Christmas '07 - Survived!

I feel like we need to get t-shirts made..."The Hays-Hammond Family Survived Xmas '07!" I wasn't sure how we would handle not having my mother with us. She was THE Christmas Spirit, in my opinion. She made sure my kids had everything they wanted...including HER version of Xmas stockings (overflowing in gift bags). She also "adopted" a family in need and made sure they also had what they desired. Even without her, we made it through.

The kids awoke at 5:30 and the fun began. My work-partner, Scott G., came over after his shift for breakfast and gifts. The kids couldn't wait to exchange presents with him! He is a big kid himself, so he got them XBox 360 games. They got him some of his favorites, including Starbuck's. What more could a guy want?!? The coolest of all of the gifts......the beverage cooler that chills a can of soda in 1 minute and a bottle of wine in 6 minutes! WOW! That was given to us by Scott G. - thanks buddy! You know how we like our vino!!!!

Paul and I celebrated our 15th anniversary on the 27th of December. Yes....maybe we need shirts for THAT mile-marker as well...lol. We dined at Chili's with the kids and Paul gave me a beautiful diamond necklace....very unexpected as we usually don't even manage to exchange cards!

Christmas 2007: an enjoyable success!

Taxi Service or Health Care Worker

As the weather turns cold and wet, it seems my partner and I are "transporting" more "regulars" seeking drugs, attention, shelter. There is nothing medically wrong with these "frequent fliers." Somehow, they have the money for cigarettes and cell phones, but feel the need to call 911 to have us take them to the hospital. When we ask them what they would like to have done, their response is "to be evaluated." For what? They cannot tell us. And, by law and policy, we have to transport them. Don't get me wrong.....I love my job. But my job (in my idealistic mind) is to care for sick and injured people and get them the emergency help they need.

Why can a city like Columbus, that is so into appearances and national rankings for beauty and architecture, NOT do something to help these people who have "social" needs? Despite being a newbie in my EMS career I am getting pretty cynical quite quickly.

Enough of the griping....just thinking "out loud."

I am posting backwards!

I wanted to post these pictures from our visit with my dad over Fall Break. The boys and I spent a few days visiting with him and Paul's family. Despite the wonderful time with family, EVERYTHING else went wrong. My car died and I had to leave it in Newark, my dad's water heater broke, the garbage disposal went of the fritz....what else? It was a mess!

Halloween Fun!

Yes, I know it's almost Christmas, but I thought since I have a blog I'll share our family pumpkin carving fun! We are pretty pleased with the results!

To Blog or Not to Blog

I have decided, after much inspiration from my friends Kathy and Diana, to blog. Kathy, my dear friend, has moved to MN and I love reading her blog and seeing the wonderful pictures she posts. My dad, the new RV owner, is going to be on the road. This way, hopefully, we can all keep up with what is going on with each other. The trick will be for me to keep current with blogging.