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!