Sorry for the long break here, I didn't get any news from Dave for quite some time. Not that he didn't write me, I just didn't get the letter(s). He mailed off a letter to my brothers in KY the ast week in March, but by the time it arrived I was in FL. They forwarded it on to my parents, but it didn't arrive there in time either. I left Friday for my sister's in north FL. Luckly she had that weeks letter (3/31-4/4)waiting for me! In his letter he says...
He had to go to sick call Thur, because of an ear infection. It was so bad it woke him up at night and his ear drum ruptured. He got a Px for anti-biotics, pain killers, and decongestants. He had to go back to sick call for re-eval on Friday, Mon, and again yesturday. Other than that he is heathy.
He loves getting mail, so keep it coming!
He has learned about first aide, IED's, rifle marksmanship, how to operate the comms systems, and land navagaton. They also did a team building obstical course. He says he would have enjoyed that more if his team had worked as a team (rather than one lid taking over and not listening to anyone else) and if he hadn't fallen in the water (following the kids advice that he knew wouldn't work, but not wanting to fight any more). The rest of the training is going well. He is really enjoying himself.
I got to talk to him on Sat! Our first phone call since 3/24. It was very exciting. We got to talk for about 12 min. He said his ear is doing better and I have another letter on it's way! He is working hard and having fun.
Now my turn....
As I said I'm now in northern FL at my sisters house. I will be here for the remander of Dave's Basic. My sister is having her 4th baby and I will be here to help out a little. I stay busy with my niece and nephews here. We haven't really done anything special, just day to day things.
We are both doing well, though we miss eachother terribly, but like I said only 36 days till Family Day!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
I said I'd write and so I shall...
I've gotten 2 letters from Dave already this week.
1st letter is about his week at reception. It went well, he spent a lot of time waiting in line. Waiting in line for food, waiting in line for shots, waiting in line to shower...well you get the point. He got a bit of a cold then to, not bad he said it was mostly his throat and probably because of yelling his responses to the drill sergeant. He is feeling better. He says he learned quickly how to form up and shut up. He has made some great friends and is having a great time.
2nd letter is from Sunday 14th-Sunday 21st. Finishing reception and starting basic. He attended Sacrament meeting and Sunday School (they don't hold a 3rd hour meeting) and really enjoyed them. More shots on Monday. Tuesday they were greeted by screaming drill sergeants and Basic training began. He can't remember what he did everyday after that, they are blurring together. Dave is learning quickly what to do and what not to do, but the same is not true for all in his platoon. "There is a tremendous lack of discipline!" He has already been pulled aside, with others continuing on to OSC, to be told that more will be expected of them, and to lead by example. Monday 22nd they went to the gas chamber and Tuesday 23rd they did repelling. I'm sure there will be more both in his next letter.
He is doing well and staying strong!
My turn
Since leaving WI, I travled to my Aunts and saw my cousins that I hadn't seen in aprox. 5 years. It was great to talk and catch up in person, instead of just on facebook. I was surprised at how similar we still are and how easy it was to feel like we hadn't been apart. That's just how family is I guess. I only stayed 1 night and continued on to KY to be with Chris, Tammy, and kids Ona, Gabe, Triston, and Alexis. I went with Tammy to pick the kids up from school and they were so surprised to see me there, jaws dropped and eyes lit up. Since then I've done lots of playing and helping with homework. I love it! When I'm not playing or helping the kids, I'm writing Dave, reading a book, or playing on facebook. Nothing exciting, but I'm having fun. I'm keeping busy. I miss Dave terribly, but I'm doing good and having fun. Nieces and nephews are great for that sort of thing. I miss Eau Claire and everyone there, but being with my family has been the best thing with Dave gone.
1st letter is about his week at reception. It went well, he spent a lot of time waiting in line. Waiting in line for food, waiting in line for shots, waiting in line to shower...well you get the point. He got a bit of a cold then to, not bad he said it was mostly his throat and probably because of yelling his responses to the drill sergeant. He is feeling better. He says he learned quickly how to form up and shut up. He has made some great friends and is having a great time.
