -- in compensation, status, recognition, etc. -- particularly since majority are now in their mid to late 80's in age. They've waited for far too long and over 80% have already died without receiving their deserved equal treatment. The fight is not over and we will continue to advocate and hope that this injustice will be addressed before more veterans pass away.

Restore Equal Treatment for the Filipino WWII Veterans!
Waiver/Release Provisions in the Stimulus Plan Continues to Deny Veterans True Justice
Remember the courageous lives of our Filipino WWII veterans and their service under the U.S. flag!

#306.

Judge your success by the degree that you're enjoying peace, health, and love.

from the book..

284. Never underestimate your power to change yourself.

285. Never overestimate your power to change others.

newspaper clip from a month ago

One new goal: Read the newspaper more.

25 low-cost, maximum-impact tips for a green 2009

Cameron Scott, Special to SFGate.com, Friday, January 9, 2009

1. The single largest impact you can have as an individual is to drive less by car-pooling, biking, walking, or using public transit. Find suggestions for decreasing your reliance on your car here.

2. Maintaining correct air pressure in your car's tires can significantly increase fuel efficiency. Check tire pressure once a a month.

3. Help end the junk mail madness. Dramatically reduce the amount you receive by following these instructions, and sign a petition demanding a national Do Not Mail registry here.

4. Replace all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents and save about $100 over each bulb's life. Find low-priced bulbs by looking for PG&E "Save" stickers on bulbs at Walgreen's, Rite Aid and other local stores.

5. If you buy new appliances, make sure to buy energy-efficient models labeled "Energy Star." These models can cut energy use in half. Look for rebates here. A 2009 federal tax credit is also available for some EnergyStar products.

6. S.F. Public Utilities Commission customers can pick up free aerated faucets or showerheads at the PUC offices. EBMUD customers, inquire about rebates here. You'll reduce your water use — and the electricity required to treat and heat it — without even noticing a difference.

7. Stop buying expensive and toxic cleaning products. You can accomplish nearly all household cleaning and maintenance tasks with vinegar, baking soda, and boric acid. Download natural cleanser recipes here.

8. Unplugging electronics, including microwaves and chargers, when not in use will shave about 5 percent off your electric bill.

9. Buy only what you'll eat. Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gases, and Americans waste at least 20 percent of their food.

10. Eat less red meat, and buy only grass-fed or organic meat. Feedlot operations produce large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and pollute water. Find tips on sustainable meat eating on Gastronicity.

11. Avoid processed foods whenever possible. Processing and packaging make processed foods' environmental footprint bigger than natural foods', and many contain palm oil, production of which is the primary cause of deforestation in Asian rainforests.

12. Wear a sweater this winter. Invest in an Energy Star programmable thermostat, and set it to 65 - 67 degrees when you are home. You'll make a big dent in your heating bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

13. You can save up to 30 percent on your energy bills by sealing all leaks in your house using caulk or foam. Learn how to locate leaks here.

14. Keep your hot water heater set at 120 degrees, or the "normal" setting. Water heating accounts for nearly 15 percent of your monthly bill.

15. Perform routine maintenance on your furnace, including filters and ducts, to keep heating costs down. Learn more here.

16. Wash only full loads of laundry and use natural detergent. Using the cold cycle can reduce your electricity use by 90 percent. Clean the lint filter before you put clothes in the dryer, and remove them as soon as they're dry.

17. Use the dishwasher! A full Energy Star model uses less water than hand washing does. Just be sure to choose the air-dry setting.

18. Maintain freezer temperature at 0 degrees, and refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees (but no warmer).

19. Replace as much of your yard as possible with native plants that require minimal watering. Experts believe California is entering a serious drought. Find SFGate's tips on water-conserving landscaping here.

20. If you're in the market for furniture, buy used. If you must buy new, avoid rainforest hardwoods including mahogany and teak.

21. Use paperless bill-paying for all of your bills, and ask about paperless direct deposit stubs at your place of work.

22. Ask the IT department at your office set computers to turn off after an hour and make double-sided printing the default setting.

23. Dispose of old electronics using a certified recycling program. Otherwise, your gadget may be shipped to China and dumped in a landfill there. Alameda and San Francisco counties offer services and information.

24. Make sure to take advantage of your city's recycling and composting programs. Many recyclables still end up in landfills. Learn more about San Francisco's program here, and Oakland's here.

25. Travel ready! Carry a portable mug for coffee stops and canvas or recycled-plastic bags to do grocery shopping. You can get a shopping tote by donating to some green groups or by making one yourself.

life!

that is the first word in my blackbook.. and it has an exclamation after it just like in this title.

one book i've been reading a lot is The Complete Life's Little Instruction Book.. and here are some lines i really like...

186. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

187. Be insatiably curious. Ask "why" a lot.

188. Measure people by the size of their hearts, not the size of their bank accounts.

189. Have good posture. Enter a room with purpose and confidence.

190. Don't worry that you can't give your kids the best of everything. Give them your very best.

...

250. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.

