Did I just touch your stomach?

There are many ups and downs to pregnancy. Ups being the incredible little life growing inside you and maternity jeans. The downs ranging from vomiting to the multiple potty breaks. Perhaps the strangest part of pregnancy is how suddenly you've become public property.

Being out in public while pregnant is quite amusing. You get to navigate all the stores with a ever expanding belly under the watchful eye under everyone. And then there is the newest amusement of being pregnant. There is a stranger touch. You know what I mean. You're standing there minding your own business. Then it happens. Out of nowhere an older woman sidles up to you and places her hand on your belly. Then precedes to ask a variety of questions about "the baby." It's very odd talking to a complete stranger while they're touching you in a fairly intimate manner. And what is about pregnancy that makes you a public object?

So for now, people I know touch away on the belly. If you're stranger, watch. I'm a hormonal pregnant woman and I am not responsible for my behavior when provoked.

You can see the floor

Well you can see parts of the floor now in what is to be the nursery. It makes me feel as though I have accomplished something during the past few days. Too bad for me, its at 3:00 am in the morning. On top of all my other pregnancy-related issues, now I seem to be unable to sleep through the entire night. On the plus side, ready for all those late night feedings. On the negative side, tired mornings without coffee.

But all is well is pregnancy land. I have limited myself to three outfits so far. My friends and relatives do not have this type of restraint. The kind ladies I work with are terribly excited and seem to have a new outfit or toy waiting on a weekly basis. My dear friends, who have all had girls it seems like, are bargain shopping in closets. This little unnamed child is going to be very well dressed. And even Skye has gotten into the shopping. He very carefully picked out her first Halloween costume last week. Very cute.

So as I progressively "grow" along these days, my mind is filled with "what ifs" and "I didn't know that." And I have found reading parenting magazines are a bit like reading medical textbooks. Lord only knows how many potentials pitfalls lurk around each corner. It's surprising any child has ever made it past their first year.

For now, I'm going to live dangerously. I'm off to soak in a bathtub hoping that lavender scented soap will take all the morning sickness away.

Vote, sleep & cry

Tuesday morning: Wake up early to "beat the lines" at the polling station. Get slightly delayed due to morning sickness. Finally make it through morning chores and head off to the local elementary school. Wait in line for two hours amongst a sea of colorful, different, and boisterous crowd. Although asked multiple times if I got two votes this year, I only cast one vote. Excited at actually celebrating an election result, I exit the polling station proudly wearing my little "I voted" sticker and head home. Then my good husband takes advantage of my little sticker to get free ice cream.

Later that evening I attempt to watch the election results. Instead I fall asleep at nine o'clock. Although not before I found out I once again live in a red state. (I don't know why I keep ending up in places where liberal is a dirty word.) I sleep through the night.

I then wake up at 4:30-(don't ask, it all part of my job)-to find we have a new President-elect. I cry during the acceptance speech. I partly blame this on the hormones, partly due to the fact I am no longer embarrassed when I watch CNN.

It is time for a new chapter, a new beginning, and hope. Now excuse me....I'm going to cry again and then go to sleep.

Fall Break and Maternity Leave

Today was fall break at Clemson University. This meant all the student's headed out of town Friday, leaving our town quiet and peaceful. I spent the day piddling around the house, slowly tackling my to do list and shopping with Skye. After leisurely enjoying time with my husband, I headed up to work. I was the only one in the building (Fall Break is also for faculty) and settled down in front of the computer to put in a few hours. I was then I realized I am really looking forward to maternity leave. Really, really looking forward to maternity leave.

I have been having the "working mother" debate with myself over these past few months trying to rationalize my feelings. I have always worked. And most of the time, I've liked it. I like being independent, knowing where my paycheck is coming from, and having the freedom allowed a woman by working. But lately the alarm clock has been my enemy.

Funny how things change once you add a child to the picture. I can't image leaving little miss P-nut in day care, although I know many children survive just fine in day care. On the other hand, I very nervous about staying home 24-7. I seem to be at the point where too many women are stuck at these days. Six weeks is all that is allowed for maternity leave. Plus because I have not worked at the University very long, I will need to pay for my insurance during my time off and am not eligible for any pay. So what is a woman to do? Go back to work full-time, ensuring security while entrusting her child to strangers? Or quit, stay home full time, and run the risk of never being able to complete a full sentence with an adult again?