2nd letter is from Sunday 14th-Sunday 21st. Finishing reception and starting basic. He attended Sacrament meeting and Sunday School (they don't hold a 3rd hour meeting) and really enjoyed them. More shots on Monday. Tuesday they were greeted by screaming drill sergeants and Basic training began. He can't remember what he did everyday after that, they are blurring together. Dave is learning quickly what to do and what not to do, but the same is not true for all in his platoon. "There is a tremendous lack of discipline!" He has already been pulled aside, with others continuing on to OSC, to be told that more will be expected of them, and to lead by example. Monday 22nd they went to the gas chamber and Tuesday 23rd they did repelling. I'm sure there will be more both in his next letter.
He is doing well and staying strong!
My turn
Since leaving WI, I travled to my Aunts and saw my cousins that I hadn't seen in aprox. 5 years. It was great to talk and catch up in person, instead of just on facebook. I was surprised at how similar we still are and how easy it was to feel like we hadn't been apart. That's just how family is I guess. I only stayed 1 night and continued on to KY to be with Chris, Tammy, and kids Ona, Gabe, Triston, and Alexis. I went with Tammy to pick the kids up from school and they were so surprised to see me there, jaws dropped and eyes lit up. Since then I've done lots of playing and helping with homework. I love it! When I'm not playing or helping the kids, I'm writing Dave, reading a book, or playing on facebook. Nothing exciting, but I'm having fun. I'm keeping busy. I miss Dave terribly, but I'm doing good and having fun. Nieces and nephews are great for that sort of thing. I miss Eau Claire and everyone there, but being with my family has been the best thing with Dave gone.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
In KY and Dave's address
I made it to my brothers last Monday, it's been a fun week playing with the kids. They keep me busy. I'll leave next Wed with my parents (they fly in on Fri) and we will drive to my sis in northern FL.
I got a phone call from Dave last week. He gave me his address told me he was doing well and loved me and had to go. 5 min is so short.
Spc Nigh, David
345 B Co. 2nd Bat
47 Inf 192 Bde
Ft. Benning, Ga 31905
PLEASE don't forget, Dave can NOT receive packages. Feel free to send lots of letters and pictures.
I'm sorry this is so short, I will write in more detail the going ons tomorrow.....promise....
I got a phone call from Dave last week. He gave me his address told me he was doing well and loved me and had to go. 5 min is so short.
Spc Nigh, David
345 B Co. 2nd Bat
47 Inf 192 Bde
Ft. Benning, Ga 31905
PLEASE don't forget, Dave can NOT receive packages. Feel free to send lots of letters and pictures.
I'm sorry this is so short, I will write in more detail the going ons tomorrow.....promise....
Thursday, March 11, 2010
2 days down....
....what feels like billions to go.
I've discovered that it is easy not to think about Dave being gone if I absorb myself in other things, and pretend he is just at work and will be home in a few hours. I've been reading a book, watching TV, talking on the phone, cooking, and getting ready for the long road trip. So far, so good!
Dave was able to call today! We got to talk for about 5 min (never thought I'd be so happy to have just 5 min to talk to him). He sounded great. I can't believe how much I've missed his voice already. He is doing really well, though this week will be pretty easy as it isn't basic yet, just prep for it. He said things were good and that he was doing good. He said he hadn't been able to shower for over 24 hrs and didn't enjoy that at all. That didn't surprise me at all as Dave would often take 2 showers a day if he got too sweaty. The man loves his showers. He sounded very excited about everything and quickly told me about getting his PTs and boots, along with the few other things he has been doing. Still no address, he should get it next week. Sadly, he won't be able to call for the next couple of weeks, so he will have to write to give out his address. I will make sure to pass it around and post it as soon as I get it. once again just a reminder NO Packages.
I leave Sunday to begin my trip. I will drive to IN and stay with my aunt for a day or two. Then off to KY to visit my bro, so the next blog will probably be from there. There I will start some of my craft projects, which I can blog about, and bore all who read with my adoring stories about my nieces and nephews. I'm sad to leave WI, but excited to be so close to my family again.
Friday, March 5, 2010
We're in the Army now!
After 14 months we are ready to write a little in our blog. Dave leaves for basic in just a few days and I promised to start updating so everyone would know how he is doing. I guess I should start with a fast recap of the last year and how we got here.....
