Update!

Hi all... I'm not really back, but here is an update of what is new. Still doing the nursing thing, which is going good. I'm on break for the summer, but it doesn't feel like much of a break. Work, work, work, I'm still coaching Girls Fast Pitch Softball, the girls and I have camps all summer long, and we are seriously putting on a roof this summer! and a garage... and 2 entry ways... Projects galore! Plus, my mother-in-law in moving into town, so that has been another side-line project.

Update: Here is a picture of our new puppy... She turned 1 on July 5th - Happy Birthday Rizzo! I'll post a couple of pictures...

I'm out!

Too many irons in the fire

Life has gotten too busy, and I'm unable to maintain this blog any longer. Thanks for all of your support through this short blog process, and hopefully someday I'll get it going again. Maybe after nursing school, when life rebegins.
Take care!
xoxox

Got to Get a Life

I am so greatful to be getting back to my normal self. I've been sick, sick, sick. Barry and the girls quarentined me off at home for a couple of weeks. I missed almost a week of school, and then went because I just had to. After nearly recovering from the first round of being sick, now I have a secondary infection and I'm taking new meds. It's not as bad as the first time, but I'm ready to feel human again. It was viral, but I think it's turned bacterial. I am, however, back in school - a good thing.
It seems like all I do is complain anymore. I have got to get a life outside of sick, home, books, and school. I haven't even left the house to go to any of the girls' stuff. Bad Edna, Bad!

Witchy Cat

It's funny I was thinking how I didn't like my cat, because I guess the feeling must have been mutual. Barry and Harold (my nephew and replacement at the sign shop) left door of the sign shop open for a few minutes one afternoon, and he was like "I'm outta here!" So, woo hoo and good riddance! I just renamed this post, after telling a fellow nursing student/friend about this ungrateful cat, and we decided it was an evil cat. Anyway, it's gone now and I don't have to deal with it anymore. Thank God!

School, cats, and life in general

School is going really good, but I am a bit overwhelmed at times. I am really enjoying the classes,and meeting so many great new people, but there is a ton to do. Besides reading - a Lot - we also have to stay up to date with our laptops. We will be taking all of our tests online, and we have to go online to find our assignments, discussions, calendars, schedules, etc. for each class, as well. I am soooo glad I took an online course last semester, otherwise I wouldn't have much of a clue as to how to work the program. I think what is most difficult is the distance, and living out of my suitcase, literally from day to day. Hoo well, we'll just have to see how it goes...
The cat! I think I really hate this cat, and therefore all siamese in general. Now that we have it indoors, it has absolutely no appreciation whatsoever for what we are doing for it, and therefore does not return any signs of love, or gratitude. Seriously, if it weren't so stinkin' cold, I would totally give it the boot. It will not come up to us and purr, or want to be held. Instead it slinks off at the mere sight of a human being walking through the front door. It will not even come around when we are putting out the food, water, and cleaning the litter box. And can I say, I have never seen a messier pooper! This cat has doesn't even try to keep the litter in the box. I think he/she sees it as a personal challenge to scatter it as far as possible. And I call it "it" because we cannot, for the life of us, tame the beast enough to even attempt to try to find out whether we are dealing with a poor frightened, pitiful, pregnant female - in that case, we would keep so the girls could experience the birth of kittens (something every child should see), or if it's a selfish, prone-to-spray male, in which case I would definitely give it the boot. It's nothing like our last cat, who was a male, but he was such a lover! Seriously, that cat would hug us, and I am positive he tried to talk to us, and he was so appreciative of food, constantly talking and purring, and letting us know he totally preferred the more expensive soft, canned cat food. But alas, he is gone and we are stuck with this difficult, wild thing. Do you have any suggestions?

Here Kitty, Kitty!

