The name of the blog is A Day In The Life Of An Ambulance Driver. It was intended to be my creative outlet, and a way for me to polish my writing and trial-balloon new stories.
It’s never been a purely medical blog. I write about my job, my interests and my hobbies, and my bitches and beefs. It’s a microcosm of whatever is going on in my life at that particular moment, hence the title.
And frankly, I rather like the fact that my blog is neither fish nor fowl nor good red meat.
Lately though, the days in the life of this ambulance driver that I am inspired to write about have little to do with work. In an effort to stave off impending burnout, I’ve been trying to do more for myself, and obsess less about work. Hence, more guns and miscellaneous stuff, and less medicine.
And I know that pimping myself and the book may get tiresome as well, and believe me, it’s no less tiresome for me. But Kaplan Publishing took a chance on me, primarily from what they read in this blog, and I owe it to them to promote the book whenever I can.
(And it’s a damned good book, available for only $24.95 retail!)
I know that EMS stories are why many of you read, and I’m sorry I’ve disappointed you of late.
But just as many more seem to like my (admittedly) non-expert anecdotes and commentary on guns and such.
And a few Anonymi hate pretty much everything I write, but apparently continue to read anyway. (And bless your hating little hearts for it. – Ed.)
So I suppose my question is, what would you like to see more of? Go back to opining primarily on medical issues and sharing my EMS stories with you, or keep doing what I am now?
I’ll tell you right now that I’m not going to cease being an EMS/gun/daddy/potty humor blogger just to please a vocal few people who would presume to dictate my blog topics, but I am interested in what you’d like to read, and I’ll try to give you more of it.
Let me know your preferences in comments.
I like everything. Please bring back star of life though.
more of everything please – i find your EMS stories hilarious … i’m a gunny so anything guns is good – as a mum of 2 little girls, i like hearing about your daughter … stories about your relationships / past are also interesting … so please just write what interests you and i’ll read it …
vw: sagones … is that what happens to guys in their 70s?
Do what you do best – write about *your* life, et al – guns/KatyBeth/EMS and whatever else wanders in front of you. You have a gift for relating life as it happens – keep it up!
Write whatever makes you happy.
You write well, so just write. I enjoy reading a good story regardless of the content.
reading your blog is like hearing my husband’s work stories (which I enjoy!), and since he also enjoys the range, and loves being a Dad, I really, really enjoy reading whatever you have to say. So, just speak your mind, and don’t worry about the rest.
I LOVE everything you write, whether it’s medical, gun pron, or family related…keep it up!
I like it all. I’m just glad to see a post from you, whatever it’s about.
Now that I’m only a short time away from getting my EMT-B license (and yeah, I’m going on to Paramedic) I find myself learning just as much from your non-EMS stories as from the Saga of Sumdood.
Keep writing about life, whatever is in it that makes you happy, and may you have much more of the same.
I like just about everything you write AD. Just don’t quit. Seems like a lot of the bloggers I’ve been reading forever are quitting this year. Some of them because of the haters out there who can’t seem to help sharing the non-love at every opertunity. I’m planning on buying the book as soon as I can. Keep doing what you are doing, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! Janet
Well, this ought to teach you to ask for pats on the head. Now make sure that you read ALL these comments,AD!
And get back to work, will ya? Obviously the only thing we all don’t like is when you don’t put up a new entry!
Love guns…love reading about med stuff…love reading about your kid. Keep yourself sane in whatever way you can. (although a little insanity goes a long way towards keeping life interesting)
Any topic, as long as it’s humerous or heartfelt. Guns are *meh* I own ‘em and I’m a good shot with a 22….but unless there’s humor or drama related to the gun-posts I skim and check back later for other stuff.
I do need some Star of Life already dude!
Um… whatever you feel like writing about? It’s your blog. I’m just here to read it.
your blog, do what you wish. I’ll keep reading it.
Just keep doing what you’re doing, and keep it coming! Med stuff, gun stuff, potty humor, motorcycle stuff, stories about KatyBeth, everything. Oh, and when do we get a new installment of Star of Life, Hmmm????
It’s your blog – write as you wish!!! “You” – your wit, wisdom (or, depending on the story, lack thereof, lol), and personality are what keeps folks coming back.
Since you asked
I’m a huge fan of your EMS posts! I enjoy the medicine, your perspecives on the patients and families, your experiences with nurses and doctors, and laughing with you about partner experiences. Thanks for filling us in on what that’s all about!
Well it’s your blog and your choice to write what you want. However, I could not care less about guns (maybe it has something to do with being Canadian lol) and so I haven’t been reading your blog as much of late. I read for the work related stuff and I like reading about your daughter, the gun episodes are a little too over the top for me. But in the end it’s your baby – do whatever floats your boat , makes your gun go bang or what have you.
I found your blog while looking for EMS stories, and I must say that everything I read here I enjoy. I have bought your orignial book and plan on getting the new one. I realy enjoyed the “Winter Wings” post and am looking forward to the rest of “Star Of Life”. Thanks for your writing. Levi
I agree with California Girl, It is your blog – so write what you want to.
I read your blog coz I like what you write, if a piece doesn’t interest me then I will skip it and read the next. I always come back tho.