In June, Dave started thinking about joining the reserves. By July, we had decided that full time Army would be better for us. It took a couple months to get everything ready. He had to get all kinds of paperwork and take the ASFAB as well as a physical. Dave scored a 98/100 on his ASFAB. I knew he would do great. Because of his score he was able to choose any MOS he wanted. He has chosen Intelligence as his first pick, Aviation as his second, and I'm not sure he has a third just yet (but he won't need it because he is smart and determined and will get one of the first 2). In September, he was sworn in and given his info for basic and OCS, March 9th, Ft. Benning, GA. And so we waited for 6 months. In which time I finished with my daycare business and slowly packed up our belongings and Dave continued working at TV 13.
On Monday, Dave will leave to go to MEPS and ships out to GA on Tuesday. I don' have an address yet but when I do I will let everyone know. Also Dave is NOT allowed ANY packages. ONLY letters! PLEASE DO NOT SEND CARE PACKAGES.
In the mean time I will be traveling to my parents in FL by way of IN, KY, and northern FL, visiting my family in those sates.
I hope to give regular updates on Dave and myself so check back often!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Ending the Hiatus
For anyone who had any doubt as to whether or not I still had my uncanny ability to turn a clever phrase...actually, it was more my doubt than anything...I have decided that I would jump on and just let my thoughts flow onto the keys. In other words, I have no idea what I am going to write, I'm making this up as I go.
I suppose the rather lengthy gap in my entries stems from Lisa's miscarriage. For some reason, life just became a little nuttier than usual at that time and blogging wasn't high on my priority list. Then, after the emotional blow of that event had subsided, there was the ongoing political furor that has been weighing heavily and inescapably on my mind. Honestly, I don't believe that there has been a single day when I haven't gone on a political tirade. I suppose working in news, especially for one of the more liberal networks, it would be a most unusual phenomenon if I were able to curb my visceral reaction to the seemingly endless fawning of the media over a particular candidate who is running for the highest office in the land. That being said...I actually did attempt to type something up on here once while on break at work...I couldn't think of anything to say except how utterly fed up I was with all things Obama. Which, ironically is what most of this entry has been thusfar. Okay...time to move on.
Let me explain some of the events that have taken place since I last wrote...no, there is too much, let me sum up...no, there is still too much, I will tell you some of the things that have happened in the past week or so. Alright, so...last Saturday, Lisa had a Pampered Chef party with my boss' wife, Judy, who also happens to be one of our anchors at the station. There were even some notable guests, such as anchor and reporter, Sarah Stokes, and reporter, Mary Rinzel, and producer/reporter, Heidi Bohl. Look at me name dropping. In reality, some people do react to it that way: "You had a Pampered Chef party with Judy Clark!" I believe that Lisa got that reaction from a number of people. I think it is really funny. They are just people. And most of them like to be treated that way...but, seldom actually do. Lisa even told me that in her time at Target, Judy came through her line and one of the other customers remarked, "You're Judy Clark! I love you!" To which Judy responded with a rather uncomfortable..."Oh...that's...um...great."
But, setting aside all talk of my notable local friends, it was a successful party and Lisa still has a few orders rolling in from an already high grossing show. Following that little soirre, we threw our bags in the car and headed up to Oakdale, MN for a marathon of Stake Conference meetings. I was supposed to be at a auxilliary leadership meeting at 2:00, but we left Eau Claire at about 2:30. But, we arrived in time for me to attend a priesthood leadership training at 4:00...well, I missed the first 15 minutes. I would have been sooner had I not taken the freeway in the wrong direction, not realizing it untill I saw Minneapolis looming large in the distance, as I passed unfamiliar buildings thinking..."Wait...I don't recognize any of these buildings." After finishing what actually ended up being a rather enjoyable leadership meeting, I got some nasty food from Dairy Queen for Lisa and I to eat as we ran out the door of our hotel to make it to the adult session. After getting back to our hotel, we tried to enjoy some quiet and relaxing time in the pool area. Some rather loud, and particularly giggly teenage girls that were the residue of a birthday party saw too it that our time there was neither quiet, nor relaxing. The following morning, we went to our final session of Stake Conference. I made certain that I was able to sit by my friend, Ethan Wickman. Meetings are so much easier when you have someone to joke around and laugh with. Well, a speaker got up who looked for all the world like a skinny Kenny Rogers. At one point, Ethan leaned over to me and said, "Brothers and Sisters, you gotta know when to hold'em. Know when to fold'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run." I just about busted a gut. Despite how enjoyable it was...I don't know that I got much out of that talk.