Somewhere there is a happy medium. At some point in my life I will be able to slow down and finish cleaning out a room. Until I will enjoy what little time I have with my hubby and relish the kicking that takes place in my belly.

My to do list....

So it is Thursday afternoon/evening and I am surrounded by a huge pile of things to do. Stuff like school work, organizing classes, and preparing a room for an upcoming child. I don't want to do any of these. SOOOOOOOOOOO, my solution is to spend a little time with my long lost blog. It has been very neglected. And it a lot more fun to blog and watch old "Friends" re-runs. So let's blog away.

Life with Baby: If you didn't know, Skye and I are having a little girl. I'm very exciting but completely overwhelmed at this same time. I had one day of increased energy where I cleaned a little, but there is still so much to do before P-nut makes her entrance into the world. Finding room for her being the number one priority. I'm so busy with work by the time I come home, I am worthless. It's on with the pj's and ignore the big mess. I'm tempted to go away for the weekend and have the organization fairies take over my house. (This means my parents and other various older relatives. However, if I did this, I'm afraid Skye's head would spin off and I would be a single parent).
But besides having a disorganized home, Ms. P-nut is progressing along nicely. She's moving quite a bit and has completely taken over my belly. We'll just keep kicking along until March.

But this brings me to another point......
Maternity Clothes: Although I have discovered the wonders of maternity jeans (Most comfortable things on the planet, I find it quite irritating that the fashion world seems not to realize that short girls don't get pregnant. It's very disheartening to to try on pants that are way too long and have your belly be the size of watermelon. NOT enjoyable. Then I shopped for a maternity coat today. Again, interesting for the short girl. But the positive side, maternity clothes are often close to the baby's clothes. And baby clothes are really, really, really cute. I broke down today and bought my first outfit. Very pink and very little.

Oh but enough blogging for now. The fridge is empty and my belly is crying out for milk. These things I can't ignore. Perhaps I will have an enlightening experience at the grocery store and share it with you on the next blog. It's fall break this weekend and I'm sure the students are up to no good. Or at least making an early run on the Bud Lite.

Better attitude

I have not posted anything in awhile because after reading my drafts I decided I was just a big complainer. Morning sickness will do that to a girl. But I'm putting on my cheery face and writing a post with a positive spin. So..here are our latest adventures......

-Impending parenthood: So far, this mostly involves various forms of bland toast, prenatal vitamins, and activities in the bathroom I vowed not to mention. I am now at the point where I decided this pregnancy is going to stick, so I better start cleaning out the closets. We have a lot crap. Which I'm going to get rid of to make room for all the baby crap I'm going to buy. But baby stuff is so much smaller and cuter. I will post pictures when I REALLY look pregnant. Right now I'm in between "is that girl pregnant" and the "too many beers over the weekend" look.

I have started to look forward to this child being a part of my life. It's funny how one day it hits you....your stomach no longer belongs to you. There's someone inside taking over. On the plus side....maternity pants are wonderful!

-Saturday football games: It is a religion in the South and I have signed up for the whole baptism. This past Saturday, the weather was wonderful, Adam & Amanda come to visit, and I still fit into my Clemson shirt. (The fact that Clemson decided not to play in the second half therefore losing to Maryland is a negative fact and I will not dwell on it.) But seriously, what could be more fun then a picnic, laying in the sun, and good company? Not much

-New jobs: I gave my first test a couple weeks ago and most of my students scored quite well. Either I am a brilliant teacher or I write easy tests. I'm going for the brilliant teacher bit. Builds up the self esteem.

My next adventure involves prying old T-shirts and socks out of Skye's grip. I believe this is the nesting instinct kicking in. But for now, I'm going to have my nightly talk with Peanut, after which laundry duties call. Here's to a positive week.

