Dagny

There are two effective ways to build your immune system against disease. One is to contract the disease and survive it. The other is to get a vaccine and avoid suffering the effects of the full blown disease while creating antibodies against the pathogen. As for the initial post...SIGH. Naturopathic chiropractors are not the most reliable source of information. I especially liked how he mentions the flu shot and then vaguely recites the ingredients found in the "common" vaccines. I just spent the afternoon working in an internal medicine office recommending the flu shot to all of the patients I had. It's important to get the flu shot, particularly if you have other disease processes (diabetes, emphysema, cardiac trouble...as most of my patients did) because getting the flu can have a significant impact on one's health and can result in death. Honestly, I think everything that article stated was BS because it's biased and manipulative and incorrect. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I have a PD160 reserve, not yet in the container. As for an AAD, I just don't have the money for it, so I'm going to pass on it for now. Assuming the main canopies will fit the container, I'm kind of leaning toward buying a 170. With everything so expensive and me being so financially impaired, I'm trying to decided which will be the best purchase for now. Mostly, I want to jump my own gear so I can afford to get in the air more often. I'd like to get into RW, but find myself doing a lot of solos. Ultimately, I want to improve my belly skills, but without the gear...well, I had to make a choice, keep skydiving and suck it up and buy gear or say that it was fun while it lasted and move on. I'd prefer to keep jumping. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Kris, you can't possibly enjoy all that chocolate. I think you should send it to someone who will. [subliminal message]Send it to me!![/subliminal message] That suuuuuure looks yummy! Damn. Good times in your office today!