I'm trying out my new laptop and getting it, and myself, geared up for classes again, which start tomorrow. Yikes! Christmas and New Years came and went wonderfully, but oh so fast! I had good intentions to get caught up on my blogging and emailing, but did a rather pathetic job of it. I did receive good news this week that I made the Deans List with all A's this semester. Talk about happily suprised! I'm sure my GPA will not come as easily with the Nursing Program. For one, the grading scale is more difficult, and the course itself is challenging, too. But I've got my laptop, $900 worth of books (sheesh!), my scrubs, my clinical uniform, and I think I'm about ready to go. Now if only I can keep exercise as a priority now that school will be underway.
The girls are doing great. They are enjoying a much needed break in-between sports! They needed it, too. Those kids don't get a lot of down time; they're usually hard at it from 7 a.m. until bedtime, so this has been nice for all of us.
We've adopted a new siamese. I think it's a she, and possibly a young pregnant she, which is why we worked for a couple of days at luring her into the sign shop with tasty morsels. "She," I think I'll call her Sweetie Pie, couldn't resist. Anyway, we all felt (family decision) that if she were going to have babies, they would have a hard time surviving in the harsh SD winters. We're still working at gentling her down enough to actually check to see if she is a she, but there is definitely a big belly on an otherwise pretty slim cat. She is gorgeous though. I will have to get a picture. She is fluffy with brilliant blue eyes! And she winks. I once heard Siamese were noisy cats, but this one is most certainly the silent type. It usually takes me a while to find her when I go to the shop.
Hope you're having a wonderful New Year!

Feliz Navidad!

There is so much going on this season. It never seems to slow down. But for the first time ever, I have the tree up, the presents all wrapped (I'm usually wrapping Christmas Eve), and I'm kind of enjoying myself. My classes are all finished. I don't have the final word, but I think I got all A's. Woo Hoo! No classes now until mid-January, so I'm hoping to catch up on my blogging efforts.
My birthday was great. I had Guards that weekend, but made it home in time for a great supper and cake, planned and created by Kianna and Katlin - sweeties! Katlin made a beautiful cake. The girls gave me jewelry. The planned a great supper and even did the shopping, which is probably why I got food poisoning. I'm not even kidding. Apparently, the potato salad was outdated, as I was sick on the floor half the night in the bathroom. That's what I'm blaming it on anyway. (We found the outdated label in the trash.) Barry was kind enough to bring me a blanket. But the kindest thoughts were there, and I feel loved in spite of their attempts to kill me off. j/j...
The girls are finished with basketball season. They had a lot of fun and did very well. I only made it to 7 games total. School does keep a person busy. I think they are looking forward to a break, too. I actually even got Christmas cards out this year. Okay, I only mailed them today, but at least I'm trying.
Barry is working like a dog at the sign shop with my nephew. I showed up and offered to help, but they said they had it under control. So here I am. I'm getting ready to go upstairs and move the girls' bedrooms around. Should be fun. I always love moving furniture and deep cleaning. You never know what you might find...
So, I hope you are all having a great holiday season! Take care, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! Hope it's all great!

Nothing to talk about, really

I've been an absolute bore lately, and I still feel like I have nothing exciting to say. School has been good, but it will be good to have it over in 2 more weeks. I've had to miss so many of the girls' basketball games, and I will have to miss their Christmas concerts. :( I'll have to send the video camera with Barry, though. I'm so looking forward to Christmas vacation! I even plan to send out cards this year, though I haven't quite managed to start decorating yet. Totally need to get busy with that. And shopping. And exercise... Oh! On a fun note, my birthday is in a week! I love birthdays! Especially my own!
Katlin's drums and bells are coming along quite well, and I think she's a little excited and nervous about her parts in this concert. Kianna will be playing saxophone for hers, but she's still working on her bass guitar out of school and sounding great! I think she's planning on playing that for jazz band, soon!
Well, Katlin is hounding me to get off the computer so she can update the music on her ipod. Apparently she's bored with what's there.

Hard at It!

