Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Bleurgh

Saturday I wasn't feeling so good. Sunday I felt so bad I missed going to an Eric Clapton concert. Monday I was off work, and my head felt like it had been encased in alien drool. Tuesday wasn't much better, and today I dragged my aching carcass into the office to enter my time and sort a few things out.

I think it's the 'flu. I hope it's the 'flu, and not Tiberian Galloping Lurgy, which has complications I don't even WANT to go into here.

My joints ache, my head aches, I have too much mucous, and oddly enough my left eyeball feels bigger than my right eyeball. So tired.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Free Hugs

I got two free hugs today. I was heading out for lunch, walking on the north side of Jasper Avenue. I crossed from the City TV block to Commerce Place, and as I did so I saw three girls with placards that said 'FREE HUGS'. I never turn up the chance of a free hug.

I hope they were inspired by this story on YouTube that I saw last year. It really was cool.

I watched them from the window of my office. They were there most of the afternoon, and then they went. A little later, they were back - but it was a different crew! On the way home I had to get some cash from the bank, and I managed to get a second hug. Bonus!

Friday, March 16, 2007

Funny The First 100 Times

When I'm pushing an empty wheelchair quickly around the concourse at the stadium, it's REALLY funny if you say one of the following:
  • Is that for me?!
  • Oh, it's for her, she needs it!
  • Over here!
  • Can I have a ride?
Bonus points if you pretend to get into it.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Wasted Time

A concert. The support act finishes. I walk back to the first aid post with my team. We sit and relax. After a while people head back out to their posts. I finish talking with the paramedic.

As I start to leave security brings in a girl. I lead her into the room and attend with the paramedic. She is pale, diaphorectic, and shaking. We give her a "convenience bag" to help her deal with any "protein spills" - a puke bag. We ask her questions: when did she last eat; when did she last drink; has she had anything else; does she have any medical conditions.

As we take a set of vitals on her the story comes out. Yesterday was the last day of her 9 day drinking binge. She often does this. She has done so since she was 13. That is six years of binge drinking.

We try not to be judgemental. We try to tell her, factually, what will happen to her body. We mention what is happening to her body now. We tell her that she has the DTs. She listens. She looks at us flatly.

Security return to get her details. She is told that she is done for the night - home time. She calls her mother. After a while I take her in a wheelchair to the parking area. I hand her over to her parent. I return to the post.

I reflect on how a pretty girl in her late teens has been an alcoholic for six years.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Top Gear: Car Lightning

One of THE best programs on Brit TV, with the craziest of features.

What would happen if you car actually got hit by lightning?

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Important To Me: Reading

Reading is important to me. I started reading early, I read a lot. I read most of the books in my primary school, including all the cool Greek Mythology stuff. I read the bible before I was 10, because of the awesome stories. I developed favourites, books that I would re-read, characters that I could return to like old friends.

I also liked to climb trees. I can remember at least two times where I combined these two passions and read up a tree.

My paternal nan got me interested in science fiction. We would go over to see her and grandad on Sundays. My brother and I would wander around near their house, then come back and help make dinner, and then watch Space 1999 and Thunderbirds and such things on TV. She let me read all their Issac Asimov and Harry Harrison books.

One of the most thoughtful and moving books I have ever read is Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance.

My favourite set of books is the Saga of the Exiles.

I have a lot of books. I want more. I like to read. Reading is important to me.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

The Right Attitude

There is no way in which I compare to the author of this post apart from how I try to act whilst on duty. I aspire to behave in this manner when providing patient care. I only hope I am able to do so as well.