Well, sadly my trip to Winnipeg to see Neil Diamond in concert come September has been scratched. That old man must be in desperate need of cash, NOW. The tickets to go see him, at least in Winnipeg and Sioux City, IA, started around $115. HOW INSANE!
So, Minot hosts two big money makers, or at least, takers, each year. In July is the State Fair, and in October is the Hostfest. Both this year have some decent concerts coming in. I'm just too cheap to spend even $65 for Sugarland or Trace Adkins. So, where does this leave me?
Under $50 to see the old man of country... Kenny Rogers. Oh yeah! Well, actually, it's dependent on one thing... if the Hostfest people tell me I have to buy a daily admission ticket (last year $25 for the privilege to shop and eat, at YOUR expense - Thankfully I went on the military day so it was free and I ain't stupid!) to go to the concert. Which then brings the tickets up to about the $65-70 range, and I won't go on the principle of it. Why would I have to pay to get into a building only to see the concert? So hopefully, the ticket to the show is enough and I won't have to pay more to get into the show. I haven't seen KR since I was MAYBE a teenager.
Next thing I need to do in support of the community's economy is get a zoo pass. Since we can't afford too much travelling (thank you DC) this summer, most of our money will be spent around Minot. I figure we'll be at the zoo at least a couple times a month. Think they would bring in some new animals each month to keep our attention? :D
25 May 2008
23 May 2008
And another thing...
I discovered yesterday that this state truly does sit about the middle of nowhere AND this country....
I was talking about how it took about 24 hours to drive to my hometown in Ohio. The assistant has a family member in Oceanside CA, and from Bismarck it's a 24 hour drive. Which absolutely floored me... I figured CA was another day away. Then again, I'm not exactly sure where Oceanside is, so San Diego could still be another day away :)
But from my home in Ohio to DC is about 6 hours. Yep. Middle of nothing, middle of the country. Ohio had a theme, might still have it, of being "The heart of it all." At least it's beating still :)
Saw this map while seeing if I couldn't find some pictures of those land features north of Bismarck... found map, no pics yet. Hopefully I can find some.
I was talking about how it took about 24 hours to drive to my hometown in Ohio. The assistant has a family member in Oceanside CA, and from Bismarck it's a 24 hour drive. Which absolutely floored me... I figured CA was another day away. Then again, I'm not exactly sure where Oceanside is, so San Diego could still be another day away :)
But from my home in Ohio to DC is about 6 hours. Yep. Middle of nothing, middle of the country. Ohio had a theme, might still have it, of being "The heart of it all." At least it's beating still :)
Saw this map while seeing if I couldn't find some pictures of those land features north of Bismarck... found map, no pics yet. Hopefully I can find some.
The Tooth Problem... Continues...
So, 4 weeks after my initial visit to the Dr Pain's office in town, I get to drive the extremely painful and boring and fall asleep at the wheel trip to Bismarck, grand metropolis of North Dakota.
Appointment cost of $45 later, and $44.05 to top off the tank on the way home, I am root canal-less. Yes! YAY! no problem, right? Well, no. I wasted my DHs and mine afternoon (my baby's last in Kindy) driving across hell to see a man who dresses like a gas station attendant, poke and prod and make my teeth (which finally DIDN'T) HURT again, only to be told (and this is a good thing LOL) I didn't need a root canal. BUT, I do need a filling, ASAP, then if there is still trouble, I can make that "short" trip to "town" to get a root canal done. Then again, it's better to have the expert in this procedure say "NO you don't need this." and send me on my way than the dentist locally to have tried it herself and made things worse.
So, here I sit, tooth hurting on and off, again, but with an appointment to go see the original dentist on Tuesday for a nice juicy filling on my back molar. Have I mentioned that I'd much rather give birth again than to endure 5 minutes in the dental seat of torture? I let both the local gal and the endo in Bismarck know my feelings. :D Bad Mom! BAD!
Of course, the assistant is making small talk as I sit in tears waiting for this exam yesterday... "How long you been here?" I say "This time?" "Oh you came back." Not that we really had a choice. I was nice about it and said how we were probably where we needed to be with my son's autism and a good free education. Plus, Bismarck has all the cool food! Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrel and yesterday's meal of choice prior to the appointment... RED LOBSTER. I had to crack up (and should have said something - maybe I can email them LOL) when they bring out the little board with "Today's fresh catch" choices. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... I do know that at one time this was an area underwater (should remained so!) and probably had lots of seafood, but it's not today. So, me thinks "fresh" catch was "fresh frozen" to make the trek to the great white north of ND.
