Back to the past...

I'm the type of person that has always enjoyed a wide variety of music and movies. I like everything from classic rock, alternative, rap, r&b, country, and even classical. Any type of music really, aside from the gospel/religious music. I think the 7 years of forced catholic school kinda turned me off from that genre...LOL

But one thing I've always enjoyed is older music. I find that just sitting back, listening to the music, brings you back to an simple(but definitely not easier), time in life. I think Christmas time really brings that feeling out in me, as my two favorite Christmas songs are, well you can take a listen....

Snow, snow, snow.....and sledding! Man do I feel old..

Friday morning I got out of work, went home, took a nap for about two hours, and then headed off to pick up Hayleigh. She had no school with the impending snow storm, so I picked her up around 12:30 before the snow hit. That evening we went to the Bates' house and exchanged Christmas presents, ordered out for pizza, and spent the night playing Wii, as I had bought them Mariocart and the steering wheel attachment. The partying went into the night, and didn't get home till after 11pm. Normally, I wouldn't have kept her out that late, but with the snow storm, I knew she wasn't going to have dance class Saturday morning, and we were having way too much fun.

We slept in Saturday morning, and woke up to more snow falling. So after bundling up in snow suits, Hayleigh and myself met the Bates' at "King's Hill" in Putnam. King's Hill is the favorite local sledding spot located on, go figure, King Street. It is a long, steep pitched hill which leads down into a field, backed by woods, and a swamp. Now I haven't been sledding since I was a young child! Wait, I think I take that back, I have been dragged around on a sled, behind a four wheeler several years ago, but other than that, we're talking childhood was the last time I went sledding, and I recall only going once to King's Hill.

The last few times over the years that I've been to King's Hill, were with the fire department, to help the ambulance crews rescue injured people who PAM sprayed/siliconed the bottom of their sleds and went down the hill way to fast, and eventually ended up hitting the snow ramps at the bottom of the hill. Usually when people on sleds/snow tubes go really fast and hit a ramp, a majority of the time the sled(lighter than people) continue mid-air, at a faster rate than the said riders. Hence the need for an ambulance. Seeing that there's no easy access for the ambulance crew to get to the "landed" riders, the fire department is summoned in for rescue equipment/ice-rescue sled/stokes basket. We would then carry the "landed" riders, through the field over to the awaiting, and dry clothed EMT's.

Anyways, back to Saturday. We had a blast, and Hayleigh loved it until we went down together and ended up getting turned around, going down the hill backwards. At which time one of the back corners decided to take a stand and dug into the snow causing us to flip over. Such a violent turn caused me to try and avoid crushing my daughter, only to throw her face first into the snow. That was the last trip down the hill for her, go figure...LOL

We then went home, changed, and went out for dinner at the Golden Greek, which is a local restaurant in Killingly. After a nice dinner, we went over to the Bates' and watched a few DVD's and called it a night. Sunday, we were again over to the Bates' house to let the girls play, and Rene and myself shoveled out his driveway. And that was the extent of our snow-filled weekend...

So I spent most of yesterday Christmas shopping, spent all of my money and still have a few more gifts to buy. Apparently my obscessive bill paying went a little too far and I shorted myself. I'm hoping that one of my credit card companies will get the check I mailed out Wednesday night over the weekend, so I can do some last minute shopping for those final presents. I have always been the typical procrastinator and usually wait till the last minute. This year I told myself I wouldn't do that, but apparently it wouldn't let me do that...LOL



I've also come to the conclusion that gift wrapping presents, require plenty of cleared space, like a hardwood floor or large table, otherwise you might as well have just crumpled up newspaper around the gift(OK, it's not that bad, I just guess I'm anal about my wrapping, LOL). I can remember growing up as a kid, and all toys/games, etc., were in boxes, and regular shaped boxes, not these obscure angled, half plastic containers with tons of wire ties that they have now. When I was a kid, you opened the box and either the toy fell out, or you had styrofoam around it. No wire ties, no clear elastics, or screws holding the toy to the package, and assembly was a cake walk. Ah, the good old days. LOL

Anyways, as I stated last post, last night I did purchase three tickets for "Celtic Women" in March. I figure that I'll bring my daughter, and probably my mother, or if she can't come, I'll see if the ex-wife wants to go. I don't know, we'll see, as it's a few months away.




Oh, by the way, did I ever mention the fact that UK girls drive me crazy. It's something with the accents, and their style. I just don't know how to explain it!!


Kate Winslet...


Elizabeth Hurley...


and Kate Beckinsale to name only three...

Merry Christmas to me!!

I am very excited, as I just found out online, that "The Celtic Women" will be coming to the Mohegan Sun in March. Tickets just went on sale this past weekend, and I will be purchasing a couple tickets on Thursday, as my Christmas present to myself... LOL

Don't ask me why.....

but there's something about Kate Perry that drives me coo-coo for coco puffs....

And no, it's not because she kissed a girl and liked it! LOL

Some pictures from the live burn today....

Here are some pictures from the live burn we went to this morning in Thompson. I didn't do much other than make several trips, delivering water back and forth from the fill sites to the portable drop tanks on scene. I actually had fun and surprisingly the Tanker has A LOT of "get up" when it doesn't have 2,500 gallons of water on board... >8-D

The Victim...



Rene dumping my load....of water into the drop tank. (LOL)



This was from one of our fill sites, about an hour into the burn. Notice the reminence from the header of smoke on the left. The barn was on the opposite side of the river, about a quarter of a mile south(on the right). The majority of the barn had burned by now, so the heavy smoke stopped and headed into Massachussets...



Rene took this one of me through the front windshield, while I was backing up to the drop tank. Notice the one handed driving while holding my "life juice" a.k.a. Dunkin Donuts coffee...LOL

The Nutcracker '08 (with audio problems, sorry...)

Here is the video of Hayleigh's performace. I have to apologize for the audio, as for some reason is sounded like the camera's microphone turned inside out and started recording the internal workings of the zoom function, LOL. My favorite part is at the end, where she gets pretty overzealous with the head shaking...

Okay, so I'm home from the Sun, Hayleigh did absolutely awesome, and I have some pics and videos to post. However, I won't be able to upload the video till I get to work tonight, as it works much faster at work for some reason, even though I have the same wireless broadband... Who knows why?

But I have to go to bed and get some sleep, as it's up early this morning(in a few hours) and off to a live burn in Thompson. I'm driving the Tanker again, and hopefully I'll flow some water. It should be my last thing to do to get cleared on the Tanker. Anyways, here's a few pics from tonight...




GRABBING DINNER IN BETWEEN HER TWO SHOWS...



HAYLEIGH WITH THE LEAD DANCER OF THE SHOW...

Meme central here on the Insider blog...LOL

1. Five names you go by: Erik, Bouki, Bouk, Hut-ala, Overtime whore...LOL

2. Three things you are wearing right now: Dress up shirt, jeans, boots. (I had to dress up for work this morning, going straight to the Mohegan Sun to see Hayleigh and her ballet class in "Albano's The Nutcracker.")

3. Two things you want very badly at the moment: To pay off the last of my bills, and buy a house or condo!!

4. Three people who will probably fill this out or maybe will or maybe won’t: Linda already did, and I'll save Mags and Claire the trouble.

5. Two things you did last night: Took medicine and slept!

6. Two things you ate today: Nothing yet, going out to eat with Hayleigh, my ex-wife, and my ex-mother-in-law in between her 2pm and 7pm shows.

7. Two people you last talked to on the phone: The ex-wife, and an ex-girlfriend drunk dialed me last night... LOL

8. Two things you are going to do tomorrow: Driving the Tanker for a tanker shuttle, at a live burn in Thompson, and probably sleep before work at 0030 Monday morning.

