If you can help it, don't work in the ER on July 4th

uJuly 4th is a heinous day to work in the ER (I know from last year), and the second and third most heinous are the Saturday and Sunday before the 4th (I know from this year). And since I've got your attention, let me mention some Fourth of July safety pointers and tell you what is and is NOT an emergency:

- Do NOT grab sparklers. They look harmless but please remember- they are on fire. That's why they are sparkling.
- Being drunk while driving an ATV without a helmet is a good way to end up in the ICU.
- NOT being drunk and driving an ATV without a helmet is a good way to end up in the ICU.
- Fireworks are not designed to explode in your hand.
- Firework ash in your eye is NOT an emergency unless it was flaming when it fell in.
- Having spots in your eyes from looking at too many fireworks is NOT an emergency.
-If you do not want to be taken directly to a room from the waiting room because you are watching the Stadium of Fire fireworks, it is likely a sign that your complaint is not an emergency.

Thanks for allowing me a little rant. Now like I said, I had to work the weekend before the 4th this year. Thankfully I got the actual holiday off to enjoy with my family. We had a barbecue at Laura's house. Here are a few photos. It was really nice to relax there after a crazy weekend of work.

We made Italian creme sodas (L to R: my mom, Laura,
Jacob, James, Matthew and Eleanor)

And enjoyed them on the patio (my dad with my niece Bridie)

Ben edited videos of my nieces and nephews with an iPhone app (with Adaline)

My favorite part was all the great firework shows as people lit off the newly legalized aerial fireworks. All I have to say is, if you take the wild fire risk out of the equation, they should have legalized them years ago.