Speaking of the fact this once was ocean... coming north out of Bismarck are some really cool land formations. I need to remember to stop and take pictures next time I am sleeping on the way to/from Bismarck. Mini volcanoes like dot the landscape west of Highway 83. It looks like an old ocean floor bottom! So, I did find something neat to look at, briefly, in ND. We venture to Montana next weekend, but not enough time to do much siteseeing... maybe I'll find more. Might have to stop at the Dino museum that's in Dickinson and only open like 2 months of the year. If I didn't blog about that, I might have to give a brief story on that fall fiasco. At least we didn't DRIVE ALL THE WAY THERE, to find out it was closed. Talk about having been even more upset that there is nothing here to do. :)
Well, off to find some advil/ibuprofen to get rid of this ache. I have a feeling me and the grease monkey will be meeting up later this summer. I wonder if he could just schedule several days of root canals in minot, use someone's office, and just do it here. When gas reaches $5, I don't know that I'll be able to afford another trip to freaking civilization.
Appointment cost of $45 later, and $44.05 to top off the tank on the way home, I am root canal-less. Yes! YAY! no problem, right? Well, no. I wasted my DHs and mine afternoon (my baby's last in Kindy) driving across hell to see a man who dresses like a gas station attendant, poke and prod and make my teeth (which finally DIDN'T) HURT again, only to be told (and this is a good thing LOL) I didn't need a root canal. BUT, I do need a filling, ASAP, then if there is still trouble, I can make that "short" trip to "town" to get a root canal done. Then again, it's better to have the expert in this procedure say "NO you don't need this." and send me on my way than the dentist locally to have tried it herself and made things worse.
So, here I sit, tooth hurting on and off, again, but with an appointment to go see the original dentist on Tuesday for a nice juicy filling on my back molar. Have I mentioned that I'd much rather give birth again than to endure 5 minutes in the dental seat of torture? I let both the local gal and the endo in Bismarck know my feelings. :D Bad Mom! BAD!
Of course, the assistant is making small talk as I sit in tears waiting for this exam yesterday... "How long you been here?" I say "This time?" "Oh you came back." Not that we really had a choice. I was nice about it and said how we were probably where we needed to be with my son's autism and a good free education. Plus, Bismarck has all the cool food! Ruby Tuesday, Cracker Barrel and yesterday's meal of choice prior to the appointment... RED LOBSTER. I had to crack up (and should have said something - maybe I can email them LOL) when they bring out the little board with "Today's fresh catch" choices. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... I do know that at one time this was an area underwater (should remained so!) and probably had lots of seafood, but it's not today. So, me thinks "fresh" catch was "fresh frozen" to make the trek to the great white north of ND.
Speaking of the fact this once was ocean... coming north out of Bismarck are some really cool land formations. I need to remember to stop and take pictures next time I am sleeping on the way to/from Bismarck. Mini volcanoes like dot the landscape west of Highway 83. It looks like an old ocean floor bottom! So, I did find something neat to look at, briefly, in ND. We venture to Montana next weekend, but not enough time to do much siteseeing... maybe I'll find more. Might have to stop at the Dino museum that's in Dickinson and only open like 2 months of the year. If I didn't blog about that, I might have to give a brief story on that fall fiasco. At least we didn't DRIVE ALL THE WAY THERE, to find out it was closed. Talk about having been even more upset that there is nothing here to do. :)
Well, off to find some advil/ibuprofen to get rid of this ache. I have a feeling me and the grease monkey will be meeting up later this summer. I wonder if he could just schedule several days of root canals in minot, use someone's office, and just do it here. When gas reaches $5, I don't know that I'll be able to afford another trip to freaking civilization.
11 May 2008
Has American Culture Ruined You?
After 2+ years in Europe, I don't need a steenkin' quiz to tell me this :D
You've Been a Little Ruined by American Culture |
 Whether you live in the US or not, deep down you're a little American. And there's nothing wrong with loving American culture, but it may have negative effects on your life. Slow down and enjoy what you have. Reconnect with life's simple pleasures. You don't need to be in a consumerist rat race. Life's too short to overwork yourself! |
What Kind of Pie Are You?
