Bigger cities...

...in Montana still seems to have features of a small eastern Montana towns. Yesterday, I had gone into Billings, when, in a construction zone, I got stuck behind a pickup with a horse trailer. Usually, I'd be okay with this. But, I was running late, there were like 50,000 cars driving around, and there was construction. Not just the signs that say, "FINES DOUBLE IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES," but real workers that occasionally popped out into the road waving signs that said, "slow." The cars behind me seemed upset. Horns were honking, and I was in a rush to get to the bank, and back to the training I'd been sitting through all day. Don't get me wrong- the training's been interesting. I'll get back to that in a second. So this truck is still taking its sweet ass time, even after we get out of the construction. Of course, it's a two laner with no passing. Finally, after what felt like my entire lunch break, the pickup turned off. Point: Driving a diesel pickup with a horse trailer is badass. Just don't do it during the noon hour in Billings. People will quickly become irritated.

So, back to that whole training thang. I'm learning, or have learned some crisis intervention stuff. I've learned some behavior management stuff. And, best of all, I've learned how to properly restrain a kid if they're a threat to themselves or others. If I pass the exam tomorrow, I'm golden. If not... well, then I fail epically and need to retake the exam. Which takes time, and you don't get paid to take it a second time. And the higher ups get angry and spread bad juju. Or something to that general affect.

Outside of the work realm of things, things are good. Bailey has managed to learn (already) how to escape the fence. We're working on doing something about it. Bail and I have found a pretty rad animal hospital/groomer/ doggy day care/ dog park. It's everything a beagle could want or need and then some! She seemed to enjoy it. When I was there this afternoon, it was hot, so we did not stay for too long. But, she managed to get some running in and avoided getting out of their (much more secure) doggy play area.

Bailey has also managed to befriend a stray cat that seems to be haunting the neighborhood. Tyson and Bailey have taken a liking to it. I still don't like it. It's not particularly friendly, and takes a while to get used to humans. The cat seemed to take to Bailey, though. I'm curious to see how long it's going to take her to start playing with it, then get scratched in the face. Not that she's ever been scratched in the face by a cat before... She still seems to be in the butt smelling phase of things. At least she's managed to befriend one other four legged creature. Even if it's not a dog.

I have also experienced the joys of getting stung by a wasp. Out house has several nests outside that don't want to die, despite the large quantity of spray we've already used. It seems to be getting better, though.

Well, anyway. I should get some sleep. I plan to wake up early and prepare more for that exam. Hope y'all are doing well. That's right. I said, "y'all."

Update on the work situation.
So far things are going pretty good. I've had one week of training, and another next week. I feel like I learned a bit, and it's been helpful. I want to get it over, though, so I can get back to spending work time in the lodge. It's actually pretty fun in the lodge. After training it will be better still. The kids won't be able to get away with as much as far as I'm concerned. And hopefully, I won't be lied to as often.

In the personal sphere, things are pretty good too. The beagle is doin' well, and things with the man are good too.

Billings and beyond

So we've moved into Billings and things feel like they might be slowing down a bit. I've found a some cool stuff, and have started working. The job is going ok. I've been working with a group of teen-aged girls between 13-17. Most of them have behavioral and mental health issues, so it's been interesting and I've learned quite a bit over the last two weeks. I've also had the oppertunity to meet some cool people. But in the mean time, I'm still waiting to get paid.