Things I've learned so far in the military

(in no particular order)
1. They are not as strict with your uniform or the rules as they were during training
2. 10 minute school physicals are a part of daily life
3. Introducing a new doc to the military is getting them to do 30 school physicals on a Saturday afternoon.
4. F15's and F22's make a lot of noise when taking off
5. Ophthalmoscopes do not exist in every patient room let alone on a whole entire hospital floor (don't even think about asking for one b/c they don't know what they are)
6. Residents question your reason for admission (possible NAT??? with head bleed??)
7. It is very easy to get ready in the morning when all you do is put on a uniform and put your hair in a bun
8. 730 is really early to have to be at work everyday.
9. 430 is an excellent time to be done in the afternoon
10. Having mandatory workouts 3 days a week is awesome (for me)
11. Never standing in your closet in the morning trying to figure out what to wear is excellent
12. Tricare allows people to book appts if their symptom has been going on for 2 hours or gone after a day (vomiting x1 yesterday-now gone and acting normally)
13. Tricare pays for Tylenol, Motrin, Eucerin, and a slew of other over the counter things
14. Saluting is a part of everyday life - I get saluted every time I come onto base
15. Everyone is really nice to you b/c they all have been separated from their families

Minnesota part 3...

The wedding day!

After 2 days of going out, I wasn't really excited about another night out, especially after I found out the reception lasted til 1AM, but Colleen is well worth it. We had to be up and in the lobby by 1 so that we could get our hair done at the salon. At the salon all the bridesmaid's, bride, mother of the bride, mother of the groom and honorary bridesmaid all had their hair done. It was fun to be pampered. Michelle and I did our nails there as well as our makeup. We finished a little late from there, the cab came late so we had to hail a taxi to get back to the hotel and quickly got dressed for the wedding. (hiding behind a wall so that our hair didn't get windblown)The bride had to get ready at the museum so all she had to do is grab her dress and accessories. We finished at 5 and we had to be on our way to the museum at 530/545. Wow, what a time crunch. (Sharon scarfing down food since they hadn't eaten all day)All went off without a hitch and Colleen and Kevin got married - while Colleen cried the whole time. The reception was beautiful complete with gorgeous center pieces, yummy food, fireworks(provided by the city) and great entertainment.

Overall Greg and I had a blast. We got back to the hotel around 130ish and Greg and I had to get up at 445AM to catch flights at 650AM. Talk about being tired. I slept as much as possible b/c I was driving back to SC to finish off my vacation with the fam.

The pics from Minnesota part 2

All the rides at Mall of America

Greg on the overlook

cool lego station

the bridal party at rehersal dinner

Colleen and Kevin's Table ( they are in the back right)

another table at dinner - the groomsmen

our table - Greg was cut out

Mom and Sharon - my aunt

Mom and Colleen

The famous porkchop



Sharon and her finance Dave

Mom and Tressa - take 1

Mom and Tressa take 2
Greg, Michelle, Chad, Peter, Brenda and Melissa at Britts Pub

Chuck and my uncle Kevin
Dave and my uncle Norman

Michelle and Chad at Britts Pub

The groomsmen, Cindy, Brenda and Kim

Listening to Michelle tell a story
Hanging out at Britts pub

The famous lawn bowling
and my touching balls...
Ending the night with Greg and I

minnesota part 2....

Friday was time for Greg to come in and rehersal dinner. Greg made it in about 930AM (minnesota time) and rode the light rail from the airport to downtown. Thanks to my trial by error, everyone that came in after me knew where to go from the airport, which way to go on the light rail and which exit to get off at. Once Greg made it in, we visited with the fam and then rode the light rail down to Mall of America. Wow, is all I have to say. This mall is huge. It is 4-5 stories(I can't remember) complete with a full size amusement park. There were about 4-5 full sized coasters, carousel and log flume. I was impressed. While there we met up with Michelle and Chad and then saw Mom, my uncles Norman and Kevin on the escalator. Who knew we'd find each other in such a large mall.

Later on the same day we had rehersal dinner (no rehersal though) at Firelake grill. The food was awesome. I had the porkchop (which was about 4 inches thick) and tender as a steak. I was impressed, and so was everyone else that had it. I wish I could bring it locally so I could have it whenever I felt the craving. Greg had steak and frites ( old fashioned french fries - but called frites to sound more appetizing).

After dinner, we headed to Britt's pub - which has an open area on top of the roof complete with lawn bowling. Such a nice atmosphere and great for hanging out. By the end of the night, we all tried our hand at lawn bowling. I was awesome if I do say so myself. I won a few rounds but Chuck and Greg were good too and kept me on my toes. We played with Michelle, Chad and one of the groomsmen Eric. On the other game was Kim, Norman, Kevin (my uncles), and Cindy (a bridesmaid). Playing with them were Sharon (my aunt), Dave, Rob and Chris (groomsmen). We had a wonderful time and are thinking about opening one ourselves.

The internet on base is being finicky so everytime i try to post pics, it takes forever and time out. I will post pics when I move into our house and Greg gets the internet going.