Other than that...it hasn't been an overly eventful week. On all hallows eve, I dressed up in my Spider-Man outfit and worked master control at work. Fittingly, it was one of the most hair raising master control experiences I've ever had. Almost immediatly after I began my shift, I missed rolling a weather spot that airs during the Today show out of New York because they had put a break in that nobody told me was merely a list of spots to be moved to a different spot to air during an additional break that network had given us. Then, of course, there was dealing with the fact that most of our programing is now HD and the methods for getting shows and airing shows is very different. So, essentially I was flying by the seat of my pants the entire shift. On top of that, I had a nasty head cold that made the time even more unbearable. I got home and took a nice warm bath and just laid low for the rest of the evening. We had one anomalous group of Trick-or-Treaters stop by, which took up about 3/4 of a bag of candy that we happened to have. We did have a ghoulish time watching Ghostbusters in honor of the holiday. Then, it was off to bed.
Yesterday morning, Lisa had her biweekly charge of Wyatt, one of her semi-regular daycare kids. We went shopping and banking with little Wyatt in tow. When we stopped at Copps, we discovered that little Wyatt has very little love for the sun in his face. His carseat faces backwards and when we parked the sun was directly behind the car. I parked, got out, and when I went to open the door so I could get Wyatt out of his car seat, he was writhing in his car seat with a grotesque look of agony on his face. He looked how I would imagine a vampire looking in a similar position. I couldn't help but chuckle at this. Lisa said I was mean. I told her that I would have laughed even if it was our own child. Not that I wouldn't help them...but, I would still find their discomfort amusing.
After Wyatt's father came and picked him up, we spent the afternoon cleaning up the apartment, folding laundry and preparing dinner for the Solin (Bohl) family. We had been trying for over a month to have Heidi and her husband over for dinner. It was an imensely enjoyable time. I had been stewing before they came over, wondering how our conversation would be. I didn't want to bring up either of my two favorite subjects: politics and religion. I know that Heidi's political views...differ from mine. And, of course, it can be really uncomfortable bringing up religious views with a dinner guest. But, they actually did ask about the beautiful building that Lisa and I were married in. Without going into detail, we told the Solins about temples. So, a religious subject delicately picked up and then set back down without any trouble at all. Then, I think the closest we got to politics was a brief discussion of how hellacious work is going to be durring elections this next week. But, it was just a very pleasant visit.
So, there you have it. As up to speed as anyone could hope to be. I hope I managed to turn a phrase or two. It was decidedly more newsy...but, take what you can get, right? I will write again next month! (Hey, set expectations low and you will always meet or exceed them.)
I suppose the rather lengthy gap in my entries stems from Lisa's miscarriage. For some reason, life just became a little nuttier than usual at that time and blogging wasn't high on my priority list. Then, after the emotional blow of that event had subsided, there was the ongoing political furor that has been weighing heavily and inescapably on my mind. Honestly, I don't believe that there has been a single day when I haven't gone on a political tirade. I suppose working in news, especially for one of the more liberal networks, it would be a most unusual phenomenon if I were able to curb my visceral reaction to the seemingly endless fawning of the media over a particular candidate who is running for the highest office in the land. That being said...I actually did attempt to type something up on here once while on break at work...I couldn't think of anything to say except how utterly fed up I was with all things Obama. Which, ironically is what most of this entry has been thusfar. Okay...time to move on.
Let me explain some of the events that have taken place since I last wrote...no, there is too much, let me sum up...no, there is still too much, I will tell you some of the things that have happened in the past week or so. Alright, so...last Saturday, Lisa had a Pampered Chef party with my boss' wife, Judy, who also happens to be one of our anchors at the station. There were even some notable guests, such as anchor and reporter, Sarah Stokes, and reporter, Mary Rinzel, and producer/reporter, Heidi Bohl. Look at me name dropping. In reality, some people do react to it that way: "You had a Pampered Chef party with Judy Clark!" I believe that Lisa got that reaction from a number of people. I think it is really funny. They are just people. And most of them like to be treated that way...but, seldom actually do. Lisa even told me that in her time at Target, Judy came through her line and one of the other customers remarked, "You're Judy Clark! I love you!" To which Judy responded with a rather uncomfortable..."Oh...that's...um...great."