9. Two longest car rides: CT to Tampa, FL (23 hours straight), and CT to my aunt's house in NJ (3 1/2 hours).

10. Two of your favorite beverages: Dunkin Donuts coffee (life blood) and McEwan Lite Draught... Mmmmmm...LOL

Oh Linda, Linda, Linda......You just love to play tag! LOL

I'm IT once again, tagged by Linda who quickly scampered off to home base and claimed "SAFE!" Unfortunately, I don't have 7 other bloggers who I converse with, so it feels like the few that I'm playing with are much quicker than my pudgy self, and I'm just stuck being "IT", chasing Linda, Claire, and Mags around a tree. LOL

And just to let you know Linda, I have no clue how to get the "widgets" or "badges" that you so speak of, and put them on my page. Perhaps at Mamacita's party you can give me a lesson on that?

So here you go, 7 more random facts about me.

1. I consider myself a work-a-holic. I could be on my deathbed, yet I'd feel guilty for calling out sick, and I have a hard time turning down overtime, when I love my job, and can't see why I should turn down easy money.

2. I just saw on the 11pm news cast, that the Red Sox are changing their away game uniforms, along with an alternating hat logo. They're planning on switching over to the hanging red sox logo on the hat, alternating games with the classic "B". I'm sorry, but that disgusts me!! You don't change history, and look at those dreaded Yankees', I don't think they've ever changed logos or uniforms! I'm sorry, but you don't mess with history!!!!

3. I'm trying to plan out a vacation to Scotland next year, but I'm having trouble deciding when to go. Apparently 2009 is the 250th anniversary of Robbie Burns, and the Scots are making it a year long holiday, with events throughout the year. However, Mauchline, is having an event the last weekend in July, and it's got me thinking to go around that time. I'm not sure how to go about asking the family if their schedules are open, as I'm sure my stay in '07 complicated things for them, but they never put on that way...or maybe I'm just thinking way to much into it. I still can't help but feel like I owe them immensely for what they did for me on my first trip last year...

4. Do you ever think about what it would be like to win the lottery? Then think, maybe it's a sign to buy a ticket? Buy a ticket, and then think maybe I should watch the drawing? And then think, maybe if I do watch the drawing, it would jinx me, so I better not watch it? And then think maybe it's fate that I'm supposed to watch the drawing, but I should leave the ticket in my car? And so on, and so on, and so on? I just end up loosing anyways...LOL

5. I found it funny the other day working the Voluntown command post, one of the QV board of directors was part of the incident management team. We were chit-chatting while there was a down time there, and started discussing friends, family, the fire service, and a few departments that were, how should I say "if'y", and a couple chiefs that are "a little scary." As soon as we mentioned that, the radio kicked up and a chief that makes me cringe every time we dispatch them, started yacking on the radio and proved our point. Funny how things happen like that.

6. Why is it, the ones you always fall for the hardest, seem to always give you the line "you're my best friend, and I don't want to ruin it." Yet, when women look for that special someone, they want someone who can be their best friend?! Women, I'll never understand them!! LMAO

7. I know, I know, I'll get the same, if not more complaints from the women for that last one. I don't think men and women will ever understand each other..

A belated update...

I had stated in a previous post that I was planning on updating this blog on my experience working at the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition-Voluntown, CT. Obviously, I've been slacking off on that, as I've been under the weather the past few days and didn't feel like moving a finger. Alas, the time has come, as I'm well-rested from taking Tuesday night off, but still a bit "Meh" and "blah."

Quick run down of the events. Last Thursday, they broke the news to the Girard family about them winning the makeover, and sent them packing(I believe to Orlando/Disney) for their week's long vacation. The camera crews did some pre-demolition filming and interviewed the family. Friday they started the demolition, which I believe continued into Saturday. Sunday they had poured the new foundation, and by early Monday morning, it was set and they were putting up the first floor walls. Which leads me up to my first evening there.

I worked my usual Sunday night/Monday morning shift at QV 911, then went home to bed till about 1pm. I got up and was feeling a bit under the weather, but continued on to Voluntown. By the time I got there around 3pm, they had the exterior walls up, along with the roof joists, and were starting to put on the plywood material. I had wanted to take pictures, but it was known that security was tight, and pictures were frowned upon. I thought if I still had my old digital Kodak, which is small and slim, I could fit it in a pocket and smuggle some pictures. Unfortunately, it's sitting at home in a drawer, as the display screen was cracked and inoperable, and my Fuji would not fit in said pocket, and would obviously cause a bulge that looked like a camera... LOL

I would have also liked to have taken some pictures of the State's Department of Public Safety's Incident Management Trailer. Picture a large trailer, comparable to one of those large, double wide horse trailers, with an expandable tent addition. It is completely self-sufficient, with it's own generators, lights, HVAC, two LCD tv's with digital cable, including flush-wall mounted microwave and mini-frige. Oh yeah, and it also has plenty of radios that can be programmed to just about any frequency, for deployments to any emergency that requires an extended/long-term command post. It has low band radios, high band radios, Ultra high band radios, 800 megahertz(I-tac) radios, and everything in between. Enough space for two incident dispatchers in one room, another room for the incident management team to set up dry-erase wall-sized posters for logistics, pre-plans, and tables for multiple laptops, along with the large tent extension which can be used for whatever they feel the need for. Needless to say I was quite impressed.

So Monday night at 11pm., when I was shivering(I mean leaving), the walls of the house were just about done, the roof was being capped off, and they were beginning to put up shingles. I then drove to my regular job and worked my overnight shift from 1230am-0830am, and continued to feel worse the more the shift went on. So by the end of my shift I was planning on booking off for the whole day Tuesday(Voluntown and QV). I was scheduled to work the evening shift at the command post, but realized that if I was to book off, it would cause problems not only at work, but a coverage lapse in Voluntown. So I talked to my boss before leaving work that morning, explained how I was feeling like crap and to let me know if he could find coverage. I got a page later that morning saying I had my night shift off, but I knew there was an hour in Voluntown that needed coverage. So I drove down for the hour, then went right home after my relief showed up, hopped into bed and took some NyQuil.

I eventually fell asleep later that night after a brief period of aspiration. I had dozed off for a short time, before being awakened by the feeling of NyQuil and orange flavored vitamin water being forced down my windpipe. So I laid awake for an hour or two coughing up what felt like orange flavored acid from my lungs, and gradually fell asleep. I awoke Wednesday morning around 11am, to the sounds of a 1980 American LaFrance fire engine idling by my house, and a power outage in the area. Strong weather had come through CT and caused power lines to come down a street over from mine, with a transformer explosion to boot! I felt rested, but still sick, and had a slight wheeze on inspiration(no doubt from my aspiration event that night), and got ready to go back to Voluntown for 3pm.

I arrived at the Voluntown firehouse, put my fire coat on, and started the 500 yard or so walk to the command post, passing the house on the way. I was amazed to find the roof, exterior walls, stone vanier, and the sodding of the front lawn already done! Half way through the night, they were moving in furniture. Thankfully the weather was much warmer today, the rain wasn't too heavy(even though everything was a big mud pit), and the evening went smoothly. I'm now back at work doing my "Thursday" mids shift, debating if I want to make the treck again "this afternoon" for the family reveal, and looking forward to hitting those pillows when I get home this morning. I'm thinking that I'll save the gas, and catch the reveal when the show airs in January. I hope everyone has a good day today, as I'll be passed out cold, snoring, and hopefully not aspirating.... >8-D

God help me!! Blah.....