Halelujah! Woo Hoo! Tomorrow my Spanish class is over, and then I will have soooo much time to talk to you! I'm so excited! I survived that last crazy month! I swear, I wasn't home more than a couple of days. And I totally made up for it by being a lazy bum these last five that I've had to myself. (Though I should've been studying for this final, and actually, should be right now.) Okay, I was actually busy, just with the girls' stuff, making cookies - not for us :( and watching movies. Seriously, it was some very important business!
The girls have been busy, too, with school basketball, and piano lessons. They have been fun to watch in their games. Kianna is really coming along with her bass guitar, too. She helped to lead a youth group worship service this past Sunday. She played bass, a classmate played electric guitar and another played keyboard, and one of the youth leaders played guitar, as well. They did such a good job! She is excited to learn more and is now begging for an acoustic bass guitar (one that can be played without hooking up to an amplifier - the type that you could haul to someone's house or to a campfire, that sort of thing.) We'll just have to see what Santa has in mind ;) Poor Barry... I think he might be feeling a little neglected lately. He seems a little out of sorts.
I just blew 1800 dollars on a laptop and another 200 on nursing uniforms, stethoscope, shoes - all that wonderful stuff. I even got fingerprinted today. I still have to go in and get drug tested and send in my background check. Lovely... And that sounds like just the beginning. I have a really long list of things to do. The joy!
Well, time to get back to studying... Gotta ace that test! Or at least try...

Draggin'

I'm soooo tired! I haven't been home a single whole day for the last 9 days until today. I'm gone again tomorrow and for the next 6 days for Guards (3 day weekend drill) and then back to school. Ugh... and I'm feeling a little run down, which is also why I haven't been posting lately. School is going well, but it's keeping me on the run. Next week is my last week for Spanish; it's a four credit course and we've been busting our buns! It's all good though. The girls are staying busy with basketball. I got to go watch them at practice this afternoon for a bit, and they are so cute. I haven't seen a game, yet, but I should have a free weekend coming up here after this weekend. I was bummed, too, 'cause I had night classes on Halloween and totally didn't get to see them in costume. They had fun, though, and brought home loads of candy. Mmmmm.
It hasn't been all work, though! Last Thursday I came home to Karoke at the sign shop! Some of our friends helped Barry set it up and Kianna and Kat invited friends over for singing and dancing in costume. It was fun! Next year we might try to make it bigger (this was a test run) and make costumes mandatory! I will try to post some pictures soon!
Anyway, it's super late, I'm super tired, and I'm so going to bed now. Hope you are all well!

Not Forgotten!

You crazies! Of course I haven't forgotten you all. And I am really sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Okay, a very long while! I've been bad. And busy. Wanna hear what's been going on? Oh, sill me.... of course you do!
School is going well. I've already had a midterm in Spanish. Yikes! And my labs are fun, too. I love looking at bacteria and molds under a microscope! We just got our unknown bacteria yesterday. I also found out yesterday I've been accepted to the Nursing Program, so Woo Hoo! I start Nursing School in January! Now it's time to get drug tested, fingerprinted, and all that other wonderful fun stuff so I can get started with that.
On Sunday I was promoted to Sergeant! So that is very exciting, and there was a neat little ceremony for the family to come up and watch. Kianna got to take off my old rank (and keep it as the oldest daughter) and Katlin got to put on my new rank. Very special. Barry forgot the camera, but the unit had pictures done and as soon as I receive them, I will try to get them to ya. And yes, it's more pay, but also more responsibility. It's all good though. I have a really great unit, which is worth a lot!
And on Tuesday, Barry and I had our 14th Wedding Anniversary! Isn't that crazy? Wow! Unfortunately I was away at school. So we're celebrating tomorrow. I think... That's the plan anyway. I picked up some king crab, shrimp, and wine, and maybe tomorrow or some time this weekend we'll have a special celebratory moment.
Kianna finished up Volleyball, and now both girls have started Basketball this week. Katlin has a drum thing going on tomorrow, and they're are both back at piano lessons again. Plus, Kianna got to go to Junior Honors Band earlier this week. I was away at school and missed their performance, though. ;( I have classes on Halloween, too. ;( Wah... so sad. She's going to be a vampire devil thing this year, and Kat is going to be a bad cheerleader. I'm talking about skull and cross bones bad! They're so cute sometimes.
Barry is sick tonight. Poor thing. He is so cute. He left work early today, but actually kept coming home off and on today for foot and neck rubs before he finally gave in and admitted he was sick. Hope he gets better soon.
Okay, there's a quick update for now. But there will be more soon! I have an EMT convention coming up and another Guard Drill soon! Hope you are all well!

