Thursday, March 28, 2013

In a week... and then in two more days...

Things are happening quickly. Very quickly. I've gone to Halifax to meet my gorgeous niece, Dakota Rose. Had a 5 day sprint to visit, watch her grow and wiggle and poop and sleep... yup... sounds about right for a 1 month old human right?

   
wee dakota napping with me!!

 Now I am back in Ottawa and a week from tonight, I will be finishing my last shift before the next adventure - aka Progress in Paramedicine - Nicaragua! Holy jumpin'. And with all efforts combined, we have raised enough to get all of our Nicaraguan Participants and Translators to the event and we're working to compile the rest of the teaching curriculum. I am planning on going equipped with markers and hope for some chart paper so we can get the rest of the teaching tools put together. I was hoping that Ottawa U would be able to help with some teaching aids, but looks like maybe another time! WE of course will take additional donations, but best to do it either via email money transfer or if you are in Ottawa try out the BMO and just tell them it is for the paramedics going to nicaragua, and it will get to us. This year has had its growing pains, it was challenging to get everyone involved, our shifts don't make it easy. For future endeavours, we will have learned lots from this event, and can apply things to further make the planning and adventure a real success.

So, at this point in time I want to make sure i do thank yous! Family and friends - you will get my notes to you saying how much this rocked again, and how the first steps are often the hardest but you have all helped immensely! And then there are the folks at Art-is-in and their delicious bread for the chili day, Denise for helping me get the quick interview on CBC morning, CTV2, CFRA, and the future help from others.  I am sure there are more and they will hear from me soon.

My final thanks is to those who kicked in and put on events, crammed in as much support as we could on such a short time frame... totally awesome.  We did get to an honest goal, and we earned every dollar.  Thank you so much for your help, and for believing in this even though we're in the early stages.  I hope that this investment this year means you will consider future years.

Once again, Skylark, Los Medranos, Nicaragua, here we come.  None of us will ever be quite the same! :)

From start to finish... great times and good memories.

The final graduation ceremony - entertainment
Ambulance down the road... is there gas in it?


practice makes perfect 
Transportation is varried here... but fun!













Thanks again everyone... The best part of the adventure is about to begin... 

Monday, March 18, 2013

The final approach... well almost

I think with the winter lingering on... the approach of this adventure isn't coming fast enough!! Holy jumpin.  More snow coming on Tuesday? Really? C'mon!

I'd like a little more of this... instead of... 

This!!!

It's neat looking at the list of people who have chosen to support me.  Geographically diverse, not to mention from all the different phases of my life.  That's freakin cool! And also very sweet.  I know what I need to do for next year, so we're not as dependent on our family, friends and co-workers.  This means I want to approach some of our city counsellors, as well as some of the other political names to see if I can get rallied up a little more support.  I think we're also growing to a point where the multiple trips and multiple organizers, we are going to have to organize our supporters.  We are all paramedics and I think Ferno can only be approached so many times... ya know?  It's a little complex.

I am also approaching Ottawa University Kineseology Department to see if they have some teaching aids they want to part with. I guess I should have been approaching the med school.  Next year!

Either way... I have started thinking it is time to get my packing slowly started.  Dig out my warm weather clothing and get ready.  I know there's still time, but hey...

If you are interested, please click on the donate button if you haven't already. A few extra bucks is going to go a long way. :)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Well 2012 vs 2013

Last year everything was low key, just got a little help and support from family and friends.  This year, it's a new scale.  Trying to raise funds for all of us.

On Monday I ventured into a media adventure.  Started off at 06:10... on CBC radio.  Then at 7:20 at CFRA and 7:55 at CTV2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv0720gkSgE

So if anyone knows of some additional funding... anyone who would wish to fund this project...

**Goodness me... I have great news to announce!! I'm only $400 short of my goal! I'm at $1100! Thank you everyone so very much! Less than a month till we head down and I'm so greatful to the help that everyone has provided! **

It's getting closer - we leave in a month today.
Thanks again to those who have supported us.  :)

Cheers!