And that's exactly what happened. The Missus and I got up at 5:00 AM yesterday morning to get me to my appointment for my throat scope. Since they knock you out, the Missus made the supreme sacrifice and was my driver. Scope went well, nothing to be concerned about with the results, and the doctor said he thought my chest might heal by itself given enough time. I took the results of all of my recent test to the family doctor later in the day to discuss everything - maybe an orthopedic guy next?
After coming home, had a bite to eat and then a damn kidney stone made its presence known. I walked the floor until about 2:30 and finally fell asleep. Woke up this morning and the pain was gone, thankfully, meaning the stone made it as far as my bladder at least. It also means I'll be in for another surprise when it leaves there. No fun what-so-ever.
I did receive my call sign from the FCC yesterday, so I'm a bona fide amateur radio licensee now.
I'm going to take it easy today but planning on going out to the shop to do a little something at least.
3 comments:
Congrats. What's your callsign? Understand if you don't want to divulge it here.
I remember first getting my ticket. Had to drive to Cleveland, to an FCC field office, take the test there under the watchful eye of the gubment guy, then wait 8 weeks until it landed in my mailbox. Of course way before internet. I suppose some things are better today than the 'good ol days'.
Rich in Ky - N8UX
KE9AQS Since I don't have a radio to go along with the call sign, I won't be using it for a while. The president of the local club gave me some ideas for a set-up but I'm going to wait until after the club's field day event next month to learn more about the whole business. It would be nice if I had one in my truck, as well as at home, and be able to hook up the truck rig into my little teardrop trailer if I go camping or as a bug out vehicle. I might just get a handheld radio first. I did buy a study book for my General license.
I've got a lot to learn yet but the local club seems to be a very helpful group. If you've got any good advice, feel free to chime in.
A good club can be a treasure trove of help and guidance.
There are a lot of sub-interests within the hobby - too many to list. A 2 meter Fm mobile radio for home and/or vehicle is a common way to get your feet wet operating. Talking on the local repeater to other hams in the club. They may have some weather or emergency nets that you can checkin to. Your club will provide more info on those.
Emergency communications is something that I have always had a hand in. Before cell phones, I was a member of the Navy Affiliate Radio Service (Navy MARS), and used to run phone patches from Navy bases around the world to connect those stationed overseas with families.
Today I run a 2 Meter packet/VARA FM Winlink gateway. In the event of a total loss of cell coverage and other communications breakdowns, Winlink allows people to send emails over radio. During emergencies amateur radio assists red cross, and other agencies to get health and welfare messages in/out of affected areas.
Long story short: Lots of things to do with amateur radio, you just need to listen to others, attend club meetings and you'll find something that strikes your fancy. Field day is a great way to get started! My first experience was field day in 1977, and it lit a fire under me to get my license.
Most of all, have fun!
...Rich in Ky
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