Random Topic Writing Challenge - #Love

Okay, here's Random Topic Blog #2 (as promised) :-) This time the word I picked from my stash is Love... so let's set that timer.... Done.... and Go.....

LOVE..... Is it really ever possible to really and truly know what love is?? No doubt we've all (well most all anyway) have been the hapless victims of the proverbial schoolgirl/boy crush.. Quite a fitting term don't you think considering that often times youend up getting just that "CRUSHED". But eventually you go beyond that "He's cute" crush and start to think in terms of something more sustantial and lasting.... Maybe even that big M word. Eventually you meet THE ONE - Mr/Mrs. Perfect and you think for sure this is FOREVER or at least you hope, and if your lucky it is (not so lucky on my end...... But in the end I did I end up marrying.... Just not the original one I had thought I would.... Don't you just love when life throughs curve balls at you :-P I'm by no means an expert on love and I can't say that I have the perfect marriage or the ability to advise on how a marriage should be (heck we have enough of our own ups & downs around here) but I will say that love isn't always as you plan it and it's not always perfect or rose colored glasses. Love is sometimes/oftentimes (?) the willingness to stay together despite bumpy roads.

Random Topic Writing Challenge - #Police

I know I've been seriously slacking on this (Okay Okay for penance I'll do two "Random Topic" Blogs tonight. The first up is Police About to set the 5 minute Timer.... Go.

What first comes to mind is the fun I have in following @ArlingtonPD for their #Tweetalongs. @DallasPD has been doing some tweetalong type stuff (though not quite to level of ArlingtonPd) and, from information I've gotten @FortWorthPD is also suppose to be joinging the Tweetalong Song :-P   Even more important than all that though is the fact that these guys are Heroes often times putting themselves into grave danger. You wouldn't think that a routine traffic stop could turn dangerously deadly in seconds.... Think again. So yeah next time you want to mouth off and give a load of crap.... Consider the crap these guys put up with each and every day.... Do they need or deserve yours???? As the common vernacular of the day goes "HELLS to the NO!!!!" (yeah I don't completely understand the phraseology either). GIVE EM A BREAK

Cool!! Another Award - "The Addictive Blog"

The "Addictive Blog" Award!

My writing is so sporadic and so "all over the place" that it is an amazement to me that anyone would even want to stay long enough to peruse my 'jottings' (though it is always my hope that peope will). I greatly appreciate the nomination from Our 24 Year Gap - And since there's no rule saying not too, I'm just gonna HAVE TO put her down as a nomination (and guesss what I'd do it anyway - regarldless of rules :-P ) Ohhh yeah, About them rules:

Thank the person awarding you; Share a little about why you blog and how the journey started; Paste the blog award on your page; Nominate 10 other bloggers you feel deserve the award. Pretty darn simple huh ;-)

The question of how my journey into blogging got started is one I don't even know how to answer. to be honest I can't even tell you when i began to blog (unless I were to take the time to find it somewhere in WordPress, which I'm not taking the time to do right now - SORRY Folks). As to why I blog, well that's a little (but not by much) easier. I blog to share with others thoughts and ideas that come (pop) into my mind. My main area of interest has to do with stuff related to the Emergency Services/ First Responders (aka Firefighters, Paramedic/EMTs, Police Officers), but I enjoy jotting (aka blogging) other thoughts & ideas as well. You might even find a tidbit here and there relating to Social aspects (including Social Media) and writing. As I say in my twitter bio some of my posts are serious, some are funny, some are off-the-wall. Sometimes I'm sharing (what I think is) an important message, Sometimes I'm trying to make you laugh or cry, sometimes I just want you to stop and think! You never know what will pop into my mind and thus unto my blog. Ten Nominees/Blogs to Share

1. Our 24 Year Gap
2. Chasing Revery
3. The World Of My Imagination
4. Writings and Ruminations
5. Social Graphics
6. The Happy Medic
7. MotorCop
8. ProstheticMedic
9. Firefighter/Paramedic Stories
10. Jodi Ambrose's Blog

 

Nominated for Liebster Award - I'm Honored!!

I have to apologize head of time for some of the layout problems in this blog. When I previewed it I noticed there were extra spaces between some lines, but when I went back in to edit there was no way for me to remove those extra lines without everything getting put to close together. I know I took the lazy way out, bu I just decided to say screw it and post "AS IS" Especially because I really needed/wanted to get this posted!!   I want to THANK Our24YearGap for nominating me for this award! Take a second and head on over to her blo0g and check it out (but don't forget to come back here).

Seems there are rules, Policies and Procedures with every and anything (or is that any and everything). Anywhoo... Here they are:

• When one receives the award, one posts 11 random facts about oneself and answers the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you.
• Pass the award onto 11 other blogs (while making sure one notifies the blogger that one nominated them!)
• One writes up 11 NEW questions directed towards YOUR nominees.
• One is not allowed to nominate the blog who nominated one’s own blog!
• One pastes the award picture into ones blog. (You can google the image, there are plenty of them!)