Faculty meetings and morning sickness

So I am currently embarking on a few new adventures in life. Pregnancy seems to be joyous and nauseating at the same time. Where I am thrilled to be pregnant, I'm still waiting for that "glow" to kick in. Oh course being a nurse equipped with just enough knowledge to lead to trouble, I have been blessed just enough problems to make life miserable. Although I'm trying to keep a cheerful attitude, I'm sick of seeing the inside of the toilet. The same warm affection I feel towards supermodels is the feelings I have towards those cheerful energetic mothers with no morning sickness.

Okay, that's enough complaining for the moment. But seriously, if I never see ginger ale again, it will be too soon.

One good point about pregnancy. I work with about a million women at the university who are mothers or grandmothers. Therefore pregnancy has become the perfect excuse to sneak out of meetings. (I must say faculty...about as exciting as the dentist's office.) So long live the peanut and all the nausea she/he brings. I'll take it if it gets me out of the "what color the floor should be" discussion.

Kick Off!

The first week of school has officially come and gone. Skye and I survived intact, although I have a little more wear and tear then he does. This is partially due to my lack of experience and the fact I am with child. (If you didn't know, I'm due March 9, 2009). And it seems this child is very demanding in she/he's need for sleep and water. However the need for water seems to be interfering with the need for sleep as I must pee every hour on the hour. Oh well.

Along with classes starting, football season is back in full swing. Once again, we pull out the orange T-shirts, put on our visors, head out to Death Valley to be a part of a collective support group. This year, Clemson started the season with a game against Alabama at the Georgia Dome. Skye and I elected not to attend, but to watch on TV. (Those of you who have been to downtown Atlanta may have some idea why we choose not to head downtown on a Saturday night). So we settled in for the season opener which we were supposed to win easily and hoped for the best. The best was not delivered. Clemson lost 35 to 10. It is in these moments where I wonder why I have developed this love of football. I ponder if it's too late to go back to the freaky theatre loving girl I always was. At least with movies you can fast forward to the end if you don't like the storyline. Plus you can get popcorn. No is ever disappointed with popcorn. Oh well, I have moved to the heart of College football territory and I must accept my fate. So..........Go TIGERS! GO Football....bring on the orange. Another season has started and we're off to watch the Tigers play!

PS: On a happier note, Utah beat Michigan in the big house. I'd like to see BYU do that!

School's back in session

Here is the interesting thing about living in a small, college town. During the summer, you are lulled into the belief that you live in a small sleepy town. You're able to go to the store at anytime with little or no lines. People drive like it is a Sunday afternoon. And the local movie store stocks some pretty good movies. Then mid-August rolls around and BAM! the students are back.

Some not so great things about a college town--- Waiting in line while 2 boys half your age buy 3 kegs for "FRIDAY NIGHT--YEAH!". Then watching them roll the kegs out to their $40,000 car.

Driving down main street has now become a combination of Nascar and a carnival ride. Vespa's are not made for zipping between cars one a two lane road.

The movie store has suddenly shifted from "Becoming Jane" to a "Halo 3" ground station.

And then there is the fact that suddenly you are the oldest person on the block. By a good ten years. And you'd like to slap some of these girls, tell them to put on a decent pair of pants, dump the loser boy in the bar, and go to class.

But, there is a huge variety of orange shirts and football is coming soon. So, if we survive the recent influx of students, we'll be patiently waiting for summer.

Pencils and notebooks

Well it's official. School starts next week and therefore summer is over. And I haven't had a "summer" in quite a while and was starting to enjoy it. Finally school and exams were done, all the books were put away, chores were ignored. It was time to head out into the sunshine, pretend to sunbath, and read a trashy novel. Reflecting on this idea, I think all the adults of the world need to petition for a summer vacation. Months were you didn't have to set an alarm. Where you could sit in a bathing suit at the side of a pool, running your toes along the water's surface. Or you could go for a long bike ride in the middle of the day. Not to get anywhere or for exercise, but for the sheer pleasure of the wind in your face as you coasted down the "big" hill. So let's do adults. Let's protest and head outside for summer.

(In reality, I'm approaching my first teaching job at a University and am totally overwhelmed. I believe that backlash to summer is the need to put off what is coming. Oh well, maybe a new lunch box and pencil case will cheer me up. Or a trapper keeper!)

Enjoy the sunshine

Final exams.....