Alright, I'm here at work, tired, cold, sore, and definately not feeling well. My sinuses feel like sponges, the bottom of my throat(or should I say my larynx) feels like 20 grit sandpaper is wrapped around it, and the back of my head is sore and pounding. I'm not sure if I'm getting sick from sitting outside in the freezing cold wind Sunday night watching the "Holiday Dazzle Light Parade" in Putnam with my daughter, or if I'm getting sick from the lack of sleep this morning, and dealing with the freezing cold throughout the evening at "Extreme Makeover-Voluntown, CT." Now I understand what Claire means by, "MEH!" LMAO

Either way, I'm here for my shift, and looking forward to getting home later this morning, and getting some sleep. Unfortunately, I've signed myself up for tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday for the evening shift in Voluntown. Honestly, right now, I feel like calling out sick for both Voluntown and my shift tomorrow night, just so I can take some medications and sleep the whole day and night away! I'm thinking that I'm coming down with my yearly upper respiratory infection... Anyways, it's quiet, so I'm gonna close shop early tonight online and try to take a nap, barring any phones ringing of course...

Countdown Meme...

A voluntary tag of a Meme, by Linda. I thought it was a cool one, so here it is, enjoy.....


Ten things you wish you could say to TEN different people right now:

1. Please, just leave me alone so I can get some steady sleep for once!
2. I'm not mad at you, sadly, I'm just too busy to even pick up the phone and call you, but it goes both ways...
3. I told you it was the best for the both of us in the long run. Hate to say I told you so.
4. I care about you, but there's a reason why I haven't said it yet.
5. You're like family, I love you like a brother, and we're like "Grumpy Old Men."
6. Even though things didn't work out for us, I still care about you as a friend, and I'm proud of you, and what you've done with our daughter.
7. I may not say it much, but I appreciate everything you do for me.
8. I don't dislike you as a person, I dislike the way they gave the position to you, when two people deserved it more than you.
9. I thought you guys were our friends, but you honestly back stabbed us, and tried to stir the pot. Looks like you pissed into the wind...
10. I know you were stuck in the middle, and I understand. Just know #9 wasn't for you, Car 778.


Nine things about yourself:

1. I never dated or had a girlfriend till I was 17.
2. I was extremely shy till my junior year in high school, and still get that way around new people.
3. I "partied" A LOT with my friends in my college dorm, even though I was a Criminal Justice major...LOL
4. I resigned unexpectedly from my previous fire department, because I felt it was the right thing to do, even though it was my "second home and family."
5. I enjoy stupid humor, which explains why I like Ben Stiller, Will Farrell, and Adam Sandler.
6. I have the best daughter ever. I sometimes wish things would have turned out differently, but it was for the best.
7. I SOOOO need to find a house or condo.
8. I Soooo need to pay off more bills.
9. I soooo need to pick up more overtime shifts...LOL

Eight ways to win your heart:

1. I don't expect you to read my mind, so don't expect me to read yours.
2. Personality is a must.
3. Physical attraction is a must, but I'm not picky like most men.
4. Communication is a must.
5. Friendship. (Basically the whole package)
6. No mental health problems! LOL
7. Someone who isn't afraid to go camping, outdoors, etc.
8. Treats my daughter well, and is respectful to the fact that I get along with her mom.

Seven things that cross your mind a lot:

1. Did I forget anything today?
2. Why can't we get paid weekly, instead of bi-weekly?
3. Does my daughter realize how much I love her?
4. Will I ever get out of debt?
5. Did I make the right decision in switching departments? (Occasionally)
6. How did 33 years fly by so quickly?
7. How much longer will I remain healthy?

Six things you do before you fall asleep:

1. Brush teeth and bathroom if needed.
2. Plug cell phone in.
3. Lay my clothes down a certain way. (Done that since I was 18 and first in the fire department)
4. Turn the tv on and watch a little bit.
5. Make sure I have something to drink.
6. Cover up and lay on my side(usually watching tv before I pass out, lol).

A Secret I Can Finally Talk About......

So not only do I have this weekend with my lil' peanut to look forward to, but I also received some great news a few days ago, about something next week! Earlier this week my boss sent out a confidential email to all of our dispatchers. Unfortunately, I couldn't mention anything about it until now, because it was supposed to be a secret. Well today, the secret was revealed to the public, and I can finally speak/write about it...

A couple years ago, my co-workers on a different shift received 911 calls reporting a house fire in the town of Voluntown, CT. The house was saved from burning down, but unfortunately, the damage was too great for the family to have the house repaired. So they had a mobile home set up on the property, right next to their house that they couldn't live in. I had/have driven by the property several times over the past few years, as I used to date a girl in Foxboro, MA. On weekends that I had my daughter, I would drive down to Norwich on Sundays to drop Hayleigh off, and then head out through Voluntown, into Rhode Island, and up I-95 into Massachusetts to pick up my then girlfriend. We'd either stay around Foxboro, or come back to CT to spend a few hours together before driving her back home to Foxboro, and then I'd head back to Connecticut to work my "Monday" midnight shift. In driving through Voluntown, near the firehouse I'd always notice the mobile home and the house on the left side of Route 165, which had several roof vent holes, some covered with tarps, from the fire a few years ago. Obviously, in the recent economic times, they were unable to fix the house up quickly to move back in, and then another tragic event struck the family.

Last summer, my co-workers again received several 911 calls from the Patchaug State Park in Voluntown, reporting a possible drowning in one of the large, secluded ponds in the large forest. Sadly, it was the same family. Not getting into details, the father ended up drowning, along with the oldest son. So along with a house that was unlivable post-fire, the family lost a husband and father, along with a son and brother. The tight nit community had supported and helped the family during both of these tragic events, even saving the property from being foreclosed on, yet the family was still unable to recover and move back in. Heck, the town is named "Volun-town", after volunteers! Well, some community members and friends had thought of the idea to nominate the family for the ABC show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

The family had been picked as one of the finalist, and ended up getting picked as the winners earlier this month. However, in order to keep it a secret, the notifications were only allowed to get out to limited sources. Seeing that there are going to be over a thousand construction workers, production people, support personnel, along with family, neighbors, and friends(estimates are over 10,000 people), several resources will be needed during the week that they are going to be doing the demolition/construction. These resources include food services, utilities, waste management, along with the Connecticut State Police for scene control and public protection, and fire and ems personnel for this long, on-going seven day process. Therefor, the State has activated an emergency command post van, staffed with an Incident Management Team, and regional dispatchers for police, fire, and ems. There are fire departments and ambulances from around the area that will be covering the town, while Voluntown Fire and Ems cover the production site for the week.

So a joint venture has taken place with my work, and the CT State Police to staff the communications van/post during the event, and I have been given the opportunity to work the 1500-2300(3pm-11pm)shifts from Monday afternoon to the reveal on Thursday!! So, not only will I be going down to work the command post in the afternoon on set, but I'll also be making the commute to Danielson to work my regular dispatch shifts before heading home to get some sleep in the morning. I'm excited, and hope to get some pictures of the process, Ty Pennington, Eddie "the Brit", and Paige(the cute blonde). Sadly, Paul from the show won't be there, as he is a Fire and EMS favorite(he always wears Fire and Ems t-shirts on the show), but what I'm really looking forward to the most is seeing, and taking part in this special event of with a giving community, helping out their fellow residents. Well, I'll try to keep this situation updated throughout the week. All I can say is...."BUS DRIVER, MOVE THAT BUS!!!"

My Economic Vent...