251. Take care of those you love.

252. Keep it simple.

the meaning of a system

i dropped off my certification materials to the county today.. and they said it would take another 2 weeks for me to get my EMT card! c'mon people! i know there needs to be a system.. but serrriously?!

first i needed to take my class (=about 160 hours of lecture and skills traning), then i had to do an externship, which required me following around an ER Tech like a puppy and sitting in the back of an ambulance van listening to men talk about the women they're dating.. for 10 hours each. great. waited for my instructor to clear me for the test.. took the test.. PASSED!.. had to get fingerprinted.. had to get a cashier's check.. had to drive to San Leandro to turn the ish in... and this was all starting in July! i know i can be inefficient at times, but i tried my best to be on top of the deadlines.. and now i gotta wait for my card before i can apply to jobs and i have to take another DMV test so i can drive that ambulance around. grrrreat. hopefully it will all be finished so i can have a job by the time i get back to Oakland in January and pay for all this stuff the stupid system is making me pay for. if you know of places that are hiring, pleeease tell me.. =)

[going on my Thankful blog]

my mind won't let me sit at a work desk any longer.

advent conspiracy

that was the name of this video

2 things

1) I believe in karma
2) I've become more paranoid

KARMA is real..
besides the smelly, germy guy sitting next to me on the bus after I said in my head "WHY DID THAT GUY PUT HIS BACKPACK ON THE TRASH CAN!" my days of not studying finally kicking me in the butt and running me over reaffirm this belief. now I find myself having to study all the time.. and in a position I never though I would be in. at this age I thought I would be going to med school or doing something BIG! instead I'm RE-TAKING statistics (all because of a stupid -).. and almost failing Microbio while going over EMT lessons so I can finally take my test (I PROMISE it will be within the week). I still wonder where my brain went after high school...

I'm PARANOID of germs (most of the time.. can't you just imagine them being life-size!), the dark ('cause you can't see! and you hear weird things), and whatever they show on NCIS: bad guys looking totally innocent, secrets of the government, and technology. on an episode they showed the team hacking into a webcam that wasn't being used.. and from then on I've realized you never know who's watching.. so I close my computer. but I think they have more important people to watch than civilians...

better than music.

what's better? listening to conversations on bus rides home..

[shortened version.. i wish i could include those brackets like in church readings for an extended version but this is the gist of it]

guy: i figured it was better not to do anything 'cause what could i tell the judge in the morning? i go to school, work, and last night got in a fight with this guy who stole my weed? even though he was crazy, i couldn't do anything..

girl: well, times are tough. i was sitting on the back of the bus getting threats from this guy, and all i could think of was, i deal with ppl like you at work.. you know, since i'm a social worker. i told the bus driver, "hey, just think you should know that i'm being threatened back there." and you know what he said? "what do you want me to do about it?" i told him, "thought you would want to know about it, 'cause you know, it's your bus." it's a rough time for everyone.

guy: yeah, and you know, the funny thing is people don't realize it's our society that perpetuates it. we're told to think that we need nice clothes so we can look good, all those fancy things, whatever... getting jobs 'cause they pay lots of money.

girl: exactly. but what i think it really is, is that there isn't enough money for people to get an education. and i think that's important. before i came to Cal i was like that too, going through life not knowing that these decisions were being made for me. then i took classes

guy: like psychology, english? all those thick books filled with knowledge..

girl: yeah, and sociology too.. those are all good. so you can't blame them, 'cause it's really not their fault they don't know any better. and that's why i want to do the work i do.. i feel like it will help people realize things they didn't even think of before.

guy: what's that type of person called? when you're influenced by your environment?

girl: i know what you're talking about.. yeah, most people are like that. until you realize that there's other knowledge out there you're stuck in the world you're in.

guy: when's it gonna change?

girl: when there's a revolution. and it's gonna be soon. well, it's gonna get a lot worse before it gets better. and we got to realize that we shouldn't be going against ourselves, we should be rising up together. but i mean, it's starting.. the revolution is.. just like how the french people overthrew their government. it's gonna happen if people don't see things are changing. 'cause we need something to change.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND THAT REMINDED ME WHY I'M HERE- to hear coversations like that ('cause i definitely did not make that up) and to keep questioning what my purpose in life is... i really do think we all have a purpose. it just takes some a longer time to figure out what it is.

MINI!

there's a field trial for the NEW 100% electric MINIcooper! to be eligible for the 1 yr lease you have to live in southern california or NY/NJ area.. someone do it so i can ride in it! ^_^

if you're going to the new California Academy of Sciences, don't look! highlights..

glad the Philippines is the richest of something..
i'm sure so many others thought this too.
(like Josh.. pointing..)

this wall was larger than life.
i liked the jellyfish-ish thing..

thumbs up for colonization.

probably one of the coolest things. i recommend going here first 'cause then you go down to the aquarium after..

i love SF.
more pictures on facebook..

blankies!

make awesome tents! i slept here two nights.. ^_^ this is one of my favorite things to do.. i don't know if i could handle sleeping in real tents. in the woods. with bugs.