I have not posted in a bit for a couple of reasons. One: Not all that much happens around here. It's a small Southern town and football is not in season right now. It makes for many slow afternoons. Two: It's illegal to talk about my adventures at work, although it could fill pages. Three: The real reason: I have been studying my nursing boards.

Studying for boards is one of the most brain cramping things I've ever tackled. (AND yes, I know I went on vacation and played instead of taking them in May, but who passes up Alaska for a test!). But back to the boards....After two years of classroom work, countless numbers of clinical hours, endless hours going blind in front of a computer, eight years of being a nurse, and writing/defending a way too long thesis, I had to take another test! (Can you tell I'm bitter?) And you would think after all this work and studying you might know something. NO. Not according to the nursing authorities. I'm not sure who writes these practice tests, but it is certainly the same resident evil that creates story problems.

But all complaining aside, I did take my test and passed with fairly good marks. I am now board certified to be a FNP. Does this change my life? Well, it means I no longer have any excuse for avoiding the ironing.

So for anyone out there studying for anything, keep your chin up. One day the fog will lift, the blood flow will return to your brain, and pleasant thoughts will flood your mind with toe curling pleasure. Now excuse, I must do something in order to avoid the pile of clothes on top of my washing machine.

Rainstorms

There is nothing much to report here in SC this week. I'm still trying to study for my board review that is coming up. It's not going very well. I admit that all my brainpower seems to have left the building when I graduated. I'm sooooooooooooooooo looking forward to finishing with this exam and being done! And by being done, I mean being able to come home from work without any extra chores (like studying) to accomplish. (This is not meant to discourage any fellow family members from going back to school though. By this I mean Tiffany--it's all worth it in the end).

Anyway, so to be positive and not complain about school I've decided to write about things that are enjoyable....here's some.

Getting that phone call from an old friend, just to say hello.

Rainstorms in the afternoon, especially with lightening and thunder.

Fireworks! (We're still celebrating the fourth here--or my neighbors just like to blow things up)

Funny cards in the mail.

A really cold diet coke with lime

The perfect shoe in your size....on sale

Enjoy your week and relish the good.

Back to Utah the to SC

I visited Utah this past weekend for Fourth of July. All I can say is that no knows how to blow up things like a cowboy. We celebrated the 4th in Grantsville with the whole Howlett clan. Lots of fun and more food then I could stomach. Oh the food! I know there is a ton of science that links food and smells with memories. But I still find it amusing how a hot dog always reminds me of childhood. And macaroni salad always, without a doubt, reminds me of my grandmother. Combine hots dogs and salad with a hot, breezy day and you produce untold memories of Fourth of July. And the rocket's red glare..................

On a sad note, the fourth always reminds me of my Uncle David who sadly passed away a few years ago. He was a good fireworks man. So between the food and memories they provoked, it was a sad plane ride home for me. I have learned how important the little things are (like hot dogs) as I grow up. So make a really comforting meal, relive some long lost memories, and enjoy life. As for me, I'm drinking a root beer and reflecting on the past as I look forward to the future.

What an exciting couple.....

We have no great adventures to speak of this week. Skye is home from his international wandering and is very tired. I believe his mind is in SC, but his body is still in Vancouver, or somewhere. My mind is someplace else (a beachy warm place with fuzzy drinks with little umbrellas) however, my body is solidly planted in SC. More accurately, in West Union, SC. Why West Union, where that is where my job is!

Now I find it amusing that during the first years of life we work very hard to "get into the right schools" so we can get "the right job." Then we get the job and decide being a ski bum would be a lot more interesting. Not that I don't like my job. I do very much. And it is filled with a variety of interesting people leading to deep thinking on my part. This is good...I'm hoping it will help ward off dementia later in life. But I drive past a beautiful lake on my way to work. I thought this may be relaxing for me. But it really has started to bug me. You see, every morning I pass at least two or three people sitting in their boats, fishing, reading, or just sipping "beverages" as I head off to work. They are either are old rich guys or young bums. My question is which is better: Old rich guys or young bums? Either way you're working really hard part of life either to make up for being a young bum or on your way to being an old rich guy.