The Gypsy Rose Sails Again!

The old girl is finally up and running once again! We had to throw another $500 at her, but it was well worth it! Barry and the girls went out yesterday while I stayed home, studied, and took a couple of online tests... Aced them by the way! Woo Hoo! But today I was really glad they talked me into going out with them for a bit. Got a little color, and really enjoyed watching the girls freezing their tails off while they went tubing and skiing. The water was 65 degrees. Brrr... it IS South Dakota. Anyway, it's good to have the old girl home!
But now it's back to homework. This school stuff is a lot of work! I swear! I have more homework than the girls put together times two! Whine, whine, whine...

The Washer is Dead

Our washing machine has finally died and I am so grateful. The pounding it has been giving my ears these past few months has thankfully ended. The new one is installed and working grandly! It's actually quiet and lovely!

Besides that, school has been keeping me crazy busy. I have no time anymore, which is why this will be incredibly short. I'm taking a full load: Spanish, Microbiology lab, Physiology lab, Biology, and Gerontology (that one is online). I enjoy school, but I forgot how much homework there is. Throw a Guards weekend onto the week, such as this past one, and I'm wiped out. I can truly say I am glad to be home again.

Now... time to get back to the books.

Oh, and guess what! So exciting! I'm being promoted to Sergeant (E-5) next month. Woo Hoo! I'm so happy.

Take care and have a great week!

Crazy Backwards Weekend!

Crazy Me came up to visit Backwards Ande this last weekend and I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time! I learned about red beers with Clamato Juice (my new favorite), pink panty drinks and chocolate cake shots - too fun! We barbecued and sang and played guitar, campfire style, but without the fire. And I learned a whole slew of new expressions. The following are some of my favorites!

"I know!" (Crazy Me owns this one. Sorry to say, but hard as I try I cannot duplicate it to her level of perfection.)

"Seriously"

"Good Lord!" - to which I would reply "I know!" repeatedly on one rough country road.

"Significant"

"I've got Mad Skills" - and many more...

But I'd have to say Mount Rushmore was the funniest time of all! http://lifesupanddowns.blogspot.com/ for more pictures, as I forgot my camera. Did you know certain pine trees smell like butterscotch? Crazy Me was a scoffer at first but is now an avid promoter, enticing complete strangers to "sniff" trees with us and to pass on this knowledge to other complete strangers. She is not shy, I can tell you that. Our fun loving meandering through the trails of Mt. Rushmore nearly wound up in disaster when we were attacked by a crazy bee with killing instints. Crazy Me is deathly allergic to bees, so after a series of fivc vicious attacks, I laid my life on the line to save Crazy Me and stomped said bee to death after Barry batted him down with my sweater... or something like that... No one was hurt... except for the bee...

Anyway, it was a wonderful weekend! Now I'm trying to get back to reality. I'm back in school and I forgot how much homework they give. Back to work! Have a great day!

A Sobering Experience

Okay, sorry I haven't written lately. Okay, about last weekend. We actually didn't get to fly to Yankton, which was a bummer. I didn't even know until I showed up for drill in uniform and everyone else was dressed in "Civies" (civilian clothes for the long drive.) Anyway, drill went well, though we had to stay in a dive of a motel in Vermillion, 26 miles away, because all the good hotels had been booked up due to River Boat Days Celebrations going on in Yankton. Some of the group went to a concert Saturday night, and the other half of us stayed and drank a little and played putt putt (mini-golf). We still had fun.
It was a significant experience, however. On Saturday we met a soldier who had returned from Iraq 2 years ago, expected to die, and is currently going through an amazing recovery. His convoy was hit by an IED and he was sent forward to assist, because he had civilian paramedic skills, when he was hit by the second IED explosion. He was flown to the U.S., his wife was flown down to be with him for his last days, and that's when they realized he had some neurological activity in his brain. Thus began his slow recovery. He is blind, his skull is slightly deformed on one side of his head, and we were amazed to see him walk, not be wheeled, into the armory in full military uniform. He is an inspiration, and his wife is an absolutely amazing woman! It was a very lasting experiencing just to meet someone of that caliber, and very sobering. I thanked him and his wife for their service and sacrifices made. They have two young children. I was very happy to return home to mine!