Me to a T... I must say YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
You Are Apple Pie |
 You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional. You prefer things the way you've always known them. You'll admit that you're old fashioned, and you don't see anything wrong with that. Your tastes and preferences are classic. And classic never goes out of style. Those who like you crave security. People can rely on you to be true to yourself - and true to them. You're loyal, trustworthy, and comfortable in your own skin. And because of these qualities, you've definitely earned a lot of respect. |
What Dessert?
Makes me think of when my uncle returned from the desert and GWI. The welcome home party invite said to bring a "desert item." Someone misspelled DESSERT, as in sweet and yummy vs sandy and hot. A wonderful friend being a good sport (and elem school teacher) brought a stuffed camel AND dessert.
You Are Cheesecake |
 Rich, sweet, and simply perfect. You're not boring - you're just the best! |
10 May 2008
New Chuckle
I'm spending more and more time at Matthew's school. This week was teacher appreciation so we had lunch for them each day.
Yesterday, the principal and I had quality time that didn't involve my child being in trouble... well, not exactly.
He asked if I'd heard the story of Matthew and the custodian. I said that I hadn't. I'm intrigued as I've just gotten to know the guy this week as well. LOL
Well, Matthew was in the hall with MrsG and MrT was out there as well. Matthew, plain as day, and as innocent as can be, says "Good morning MrT!!! How the hell are you?" Of course, MrT and MrsG have to stifle their laughter and tell Matthew how wrong it is to say such things.
Guess this explains the note earlier in the week that said "Matthew had a little trouble with language today." I just wonder where he got that phrase! I don't know that I've used that one exactly.
I can only imagine, as the principal pointed out, how many things one hears in a 20-30 year career that are gems. My note to you today is WRITE THEM DOWN!!!! You might compile enough for a book one day. And you certainly don't have to be a teacher or a parent to find these type gems in life :)
The picture is of Matthew yesterday at the bowling alley. They trekked down to the BA (as we affectionately call it) for a couple rousing games of bowling under the flourescent lighting. Good thing they did it early! It started raining yesterday afternoon. (and then it was snow by dark)
And You Wonder WHY I Don't Care For The Place?
Let's see.... this is my jeep last night... MAY NINTH. Can you see the snow flakes? I can. On the ground, in the air, ON THE FREAKING JEEP! Should I be happy to know that it SHOULD be in the 50s today and the 60s tomorrow? Well, most normal people would be, but the problem is that quick weather change means quick get sick time. I already have one child on antibiotics for a nasty sinus infection that started in another change of weather time. Lovely.
Ok... I'm still figuring out adding pics to this stupid thing. The second picture is of the manchild last night at his JROTC banquet. (OK... I've played with it again and figured it out! YAY ME!) He got three new ribbons for his uniform, 2 of which he didn't expect to get. The biggest surprise? When the MC described the award, I had written him off already... "For sustained superior performance in the cadet corps exemplified through outstanding leadership, AFJROTC participation, academic performance and service to the community, school and unit." I said, "That's not CG." And tuned out. Then I heard his name. I was so proud that he won! (I watched one of the other freshman win one after another after another in the fall, so I expected to see her shiny little (she's about 4' MAYBE) face up there :)) Imagine my surprise and pride in the manchild! He's struggling with other stuff but seems to enjoy this class. The award was given out by Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. I think he was most proud of that award. :)
Well, as this week finally grinds to a halt, maybe I can find my sanity again. Today is the postal service food drive. I should go to the food pantry sometime today and see how that is working out. They've got a couple of airmen working to put stuff in and up on the shelves if I remember my talk with one of the firsts earlier in the week, when I hadn't completely lost my mind. Tonight will be the first night I stay home and not go out since Monday. Oh heck. I just realized we were out Monday. BUT, it was with the boys. So maybe that's why CG remembers me being home that night LOL
Here's to the snow melting, quickly, soon... i see sunshine and I saw drips off my gutters. And I see steam out my window.... how strange... My luck would be the backyard on fire. Wouldn't that be fun!