This brings me to my point. I will never be an old rich guy and I have passed my opportunity to be a young bum. I'm a little disappointed. So I take this chance to slack off and fulfill my young bum dreams. For those younger then me, be a young bum. Go fishing, go hiking, go do something. And for those older then me, will someone take me fishing? Or at least buy me new shoes so I will be comfortable at my job?

Friends....

So my best little buddy in SC is moving away. I'm not very pleased about this. Plus she has a really cute little baby which she insists on taking with her. But it got me to thinking when we moved from Utah. I was in complete denial until I was actually on the road. Then it hit me, holy crap, I'm moving away from everything and everyone I've ever known. Little scary. And although SC was a strange new place, it has turned out to be okay. It only took about three years to settle in, but now it's okay.

My best advice for anyone who is moving is to look at like a long vacation. You get to try new foods, see different places, and maybe learn a new language. Here are a few things from my SC "vacation."

FOODS: Very tasty seafood (when you can get it), Boiled peanuts (Sounds horrible, but I swear it fixes PMS like nothing else), grits (basically a cheese and cream delivery system), Pork (they do more things to a pig here then I thought possible), Macaroni and cheese (SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!) and the ultimate Southern food/comfort food/not good for you-Fried Chicken. KFC has nothing on the south.

NEW/DIFFERENT PLACES: Everyone should go to Charleston sometime in their lives. The Biltmore estate is close by-only one the largest houses in American. And then there's Dollywood-I mean who doesn't want to go to Dollywood. And everyone should attend a college football game in the South. It's a new religious event. As much noise as a revival with more beer.

NEW LANGUAGE: "Fell out"-means you've fainted. Women fall out on Sunday (church) Men fall out on Saturday (drinking). "Ill as a hornet" or just "ill"-feeling grumpy or mean (This still confuses me when I'm working in the doctor's office). "Wide open"-refering to small children who are wound up or full of energy. And my absolute favorite "Bless your heart"-this is usually what you say in sympathy or compassion to another person. Like bless her heart, that girl's life is so crazy. It's also what nice southern women say right before they something a little mean. Like, bless her heart, that swimsuit is two sizes too small for her thighs.

So go have some fried chicken and macaroni/cheese. It's phsycially impossible to be sad following that meal. Then tell your friends and family how much you love 'em. Becuase you never know when you'll have to take a "vacation" to a foreign land.

North to the ffuture-part 2

So we have visited and returned from Alaska. It was one of the better trips I've ever taken. And it proves that a married couple can drive in a car for a week without killing each other. Silence is golden when you are distracted by the scenery.

Just a little run down of what we did in Alaska--

Day 1-2: Spend in Anchorage, shopping and eating (sort of). And adjusting to 19 hours of sunshine. It's very strange to see bright sunshine out the window at midnight. Anchorage is a nice little city with lots of character and a beautiful view of the mountains. LOTS!! of tourist shopping and places to eat. Sadly (for me) I was really sick the weekend before we left, so the eating was not so good for me. I compensated with shopping.

Day 3-4: We drove to Seward, two hours south of Anchorage. Very scenic drive along lakes and inlet. Seward if located in/by the Kenai Fjords which is filled with wildlife and glaciers. It is a very foggy, oceanic little town. Not the best accommodations, but the you don't go there to stay in a hotel. We hit the Sealife center (paid for by money from the Exxon oil spill) and then went on a whale watching tour. We saw more sea life then I thought possible including humpback and orca whales. Plus glaciers that were the most ungodly shade of blue. Incredible. We dropped our camera in our excitement! (Which resulted in a new camera for the rest of the trip.--Maybe I should drop things more often.)

Day 5-7: Drove to Denali National park. Long drive (6 hours), but lovely. Denali national park is about the size of Massachusetts and has had very little "human" impact. You can't drive into the park and there is limited camping. And the midnight sun is even more prevalent then in Anchorage. We took a bus tour through the park and saw very animal on our "list." Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and sheep.

Then next day we went to the dog kennels. Denali is still patrolled by dog sleds in the winter in order to decrease the impact on wildlife and keep with tradition. The dogs were amazing and I would highly recommend this part of the park to anyone who visits.

Day 8: Drive back to Anchorage and head home. Very sad for me. It's back to 95 degree heat and work. Man it sucks to be a grown up.