Alright, it's my time to vent about the economy now. First off, in my opinion, the main reason why I think things have gone so downhill over the past few months, was the fact that the U.S. government allowed fuel companies to hike up the price of fuel for the past few years to record high's, and didn't do a thing about it to help the citizens. The rise and extreme price in fuel costs, caused people to choose between heating the house or buying groceries, paying utility bills or fueling up the car to go to work. The oil companies excuse to the government was "it's a supply and demand" resource, and they had nothing to do with the high prices(even though oil company executives were raking in the bonuses for record profits, which increased every quarter).

Then the banking crisis hit! OF COURSE all the high risk loans and mortgages are going to go into default, because people had to make decisions on what to provide their families every pay period. So the banks and Wall Street ask the U.S. Government for a huge blank check to bail them out, so they don't have to struggle, and find a job after getting laid off like the rest of citizens! Of course people are mad now that bailout got passed, because many people still haven't been helped yet with saving their homes. Miraculously, during the Presidential Debate, the bailout package, and while everyone started to freak out about the economy possibly being in a recession or depression, apparently the "supply and demand" of petroleum products suddenly decreased enough to drop the gas price below $2.00! Now that's the lowest I can remember since the turn of the century. What seems like many, many, many years ago, when people were shocked at the price of gasoline being $2.50 a gallon.

And now the "Big Three" car manufacturers are asking for part of the bailout??!! I'm sorry, but did you see the head honchos flying into Washington, D.C. in their private jets, then drive to the Congressional meeting in each of their company's brand new "hybrid", "alternative fuel", and "electric" cars to try and prove a point? My thoughts, make the "Big Three" car producers reduce their brands, and have the executives take huge pay cuts, to where they won't make more than a teacher or doctor. For example, Chevy and GMC are the same type of cars, just higher prices for GMC. Dodge and Chrysler are the same cars, just higher prices for Chrysler. Pontiac and Buick are the same cars, etc., etc., etc. Get rid of the GMC's and just make Chevy's, make Dodge's and get rid of Chrysler's, etc.

So make the "Big Three", honestly become the big three, and consolidate their companies, pay cuts for the executives, and lower prices for their products, and maybe I'd think about giving them some of the bail out package. I'd much rather see the bailout package go to the people and citizens in need of financial help, rather than these Fortune 500 companies who pay their executives with end of the year bonuses in the hundreds of thousands, paid vacations, and stock options, while their employees struggle to keep their homes, put food on the table, and keep the lights and heat on for their families. Well, at least they can now afford to fill up the gas tank to drive back and forth to work!!! Seriously....

Stressful shift....

So I had an interesting overtime double Saturday evening to say the least. After a relatively normal evening shift, filled with multiple calls to be transferred to State Police at Troop D and E, medicals, alarms, and one or two fire calls, I settled in for the second half with my midnight shift partner, expecting it to be a bit quieter. Well, it was for the most part for the first 2-3 hours of the shift. Then around 3:22 the phone rang.....

"Morning, QV dispatch, this is Erik." "Bouk?" said the all to familiar voice of my buddy Russ from American Ambulance Dispatch. Right away, I knew something was up because we're usually the ones calling Russ for a paramedic, but this time it was him calling us. "Bouk, I need at least two ambulances." WOW, I'm thinking to myself, either the city is hopping busy tonight, or something big is happening, cause this hardly ever happens. "O-okay Russ, what and where?" "Structure Fire, 231 Central Ave., P.D. and Fire's asking for multiple ambulances, I got 5, but they're asking for more." I told him I'd send Griswold and Lisbon ambulances, seeing that they were the closest services to that side of Norwich and told him I'd call him back to get more info, like where EMS staging was, and who to contact.


Photo from rosecitysbravest.com


My partner dialed up position #4 (which is the only computer here that has internet other than personal laptops) to www.ctfire-ems.com forum and read the first post.

This is a copy, but the original post was consistently updated by the user...

Location: City of Norwich

Fully involved structure fire
Central Ave IAO Fourth St and Fifth St


Assignment: City of Norwich and Taftville

154.205 MHz

0238 - 2nd alarm transmitted on arrival

0239 - Engine 2X reporting 2 floors on fire

0240 - Battalion 1, heavy fire on 2nd and 3rd floor of 3 story brick building, requesting utilities for wires down

0247 - Car 1 - All 5 volunteer companies to quarters

0250 - Car 1 - URGENT - Taftville to communicate on low band (33.66)

0252 - Interior collapse of 3rd floor C/D corner

0255 - All companies ordered out of the building, external ops

0259 - Mayday transmitted

0303 - B/C corner, using ground ladders to bail out

0304 - American Ambulance to Fifth Street for firefighter down

0304 - Units operating in the alley way warned to watch for possible roof collapse

0315 - Ambulance requested to Fifth Street at North Main Street

0318 - Yantic engine to hit the hydrant on North Main Street to feed City Truck 1

0321 - Norwich Fire advising 5 ambulances and the rehab unit en route

0324 - Hose Tender 6 and Laurel Hill to stand by, East Great Plains covering Norwich HQ

0330 - All companies accounted for and working

0331 - Unsure if power is secured to the block

0331 - URGENT - Live wires down over the Engine

0348 - Canteen 1 dispatched

0350 - Public Works requested for sand

0410 - State FMO en route, heavy fire, defensive operations and attempting to hold to the building of origin

0418 - Fire will be operated on high band. Low band (33.66) will be released for normal city operations.

0445 - DEP to the scene to assist Uncas Health
__________________


Now after reading that post, which at the time was around 0321, I had figured out which building it was from having grown up in Greenville. The only third floor building I knew around that area was the large taxpayer that had a former Cumberland Farms convenience store on the bottom left corner. AND, not knowing which platoon was working for the City department, I immediately thought of one of my best friends since middle school, Scott. He is one of the senior guys on Group#3, and he is usually the Squad A "chauffer", but he's been known to work overtime too, and take other positions on the trucks. Anyone involved with firefighting knows that the words "mayday" and "bailouts" mean things have really gotten bad and the feces is hitting the air oscilating device!!! So I was trying to figure out if anyone on the forum knew which group was on duty, throughout the night. As long as they said firefighters were accounted for and out of the building I felt okay, but there were a few minutes where I was choked up.

Later on in the shift I got a message from a retired Norwich firefighter. He saw that I had posted I was famillar with the building and had grown up in that neighborhood. Come to find out, he had worked at the Greenville Station when I was a kid growing up, and we chatted a bit about the old neighborhood, reminisced about the past, and come to find out he had worked with my friend Scott, and also Marvin, a co-worker during my time at American, before they had both retired from the City FD.

Fortunately, I eventually found out this morning that Scott was safe. Unbenounced to me he had had knee surgery the previous week, and was out on "comp" time, but thankfully he'll be back to work in mid December. He was actually with his wife at our 15 year high school class reunion when the fire was going on. Obviously I had decided to work my double rather than go, and with the amount of work that I've been taking lately, and with his schedule and family life, we've had a tough time keeping in contact. When I was in Putnam Fire, he would stop by on Saturdays at the firehouse and we'd catch up, but since I've switched departments, I hadn't seen him in a while. I'm awful with picking up the phone! LOL

In ending, thankfully the fire was contained to the building of origin, there were no deaths(as of yet, one tenant/victim with critical burns), and the two firefighters weren't injured seriously. Although, one has a dislocated wrist, a broken wrist, and a broken arm from bailing out the 2nd story window, and to me.....that sounds pretty painful! But all in all, I think a crisis was averted, and they did a good job. Another landmark from my childhood memories of Norwich, that will fade with time.

A christmas classic....

Seeing that it's almost December and Christmas time, here's one of the classic movies that I enjoy to watch(even when they have a marathon on tv, LOL). Enjoy...