Here's my not-so-hypothetical question... I've been trying to work out getting my own gear for a while now after realizing the financial implications and limitations of rental gear. Thanks to the incredible generosity of good friends I have now acquired a racer container (very air-worthy, but not FF friendly) and a monarch 155. In your opinion, and with limited funds, which should be my next purchase? I am not ready to jump the 155 based on my currency and wingloading. Yet. Soon I will be, but for now I would feel more comfortable on a 170. As for the racer, I am really looking forward to getting it packed and jumping more regularly. I'm not a FFer so that's not a real problem. Yet. Soon, I want to start learning to sit and stand in the air so I can jump with my friends, but for now, it's all good. Given this situation, would it be better to buy a 170 main to get me current again and until I'm ready for the monarch or buy a custom container to replace the racer and just demo 170's until I'm ready to downsize? I won't have the money for both. Thanks for the advice! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Now if a town has a walmart is it still considered backwoods? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Awww, man. Now why'd you have to go and quote some religious zealot caller from Kenner for? Just so ya know, Kenner isn't some backwoods country area where inbreeding is a local sport. Being from the South, nothing annoys me more than the perception that Southerners hate "blacks" and "faggots" and praise God for making Bush His personal crusader during these Evil Times. Some do, most don't, I'd venture to say after having lived in most of the Southern states. The woman may have a mental disorder for all we know and, even if she was a Yankee, I'd say that it isn't a good representation of the pervasive beliefs of Bush supporters nationwide. Anyway, I'm a democrat and, for now, I'll be voting Bush. One reason is because I hate that John Edwards is a trial lawyer who has, in part, gotten rich from suing doctors. His stance of opposition on capping damages really concerns me. I am highly uncertain that I will see changes in malpractice costs in my future career or improvements in the healthcare system with the Kerry-Edwards team in office. Of course, the debates are coming up, so we'll see. My vote isn't cast in stone just yet. As for whoever was challenging a 100:1 bet about Bush being successful in the election, I'll take that bet. If I vote Bush, I'll stand behind my vote. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Denise, I'm hoping for the best for you and your friends. I was so sorry to read about the destruction you had from Frances. I sincerely hope that you get through without much more damage. I don't know what I can offer you, but if you need any help or if I can do anything, please let me know. I'll be there to help you clean up if you need it, just say the word. And, my roommate told me about the RW suit you gave her...she said it was one of the few things that didn't get soaked in your house during Frances. I think you are a very generous person and I want you to know that I really appreciate that about you. Even when you're down, you give. That's damn cool. Be safe. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Fort Lauderdale has been windy and rainy since about 3pm. The wind is loud and the apartment keeps making weird noises and I wish I wasn't weathering the storm alone. It's a good thing that I get unlimited weekend minutes on my cell! I am soooo keeping my fingers crossed that Sebastian (and everyone else) gets through this one okay. My last minute trip to Walgreens just minutes before they closed resulted in hot dogs (I know they're bad, but yum), diet Sunkist (tastes like regular!), soup and Ramen noodles. Yep, gotta stock up on the essentials. Tried to get to blockbuster to rent a movie, but they closed before I got there...and they're usually so hardcore! Tried to get gas, but all the stations had closed by the time I got out today. Makes me wonder, now that everyone is becoming a veteran of stocking up for hurricanes, what are your gotta-have-it-essentials? Stay safe, stay dry. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I feel really bad for Grenada and, especially, Jamaica right now. That is one mean damn storm. Figures that it would re-organize right before slamming the little island. I don't pray much, but I prayed for them. Seriously, I saw a picture of a Jamaican man trying to secure his tin sheet roof with rocks and bricks. I really hope they all stay safe and alive. As for Florida, what a bum deal. Everyone is watching Ivan, no one really knows where it's going to land, the models keep changing with every update. The school won't close for now, where do you run from this big guy? I don't know if people are being complacent, but I do know that myself and a lot of my friends are just tired of hearing about the "cone" and the "line" and shear. I think we all know just a little more than we ever wanted to about the steering currents and the probabilities and just want it to hurry the hell up and move on by so life can go back to normal. It's enough stress for this little state for one six week period. I love the sun-sentinel's coverage of Ivan. It includes the tracking map, strike probabilities, forecast, discussion, computer models, and tips on how to prepare for the impending storm. Check it out! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I worked in EMS for seven years, almost five years as a paramedic. I loved the job, the pay wasn't all bad. I lived comfortably and could easily pick up details and overtime to afford the things I really wanted. It's hard work, you're not fully appreciated, it can be dangerous, abuse of the EMS system can be maddening, it can wear your body down, and there really isn't career advancement possible (unless you want to be a supervisor), but it's a mentally rewarding job. And it can be really fun. People who don't do it won't understand that part of it. It takes a special breed to work a unit and not burn out. Anyway, since you're already in EMS and are asking about AMR, let me move on. I worked for AMR for 3 years. I was glad to leave AMR, but they gave me my start (as a basic) and I appreciate that. I learned a lot, but I got bored doing transfers all day. My biggest complaints about AMR are these...it's a corporation and it's a business. Bottom line is the almighty dollar. I saw people in the office downsized after years of service just to conserve money. Luckily, that never affected the EMT's. Here are the things that annoyed me the most about the job itself in that red and white ambulance: 1. all the equipment was stocked by supply personnel and stored in locked cabinets. To access equipment, you had to cut the ties holding the cabinets closed and open the individual bags that held the equipment. Basically, they monitor supplies VERY closely and it just annoyed me after a while. 2. There is a system in place to monitor your driving. It beeps when you exceed a pre-set speed limit and when you turn to fast and when you brake too fast. Earn too many "beeps" and you can earn a suspension. It's a true pain in the ass when you're driving code III to a call. I never had an accident in a unit, but I got my fair share of beeps. I hated that thing. 3. AMR supplied a fanny pack with isolation supplies (gown, mask, and a bunch of other bulky crap you'll never use) and they required that it be worn at all times while on duty. I hated that thing, too. It was big and bulky and didn't sit on my hip right and made it difficult to sit in the seats and drive. 4. Rules, rules, rules. I truly believed the company wouldn't be happy unless the medics had colostomy bags, foley catheters, and were able to mainline food so there wouldn't be a need for food and bathroom breaks. Seriously, sometimes transfers were being held and if you got caught hitting a drive-thru for a bite to eat...that meant being written up. It was better when I worked for a public service...the dispatchers tried to take care of us, you know? I worked 911 for almost five years and we were constantly running, but I didn't feel like I was being beat down by the dispatchers. They tried to give us a minute to grab food or go to the bathroom and I understood when circumstances just wouldn't allow it. There's a difference between "no food for you" because someone got hit by a car and yeah, but I'm holding a code one transfer so NO. On the other hand, one of the benefits of AMR is that the trucks are fully supplied and you'll never be left on a call without code supplies, tape, jelcos, and O2 masks (as happened frequently at the public service). There is a chain of command there that is easy to follow. If you have a problem, you can take it far if you need to and it'll get handled. There was a good benefits program which included a 401K, stock options, and the company matched your contribution. Also, continuing education was provided in-house which was really convenient. And, now that I'm in medical school, I have a much greater appreciation of how much you can learn from the really sick medicals you transport. (I loved to peruse a patients chart while we were stuck on long drives) The problems I had with AMR were issues that occurred at one particular location. My suggestion is this, understand that it's a business and they are in it to make money. Understand that if you compromise a contract (fight with a nurse, whatever) they will penalize you and kiss ass to make up at the facility even if you were right. And ask the people working there if they're happy and what they think. It's a decision only you can make, but make it for the right reasons and don't turn back. Go for whatever you think is right and enjoy your time in EMS, the memories will last a lifetime!