Angie
I agree also; it’s your blog, so you should do whatever you want with it. But since you asked…. I really like your EMS stories and hearing about your daughter. In fact, I’m going to go order your book right now. No joke. Amazon.com!
keep on doing what you’re doing chief
I work as a RN in a tourist mecca and our hospital is very very small, I love reading your blog, it keeps me sane to know that someone else has it just as crazy as me. I also love to hear about your daughter and I am also a gun person, maybe not as much as you but I grew up around them and my dads family has just about every gun you can imagine. Keep writing whatever!! I’ll still read it and I also bought your book and am waiting not so patiently for it.
I work as a RN in a tourist mecca and our hospital is very very small, I love reading your blog, it keeps me sane to know that someone else has it just as crazy as me. I also love to hear about your daughter and I am also a gun person, maybe not as much as you but I grew up around them and my dads family has just about every gun you can imagine. Keep writing whatever!! I’ll still read it and I also bought your book and am waiting not so patiently for it.
I don’t agree with the, “If you write it they will come.” theory, but I do think that your blog should be uniquely you.
Write stuff that makes you want to come and read your blog. Write what’s on your mind and in your heart. We don’t need blog drones. It’s your blog brau. And it’s a good one.
I miss the EMS stories, which I found fascinating. The gun stuff I can really do without, but that’s me. I can deal with them occasionally if there’s also good EMS anecdotes.
Write whatever you feel like. Your blog, your say – don’t turn it into a “stories on-demand” site – that just sells yourself out. Remember why you started it in the first place.
I usually only lurk, but this seems like a good time to start making my own pithy remarks. I enjoy reading everything you post, but I have to admit I love the on the job and Daddy posts the most. I am always sure they will make me laugh or cry by the end.
I just jumped in here to let you know how much I was looking forward to more of “Star of Life”, but I see many others are way ahead of me!
That story has to keep going my friend, it’s brilliant!
In my opinion, some of your best posts are about your daughter. Your pride and love for her shine through in every piece.
I also enjoy your EMS pieces, though I understand job burnout and the need to take a break.
More EMS! I love it. Though I enjoy your writing and will read anyway. I miss sumdood!
I came to your blog following LawDog’s “Perspectives” post, and I stayed because I like the way you tell stories. I’m not really into EMS, but I bought your book… again, because I like the way you write.
You keep writing; I’ll keep reading.
AD, i’m going to echo almost everyone and say “write what you want”
It’s your blog, so you get to say what goes on here and what doesn’t.
If the particular story you posted that day doesn’t seem to appeal to me, or any other reader, then we can simply just skip it. No harm, no foul.
The point of blogging for a lot of people is to put out there what they are thinking, stories of their lives, etc. Each piece of your life is a part of you, and it’s natural for you to want to share that. So keep sharing! We are here to listen, comment, and keep coming back for more.
I am going to read it no matter what it is. I might not understand the EMS stuff but I like the way you write, the rhythm of it, and am just a little frightened of your brain.
I do prefer your EMS and personal stories to the book pimping (which I can understand) and the gun obsession (which I cannot). I have a young friend who was killed messing around with a gun that wasn’t locked up properly at his friends house, therefore I am completely biased about guns, admittedly. When I read that you bought your VERY young daughter a gun, I almost called it a day as far as your blog goes. That is just so wrong, on so many levels, in my opinion. BUT, it’s your life and I’ll continue to check back and see if you write any more good stories.
Past practical jokes. I know there are more than what you’ve shared.
Ditto to anyone who said Star of Life.
I came here for the EMT stories, and I’m not a huge fan of guns, but seeing the people bitching about you exercising your rights actually makes me want to see more gun posts. Its like trolling them without actually trolling.
But above all, write whatever keeps you from burning out
AD,
I love the blog. If I want more EMS based bloggage I’ll go elsewhere – from your blogroll!
If I don’t like one of your blogs I’ll stop reading and come back for the next one.
May i suggest not trying to ‘please all the people all the time’ but just having a good time for yourself? Your true kinsmen will stay with you through it all.
I will delurk here to comment on this.
I’m not a big fan of guns. I don’t feel comfortable around them, and know little or nothing about them. That said – I’m sure you probably aren’t overly conversant in some of my hobbies, so whatever floats your boat is fine by me. Not everyone enjoys the same things – which is nice, because if we all did, none of us could afford to play!
Write about what you enjoy. I enjoy reading what you write. I can even hear the “Southern” sometimes, one of those things that makes us yankee girls swoon.
Ive been lurking for awhile. I came here for the EMS posts, but love the variety of topics you present other than pure EMS. No matter what you decided to write about, I’m sure I would be just as captivated with it, as with your EMS posts. Keep on keeping on with what your doing.
ANYTHING YOU WRITE ABOUT IS GOLD KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
I like the EMS stuff the best; not due to the EMS content itself, but because that’s when your writing is at its best, I feel. It’s very amusing (well, ok, funny as hell), but also makes one think.
The gun stuff? I find it dull. I also think it doesn’t have to be that way; I’m not into hunting, either, but I enjoyed your hunting stories. You obviously love it though, so why not take a different approach to writing about it? Ditch all the freedom/2nd ammendment stuff; you’ll notice that writers, despite also having a hobby/profession deeply entwined with constitutional rights in the U.S., don’t go on about it so much. Instead, figure out what it is about your hobby that shares that thing within the human spirit that gets people into hobbies. Imagine that instead of being a gun fan you’re a trainspotter, and you need to demonstrate to others how humans find joy in something. Then you’d probably make a lot of converts, because I suspect that guns are more interesting than trains to most people. (I find them about equally interesting myself–well, maybe trains a bit more.)
I like the medical posts, but that’s just my opinion and this is your blog.