Which leads me to another thing... The county we are surrounded by, Ward, is under a burn ban due to drought conditions. The base, all knowing, lifted its ban the other day. Someone related a story of someone driving on their street and flicking out a cigarette as they drove past. (her DH did his thing and person came back to pick up the butt) Why do some people living in a community like ours think they're so isolated??!!? Just lifting the "ban" on base doesn't mean we magically are immune to a grass fire breaking out because of some dumb broad's stupidity. Flick your butts in the car folks! I like my new house for the most part. And I don't know that the triplets could get funding for more housing again. I'd hope it were funding to close a place down that has snow on MAY NINTH!!!!!
07 May 2008
Today's Chuckle
Seen at school, on sign in/out sheet for kids: Reason for tardiness - BAD DAD
That is funny! Apparently he was running a little late :)
That is funny! Apparently he was running a little late :)
The Multi Billion $$$ Question
In what I always considered a conservative state, can someone answer why the Wonder Triplets Congressmen are ALL democrats?
I only ponder this out loud today because of the dinner the boys and I had tonight in town. We stopped at Kroll's. I like people watching, but had to eavesdrop instead on conversation. (and NOT ALL of it, just caught the political since I LOVE political stuff) The table closest to us was talking about the primaries last night. "I don't want her (Hillary Clinton) in the White House; it'll be Mr & Mrs President." I just chuckled. My oldest kind of looks at me like a screw had loosened or fell out, but I found it quite funny.
Later they spoke about the conservative nature of the state. I didn't think anyone else questioned the fact of the Wonder Triplets being liberals representing them, badly. I always wondered how they remained in power, election after election. I felt so gooooood hearing someone from here say out loud the things that I wonder about when watching the latest moves in DC thru the Minot news stations.
And being that the Triplets have served at least since the mid-90s, perhaps, maybe, it's more like TRILLION, not Billion. Reference the new BS (bomb squadron silly people!) or the latest attempt to provide aid for farmers in the US) Maybe they're from Fargo? Ed Schultz is from over that way. He's just a little lib. I remember him swooning on AFN on his national show last year sometime when Hillary was on his talk show. Imagine MY surprise to learn where he did his show from!
Til later... it's a busy week around here... Maybe when I have time I can add up just what the Triplets have passed in Congress and find out if it is B or TR. :)
I only ponder this out loud today because of the dinner the boys and I had tonight in town. We stopped at Kroll's. I like people watching, but had to eavesdrop instead on conversation. (and NOT ALL of it, just caught the political since I LOVE political stuff) The table closest to us was talking about the primaries last night. "I don't want her (Hillary Clinton) in the White House; it'll be Mr & Mrs President." I just chuckled. My oldest kind of looks at me like a screw had loosened or fell out, but I found it quite funny.
Later they spoke about the conservative nature of the state. I didn't think anyone else questioned the fact of the Wonder Triplets being liberals representing them, badly. I always wondered how they remained in power, election after election. I felt so gooooood hearing someone from here say out loud the things that I wonder about when watching the latest moves in DC thru the Minot news stations.
And being that the Triplets have served at least since the mid-90s, perhaps, maybe, it's more like TRILLION, not Billion. Reference the new BS (bomb squadron silly people!) or the latest attempt to provide aid for farmers in the US) Maybe they're from Fargo? Ed Schultz is from over that way. He's just a little lib. I remember him swooning on AFN on his national show last year sometime when Hillary was on his talk show. Imagine MY surprise to learn where he did his show from!
Til later... it's a busy week around here... Maybe when I have time I can add up just what the Triplets have passed in Congress and find out if it is B or TR. :)
Like this was a Surprise?
You Are 81% Manic |
 You're not just manic ... you're a complete maniac! You never stop to do anything, including think things through. While your mania is definitely a wild ride, maybe you should consider pacing yourself. |
29 April 2008
Quote For Today
"Defensive strategy never has produced ultimate victory."
– General Douglas MacArthur
– General Douglas MacArthur
28 April 2008
Quote For Today
We worry about what a child will be tomorrow, yet we forget
that he is someone today.
~~Stacia Tauscher
that he is someone today.