I was tagged again....LOL

A few days ago, Linda from "Are We There Yet?" tagged me with a Meme, that unfortunately I had missed. Thankfully Linda noticed that I was behind the 8 ball on this and reminded me of such a tag. So here you go Linda. ;-)

Unfortunately(or maybe fortunately, because I happen to not have any books at home), I read this Meme at work. Now other than phone books, list of phone numbers, zetron codes, and computer programs, the closest "reasonable" book for this Meme was the Quinebaug Valley Dispatch resource binder, which was in a roll out drawer behind me. Page 46 happened to fall on the last page of a list of Chief's contact information, and I'm quite sure they wouldn't want me to publish such information over the world wide web. However, the next was a letter from February 1, 2000.

This was two months after the Worcester Cold Storage Fire, in which six City of Worcester firefighters became lost, trapped, and eventually perished in the maze like building, looking for "reported" trapped homeless people, that had fled un-noticed, before the fire department arrived. The events of that horrible night, led to a national recognition of what firefighters do, and re-established firefighting as one of the most dangerous, yet heroic professions to the public. After this incident, fire departments from all over the nation took a step back to re-evaluate firefighting proceedures, and ways to prevent such tragic events from happening again.

This led many departments to re-enforce the "two in-two out" rules, along with developing safety and survival classes, and the concept of "F.A.S.T." or "R.I.T." teams. FAST or RIT teams are a group of firefighters, that are specifically committed to firefighter rescue, should any "mayday" be called on the fireground. They are not to be used for ventilation, extinguishment, or overhaul operations. They are to sit near the command post in front of the building, and stand fast with their equipment. Some departments do allow a few members(depending on the amount of personel available) to take a "360" of the building, and commandeer any available ground ladders to make secondary means of egress from the building. Meaning, while most personel on the fireground are busy doing other things, FAST/RIT members will go around and put up ground ladders at windows, on every side of the building(if it is more than one story).

Anyways, enough babble. Here's the Meme.

Memo from: Town of Plainfield FAST team.

Starting with the 5th sentence.

"For example, a structure fire in the Village of Plainfield, may result in a response from Plainfield Fire, Moosup Fire, and Central Village Fire. If a FAST team is required, the Atwood Hose Fire FAST team members will be requested, and the team will be filled out with other FAST team members on scene, along with the group from Station 96(Atwood Hose) if needed. Each department will handle the FAST deployment differently on a call by call basis, depentant on alarm response, time of day, and personnel available on scene."

Plainfield was one of the first towns in Northeastern Connecticut to develop and train certain members of their four "village" departments in FAST/RIT team tactics. Now, several years later, just about every town in Connecticut has a department with certified FAST/RIT members. I found it intersting reading this, and looking back at how one event can affect an entire profession. Thanks for tagging me Linda!!

Two good movies....

So over this past weekend, Hayleigh and myself were able to take in two movies that we both enjoyed, one in the theatre and one on DVD. On Friday afternoon, I went and picked Hayleigh up after school for the weekend, and I had promised her last weekend I had her, that I'd treat her out to the movie "Bolt."



When I picked her up, she had forgotten all about it, so I figured I'd trick her and asked her if she was hungry, to which she said "yeah, kinda." So I asked her if she wanted to go to Olive Garden or Ruby Tuesdays. At first she said Olive Garden, as she loves their bread sticks and food as much as I do. So I started driving towards Waterford, where the closest Olive Garden is, and also happens to have the Waterford Regal Cinemas. (I knew which ever cinema we went to, it wouldn't be starting till after 4pm)

Luckily before we reached the highway(headed south), she realized we'd be farther from Putnam, and abruptly changed her mind to Ruby Tuesdays, which is in Lisbon, and closer to Putnam. So we hopped on the highway headed north to Lisbon, and I pulled into Lisbon Landing and turned towards the movie theatre. It was around 3:30, and the regular movie didn't start till 4:40, but I noticed "Bolt" in 3-D was on at 4pm! Now the last 3-D movie I can recall watching was one when I was a child, and honestly, I don't remember what movie it was. I figured what the heck, and we watched the 3-D version, with glasses and all. I was pleasantly surprised, not only with the sound quality of Lisbon's 3-D movie "room", but the visual quality was superb. The movie was light hearted, funny for both kids and adults, and action packed. Hayleigh loved it, and we hit Ruby Tuesdays afterward, even though Hayleigh and I pecked through a medium popcorn and large soda at the movie.

The second movie was one that Hayleigh's mom had taken her to, in the movie theatre on a weekend I didn't have her several months ago. As I've mentioned before, during my weekends with Hayleigh, we tend to spend time with my best friend Rene and his family, which Hayleigh is best friends with Rene's daughter Megan. Well, Saturday evening Rene's wife had picked up "Wall-E" on DVD.



This was Hayleigh's second time seeing it, but you couldn't have told the difference as it seemed she was seeing it for the first time. This movie was also very cute, funny for both kids and adults alike, and keep our attention the whole time. It was action packed also, but it also had a plot that made you think what the future would be like with a lazy, computer aided society. So, if there's any two movies that I would suggest to anyone out there, check out "Bolt" and "Wall-E", you're bound to enjoy them both. I'm still working on catching a movie I've wanted to see for quite some time, as "Tropical Thunder" is coming out on DVD, and I didn't get a chance to catch it in the theatres.



I tend to enjoy Ben Stiller movies, as he has a dumb-witted sense of humor, simillar to Monty Python and the Holy Grail, quite possibly the best movie ever made!!! LOL

I really haven't had anything interesting lately to post on. So in keeping with a Scot feel, I had been looking through a website dedicated to traditional Scottish folk songs and I located a few that my Grandmother used to sign to me when I was a "weean." It's funny how I didn't remember them till I heard them tonight. I can remember my Grandma singing these to me with her Scottish braugh(not sure if that's the right word I'm looking for, but anyways). Enjoy....

I Love a Lassie


A Wee Doech An-Doris


Ye Banks and Braes O'Bonnie Doon


Also this Robbie Burns poem has been turned into song many times. The best version I've heard was sung by Julie London, but I didn't want to pay for it. I couldn't find a free download or a decent youtube video. This youtube video looks like it was copied by a camcorder at the Tom O'Shanter Experience Theatre in Alloway, which my Aunt Irene took me to during my trip in 2007. Thought it was pretty funny that I found it on here.

Comin Thro' the Rye


Julie London's version

http://www.imeem.com/people/po6ckpv/music/wDZBaBK2/julie_london_comin_thro_the_rye/

Another busy weekend...

Alright?! So, I know I usually end up posting on a Monday sometimes to update what the weekend was like. Today being Sunday, I'm going to be bold and daring and make a post before the weekend's over! (I know, I can hear the OOOH's and AHHH's, lol)

I'll start with Thursday night, which technically is my Friday midnight shift, which I turned into a double by picking up an open shift for that next morning. I got out Friday afternoon and went over to Rene's house to drop off my paintball equipment for Saturday morning, then proceeded to go home and go to bed. I awoke this morning, bright eyed and chipper, and after stopping at Dunkin Donuts for a coffee, I made my way to the firehouse. Rene offered to drive, so we made a pit stop, picking up Corey(one of our members), and made our way down to Voluntown.

Why were we going to Voluntown, you may ask? Well, several months ago, my dispatch partner, along with members of his department, Moosup Fire Department, and the Plainfield Police Department decided to have a friendly game of paintball. Where, you might ask? Well, they searched around and could have very well played in some one's back yard, but wait... They found a company in Voluntown who has 3 paintball fields, and rents equipment. So, Travis and I planned another event for November 15th. I had posted it at the fire department for interested members to sign up, which some people did, but most either couldn't go, or backed out. So today, it was just the three of us from East Putnam.

