R.I.P.

One of Aaron's guinea pigs, Montana, passed away yesterday. She developed a tumor on her right side at her shoulder that we found about two weeks ago. She stopped eating regularly and began to waste away. The other pig, Sparky, began to distant herself from Montana and hog the pig house. Sparky is still healthy and now has the whole cage to herself. Aaron said it best: it was Darwin's rule of survival of the fittest at work. They were together since the day we bought them. I suspect Sparky misses Montana at least a little. Jan's gonna bury Montana in the backyard grave site.

On a decidedly lighter note, we just heard from Aaron regarding the cutting scores for December promotions. He made the cut for the Dec 1st promotion cycle and has been told he'll earn the rank of Corporal effective Dec 1st. YEAAAAAA!!!! He will be an official NCO as of Dec 1st. He passed uniform inspection today for the annual Marine Ball this Friday and has the rest of the week off. He got his replacement Blackjack II cell phone up and running OK. He goes back out to sea on Dec 1st - 12th for additional sea training, this time as an NCO! He got his Christmas liberty approved and should be home for the holidays on Dec 19th - 29th if everything works out. :-D

I twisted my left knee playing with Dakota last Friday and have been using a cane to limp around. Keeping the weight off and taking Naprosyn has alleviated the pain somewhat.

Jan's been offered a new position as a full time pediatric nurse practitioner with a medical facility in Alabaster (8-5, M -F). It will mean a SUBSTANTIAL increase in her pay. She'll have to retire from UAB to accept the position, which she was scheduled to do anyway in the near future. She wouldn't be able to accept the position until January anyway due to her impending knee surgery next month. She's basically at a crossroads in her career. I'm praying for the Lord to provide her the guidance to make the right decision.