~~Stacia Tauscher
27 April 2008
Still Waiting
Seems dentists work dentist hours. Well, some of them. The guy I'm trying to get an appointment with in Bismarck doesn't seem to work Fridays. So, after trying at all hours of the day Friday, no one, no answering machine, no answering service, picked up. Tomorrow morning I start all over. :) At least I'm not sucking the whole bottle of ibuprofen down anymore. The antibiotics seem to have worked. YAY for medicine.
I hope that the least they can do is see me this week before Thursday. CG is off to Winnipeg for a French trip. (do they speak french in Winnipeg like, say, Quebec?) And David leaves. I have to be home Friday for Matthew to go to the reading club celebration thing. I'd hate for him to miss it due to my tooth problem.
And then our economy... commisery (aka commissary) prices just keep going up and up and up and up. I guess I'm glad to not shop much on the economy. Or maybe I should... the commisery probably figures no one likes the drive to town and just yanks our money out of the pocket. Hmmmmmmmmm Might have to do some comparison shopping sometime. And the BX gas station... it's charging more than in town. I thought AAFES was here to do us a favor? Yet again, FOILED! I realize we're not their concern. Cheap gas in town is (or was yesterday) $3.44, it's $3.49 on base.
That "stimulus" check we're getting? I get to stimulate the Bismarck dental community and not anything else. Nice, isn't it? Actually, I'm really glad the timing is working out with that check. Having bought the Jeep and having THREE cars to upkeep with gas and insurance now, the budget gets tighter.
OH! You've been waiting on the one bright spot in this dismal assignment. I'm still looking, but we did have a good dinner out with good retiring friends last night! We drove to the great metropolis of Velva, just a short 19 mile trip east of Minot on highway 52. Velva is the home to Eric Sevareid, famed journalist, one of the "Murrow Boys." He is now on a stamp for the USPS having been released this week
Anyways... that's the one claim to fame for Velva. That and the Pioneer Bar's Saturday night Prime Rib Dinner! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! You can choose from petite, queen, king and 24 oz cuts of rib. Side potato and coleslaw. Quite tasty. Don't ask for fancy beer, liquor or dessert... you won't find it. I don't even think they had beer on tap. DH overloaded the waitress' circuit board asking for glenfidditch and something more than Michelob Light. We decided to not ask about wine. And iced tea? Your only opportunity is Long Island. :) Food good. Service decent. Alcohol choices? Better elsewhere, but when the company is good, it's AWESOME and doesn't matter what there is to drink. We went to DQ for dessert afterwards. :) Quite the fun time.
Enjoy your Sunday!
I hope that the least they can do is see me this week before Thursday. CG is off to Winnipeg for a French trip. (do they speak french in Winnipeg like, say, Quebec?) And David leaves. I have to be home Friday for Matthew to go to the reading club celebration thing. I'd hate for him to miss it due to my tooth problem.
And then our economy... commisery (aka commissary) prices just keep going up and up and up and up. I guess I'm glad to not shop much on the economy. Or maybe I should... the commisery probably figures no one likes the drive to town and just yanks our money out of the pocket. Hmmmmmmmmm Might have to do some comparison shopping sometime. And the BX gas station... it's charging more than in town. I thought AAFES was here to do us a favor? Yet again, FOILED! I realize we're not their concern. Cheap gas in town is (or was yesterday) $3.44, it's $3.49 on base.
That "stimulus" check we're getting? I get to stimulate the Bismarck dental community and not anything else. Nice, isn't it? Actually, I'm really glad the timing is working out with that check. Having bought the Jeep and having THREE cars to upkeep with gas and insurance now, the budget gets tighter.
OH! You've been waiting on the one bright spot in this dismal assignment. I'm still looking, but we did have a good dinner out with good retiring friends last night! We drove to the great metropolis of Velva, just a short 19 mile trip east of Minot on highway 52. Velva is the home to Eric Sevareid, famed journalist, one of the "Murrow Boys." He is now on a stamp for the USPS having been released this week
Anyways... that's the one claim to fame for Velva. That and the Pioneer Bar's Saturday night Prime Rib Dinner! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! You can choose from petite, queen, king and 24 oz cuts of rib. Side potato and coleslaw. Quite tasty. Don't ask for fancy beer, liquor or dessert... you won't find it. I don't even think they had beer on tap. DH overloaded the waitress' circuit board asking for glenfidditch and something more than Michelob Light. We decided to not ask about wine. And iced tea? Your only opportunity is Long Island. :) Food good. Service decent. Alcohol choices? Better elsewhere, but when the company is good, it's AWESOME and doesn't matter what there is to drink. We went to DQ for dessert afterwards. :) Quite the fun time.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Quote for Today
"It has been my philosophy of life that difficulties vanish when faced boldly."
