Toyota 4Runner ROCKS!

I love my 4 Runner! I have a 2010 Limited Toyota 4 Runner, and it is the most awesome vehicle, ever. Before you scoff about the recent recalls, you should ask yourself: Am I being just a bit naive? Depending on your age, how many years have you spent being aware of product recalls? Everything from a McDonald’s toy, to home insulation materials, to pharmaceutical products has experienced a recall, and many of this merchandise has caused torturous fatalities before being eradicated or repaired. Unless you have sworn off Big Mac’s, living in an independent structure home, driving a motor vehicle, playing with a toy, or taking an antihypertensive medication, perhaps it is time to be more accountable for your opinions. Before purchasing any creation, do your homework! The internet alone is an endless resource, and then there are libraries, consumer reports, and even word of mouth to fish out a story behind almost any product. If you’re still skeptical after you’ve done your homework, move on to your next interest. But please don’t accept finality just because some demonic entity with deep pockets hired enough advertising engineers to sway your subconscious into loathing or lusting after some innocent object!

I did my Toyota homework, but I’m not interested in defending their mistakes or my decision to purchase one. I love my 4Runner! The first thing I loved about it is the height of the vehicle. I’m sure this stems from being a Paramedic tromping around in a huge ambulance all the time, but I can’t tolerate being in a vehicle that’s low to the ground. My 4Runner is almost as lofty as my Medic 2! The second thing I loved is the sleek, soft leather interior. My previous vehicle had leather but it wasn’t nearly as velvety or abundant as the 4runner...even the steering wheel and shifter is silky! It’s very roomy inside, big enough not to feel cramped but still cozy and comfortable. It has a push button start so no more dangling, dingling key chains. It has a built in GPS on a fairly large screen and bluetooth technology so that when my cell phone rings, caller info pops up on the GPS screen and the push of a button projects the conversation over the factory speakers while a built in microphone enables hands free operation. There are also many personalization settings available through the touch screen. It has a USB port in the glove compartment, perfect for iphone/ipod charging and playing music while keeping the device hidden, and using the GPS screen to select albums and songs. The steering wheel also has controls for music selection, volume, and using voice commands to make phone calls. The trunk is a hatch style liftgate with a power window that opens and closes with the touch of a button, another one of my favorite features. A tray built onto the floor of the trunk area slides out with the click of another button, making loading and unloading things ultra convenient, a definite plus for a shopaholic! Shopaholic?! Who, me? *tries to look innocent and humble* :)

A few more of my faves: An exceptional factory radio system with a “party” button for the rear speakers; a huge power sunroof with added tilt option; 2 120V power outlets, one hidden in center console for device security; a back up camera on the GPS screen; back row seats that have fold down armrest and cup holders, recline, and are covered in more soft leather (my daughter loves this one); fancy power drivers seat controls with adjustable lumbar support, and heated front and passenger chairs; downhill assist and hill-start control so it doesn’t roll into another vehicle (a handy feature when you’re trying to put on lip gloss in the visor mirror while stopped in traffic on one of those Fall River street hills!); compass, MPG, and temperature gauge display; all of the power windows raise and lower with just a click; bilaterally adjustable and auto heat and air control, an anti-skid system and 4WD, heated side view mirrors, and finally it just looks like a sizzling hot, sexy beast! 

Since this is an ultra girly review that focuses mostly on the accessories of the vehicle, I’m not too sure what the engine, tire, and transmission specs are...but I do know if you’re going too damn slow on the highway and I want to whiz on by while launching a scathing and withering glare into your non 4Runner vehicle, all I have to do is tap the anti-sticking accelerator pedal right above the faultlessly secured and fastened floor mat and laugh maniacally while you become a spec in my rearview mirror. Which, by the way, has built in auto dimming so you can’t blind me with your high beams in retaliation!

Just my 4 (Runner) cents.... :)

Christmas is coming...and the Goose is getting morbidly obese, with a side of cellulitis...

Poor Goose! He or she is so misunderstood! Talk about society induced body dysmorphic disorder...poor thing probably can’t wrap its beak around a grain of corn without someone pointing, laughing, and gesturing toward their hips with a spatula. The goose is only fat at the behest of the farmer! I don’t care who you are, if some farmer locked you in a field and fed you the Goose culinary equivalent of caviar while at the same time taking away your aerodynamic ability to traipse around the world, you might add a little fluff to your stuff as well. After all, that’s the Holiday tradition! 