Flying Away

I'm leaving first thing in the morning for a three day Guard Drill. They are flying us to Yankton on Black Hawks for drill this month, so that should be fun and exciting! It's certainly not something I get to do everyday. Our unit is a medical unit. We are Doctors, nurses, admin. personel, supply people, medics (that's me), etc. I usually get put to work on blood draws, shot station, or height/weight. I work with some really great people, so that is good. Anyway, I am looking forward to sharing news that is a little more exciting than usual with you all when I get back home.

I can't believe school starts next week! I haven't even taken the girls school shopping yet. Am I a bad mom, or what! We're going up on Tuesday... Ho Hum... In my opinion, there is just no way in the world school should start before Labor Day? Is anybody else with me on this, or am I just trying to get out of it? Speaking of which, I should probably go school shopping for myself, since I am registered for a full load. Now that I think about it, it sounds pretty exciting! I can't wait! Any good excuse to go shopping.

Ps. The Gypsy Rose is still patiently awaiting repairs. We have parts ordered, so that is a start at least. Thanks for your input on her name! I think it fits perfectly!

Gypsy or Ruby Rose?

This last weekend was great, but frustrating. We took out the boat, or attempted to, since it didn't run. Typical, too, since it's run three times out of the six we've had it in the water. Bummer. Back to Pierre for another stab at repairs. I just know it's gonna be great once we get her going! We're naming her Gypsy Rose, or Ruby Rose, due in part to the color - pinkish purplish) Which do you like better? I think Gypsy, since she's a bit unpredictable... Anyway, our friend was there with his boat, too, and we jumped on board with him, again! Sort of a repeat of last weekend. What a nice guy! And we had a great time tubing, and skiing. Even the girls learned to ski for their first time! Yay!
Barry and I also started biking. Well, actually we just started this morning, so I'm not a hundred percent sure how long we'll stick with it, but I sure hope we do. Good workout, and I'm looking forward to the next.

On The Road Again

Kianna and I just got back today from a three day road trip to the Vermillion and Sioux Falls area. We went to say goodbye to my baby sis, Janell, and to help her pack for her big move to El Paso, TX! She is closing the gap bt her boy, Oliver, after a long couple of years of long distance love. They met in SD 4 years ago, but his job has had him on the road these past couple of years. I am really happy for them, even though I am going to miss her lots!
Then we spent the next night with my sweet sister-in-law Lynn, and did some necessary shopping in Sioux Falls. Spent too much money...
Now that we are home, I just want to put my feet up and relax; it seems like I am always going somewhere. But I look around and there is so much to do, plus I'm feeling the need to exercise after all that fast food! - I've been a bad girl! ;)

It's Raining!

It's raining here today! Woo Hoo! We are long overdue! And wouldn't ya know. It waited for the day we had to haul signs. It always does!
We have company right now. My sister-in-law, Lynn, is here visiting after moving away a short while ago. It's good to see her again. Fun, fun!
Other than that, I haven't been around the house much lately. Barry has had me in the sign shop, a hot, sweaty mess of a place, for the last few days working my tail off.
Gotta run! My mother-in-law is here, and there are more relatives coming. I have a niece in a talent show here in town tonight. I couldn't talk my girls into doing it, but they are providing entertainment for the Nursing Home today, so that's a good start.

White Water Rafting

Barry and Kianna had a great time white water rafting on the Arkansas River in Colorado. It is good to finally have the whole family back home again!

Our girls vs. the parents softball game and picnic was fun last night, too! The parents won, by 1 run! How we did, I don't know -maybe 'cause we were missing three of our girls due to the white water rafting trip. The parents had to bat left handed, and some of us didn't even have shoes or gloves. But we all had a lot of fun!