– Isaac Asimov
New ones just sprout up, don't they? :D
– Isaac Asimov
New ones just sprout up, don't they? :D
26 April 2008
Quote for Today
Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.
Robert H. Schuller
He's not lived up here ;D Spring doesn't come LOL
Seriously, though, good thing to ponder in the week I've had, isn't it?
Robert H. Schuller
He's not lived up here ;D Spring doesn't come LOL
Seriously, though, good thing to ponder in the week I've had, isn't it?
25 April 2008
Dental Woes Continued
Well, there are definitely NO endodontists in Minot. As the hygeinest (I don't spell nor am I in the mood to look it up) pointed out this morning, we wouldn't send you to Bismarck if we didn't have to. I think she knows how disgusted I am with the situation of living up here. She also told me it was only 1.5 hours to Bismarck. Uh, no. It's more like 2. TWO FREAKING SERIOUSLY LONG ARSED HOURS. She also pointed out that "In other areas of the country you'd have to drive 1.5 hours to get to a specialist." Uh, wrong again. In VA, it was maybe 20 minutes to the guy who did the last one. Yeah, I've been down the root canal road before. It's not fun. It's even more not fun when I'm told the closest is 2 hours away. Just did a quick search in Ohio for one. Within 2 hours drive of my hometown, there are SEVERAL. Point being there, is there are restaurants, points of interest, family on the way from point A to point B. There ain't NOTHING from here to Bismarck but the Missouri River aka Lake Sakakawea. Maybe if there were something to stop and do (other than nature LOL), I'd not mind the boring 2 hour drive to Bismarck for "civilization."
Did I mention no one works in this office on Friday? Yep. I got this wonderful little flyer on this great endo. Call first thing this morning to get my toothache resolved hopefully in a few days prior to my DH leaving for a few weeks, and NO ONE answers. NO ANSWERING machine to say "Sorry sucker. No one's working today." Nothing. Zilch. Nada. Zip. Don't need my business apparently.
Thus I've now had breakdown #2 thia week. I really don't mind small towns. I grew up in one. I mind being in the middle of nowhere that it takes days to go anywhere I want to go and have a good time that doesn't involve guns and reels, just plastic retail therapy. At the end of this assignment and DHs career, it's going to take a lot more than RETAIL therapy to help me out. :) I want a small town within an hour of decent shopping, eating, medical needs and family. Not asking much. Hardly asking for much at all. My new mantra... FOUR MORE YEARS FOUR MORE YEARS FOUR MORE YEARS. I'm not sure I'll make it LOL
Next problem... my dental insurance doesn't have an endo in Minot, Bismarck or Fargo. (didn't bother checking the Forks... why bother... it's most likely they're as much a drought as the other "big cities" of ND) What does that mean? I'm sure the WHOLE amount is now going to be out of my pocket to pay for this round of dental heck. So I wrote a little note off to them asking what they propose I do now. We pay and pay for dental insurance for years and years, and get less and less out of it. Ok, I'm terrible about going to the dentist in the first place, but when I do, I expect something for the money we've paid in! :D
I swear this weekend I have one goal. It is to find something, ANYTHING, just ONE THING, positive about living in ND. I'm not overcrowded. I'm not fighting the traffic on the I64 in Hampton Roads. I'm not fighting ANY traffic. Well, minus that cluster down in Minot where they're tearing up the main drag that should have been torn up in the 12 years we were gone. :) Glad we came up thru town so I know now what I'm missing NOT driving thru town at this point. WHAT A MESS. I still wonder if they're tearing down the Barley Pop!
Hey! The zoo opens this weekend. :) There's a positive. Screaming, maniacal kids. And a toothache that I'm feeding a bottle of Ibuprofen to over the next couple of days. Hmmmmmmmmmm... let me get back to you on the positive side of life in the "great" plains.