Alaska is an amazing place still full of mystery and intrigue. It is still an unspoiled place with many places to explore. I will post pictures once I actually figure out how to post pictures.

Until then, I'm off to study for my NP exam.

North to the Future-part 1

That is the state of Alaska's motto...which is where Skye and I are today. So far, it has been an amazing trip. Anyone who thinks man is a supreme being needs only to visit the rugged country to realize our place in the world. The scenery was unbelievable! I will write more once we are home, but here is a list of the animals we're seen over the past few days....

Orca whales (Killer whales)
Humpbacks
Sea Lions
Seals
Sea otters
Grizzly bears (3 sows with twins)
Moose (with twins)
Caribou
Countless birds

And the most beautiful mountains I've seen in awhile. It makes me miss the west...oh, big sign.

Will post later when home...Lisa & Skye

Is there such thing as pefect weather?

So I have been in various climates over the past month and am about to head to Alaska. I checked the weather report and is about 65 degrees there. To me, this is perfect! No need to get any warmer. I went to Canada last week and lucked out with weather about 65-70 degrees. Again, perfect. When I left SC, it was about 70 degrees with alot of humdity. Okay, not so bad....but here's where the problem is. I left perfect weather and am heading to perfect weather-but for now, I am living in a sauna.

The humdity has returned to the South along with increasing heat. Not good for wilting flowers like myself who perfer things a bit more chilly. This awful heat and wetness (It really does feel like you're stepping into a steamy bath here) is my excuse for not doing outdoor things. Like yard work...or sweeping. However, it's getting harder and harder to justify not getting out to exercise. But you try to run here. To approximate, turn on your shower to as hot as it will go and let the bathroom steam up for about 20 minutes. Then try to work out in there...with the door closed. Not happening.

I went for a walk today with my friend and her six month old baby. The baby, Ms. Syndey went from happy, laughing, little cutie to a little puddle of sweat. The energy slowly drained out of her as she got more and more limp. It wasn't that hot, just sticky! (Moms-don't worry. As soon as we put her in the air conditioned car, she perked back up. Just like her Auntie Lisa).

Anyway, this is my exciting life....complaining about the weather. But it really does dicate how often I leave the house. So if anyone is interested in visiting, come now if you'd like to see in the inside of my house. And in the fall if you'd like to see outside.
Lisa

Manitoba-the middle of North America

Well, Skye and I are in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Which is according to our host is the middle of North America. I know that seems untrue at first glance, but there is actually lot of Canada above the border that we forgot about.

Anyway, Skye has had a wonderful but busy time teaching over the past couple of weeks. And I have been forced to study for my exam the last couple of days. The campus is quite lovely and our hosts were great. But I'm afraid to say the we may have crossed off Manitoba on our list of places to live. It's very flat--scary flat and windy. Then there's the snow in the winter....hummmmm. The 80 degree weather in SC is suddenly looking very good.

Skye is very happy to watch hockey in Canada where people understand the sport and likes the way people say pasta here. Oh how he misses proper English.

But that's where we are. So go check out a map and see if our host were lying to us. lisa and skye

Off to the Great White North

Now that school if officially over (Praise to Jesus!), I was hoping things would slow down a bit. Of course, I milked the graduation excuse right into a trip to Charleston. Being very cool, I went with my parents. Remember when going anyway with your parents was sooooooooooooo embarrassing (sorry mom)? Now it's no big deal. So does this mean I'm getting older or my parents were cool all along? And how does the fact that the music in TJ MAX are the tunes I listened to in college?

Anyway, enough about getting older! I did graduate and obtain a NP license. I can see patients but still feel like a little kid pretending. It doesn't help that everyone in the office save one nurse if about 6 feet tall. I look like the little sister tagging along after her big brother. But it has been two weeks and knock on wood, I haven't killed anyone.

Skye also finished up the school year and headed off to Canada. He did not go on the very cool trip to Charleston with my parents. Instead he went to Manitoba to teach a class for 3 weeks. Very good for the resume, but the weather was better in SC. He's then off to various parts of the world before taking me to Alaska, then off to more parts of the world.

This type of wandering by my husband has lead to the hiring of a lawn boy and complete control of the TV. Sometimes this good and sometimes this is bad. Complete control of the TV--very good. Remembering to call the lawn boy--BAD!