But, setting aside all talk of my notable local friends, it was a successful party and Lisa still has a few orders rolling in from an already high grossing show. Following that little soirre, we threw our bags in the car and headed up to Oakdale, MN for a marathon of Stake Conference meetings. I was supposed to be at a auxilliary leadership meeting at 2:00, but we left Eau Claire at about 2:30. But, we arrived in time for me to attend a priesthood leadership training at 4:00...well, I missed the first 15 minutes. I would have been sooner had I not taken the freeway in the wrong direction, not realizing it untill I saw Minneapolis looming large in the distance, as I passed unfamiliar buildings thinking..."Wait...I don't recognize any of these buildings." After finishing what actually ended up being a rather enjoyable leadership meeting, I got some nasty food from Dairy Queen for Lisa and I to eat as we ran out the door of our hotel to make it to the adult session. After getting back to our hotel, we tried to enjoy some quiet and relaxing time in the pool area. Some rather loud, and particularly giggly teenage girls that were the residue of a birthday party saw too it that our time there was neither quiet, nor relaxing. The following morning, we went to our final session of Stake Conference. I made certain that I was able to sit by my friend, Ethan Wickman. Meetings are so much easier when you have someone to joke around and laugh with. Well, a speaker got up who looked for all the world like a skinny Kenny Rogers. At one point, Ethan leaned over to me and said, "Brothers and Sisters, you gotta know when to hold'em. Know when to fold'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run." I just about busted a gut. Despite how enjoyable it was...I don't know that I got much out of that talk.
Other than that...it hasn't been an overly eventful week. On all hallows eve, I dressed up in my Spider-Man outfit and worked master control at work. Fittingly, it was one of the most hair raising master control experiences I've ever had. Almost immediatly after I began my shift, I missed rolling a weather spot that airs during the Today show out of New York because they had put a break in that nobody told me was merely a list of spots to be moved to a different spot to air during an additional break that network had given us. Then, of course, there was dealing with the fact that most of our programing is now HD and the methods for getting shows and airing shows is very different. So, essentially I was flying by the seat of my pants the entire shift. On top of that, I had a nasty head cold that made the time even more unbearable. I got home and took a nice warm bath and just laid low for the rest of the evening. We had one anomalous group of Trick-or-Treaters stop by, which took up about 3/4 of a bag of candy that we happened to have. We did have a ghoulish time watching Ghostbusters in honor of the holiday. Then, it was off to bed.
Yesterday morning, Lisa had her biweekly charge of Wyatt, one of her semi-regular daycare kids. We went shopping and banking with little Wyatt in tow. When we stopped at Copps, we discovered that little Wyatt has very little love for the sun in his face. His carseat faces backwards and when we parked the sun was directly behind the car. I parked, got out, and when I went to open the door so I could get Wyatt out of his car seat, he was writhing in his car seat with a grotesque look of agony on his face. He looked how I would imagine a vampire looking in a similar position. I couldn't help but chuckle at this. Lisa said I was mean. I told her that I would have laughed even if it was our own child. Not that I wouldn't help them...but, I would still find their discomfort amusing.
After Wyatt's father came and picked him up, we spent the afternoon cleaning up the apartment, folding laundry and preparing dinner for the Solin (Bohl) family. We had been trying for over a month to have Heidi and her husband over for dinner. It was an imensely enjoyable time. I had been stewing before they came over, wondering how our conversation would be. I didn't want to bring up either of my two favorite subjects: politics and religion. I know that Heidi's political views...differ from mine. And, of course, it can be really uncomfortable bringing up religious views with a dinner guest. But, they actually did ask about the beautiful building that Lisa and I were married in. Without going into detail, we told the Solins about temples. So, a religious subject delicately picked up and then set back down without any trouble at all. Then, I think the closest we got to politics was a brief discussion of how hellacious work is going to be durring elections this next week. But, it was just a very pleasant visit.