Did I mention no one works in this office on Friday? Yep. I got this wonderful little flyer on this great endo. Call first thing this morning to get my toothache resolved hopefully in a few days prior to my DH leaving for a few weeks, and NO ONE answers. NO ANSWERING machine to say "Sorry sucker. No one's working today." Nothing. Zilch. Nada. Zip. Don't need my business apparently.
Thus I've now had breakdown #2 thia week. I really don't mind small towns. I grew up in one. I mind being in the middle of nowhere that it takes days to go anywhere I want to go and have a good time that doesn't involve guns and reels, just plastic retail therapy. At the end of this assignment and DHs career, it's going to take a lot more than RETAIL therapy to help me out. :) I want a small town within an hour of decent shopping, eating, medical needs and family. Not asking much. Hardly asking for much at all. My new mantra... FOUR MORE YEARS FOUR MORE YEARS FOUR MORE YEARS. I'm not sure I'll make it LOL
Next problem... my dental insurance doesn't have an endo in Minot, Bismarck or Fargo. (didn't bother checking the Forks... why bother... it's most likely they're as much a drought as the other "big cities" of ND) What does that mean? I'm sure the WHOLE amount is now going to be out of my pocket to pay for this round of dental heck. So I wrote a little note off to them asking what they propose I do now. We pay and pay for dental insurance for years and years, and get less and less out of it. Ok, I'm terrible about going to the dentist in the first place, but when I do, I expect something for the money we've paid in! :D
I swear this weekend I have one goal. It is to find something, ANYTHING, just ONE THING, positive about living in ND. I'm not overcrowded. I'm not fighting the traffic on the I64 in Hampton Roads. I'm not fighting ANY traffic. Well, minus that cluster down in Minot where they're tearing up the main drag that should have been torn up in the 12 years we were gone. :) Glad we came up thru town so I know now what I'm missing NOT driving thru town at this point. WHAT A MESS. I still wonder if they're tearing down the Barley Pop!
Hey! The zoo opens this weekend. :) There's a positive. Screaming, maniacal kids. And a toothache that I'm feeding a bottle of Ibuprofen to over the next couple of days. Hmmmmmmmmmm... let me get back to you on the positive side of life in the "great" plains.
24 April 2008
Name that Century
When the nearest town was 2 hours trip to get further health care?
When the nearest town for furthermore dental follow up (ie root canal) was 2 hours trip?
When there was one pharmacy to get a script filled? (can't confirm ONE, but the first I asked for wasn't available)
Better yet, what state does/did this happen in?
Well, the TWENTY FIRST CENTURY would be the correct answer as would NORTH (by freaking) DAKOTA for the state. Pharmacy? Dentist asks "What pharmacy shall I call this to? Or would you like a slip to take to the base?" (It's 430ish and we know the hours they keep at the med group - they were gone 3 hours before) I say my fave pharmacy after the base, "Walmart." "Uh, sorry. Walmart doesn't have a pharmacy." YES! You heard me right. Wally World in Minot, Freaking North Dakota, does NOT have a pharmacy. Where do old people get their scripts filled!?!?!?
Better yet, there is no endodontist listed in Minot's yellow pages. My dentist works with one in Bismarck, just a short 2+++++ hours drive to the south. Did I mention one other dental trivia tidbit for tonight? My neighbor, having dinner at the table next to us tonight, says there are TWO PEDIATRIC DENTISTS IN THE ENTIRE STATE. Thank God! One is in MINOT! (too bad the kid in the chair next to mine this afternoon didn't know the one was ACROSS THE HALL... he made ME cry and I didn't need any more encouragement than having to sit in the dentist office, period.
Oh, yeah... I'm sure the dentist likes me even more. At some point during the talk, I told her bluntly, "I'd rather be giving birth than sitting in your office." Maybe not the best thing to say LOL Nor was it good to say how FOULED up a state this was loudly in the waiting room after the appointment. I just don't get how people get by in this state when they have to travel across it to get some of their health care.
Gas prices... they make states and communities likes those up here, really, really, really, not worth the hassle. Too darned expensive to live here and be happy doing so!
Review... it's not Little House on the Prairie needing several days to travel to "Town" to get the important things in life. It's TODAY, in NORTH DAKOTA.