Haven't gone home just yet, it's still a bit windy here in Tampa. I'm holding out...well, until the beer is gone, at least. Glad to hear Sebastian didn't fare any worse in the storm. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Now that's some news from Iraq that I don't mind wrapping my mind around! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

So, I'm like Frodo Baggins. Hmm. I guess that's cool, if you're into the short, hairy look. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Yesterday in Fort Lauderdale was chaos. It took me 45 minutes to get gas and some of the people there were getting a little scary. Gas tank rage? Then I went to Albertsons and the lines were insane. There were a lot of empty shelves where canned foods and water used to be. I tried to cash a $40 check, but they told me they didn't have the money to do it. Anyway, for the first time in my life, I left the path of the storm and drove to Tampa. I-75 wasn't awful, but it was bumper to bumper near Sarasota for no real reason. The trip took an additional 2 1/2 hours due to traffic. My roommate and her boyfriend, neither of whom are from Florida, decided that it would be kind of fun to see what a hurricane is all about and elected to stay put. I gave 'em a few pointers like, fill your tub with water. (Why?, they ask...sigh) I'm sure they will be fine, but I really hope they understand the potential. Is it just me or is anyone else thinking, just hurry the hell up and make landfall already? That is one slow moving storm. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I know how much you love the atkins diet, AD...finally giving in? Remember: veggies=carbs=bad! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I did and I didn't think it was a smart thing to do even then. In fact, I spent the whole next day (while waiting for the bloody thing to make landfall) proposing evacuation plans. I got through that one okay, but now I need to get through this one. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Oh, how sad am I? I read your thread title..."I'm going to try to give up meat...need" and somehow read "condoms" which is the thread after yours. LOL, so that's not the kind of meat you're giving up, then! Whole Foods (if there is one near you) is an awesome store and has a vast supply of organic and meatless products. I don't eat a lot of meat at home (even though I love it!) and get my protein from alternate sources. My favorite ways are by eating beans and veggie burgers (I like Morningstar-8g protein). Also, Bolthouse Farms (if you can find it near you) has a line of drinks which are SOOO yummy. My two favorites are Green Goodness (not so much protein) which is a thick, green drink that tastes great and the Vanilla Chai Tea with Soy Protein. That one has a great flavor and has 19g of soy protein in the 450ml bottle they sell. Here's a

Yeah, this sucks. School cancelled classes for today and tomorrow, so now I have an opportunity to leave Fort Lauderdale. Let's check the status of that, shall we? Gas...no problem as long as I can afford mid-range or premium. Food/Water...I'll probably still be standing in lines at the store when the storm finally hits. Fly out of here...yeah, right, all the flights booked up yesterday. I've pretty much decided to drive to the west coast, but I am surprised at how VERY reluctant I am to leave home. I keep wandering around trying to decide what to pack, what to leave. I keep thinking that I should stay. Then I realize that I don't have food, water, batteries, flashlights, anything really. I just hate to leave home! I know I can't change the course of the storm or its destruction, even if I'm here...but DAMN. I don't have that much stuff anyway, I really hate to lose any of it. If I argue with anyone else about what I'm doing or where the storm is going or how bad it could potentially be or how much they know about storms and how little I know because I've never been through anything worse than a two...well, the arguments are pissing me off more than the storm and I'm ready to just stay here since everyone's mad at me for not being more decisive about where to go. Now, seriously...does anyone know if apartment complexes are built to hurricane code? If I leave my apartment, will it still be here when I get back? Besides trying to decide whether to stay or go and what to pack, these things are worrying me the most. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Tip for the men....don't have indiscriminate sexual encounters to avoid frivolous rape charges. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

A cool picture of FRANCES here, courtesy of noaa. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Hey, what's the current bet for Fort Lauderdale? I'm just hoping that school will give us a day off so we have an option to go if we need to. I don't know, what's better...the east coast, my friend's concrete house in Miami, my Mom's place in New Orleans, or my third floor apartment here? If it comes this far south, I am going to be one sad girl to leave all my things behind not knowing what it will look like when I return. Maybe I'll just buy a lot of beer and camp out with a few good books! Even better, I'll bring my tent up to my room just in case the roof flies off. Seriously, this storm is SO big and SO well-developed, it looks quite intimidating. What are all you East coast Floridians planning to do? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I like Jo dee Messina...I listened to here nonstop right in the middle of a big life change for me. (Back when I stopped letting things just happen to me and I started to make them happen for myself) Now, everytime I hear that music it brings me back. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Awesome! You have no idea how excited I am to get back to Sebastian after my hiatus. It's like being new all over again. I keep looking at the sky and the clouds and daydreaming. But, no crazy dreams about me tonight, okay? I'm having enough of them during waking hours on my own! She's just the messenger, Tuna. And that's not just any rig that she named...that's gonna be MY rig. And that boy is gonna get mama airborne again. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Thank y'all so much for wishing me a happy birthday! I took my test this morning, did really well on it, celebrated it with a pitcher of beer at lunch, and this afternoon...a BIG slice of cake. It's too late to save my fall rate now! And, I'm going skydiving tomorrow. Life is good! Again, thank y'all! This thread completely made my day! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Thank you! I seriously can't believe how fast the twenties went by...someone tell me that the thirties are better! I plucked a grey hair outta my head today. Sigh. Hey, this might sound pitiful, but I made myself a birthday cake...anyone want a slice?