Rebecca A. Foster

This article from today's NYT talks about possible new firefighting tactics being tested due to the change in furniture materials over the last few decades. Today's furniture burns differently than in the past, which affects ventilation and how quickly the fire burns. It also affects how toxic the smoke is. I got interested in firefighting and emergency services when I moved out on my own and realized I was now solely responsible for my safety in my home. Luckily I lived across the street from a firehouse with some really friendly guys who worked there so I had the chance to talk to them about it. I was also interested in it from a community standpoint, because I was doing work with refugees and other non-English speakers. I got a chance to talk to some firefighters in a forum about my questions and they also taught me a lot. It helped me feel more safe to understand what causes fires and how they are put out. (How they are put out: call 911.)  Just like after my dad d...

On 9/11 I had no idea what to say publicly. I hurt inside for those that still hurt. Especially for the ones I know personally. It's a difficult day for so many. I lit a candle for them in my living room. I wish I could tell them I was thinking of them that day.

A few things: 1. FloJo eloped today! For those that know her, she will no longer use Floyd, but I am still calling her FloJo. 2. In Vegas last weekend, I lost one of the diamond earrings my dad gave me several years ago. Just plum fell out. I never wore them regularly 'til my dad died, then wore them as a reminder of him. And seems kind of appropriate, as I am coming to different terms with his death, that I lost it. Time to move on to another stage of remembrance. Also, a reminder how transient "things" are, and why they don't really matter. 3. Did you know The Office starts back up this week? It does. RFos + JKras forever! 4. I had so much fun in EMT class last night, it hit me how my classmates are incredible people, funny and talented with diverse goals and a desire to help others. It's just a good feeling to be there with them. And my teacher is awesome and joked around with us when I asked why no one had thought to make bras out of the new splinting mate...

1. The EMT-B class I started this week. Still a bit concerned about the time commitment (3 hour class, 3x a week) and the type of learning, which is far different than what I did for my degrees, but so far I'm really enjoying it. It ends in April and if I pass the class, I can take the licensing test to be an EMT-B in May. 2. This website featuring bridge pictures from around the world. Some stunning shots. I love bridges, love their expanse and views and the simultaneous thrill of thinking you've beaten Mother Nature at the game while hoping at that moment She doesn't decide to take it all back. Airplane crash or bridge collapse? Two of my favorite worries. But I digress. Some of these photos are spectacular. Makes me itch to takes pictures of a great bridge myself. 3. You know that moment just before a man kisses you, when he puts his hands lightly on your face, maybe holding your chin in his fingers, maybe both hands gently framing your face, maybe a soft stroke of ...