So, there you have it. As up to speed as anyone could hope to be. I hope I managed to turn a phrase or two. It was decidedly more newsy...but, take what you can get, right? I will write again next month! (Hey, set expectations low and you will always meet or exceed them.)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Late Night Blogging
So since Dave hasn't written in quite some time and I for some reason can't sleep, I thought I'd write a little something for all to enjoy. I'm actually kinda surprised Dave hasn't written in so long. I'm sure he has had lots of exciting things he could write about. Today he finished putting up the window sealing things and he put up NEW window treatments in the bedroom (no more spidey blanket and flannel sheet). They are really nice they help keep light and sound out and help keep the cool/heat in.
My Pampered Chef biz is slowly coming together. I finally got my website set up. Hopefully by the end of Oct I will qualify (submit 4 shows) and then everyone will not only be able to do shows through my website but also order individual orders (right now I can only do shows). I will have my first real live cooking show next week (it was postponed a couple times). I'm sure I will have a ton more to say then.
My daycare is going well too. I still only have the 3 kids and none are full time, but it is working out really well. One really nice thing is that I finish with the kids at 1:30 at the very latest and Dave finishes work at 12:30 so we both have the afternoon off and can spend time together. I'm having a lot of fun with the kids. Alexis (4 yr) really likes to help me cook in the kitchen so I'm trying to come up with more easy fun and yummy things to make (we both prefer making sweets). I've also started coming up with craft ideas for Halloween. Trenton (2 yr) is happy to do whatever, though he really loves to run around outside. I'm not sure what to do when it's too cold for that yet, bundle them up well and send them out anyway? I've only had Wyatt (1 yr) twice now but both days he was pretty happy to just walk around the apartment. I figure he's 1 he can walk and he can "talk" and he wants everyone to know it. I gave him my old broken cell phone to play with and that was a great thing to open, close, push buttons on and chew on while he walked around the house "talking". They are cute kids, and even though there are times when they are driving me crazy I still love it and I'm growing to love them too. I wake up in the morning and I don't hate that I have to work. I don't get up and think "maybe I'll call in sick today" which I did almost every morning while working at Target and sometimes I actually did call in. It's really great to have a job that I actually love. (Thanks to my wonderful husband for letting me do this. I love you!)
On that note I just yawned and I think I might be sleepy now (that it is almost 11:30). Hope everyone enjoys the update.
My Pampered Chef biz is slowly coming together. I finally got my website set up. Hopefully by the end of Oct I will qualify (submit 4 shows) and then everyone will not only be able to do shows through my website but also order individual orders (right now I can only do shows). I will have my first real live cooking show next week (it was postponed a couple times). I'm sure I will have a ton more to say then.
My daycare is going well too. I still only have the 3 kids and none are full time, but it is working out really well. One really nice thing is that I finish with the kids at 1:30 at the very latest and Dave finishes work at 12:30 so we both have the afternoon off and can spend time together. I'm having a lot of fun with the kids. Alexis (4 yr) really likes to help me cook in the kitchen so I'm trying to come up with more easy fun and yummy things to make (we both prefer making sweets). I've also started coming up with craft ideas for Halloween. Trenton (2 yr) is happy to do whatever, though he really loves to run around outside. I'm not sure what to do when it's too cold for that yet, bundle them up well and send them out anyway? I've only had Wyatt (1 yr) twice now but both days he was pretty happy to just walk around the apartment. I figure he's 1 he can walk and he can "talk" and he wants everyone to know it. I gave him my old broken cell phone to play with and that was a great thing to open, close, push buttons on and chew on while he walked around the house "talking". They are cute kids, and even though there are times when they are driving me crazy I still love it and I'm growing to love them too. I wake up in the morning and I don't hate that I have to work. I don't get up and think "maybe I'll call in sick today" which I did almost every morning while working at Target and sometimes I actually did call in. It's really great to have a job that I actually love. (Thanks to my wonderful husband for letting me do this. I love you!)
On that note I just yawned and I think I might be sleepy now (that it is almost 11:30). Hope everyone enjoys the update.
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