Oops...that's a "Jennifer"

Yeah, I get that sometimes.  It doesn't matter how well I do in school or work, or how many books I read, or, really how intelligent (or not) I am, I sometimes manage to show a side that thankfully doesn't tend to be dangerous so Darwinism won't actually take over...

Here a couple questions I've asked in the past (yeah, really!):

What's the name of that big yellow bird on Sesame Street?

What's the name of the lake at Lake Tahoe?

Sadly, I cannot say these sorts of things are rare.  I only hope they don't come out in interviews or meetings or other important functions.  After a moment or so of saying them, I usually do a quick thump on the forehead (duh!), but it's too late... the question went out.  Sigh.

I've often tried to hold my own in the "insult game" with my ex, but, as a writer, he's far to quick-witted, and he usually caught me setting myself up for a good one.  Needless to say, when I finally would stump him, it was a big celebration.  :)

I like to think these "Jenniferisms" keep me humble.  At least, I like to think that 'cause I'd rather they not make me look stupid.  ;)

Still, one thing I've learned in theatre and in life is that laughing at yourself (and letting others laugh with you) is so much nicer than hitting oneself over the head.  I'm sure I'll continue to let these silly words slip out of my mouth.  Sometimes it takes a few seconds for my brain to catch up.  But that's okay, the world can always use another laugh.

Closer and Closer...

I've passed the NREMT and the DMV written ambulance driver test!  Yay!!! Now I just need to certify with state and county on Monday, then send out my resumes.  So excited to be close to working again!!

Also getting ready for school. Started reading my Organic Chemistry book to get a leg up before classes start.  And reviewing physics for the MCAT next May.  Why won't the physics I learned stay in my head???  Sigh.

Anyway, short term goal is close to completion, and long term goal is still going strong.  Pretty happy right now.  Hopefully I'll find some time this weekend to just "chill."  :)

Enjoy your day!

NREMT: The Scary Test

So I took the NREMT on Saturday, and left thinking I failed. It didn't help that it asked me a question on peristalsis, which I didn't learn about in class and wasn't in the book (I double-checked when I got home).  Unfortunately, it unsettled me for the rest of the exam.  I didn't see where it said the question number I was on when I finished, but I think I was around the 80s.  I was in there for 45 minutes or so.  I waited on baited breath until Monday afternoon, when I found out I passed.  Yay!  Phew!!

So next step for me is the DMV ambulance test, which I have planned for tomorrow.  Yes, I know that the five steps of defensive driving are knowledge, alertness, vision, judgement, and skill.  Hopefully I know the rest of the handbook as well!

Today I had a lot of fun at Stanford.  They had a training exercise for emergency responders, and I got made up to look "cool and clammy," suffering from hypoglycemia, alert and oriented only to my name.  I would have loved to be one of the victims who had active bleeding..."blood" pumping from their wounds.  Make-up is fun!

Anyway, still going forward towards my immediate goals, and picked up my MCAT physics book to start remembering the physics I'd learned for the longer goals...

Ciao for now!

Ugh! The Costs, the Costs!!!

Sigh.  So I got my Livescan fingerprints done for the DMV ambulance driver test:  $56.00.  And I just realized I need to get ANOTHER Livescan when I go get my EMT certificate.  Not sure how much that one will be.  I'm freaking out a little bit over money right now.  Here I thought I'd take a class and then get a job.  I had no idea I'd be spending so much before seeing a days work!  Hrmph.  Hopefully I'll get this all done and then be able to start paying my bills down again.

Prepping for the NREMT exam

So I am amazed at the cost of being an EMT, especially considering starting wages aren't much above minimum wage.  Sigh.  Besides the class, the books, the uniform, and the time and energy of accomplishing completing the class, there are then some more hoops to jump through.  Thankfully I'm eager to jump through some hoops, although I do wish these hoops were just a little cheaper.  Sigh.

Here are some totals:

Class and all class materials (including books and uniform): about $550.00
Physical exam from my doctor for DMV ambulance driver test:  $185.00 (with 10% cash discount)
Ambulance driver handbook:  $5.00
Ambulance driver test: $25.00
NREMT national exam:  $70.00
LiveScan fingerprints for DMV test: $20.00
State certification fee:  $75.00
County certification fee:  $50.00
Accomplishment and Chance to be a Working EMT:  Priceless!!

I've got my NREMT exam scheduled for this coming Saturday, August 10th, at 4pm.  I'm doing some major studying this week while I also start my research on the project I was supposed to be done researching by the end of July.  Good thing my teacher understands so I can work on it these next two weeks.  :)

If all goes well, I hope to take the DMV ambulance driver's test by the following Friday, pay my state and county fees on Monday or Tuesday after that, and then start sending out my resumes.  Hoping to start work before the Fall semester starts, so I can kinda get used to the job a little...

I'm also throwing in a few pictures from my EMT class.  That's me in the collar sitting down.  Fun times!!