11 Random Facts About Me:

1. I was born and raised along the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley areas).
2. Me and my husband moved to Texas in 2007.
3. I consider Firefighters, Paramedics, Police, Rescue Workers, Soldiers to be amongst the TRUE HEROES.
4. When I was about 5 or 6 years old my aunt was going to read me "Wizard of Oz" for a bedtime story..... I took the book and read it to her.
5. I use to entertain myself as a child making up stories in my mind (Time-Outs to my room, even sitting on bed, were worthless - I could spend hours making up stories).
6. I had (undiagnosed) problems with hyperactivity as a child, but could spend hours sitting their watching planes at an airport.
7. Most mornings I'll have 2 cups of coffee to start my day.
8. I had my one and only son when I was 30 years old (just like my Mother-In-Law
9. I've had 2 step-mothers in my life. The last one was after I was married
10. My biological mother died when I was 5 years old
11. I don't even fit the height requirement for "Petite" clothes. Petite clothes are designed for at least 5'3" (or maybe it's 5'1").... I'm only 4'9" or 4'10" (don't remember for sure at this time).

The 11 questions I have to answer from the person that nominated me:

1. Why did you start blogging?

I'm not entirely sure what made me begin to start blogging. It started out as a way to just "jot" down thoughts and maybe play around w/ story ideas (though I haven't done as much w/ this latter) thus the name jottings and writings)

2. Are you where you want to be in life?

To be honest not really though I have no real regrets. I have no grandiose visions of prestige but sometimes I wish I could do something more with my life than just being a mother and wife (both of which I feel as if I fail at miserably at times). There are things that I have achieved in the past (nothing major mind you) that I regret not keeping up with.

3. What is your favorite thing about life?

I guess my favorite thing about life right now is being on twitter and sharing info with others about Fire/EMS as well as Social Media and some (but not much) on Writing. that and the volunteer work I (try) to do for the DFW Alerts Network

4. Do you have an animal you love and that loves you unconditionally?

Don't have any pets at the moment as it would require a pet deposit (not to mention all the rules and crap to go along) that we can afford. The last pet I had was a completely (and I do mean completely - toe to tail) black cat we had named Leilah (which is Hebrew for night). We had basically adopted her straight off the street in about 1998 and she pretty much attached herself to me. When we moved to Texas in 2007 we ended up leaving her behind.

5. What is/are your favorite book(s)?

What I have to pick my favorites?? I like all sorts of books so picking a favorite (or even just a couple) is damn near impossible. I have to admit I enjoy reading romance stories, but I also enjoy reading books related to Fire EMS Police Rescue (that kinda thing).

6. Can you recommend a book I should read or a movie I should watch?

Right now I'm in the process of reading a book called "Paramedic: On the Front Lines of Medicine" by Peter Canning. It's an excellent book so far :-)

7. Do you know any firefighters/paramedics/EMTs out there? Other than myself of course. What’s their story?

Personally? No. I have met quite a few on twitter though (or at least I have to assume they're telling the truth - benefit of the doubt kinda thing - Pretty good chance that at least some are). I have had the opportunity to talk to one Firefighter Captain Allen with the Fort Worth Fire Department who has an AMAZING story: Blog Talk Radio - Swingman with Alex Allred & Captain Marshal Allen (The blog that the previous link takes you too is a small volunteer organization of which I am an Reporter/Admin - I guess you'd call it).

8. Describe yourself to me in 3 words. Would your friends agree with that?

• Talkative, yet shy (Talk too much and too fast when nervous)
• Friendly (most of the time)
• Withdrawn

And yes I think my friends would agree (or pretty sure they would)

9. When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I think the first thing I remember wanting to do was to work with kids who were going to be going into surgery. Helping them to be more comfortable and not be so afraid. Later I wanted to get my EMT license, which I did end up doing (but didn't stay current - and never did work as an EMT).

10. What is your favorite time of the year?

SPRING - Not too hot not too cold nice & sunny

11. Tell me a secret, one you have never told anyone.

Hmmmm a secret I've never told anyone before..... Hmmm well the only one I can really think of (thought it's not ACTUALLY a "never told" secret is that I struggle with being frustrated and depressed (not at the level of clinical depression or nothing) about the way my life has turned out. Sometimes I feel like I haven't accomplished anything worthwhile and I feel like I'm a failure as a mom and as a wife. I feel as if my husband and son don't really need me around.

