Noticing little things..

I was walking the dogs one afternoon and noticed that under Jeremy and I's deck are these small forest of leaves stuck upright in the frozen snow by the wind. Thought it interesting and liked the contrast of textures and seasons. Not to mention that seeing all the leaves standing straight up in the snow was pretty cool and unusual!

Ohhhhhhh I gotta laugh..

So...it's 11:40 pm on 2/28. In 12 hrs and 20 minutes I have a large assignment due. One I haven' t started.

This portfolio is basically my reflections on objectives taught in my dental hygiene program. And yes, it was assigned weeks ago, but ya know.. haven't done it. And tonight I'm all set to go... log into LiveText (an online submission system my university uses) to compose this paper and the site is having a service outtage from 11p-2a!!!! I laughed hysterically! Murphy got me REAL good this time. It's becoming increasingly harder to find time to work on projects and balance the home life too. If fact, I'm really sucking at it!!! Thankfully, I work well under pressure and I have NO doubts I'll get it done; after a nap!

Still can't find a boards patient. That's getting stressful. Finding the right person, with the right type/amount of calc is really becoming a headache. And not just for me, but many of my classmates. Never mind that I will have paid over $1K to take these exams, whether or not I have a patient, the money is gone. SIGH! Something will turn up.

On the up side, Clinic is going very well this semester. Oddly.. since the grading system gets harder every semester as we get 'more experienced'. I have more 100% prophies (cleanings) than I have in any other semester. So that's cool :) Maybe I'll squeek a high B in there this go around.

Had a big dump of snow over the weekend. I think it was around 10" all up. Most of that is still here and we're under a winter storm watch until Friday nite. I don't recall being in winter storm watches that lasted days. Correct me if I'm wrong, Dad! Already have over an inch I think, expecting 8+ more inches with this front. Heavy, wet, slick stuff. LOVE the new neighbor who moved in across my cul-de-sac. They're from Alaska. They brought their HUGE snowblower :) Which was very handy last weekend!

So...a few photos.. Mr. Gus asleep in the kennel, on his own, not because we put him in there. Glad someone around here is sleeping! And the other I took last Wednesday after Ash Wednesday Mass. I thought the ash cross on Michaela's forehead resembled an angel.

A little off the top..

Ok...my 'haircut adjustment' turned into more of a complete re-do. I'm still in shock myself, so I'm sure some of you are too! Have had lots of compliments on it ... hopefully they were being honest LOL

Was near 50 degrees out today. It was FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!! Nearly 55 degrees warmer than a week ago! Amazing!

Took the kids to Ash Wednesday services and then out for a quick dinner. Ran into my friend, Leah, and her sister, Leslie. Now back to my regularly scheduled life...

Gus and the Gang

Here are a few more photos of Gus! As you can see, he's getting spoiled often! I can't seem to get a photo of Griffin and Gus together as Griffy doesn't like the camera. Yes, he actually runs from it!! Gus has quite the attitude, and we have some of the normal puppy woes, but he is a delight!

Change will do ya good..

As usual, I spontaneously cut my hair off! This happens from time to time. Actually, today it wasn't looking quite this sleek, but it's a general idea. Only problem is that my hair is SO thick that when it's short it really needs seriousl layering and my hair chick is a straight-razorphobe. So am seeing another person about that tomorrow. Feels good to cut off the hair and maybe go an attempt at looking a bit more professional.

I've stepped back from the edge..

Ok..possibly only a step or two, but I did step back, though I can still see it from where I stand! I want to thank those of you who have been checking up on me, offered help or just plain are there right now.

Todd: You're there for me, talk to me, encourage me, love me, believe in me, and put up with me in this current state. THANKS for taking time off and coming up this week (You clean up MIGHTY fine!). For telling me I'm beautiful every day! No words could ever describe how much I appreciate everything you do and the happiness you've brought. Love ya, Babe!

Dad: Crikeys, I don't have enough blog space to thank you. But you know I appreciate and love everything you have ever done and still do. You're the best! I love ya!

Karin: thanks for the card, the mailed brownies and words of encouragement! You rock!!! You made me laugh which I SO needed!

Holly: Thanks for truly understanding this whole 'full-time student, single parent of 3 thing'. I'm SO glad to have you in my boat!!!

Kim: OMG! What, oh what, would I do without you??? I owe you so much. Thanks doesn't even cover it!! I love you, thank you and am still sitting here teary-eyed just thinking about your friendship and generosity!

The ex's: Just for being all around good guys and helping out. Thanks.

Evans, Tim, Matt M., Matt K: For making me laugh, making me step back and take time out, for being sounding boards, for your friendship. THANKS!

Max: So glad you're better!!! DO NOT scare me like that! GRRRR!!! Love ya!

So, I'm still quite stressed. But have a few projects under my belt now, so that helps. Just getting the ball rolling, working through one thing at a time and trying to remember to breathe are all good things. I've still had a few hiccups in the mess, and I am sure there are more to come, but it's all temporary!

Have begun the applications to Minnesota State, Mankato for online completion of my Bachelor of Hygiene. Hope to begin that in September. Hygiene jobs are right scarce now in MN and SD so may have LOTS of time to do that online degree. Will work someplace, doing whatever, in the mean time. Maybe, with the Bachelors (should be done in under 18 mos I think) I can at least get a job as a rep with Hu-Friedy, Proctor and Gamble etc, if I can't actually do Hygiene. Whatta pisser huh?? To go through all this and then not be able to get a job!! LOVELY!

Our new puppy, Gus, arrived home last weekend! He's a little spitfire! He and Griffin are getting along MUCH better now. Griffy was down right pissed at first. Now he'll actually play with, sleep near and occupy the same space as Gus.

Our cold snap is near end!! YEAH! That 2 weeks of single digit and sub-zero weather was BRUTAL! I haven't been in that sort of cold for years now, so it was quite a shock! Not to mention, depressing - on top of everything else. Was STOKED to learn about the changes to daylight savings time! Bring it on!

Well, as you know, I have plenty of papers and projects to be working on, kids shuttling to do, housework to catch up on etc.. So I had better shove off! Enjoy the photos of kids' crazy hair and Gus!