In my family, traditional Holiday meals are usually at my Grandparents’ house, Barbara and Frank Perry. They begin with Barbara welcoming guests at the door, and planting 50-9000 kisses on both cheeks while making piercing falsetto “mwah” sounds. This greeting is followed by Franks’ bellowing Hello, offer of a place to sit, then statement “If you’re here to eat, I hope you brought money, cause food’s not cheap!” My grandfather is a mix of some very intense and concentrated personality traits: loud, abrasive, stubborn, opinionated, and short tempered. He is also loving and caring toward family and friends, and that’s why it’s easy to excuse him when he yells, “You got ROCKS in your head,” if you want to spend ten dollars on a lawn chair instead of constructing one from rotted timber, duct tape, nail polish and the steering column from a ‘76 Chevy. My grandmother balances him out by being jolly and content, and focuses mainly on trying to gorge you with as much food and drink as your clattering jaws can consume. She’s rather laid back...until it comes to her husband, or anyone messing with her family. In the right circumstances, she turns into a fire-breathing, hoof-stomping, knife-wielding, dagger-throwing, vigorously trained Ninja who will maim and destroy anyone who even looks at her family the wrong way. 

 The kitchen is open to the living room which has plenty of seating and doesn’t isolate the cook, who is always Barbara and she will never let anyone help do anything. It’s been an ongoing Holiday struggle for years; she will not allow the many family and friends that attend help serve or clean up. I don’t understand this philosophy myself, I put everyone to work at my Holiday dinners! Barbara is very particular about how she likes things done, and I can only conclude that previously, some charitable, unassuming fellow must have loaded a fork in the dishwasher with the prongs facing South, instead of slightly Northwest with the handle in a clockwise position?! Guests trickle in at regular intervals and receive their kisses and inquiries about financial status, gifts are exchanged, food and wine aplenty are passed about often, and there is tons of loudness, laughter, and love.  The family dog, a portly English Springer Spaniel, takes her cues from Barbara and greets guests at the door, dispensing sloppy dog kisses, and sprinkling pretty Chirstmas outfits with white fur from her paunchy body. Barabara becomes fierce in her defense of the dog as well, and if you don’t like her jumping up on you, you can “get the hell out!” She’s an amazing woman, my grandmother, and I’m proud to say I picked up many of her good traits, although she is a much better Ninja than myself. Cheers! 

Christmas is coming, and the Goose is getting fat! Hope everyone has a great family holiday planned, and if you don’t have any family nearby come celebrate with us! I will be hosting Christmas this year and Barbara and Frank will definitely be attending as well as several other interesting friends and family members :)

Here are the lyrics to the Christmas Carol referenced in this blog: 

Frankie, the family dog Chi, and Barbara's leg,...Xmas 2009 :)

Christmas is coming,

The goose is getting fat

Please put a penny

In the old man's hat.

If you haven't got a penny,

A ha'penny will do; 

If you haven't got a ha'penny,

Then God bless you.

Christmas is coming, 

lights are on the tree,

Hang up your stocking for Santa Claus to see.

If you haven't got a stocking, 

a little sock will do;

If you haven't got a little sock, 

God bless you!

Christmas is coming, 

the season of good cheer,

Let's all sing a carol for the brand-new year!

If you haven't got a carol, 

a jolly song will do;

If you haven't got a jolly song, 

God bless you...!

Genuine Caregivers are Magical

Today (12/6/2010), I was a patient. It was only at a dermatology follow-up for this confounded eczema, but still I was a patient. This is uncomfortable for a Paramedic, who is used to being a care giver, not receiver. Today, I also witnessed a spectacle. A sparkly, magnificent display of patient care. I was privileged to see a natural caregiver, governed only by instinct and the inherent determination to heal, caring for their patient. This isn’t something that can be taught, or trained. It just IS. This particular caregiver makes it look effortless, which I consider a remarkable feat for someone who sees so many patients. Even though providing patient care can be a rewarding endeavor, it is also straddled by hard decisions, unforeseen circumstances, and a dynamic work environment. Sometimes it unavoidable to carry life stress, or previous patient stress into your practice. This provider begins anew with every patient contact she makes. 

She doesn’t judge you for what you look like, or what your life choices have been. She isn’t partial toward or against your social or financial status. She always enters the room and greets you warmly. She always makes and maintains direct eye contact, which I feel is a simple gesture that is often absent, or its importance is overlooked when providing care. She sits down and ACTUALLY LISTENS to what you have to say, without interrupting, prompting, or trying to guess the next word or finish your sentence. She expresses sincere concern and empathy. Sincerity is another remarkable quality that has to come naturally to be effective, because if it’s forced it is obvious and phony.  She is not repulsed by anything you might confide, or have to expose, even when looking at your grossest bits. She works out a meaningful and differential diagnosis and treatment plan for your complaint. Her diagnoses are not only accurate, intelligent, and educated they are sometimes profoundly reassuring. When I went to her a few years ago in agony from an itchy dermatitis that had already been misdiagnosed by three doctors, she immediately diagnosed eczema and healed it within a week. I always leave feeling amazed by this woman. 

Her name is Diana Fairfax Miller, and I will spend the rest of my career striving to be any percentage of the caregiver she is. 

Today I was a spectator. And it was quite a spectacle to behold! Thank You to Diana, and everyone out there who is a true caregiver.