I am not dead.

I know, I know, it has been FOREVER since my last post. It has been called to my attention, most recently by someone whom we shall call "SUE". :)

So, here is an update:

I am in my first 10 week internship, clinical affiliation, whatever you would like to call it. It is much different than seeing patients in our onsite clinic. It is also much different because it is in the land of the VA (Veterans Administration) and that really isn't the real world when it comes to health care. It is not better nor worse, it is just different.
I am learning.
Learning lots
and that is good.

My daughter is at science camp for 3 days with a bunch of other 6th grades from other schools. As we pulled up to school this morning one of her friends came running up to the car frantically making hand gestures and mouthing words. As Paige opened the car door, Stephanie said "we are in the same cabin!!!" They both did a little hug/jumpy/screamie thing and then began to unload Paige's gear from the car. Ah, to be 12 again and have such simple things bring us such joy.

Austin is, well, pretty much on house arrest again. The most recent event went something like this.....
Austin is in his room with the door closed.
Mom smells a strange smell and hears the smoke detector beeping.
Mom opens the door.
Austin is standing looking down at his bed.
He turns to mom and says, "I am in trouble"
They both look at the burned sheets.

Yes, son, you are in trouble.

Most of you may not know that Austin has decided to move down with his dad for at least the next year, which will be his 1st year of high school. His dad still lives in Amarillo TX. His current step mom lives in Dallas and will be there until next May. This will give Austin and his dad plenty of time to get to know each other and figure out their relationship before adding a constant third party.
It was a difficult decision, but after much discussion, yelling, tears, and prayers, I came to the realization that Austin needs his dad. He needs to know who his dad is on a daily basis for longer than a couple of weeks and they need to salvage whatever they can. I hope that Austin will find what he is looking for in a relationship with his dad.
The funny thing about this, if it can be called funny at all, is the major reason contributing to the demise of our 11 year marriage was his inability to spend time with the family, especially the kids. And now, with our son almost 14 years old, Eric will have a chance to get to bond with him. Not at all what I had planned when we started this family, but it is the way that it is.
He leaves around June 21st. It will be strange. For the first time in Austin's life I will not be raising him. I will miss him terribly, but I know this is what needs to happen.
He will have a minimum of 1 year down there. Then he can stay longer if he wants or come back home to his sister and I.

Mom and dad are good. They are looking forward to their 2 grandsons (my nephews) from Oklahoma coming for a 2 week visit staring June 21. Dad is planning all sorts of stuff for them to do.

OK, so I will attempt to post more frequently.

Oh, and a belated super duper happy birthday to shelley et al!