So on the way down to Voluntown, my alpha-pager goes off from work, saying that there was an open shift tonight for the midnight shift. I immediately figured out that it was a call out, due to the fact that one of our dispatchers, who is a deputy chief in Scotland, was reported injured in a fire truck crash overnight, while responding to another town for a house fire. Thankfully, from what I heard, he's doing ok, aside from a leg injury. So I figured, what the heck, I already picked up a day shift tomorrow, I might as well pick up the night shift if it hadn't already been taken. So I called work and got the shift. Meanwhile, we pull into the paintball company's parking lot, after veering off the path two different times, and start to get geared up.

Well, we had an absolute blast! They had a conventional "speed ball" course which looked like the ones that you see on ESPN, a non-conventional "speed ball" course, which had things like port-a-potties, washing machines, tires, and barricades. And they also had a wooded course that was around 4 acres, loaded with forts, foxholes, trenches, and even had a camper and mobile home that could be used as shelters/sniper spots/death traps...LOL

So East Putnam Fire, Central Village Fire, Moosup Fire, and Plainfield Police had a great time(men playing like boys) from 10am to around 3pm. Before our last game, three cars full of kids pull up with their parents for a birthday party. One of the Plainfield cops knew the father of one of the kids, so he asked if the kids wanted to play the police officers and firefighters in our last game of paintball. They agreed. So around 12 adults decked out in camouflage went walking into the woods, preparing to fight 12 ten year olds wearing bright colored outfits. You would think we had the advantage, but the little buggers put up a good fight, not to mention one of those kids took me out with a come-out-of-no-where shot to the love handle! Talk about pain after running through the woods for several hours in rain soaked clothing! The kids put up a good battle, but we won with 4 people left.

So we packed up all our equipment, and began the drive home. We dropped Corey off at his house, and then drove to Thompson to get some gas, as it was only $2.09 a gallon there. We then went to the firehouse so I could grab my truck and go home. I was getting ready to go home to bed to rest up for work tonight, when the power at the firehouse went out for around 30 seconds. Minutes later a car pulled into the driveway, stating that a transformer was exploding and arching all over by Wal-mart, so I called work and told them to start a call for service, and we responded with ET-179. Come to find out, the homeowner that lives next to the telephone pole had already called the power company, and there was no more apparent problem safety wise, so we returned to the station. I was getting ready to leave for home again, when I was told the Chief was coming to the station and I had to wait for him because my 6 month probation was up last Thursday. Chief showed up, issued me my department plate, key, and blue light permit, and I scurried home to hit the sack.

So there you have it, my weekend so far. Good thing I slept, because apparently the evening shift was bombarded with calls from the rain storm, and so far we've had nothing on the midnight shift(knock on wood). But either way, I'm here till 4pm, and then I come back in for 12:30am for my regular "Monday" night shift. Also, I'm working Thanksgiving Day, because I'd rather work and get Holiday pay then just have a day off and stuff my face with food. I'm just looking forward to the overtime and holiday pay next pay period, when I can really pay some bills and do some Christmas shopping!!

Ah Wee Scottish post for today...

Clan MacFarlane Poem

by Poet Dottie Walters

Our haunted souls remind us
of battle cries long gone.
From Highlands skided with melodies
of Scotland's bravest song.

"Loch Sloy! Loch Sloy!" they cried it
or whispered as they bled.
And if they could not rise again,
it blessed the noble dead.

We proclaimed it as a triumph;
We moaned it when we fell;
We thought it meant "You won it!"
And "Get up again!" as well.

We searched to find it's meaning
at Clan MacFarlane's home.
"Loch Sloy!" means "Springtime's comin!"
no matter where ye roam.

Whenever trouble hits ye,
let it roll past til it's fled.
Then rise and knock ye'r dirt off.
"Springtime's comin!" Just ahead!

We smiled, we strange new moderns,
to realize it's true.
"Loch Sloy!" means "Springtime's Comin!"
Hope is just ahead. We knew....


also...

Whenever I hear or read this, it reminds me of my childhood. Every time the family got together, whether it was during Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, or simple cookouts and get-to-gethers, my Grandma would always say this before we ate. It brings a lot of good memories back to mind, puts a smile on my face, and brings tear to my eye. I miss her soooooooooo much... Love you Gram!!

A Selkirk Grace
by Robbie Burns

Some hae meat,... and cannot eat.
Some cannot eat,... that want it:
But we hae meat,... and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be thankit.

"Now batting......the left fielder....#39.....Mike....Greenwell..."

So tonight I was flipping through the tv channels after Dancing with the Stars ended, in an attempt to find something to watch, and I came across the 2008 Red Sox Hall of Fame inductions on NESN. Unfortunately, I only caught half of the show, as DWTS runs to 9:30, and the HOF show started at 9pm. The thing that bugs me even more is the fact that I missed my most favorite baseball player ever, whom I haven't seen in years.


Maurice (Mo) Vaughn


Along with Maurice (Mo) Vaughn, who was our "Big Papi" before David Ortiz hit Boston, Mike Greenwell was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame.


Mike Greenwell, my favorite of all time!!

"The Gator", good ole' #39, was the one player that really caught my attention when I was a kid, and solidified my heart in Red Sox Nation. He came up from the minor league Pawtucket Red Soxs, back in the fall of 1986 and played well enough to earn the full time spot in 1987. Greenwell, along with center fielder Ellis Burks, and shortstop Jody Reed were the new, young faces of the BoSox that year, and had me glued to the television set every game I could watch. I believe it was in 1988, that he had an incredible year, in which I feel he should have won the American League Most Valuable Player, but he was overlooked by Major League Baseball, and they picked the steroid freak, Jose Canseco!!


Mike, you totally got jipped!!


Sadly, the front office felt in the 1990's that they could let Greenwell(Japan), Burks(San Fran), Reed(San Diego), and Vaughn(Anahiem) go over the years. Everyone knows that Red Sox fans tend to get attached to certain players, and the ones I've mentioned were some of the many players that I became attached to over the years. But then again, if it hadn't of happened, we wouldn't have seen the other players come up through the minor league system, or get traded for over the years, that we became attached to also. We would have never seen Manny in Left, Nomar at short, and many other players that came to replace our one time favorite players. Hopefully, the Red Sox Nation will one day induct another one of my favorite players who wore "Red Sox" on their chest, to the HOF, John Valentin, who was an awesome middle infielder, who went over to third base so that Nomar Garciaparra could play shortstop. Valentin was another well balanced, productive player who gave it his all throughout each and every year he put on the uniform.


John Valentin #13

Oh.....wait, and how about Trot Nixon, "the Dirt Dawg", and...never mind, my list could go on and on and on of my favorites.


The Dirt Dawg, Trot Nixon... #7

That's when you know you're a Sox fan, when you can recall many, many players who kept you glued to that ball game on tv!

Congratulations Mike and Mo!!

Why is it, that I can have a sleep deprived weekend, yet not be able to take a nap before work, and when I get to work, I'm wide awake?!! The usual Monday morning rides home are always interesting to say the least, as the weekend was spent adjusting back to regular hours, then Sunday nights are the first day(or night) back. There have been times where I'm sure people have called the State Police during my three exit trip up the highway, reporting what looks like to be a drunk driver, lol. Winter is good though, as I crank the car radio and roll the windows down.

