Beats working at Walmart

I successfully accomplished an entrance exam for AMR -American Medical Response, which then led to a formal interview last Friday. After finishing the interview I was invited to attend a new hire orientation either Monday July 7 or Aug 11, but that I had to accomplish a list of...well "activities" that had to be done in order to attend. I knew, walking out of that office that I had to put this in the Lord's hands. Can our family make it another six weeks or will I be able to accomplish all of this in less than a week, it was weighing heavily on my mind....
Monday- A visit to the Chiropractors office for a lift test. I was told it was "no big deal" by a friend of ours who is an EMT and now an officer as well.... ya maybe for a big strong officer, but how about a homemaker who's children only weigh 55 and 25 pounds soaking wet? Plus it's not like they let me carry them around anymore. I didn't know what to expect so I went in with an open mind and high hopes. First was the urine/drug test..no problem. After having kids, peeing in a cup is a sport for most moms. Then I was put into a room with all kinds of contraptions. The heart rate was measured a simple neuro exam and range of motion exam was done...no problem. Next I was asked to step onto a wooden box about 20 inches high and a metronome or something like that was started to help me keep the rhythm. I then, while keeping pace with the clicks, stepped onto and off of this wooden box. Three minutes later I was done. My heart rate was up. Ughh I thought I really need to work on stamina, but still no problem! After measuring the heart slowly going back to normal....the lift test begins. This is done to simulate lifting a stretcher with a patient from ground to truck (ambulance). It begins with lifting this stretcher weighing about fifty pounds from ground to a 22 inch high wooden box. The height and weights are all documented, that's how I know what the measurements are. Then the weight is increased to 110, 120 with the height increasing as well ( skipping past the boring parts ) eventually lifting 145 pounds from ground to a 40 inch vertical lift.... umm k, I don't weigh that much, and yes that is so much fun to say, I DID IT! Then I had to carry 120 pounds up three stairs and backwards down the stairs. Don't worry a licensed physician was spotting me. He told me because of my height 5, 4' I would need to learn some tricks to get that stretcher up a little higher to get it into the truck. Great advice! Whew.. I passed! I walked out of that office with great idea's of how to strengthen my leg muscles like putting Jarrin in a fireman's carry and walking up and down our stairs....I just haven't told him yet :)
Next, drive to downtown Las Vegas to the police department to get a background check.....downtown by myself?? I parked the car put money in the meter and prayed that I wouldn't get mugged while walking through the poorly lit parking garage. Why are parking garages so poorly lit? I reached the station which was connected to the City Hall and picked up my # 89. They were on #76. I had time to go to the bathroom. I walked back outside the station and found the bathroom located at the end of a dark hallway/tunnel....why is this hallway so dark! Do I really need to go to the bathroom I thought...ughh yes! Well long story short. I was able to accomplish everything that I needed to do and made it back home without getting mugged!

Tuesday- study protocols and pray and removed splinter from neighbor kid's foot. He was convinced that I had do it because of my training....that's cute. We all know any parent can do this procedure. It feels great to be the mom kids come to for help with their cuts and scrapes. Thank you to my assistants Jeff and Jarrin for holding the magnifying glass and flashlight, the procedure was a success :)

Wednesday-Jarrin's bday! Both Jeff and I had a lot to accomplish today. We felt that no matter what we had to do, this day had to be about Jarrin. Looking back we were able to do just that. Jeff went to the Dr. and will need surgery to have this tumor removed. She said that 9 out of 10 tumors are benign. We are now waiting to speak with the surgeon for a date. It was also discussed that he may need to visit UCLA to explore having part of his colon removed. We are open to the second opinion and the technology that UCLA has to offer. At this point Jeff is ready to do whatever it takes to feel better. We are eternally grateful for all the prayers and love that we have received during this "refinement" ;), it takes the burden and worry off of our shoulders which strengthened our family. THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
Later, that afternoon I had a physical scheduled and blood work done. It took two nurses and 5 pokes to get one vial of blood....yes I was hydrated! After the 3rd poke, I thought I must really want this job. Then a drive to AMR to drop off all of my paperwork. I then received my "intent to hire" letter. I took my packet and letter to the health department to schedule my protocol test. This protocol test is the determining factor of my hire date July 7 or Aug 11. With a prayer in my heart, I walked in the EMS office and asked to schedule my test. Sure enough she had an opening the very next day YES! I was so ready for this! A calm feeling washed over me and my nervousness was replaced with a peaceful feeling, a feeling I've had quite a bit the last 7 months. I was so grateful and humbled.

Thursday- Jeff gave me a blessing, I took my test. I passed and received my license. Great day! I start new hire orientation on Monday July 7.

Friday- Thank you to our neighbors who let us watch their awesome firework presentations! Well that's what I heard anyway, Jaliece and I watched a dance show on tv. She was terrified of the noise and lights....maybe next year.