Blogs I follow and want to share:

Coffee Break Contemplations GunnarSpeaks Social Graphics (AKA Fondalo Funnies) Chasing Revery The World of My Imagination Firefighter/Paramedic Stories It's Not My Emergency Writings and Ruminations Jodi Ambrose's Blog Chester Maynes It's Rhymetime okkk I'm gonna break the rules and go one more :-P Its a Disaster

11 Questions for my Nominees to Answer:

1. Describe your most favorite child hood memory?
2. Describe an event that took place involving someone elderly (like the age of your grandparents or older - In fact it could be your grandparents)
3. Tell about a teacher who inspired you (names don't have to be included)
4. What was your most favorite subject in school? What did you excel in? (that may be 2 separate answers)
5. What is your most favorite past-time?
6. What is your favorite quote and (if possible) by whom?
7. Who are your HEROES (general answers are okay - doesn't have to be a specific person)?
8. Tell about an experience that involved A Firefighter, Paramedic, Police Officer (or similar)
9. Describe a disaster that affected you (we're talking something major like a natural diaster or something major - things like your favorite clothing article being unavailable for wear or not finding the perfect prom dress, etc DOES NOT count).
10. Do you use Social Media Platforms (Twitter, FaceBook, Google, Instagram, FourSquare, etc)? If so How? and Why? What is your purpose for using them?
11. How do you unwind and de-stress?

Good luck! And don’t forget to add me to your award page so I get to see your questions! - {Not entirely sure how your suppose to do this one.... I guess send me a comment on one of my blogposts (that's what I'm gonna do)}.

#WordoftheDay Story - Week Two - Culpable by Association

Again, I missed a couple days....  Stupid Phone - LOL

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In <strong>hindsight</strong> Charley knew that he should have steered clear of the <strong>motley</strong> group of wayward boys, but he had so badly wanted to fit in somewhere.  His home life was terrible.  His dad had hit the road years ago and his mom was always to busy entertaining and living the high-life to even pay attention to him (or his two younger sisters for that matter.

For the longest time, Charley had been very <strong>astute</strong> to the fact that his sisters well-being was his responsibility.  It's wasn't as if there mother was showing any concern to their breaking curfew and being out all hours of the night.  He knew he needed to set an example, but the hassle of being his sisters' keeper, and trying to be the parent, became a <strong>tribulation</strong> he was finding hard to handle.

When the boys began to speak in terms of breaking and entering, Charley knew he'd be <strong>culpable</strong> by association and new he had to get out of the group fast.

Blog Hop Photo Prompt Reveal - It was good while it lasted

Yeahhh looks like I've actually got this one done on time LOL

 

Angela put the key into the ignition and started up the Dodge Dakota. There had been a time when she didn't think she and her husband would ever get a new vehicle. The old vehicle had been giving them all sorts of trouble as part after part began to go bad. Unfortunately they just didn't have the money to get something newer and get rid of the old parasite.

Her twins, Samantha and Samuel, sat in the back of the extended cab each sucking on a lollipop they had gotten at their friend's birthday party. Angela hoped that the lollipops would keep them quiet, for a little while anyway....

"Leave my prize bag alone before I beat the tar outta you"..... No such luck.....

"Ha you wouldn't hit a girl," Samantha retaliated. "You wouldn't have the courage. Besides Daddy'll get you good if you were to hit a girl"

"Your such a daddy's girl" Samuel spat, "Go figure"

"All right you two, that's enough. I want you both to be quiet." Angela interrupted the brewing argument

"But Mo...."

"I said SILENCE"

For the rest of the ride home the twins stayed quiet. Both exiting the truck without saying a word after they pulled up in front of their house.

"Make sure you pick up your wrappers" Angela reminded them, "And don't forget your prize bags"

"Hey that's mine...." Angela heard one of them cry out.

"Oh well it was good while it lasted." she thought to herself

#TurkeyFryers Use Them Safely and Have a SAFE fun ThanksGiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and with that is of-course the cooking of turkey. For those of you braving the prospect of cooking your turkey delicacy in a turkey fryer, make sure you read those directions first - and more importantly, make sure you FOLLOW THEM!!! Let's not make firefighters job more difficult than it already is with stupidity. FRY SAFELY!!!

1. Turkey Frying should be done outside, well away from buildings and ANYTHING Flammable ( no matter how slight)!
2. Make sure there are no (or possible of any) children playing in the area - Continue monitoring as turkey cooks.
3. Speaking of monitoring, Always keep a close eye on your turkey as it cooks - Don't just walk away!
4. Before starting the frying process, make sure your bird is well thawed with ice removed
5. Ice chunks into a hot fryer aren't a good combo
6. Turkey should be lowered slowly and carefully into the pot.... Make sure the heat is lowered before you do this.

Watch these Turkey Frying Safety videos on Turkey Frying Safety Eat, Fry, Love w/ William Shattner A Real Turkey Fryer Fire

In the above videos all portrayals of fire were done under closely monitored & supervised situations with actual firefighters and firefighter eqiupment on hand.... In the case of an actual Turkey Fryer Fire you won't have this benefit (unless you happen to be a (or next door to a) Fire Station.

Remember Everyone to Have a Safe & Fun Holiday Season: Have A Safe and Happy Holiday Season Some Rules for a Safe Holiday Season