This weekend, Hayleigh and I had a great time. Friday night, we went out to eat and the movies with the Bates'. We took our kids to see Madagascar 2, Escape to Africa, which I thought was okay(I dozed off for 5 minutes near the end). Personally, I think the penguins made the whole movie, but the girls absolutely loved every bit of it. Then Saturday morning, I took her back down to Norwich for her "Nutcracker" practice, then dance class. We then came home for a bit, and after a call from the Bates', we went up to their house to hang out, play Nintendo Wii, and then watched the iCarly movie on the Disney channel, complete with hot fudge sundaes! We didn't make it back home till almost 11pm, and she basically passed out on the ride home.

I was hoping that she'd sleep in, but it was back up a 8:30 for us. We eventually made our way back to Rene's house, where the girls went off and played like we were chopped liver. So Rene and I ended up spending much of the afternoon raking four truckloads of leaves out of his front yard, while the girls played on the swing set, etc. We ate supper, and got a late start heading back to Norwich to get her home. After dropping her off, it was back to my house for me and I tried to take a nap before work. I couldn't sleep a wink, as I was too worried about becoming unconscious, and oversleeping before work. Now I'm here at work, thought maybe I could get a few minutes of shut-eye, but I'm wide awake now. Hopefully I can successfully navigate my car home in the morning before hitting the pillow and passing out!!

Oh, BTW, here is a pic that my ex-wife gave me from Hayleigh's school Halloween party they had, the day after Halloween. Unfortunately, my camera's batteries were dead, but the ex managed to take some great pics. Sadly, she doesn't download her pictures to a computer so she could email them, instead she has one of those camera/photo docking printer. I'm hoping to get some more pics from that night...

Indescribable.....

How do you sum up a description for one of the most historic nights in our lifetime? Obviously I'm ecstatic about the events that took place tonight, and I can't help but feel that things will "change" for the good in this country. I'm inspired, I'm happy, I'm hopeful, and most of all, I'm proud to be an American.





I can't help but feel that government will change as we know it for the good, that our country and our lives will prosper, this Middle East war will soon come to an end, and our relationships with other countries will improve. Hell, we just made a huge leap in history....




and quite frankly, I feel Indescribable..

Will today make American History??...

I'm having one of those days where you can't think of anything generic to post about. Tonight's been an extremely slow shift covering Northeaster Connecticut(I think the phone has rang twice!!), so I while I was surfing myspace, my music player started playing an "old" song(well, older, from the 80's) which was Michael Jackson's P.Y.T. Now don't go and get the wrong idea thinking that I'm one of those huge fans of what he turned out to be after his pyrotechnic accident. More so, his record "Thriller" came out when I was young, and it was one of the biggest records ever released, so of course I've come to like that record and the music he released before it.



Well that lead to me trying to remember if youtube had his video for that song, as it did that annoying thing and got stuck in my head. I occasionally like to go to youtube and watch some of the old videos from MTV and VH1 that people post of older, popular songs. Well, come to find out Michael never made a video for P.Y.T.(pretty young thing), but it lead me to find a video that I forgot about. Occasionally when I can't find anything on tv I'll channel surf, and I ended up catching a show on MTV called Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew. Myself being 6'3" and clumsy like an ox, I can't dance, but I caught glimps of a dance team that I enjoyed call Jabbawockees, who just so happened to dance to a remix of that song. So I spent a few hours watching dance videos on youtube to pass the time.



I apologize for the poor video quality, but it's the only one from the tv performance...

Right now it's 5 a.m., the phones still haven't rang, and the morning news has come on, covering the elections today. I'm glad the long political process is finally coming to an end, and I'm sure I don't have to remind anyone who I'm voting for. So when I get out of work this morning, the first thing I'm doing is driving to the Recreation Park building in town to cast my vote. Hopefully the line is low and I'll be able to get in and get out so I can go to bed and get some rest, but I'm thinking I may have to spend some time in line as they are saying that a record 90-95% of the population is expected to vote today. I can say that I feel exactly like what Obama/Biden has been saying lately. That "We do not want to get over-confident with all the polls saying we're going to win", and that "We're hopeful, and that we can hopefully relax when the last vote is counted." Like them, I'm going to try not to get my hopes up too high, until the results come in saying it's either going to be a landslide or closer than they thought, but a part of me is hoping that American history will be changed tonight. Therefore, during our monthly fire department truck check and department meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m., I'll be checking the tv in the day room throughout the night...

Happy Halloween...

I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Have a great weekend!!

Widow's Mark Tattoo Shop.... a.k.a. "Putnam Ink".. LOL

Forget "Miami Ink" or "L.A. Ink", how about "Putnam Ink"!!!

Tonight before work, I had my tattoos done and I must say what a different experience it was from my first one. Granted, my first one was done by a friend's sister who is an apprentice and needed a "doodle pad" to draw on, and I only had to pay her a reasonable tip. This time it was much more expensive, but well worth the money!! The artist was Dave Ploughman, a late 40's to early 50's New Jersey native, and U.S. Navy veteran who grew up in Connecticut, and who I found out while I was getting stabbed with an ink gun, that he actually has family in Scotland also. His father is a Scot, and Dave even spent 2 years living in Scotland after retiring from the Navy back in the late 70's, visiting family, touring the country, and actually did his apprentice-ship in a Glasgow tattoo shop. Back then, he told me, you didn't have custom work done. It was pick something out from the old, classic artwork off the wall, and that's what you got, no modification. I asked him if he did a lot of Celtic knots or Scot flags, etc., and he said "it was around the time when daggers with banners wrapped around them saying 'death before dishonor' were popular."

So during the 3 hours or so, of him occasionally making me grimace in pain, we talked about Scotland. About breakfasts' that are more like a full course dinner, Edinburgh, Glasgow, trips to London, Loch Ness, Iverness, Fish and chips, the wonderful weather, Celtics/Rangers, and the Protestant/Catholic futbol fights. Meanwhile, with him keeping my mind off my right arm, he was doing an incredible job on my two tattoos. The time flew by, even with a smoke break in between the outlining and the shading/coloring.



Millar = Clan MacFarlane

My Clan MacFarlane crest is unremarkably detailed, and he added just the right touch to my rampant lion. I originally just wanted the outline, then thought to get the traditional full red lion, but I chose to let him use his artistic capabilities(after all he's the artist), and he chose to add some shading and a small splash of red to make it stand out just right.



I apologize for the poor lighting, my dispatch partner took these for me at work tonight.

I think my Grandma would be extremely proud, not necessarily of getting a tattoo, but proud of what I chose to start my Scottish sleeve with. "Loch Sloy, Loch Sloy" grandma. Now I just have to figure out how to incorporate some heather, the ole' blue and white, a thistle, and Sadie(Gram's name)...

My first Meme.... Thanks Linda

Okay, so Linda decided to tag me for a "Meme", which I guess is similar to a Myspace survey. I'm sure I could come up with plenty of answers, but I'll just go with what comes to mind, so here it goes....

Ten Things You Probably Didn't Know About Erik Meme

1. I have a fear of electricity, not the usage of it, but being electrocuted by it. Although I do love thunderstorms, I just have a fear of downed power lines or hitting exposed house wiring while fighting a fire. It doesn't stop me from doing what I need to do, but I do keep a cautious eye out for them.

2. Even though I'm told I'm a great Dad with my daughter, I still feel like I owe her immensely, because my marriage failed and I haven't been there for her every day to see her grow up. I know she loves me, and I love her to death, but the thought is always in the back of my mind that I'm a shitty father for not being able to work things out.

3. I may come off as pretty outgoing over the internet or on the phone with people, but in person, I'm extremely shy until I get to know someone and/or feel comfortable around them in person. I hate being extremely self-conscious.