Just when I want to really really really REALLY try getting by here, I get smacked upside the head again with reality. If $3.50 doesn't do it, I'm not sure what will.
When the nearest town for furthermore dental follow up (ie root canal) was 2 hours trip?
When there was one pharmacy to get a script filled? (can't confirm ONE, but the first I asked for wasn't available)
Better yet, what state does/did this happen in?
Well, the TWENTY FIRST CENTURY would be the correct answer as would NORTH (by freaking) DAKOTA for the state. Pharmacy? Dentist asks "What pharmacy shall I call this to? Or would you like a slip to take to the base?" (It's 430ish and we know the hours they keep at the med group - they were gone 3 hours before) I say my fave pharmacy after the base, "Walmart." "Uh, sorry. Walmart doesn't have a pharmacy." YES! You heard me right. Wally World in Minot, Freaking North Dakota, does NOT have a pharmacy. Where do old people get their scripts filled!?!?!?
Better yet, there is no endodontist listed in Minot's yellow pages. My dentist works with one in Bismarck, just a short 2+++++ hours drive to the south. Did I mention one other dental trivia tidbit for tonight? My neighbor, having dinner at the table next to us tonight, says there are TWO PEDIATRIC DENTISTS IN THE ENTIRE STATE. Thank God! One is in MINOT! (too bad the kid in the chair next to mine this afternoon didn't know the one was ACROSS THE HALL... he made ME cry and I didn't need any more encouragement than having to sit in the dentist office, period.
Oh, yeah... I'm sure the dentist likes me even more. At some point during the talk, I told her bluntly, "I'd rather be giving birth than sitting in your office." Maybe not the best thing to say LOL Nor was it good to say how FOULED up a state this was loudly in the waiting room after the appointment. I just don't get how people get by in this state when they have to travel across it to get some of their health care.
Gas prices... they make states and communities likes those up here, really, really, really, not worth the hassle. Too darned expensive to live here and be happy doing so!
Review... it's not Little House on the Prairie needing several days to travel to "Town" to get the important things in life. It's TODAY, in NORTH DAKOTA.
Just when I want to really really really REALLY try getting by here, I get smacked upside the head again with reality. If $3.50 doesn't do it, I'm not sure what will.
21 April 2008
Freaking Weather
Today is Monday, April 21, 2008... I think. Looking out my patio window, one would venture a different guess. Well, ONLY IF, you lived in NORMAL parts of the world. Yep... snow on the patio furniture. Lovely. And it's on the grass around the neighborhood as well in places.
It only got worse. Matthew needs to be at school by 830. We walk out to get in the car at 820 and I discover.... A THIN LAYER OF ICE! Yes. ICE. COATED ON MY VAN. Get my door open, start the car, try to open his door, and it pops, but doesn't slide. So now the van has the light on but I can't get the door shut. Soooooooooooooooo, off we walk to school today. It's like 20something. We get to the school like popsicles. Oh boy! Someone did offer me a ride home though. :) I was ever so grateful for that! I didn't have gloves, scarf or winter coat on. I sooooooooo love it here. I need to go out and see if I can get that door to budge yet. It might have "warmed" up. Fat chance! It's frozen tundra up here. We're in the midst of a drought. There were grassfires in town over the weekend. The town didn't burn down though. Sadly, there was at least one home lost.
Well, from the weather man guessing last night, we may still have more "snow" yet this week. Fun! FUN! FUN!
It only got worse. Matthew needs to be at school by 830. We walk out to get in the car at 820 and I discover.... A THIN LAYER OF ICE! Yes. ICE. COATED ON MY VAN. Get my door open, start the car, try to open his door, and it pops, but doesn't slide. So now the van has the light on but I can't get the door shut. Soooooooooooooooo, off we walk to school today. It's like 20something. We get to the school like popsicles. Oh boy! Someone did offer me a ride home though. :) I was ever so grateful for that! I didn't have gloves, scarf or winter coat on. I sooooooooo love it here. I need to go out and see if I can get that door to budge yet. It might have "warmed" up. Fat chance! It's frozen tundra up here. We're in the midst of a drought. There were grassfires in town over the weekend. The town didn't burn down though. Sadly, there was at least one home lost.
Well, from the weather man guessing last night, we may still have more "snow" yet this week. Fun! FUN! FUN!
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