I intend to make this blog a little interesting to folks in the future. However, it's late and I have discovered my cat snores. So I'm taking myself, the shinny cat, and the fat cat off to bed.

I will see all my Utah buddies in July (I'm heading home for the Fourth) And my SC buddies, I'll see at the Walmart.

(And Alison-you know who you are-if you read this, send me your address. Or call me. I'm pretty sure you made to MT in one piece, but I miss your little voice. )

23 days and counting

I believe there are only about 23 days left until graduation. I officially passed my oral defense and will be a graduate this MAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. That's all I have to say.

Strut your mutt is this weekend. Anyone in the vicinity is welcome to come and walk their dog for fun with us. (This is Skye's big senior class project. Well, it's his student's project. He just cashed the checks and sweats over it)

But that's the latest update. Hope everyone is well. Lisa/Skye

Graduation is coming

I guess it's been awhile since I posted anything. A couple of reasons--one I don't think anyone reads my blog so I feel like I'm talking to myself. I feel like that's I'm navel-gazing just a little too much, and two-I'm in the middle of the graduation downward spiral. I am currently getting ready to graduate and surrounded by a mound of paper. I am filled with terrible anxiety but also great excitement over being finished with school. Plus there is the reality of heading to the beach as soon as graduation rolls around! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But that is life. Typing in front of the computer, countless hours at the hospital and multiple free hours at a doctor's office. Skye is busy working and ignoring out yard. But eventfully the weeds will be pulled and cat's feed.

Hope everyone is well and I will resurface after April 16th.

The superbowl

I am watching the superbowl and actually watching the game. NOt just the commericals (which totally sucked except for a random few) but the game. And I may claim to understand a few of things happening on the field. What a move across the country will do to you.

For those of you who know me, you may be shocked. As I used to be able to tell you all about the Oscars but most of the time not even remembered the Superbowl was happening. But between school, the writer's strike, and my complete absorption in paperwork, I seemed to have picked up a little football knowledge. Interesting. Next thing you know I'll have a pick up truck and a shotgun.

Things are well in the South. School is in full swing and I'm in complete panic mode. Projects are piling up and graduation looms. But the weather is lovely and I will hopefully soon be working on my tan.

Send thoughts my way. Love lisa

School has started....

http://preview.picaboo.com/Webview/CoverPage.aspx?album=000000000001885E36&user=000000000000A699F2

All right, I don't know if that above link will work, but that's where my pictures are.

School started for everyone this week. One class down, 15 more weeks to go. My clinicals start on Monday, so I will resurface some time in May. But I'm looking forward to actually being this much closer to being done with school! Then I have to join the real world...again....oh yippee!!

Skye is teaching two classes this semester and writing papers at the speed of light. So far, the one class he's taught is not so bad. He will be doing the "Strut your Mutt" event again in the spring with his programing class. So bring the puppies out for a walk.

That's it for now. We're reverted back to being boring people stuck in front of computers. But we're going to NY in February for the weekend, so maybe we'll have some excitement there.

Graduation is May 9th if anyone is interested in coming. No pressure, I've done it once before. I believe it is the same outfit and program as before...lisa

The New Year

I've really enjoyed reading Jessica's blog of their time in England. I thought I would be a copycat and create a blog of my own. I might actually send some pictures on the web too....wonders never cease.

So, here is our latest adventure. Skye and I went on a cruise with his entire family over New Year's Eve. For those of you in Utah this may seem like a daunting task, but there were only 9 of us, not 50. The first few days were filled with sunshine and laying beside the pool. Then, not so much fun. The sea was angry that day, my friend! We hit some bad weather and missed two of our ports. The rest of the time was spent on the boat fighting nausea and attempting to walk straight. My head is still spinning. But overall it was a lot of fun! Plus how often do you get a five course meal served by a little man from the Philippines.

But now school has started and it is back to the grindstone. Skye is busy with two classes and lots of papers. Lisa is in her final semester (HOLY CRAP!) of NP school. If all goes well, I will get that degree in May and be open for business. Free samples for everyone!

Please post and send thoughts our way...Love lisa