4. I had an extreme fear of heights since I can remember. But after joining the fire department when I was 18, I gradually overcame the fear and now I love it. I'll go on any amusement park ride, and love to operate on the roof at fires now.

5. I had a tough time with winter sports while growing up, i.e. skating, skiing. Not sure if it was a lack of balance or weak ankles, but now I'm pretty decent with hockey skates. Not too sure how I'd do with skiing, but if I ever get the chance again, I'll try it.

6. I'm scared shitless of snakes!!

7. I'm a good "house bitch", as my ex-wife used to call me. I do yard work, dishes, vacuum, cook, and even separate and fold laundry. My only fault is dusting...

8. I'm horrible with keeping in touch with people, even family. I get so consumed with work, sleep, and paying bills, that I loose contact with people I care about. Maybe that's how today's society is, everyone's too busy working in order to pay the bills, there's no more "family time."

9. I was scared shitless of needles. When I was in the 4th grade, I refused to let my doctor give me a shot for childhood asthma. He then proceeded to send me to the hospital where I ended up getting admitted for almost a week, and ended up getting stuck with a lot more needles. Now I'm fine with needles, it's temporary pain, and it won't kill ya!

10. I'm pissed that as a child, I didn't pay enough attention to my grandparents. As an adult, I've become more interested in learning family history, their history, and their culture. Otherwise, I'd be fluent in French, and could tell my daughter the stories my Grandma always told me about growing up in Scotland.


Linda, you also posted these answers, so I'm assuming it's part of the Meme, or these are multiple Memes...LOL


Four places I go over and over

Dunkin Donuts in Dayville to get my nightly dose of caffine...
Rene's house to hang out and shoot the breeze...
The firehouse to hang out with Rene and the guys to shoot the shit...
Work...

Four people who email me regularly

Rene
Myspace
Facebook
and I also get those emails from some investor/estate lawyer from Africa about my inheritance. Although lately it's been emails from the "UK lottery"...

Four of my favorite places to eat

Local- J.D. Coopers
Distant- Bidwell Tavern in Coventry, CT
Chain restaurant- Olive Garden
and lastly, is something that I haven't been to yet.

A Burns Supper.

Four places I'd rather be

Right now, home and in bed...
Anywhere with my daughter...
The UK...
in a hot tub (very sore from the playscape olympics)

Four TV shows I could watch over and over

Ghost Hunters (T.A.P.S.)
Cash Cab
Scare Tactics
anything on the History Channel

Four people I'm tagging

I don't even know 4 bloggers, and Linda's already done this, so I'm going to have to tag Claire!! ;-)

Turned out to be a beautiful autumn weekend after all....

Wednesday afternoon I swung by the local tattoo shop to check it out, and get a price. I found it very neat, clean, relatively inexpensive, and I've heard a lot of good things about them. Unfortunately, I couldn't schedule and appointment for Thursday or Friday, so I have to skip out on the fire department training this coming Tuesday evening, to get stabbed a few thousand times with a needle gun, and I'm totally stoked about it!!

So I picked up Hayleigh, Friday afternoon and we went right to Rene's house and ordered dinner. We ate when his wife got home, and then we all piled into my Durango and drove out to the Boy Scout Camp in Ashford, CT., where they were having a haunted hay ride. They also had games and facepaint for the kids, along with beverages and candy.





Well, the kids got the crap scared out of them on the "haunted trail", before we even hit the haunted hay ride! We eventually finished the course, headed back to the clubhouse for some more games, and then went home.

There was a little excitement Saturday, where we woke up early because Hayleigh not only had dance class in Norwich, but she also had "The Nutcracker" practice and hour before that. So we trucked down to Norwich and pull into the parking lot. My ex-mother-in-law was supposed to meet me there to take Hayleigh to a family party after the dance classes, and as we got out of the car to go see "Meema" I notice what looked like someone egged the main enterence door. As we walk closer, I notice the contents of a wallet on the ground, and look to the side of the building and the spare enterence, which looked like someone sliced the juglar vein of a bull and aimed right at the door!! The dance teacher pulls into the parking lot, parks her jeep, and kicks a pair of eye glasses as she gets out. I call Norwich PD, diverted the early students to the front of the building, while the owner called and cancelled the later class. Come to find out, the guy who's wallet contents were on the ground, was admitted to Backus Hospital early that morning as a drunk. Apparently he was drunk enough not to realize that he had been mugged!!

So a few hours later(as I got recruited by the NPD to help block off the parking lot while they did their investigation) I started home. I ended up relaxing at home for a bit, and when Hayleigh got dropped back off by her mom, it was off to Rene's house again, where we carved pumpkins. Wait, let me correct that, the girls picked out the designs, Rene and myself carved the pumpkins while the girls played and watched a movie(LOL)!! The weather Saturday evening had mild temperatures, but was rainy with some major gusts. We called it a night around 9:30, and drove home, only to find the power out in the neighborhood. So Hayleigh and I lit a candle, and piled onto the bed, where we watched a DVD on my laptop.



Surprisingly, the battery lasted all the way through the movie, and I awoke to find the power back on at 0230am.

We woke up around 9am, got dressed and went to Hayleigh's friend Robyn's birthday party at Koirnania, which is like a YMCA with a pool in Thompson. We then met up with Rene and his family at the Thompson Hill Greene. There was a scarecrow contest, and the weather was absolutely beautiful to the point where I went photo-crazy!! Linda, I think I'd make you proud with all the "Steeplechase" pics I took...LOL

Eventually, we went to McDonald's for lunch, then to the Putnam Elementry school playscape, and hung out till it was time to bring Hayleigh back to her mom's house. I think Rene and myself had as much of a blast as the kids had. Rene and I decided to have "playscape olympics" which entailled a race, an obsticle course, a balance beam event, and the grand finale was a swing-jumping distance competition. Rene was the overall champion, but I got the "gold" in the swing-jumping event. I used my height to my advantage. So all in all, it was a busy, fun, and mostly great weather type of a weekend, spent with my daughter and my friends. Now it's back to work for the week...LOL

Dancing with the who??!!

So after tonight's elimination show, I have to post something about it, even though it may make me sound gay-ish to all my macho friends. I don't care. How could Cloris Leachman still be on Dancing With The Stars? Seriously??!! And how could Toni Braxton get voted off before Susan Lucci?? It makes me wonder if Howard Stern started up another "cause" to crown Leachman the winner, much like he did to sabatoge American Idol a few years ago to have Sunjaia(sp?) win...

Although I commend Leachman for attempting the ballroom dancing at the ripe old age of 82, I hope to think that people will wise up soon and vote on talent, not personality and humor. And I'm hoping soon is like, next week!! Leachman is constantly interupting the show with her adlib attempts at comedy that honestly isn't funny, and her dancing is fair-okay at it's best. As far as Toni Braxton is concerned, she agreed to take part in the show, despite a diagnosed heart problem that has since cleared up with the help of dancing. She was showing great potential, as stated by the judges, which is much more than I can say for Susan Lucci. Lucci's dancing has been nice, I'll give her that, but she doesn't seem to have that drive or desire as much as Braxton did. She looks fragile, and her dances to this point have been such, FRAGILE.

On the other hand, Warren Sapp has surprised the hell out of me, as I could not imagine a very large, "athletic", NFL defensive lineman being light on his feet. But he's showed great skills. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict my final four contestants. I'm predicting, obviously Brooke Burns, Kody what's his name who dances with Julianne Hough, then Warren Sapp, and then it's a toss up between Lance from NSYNC, or Mr. Olympian, Maurice "?" with Cheryl Burke.

Alright, I'm done with my "feminine side" rant, about Dancing with the Stars. I guess I should get back to work even though nothings going on right now... Post later!