(5/29/08) Washing, Writing, and Hail

Today was a day of challenges, and determination. When we first got up, Mom had this crazy, yet terrific idea. We were going to wash the top of the RV!!! It was going to be a first-time experience for us, so Mom and I were looking forward to it (Sarah had graciously volunteered to be in the RV so we would know how loud washing the top was). Mom did the driver's side of the RV, and I did the passenger side, and I volunteered to rinse both sides when done. It was NOT easy; there were many difficulties for both of us, but because of that, we were very happy at the end. However, you could tell which side I had done by looking at it (it was the dirtier side). After working on my English, we walked to the restaurant that was in the RV park, and ate there for about an hour, then I said bye to Mom and Sarah (they were still eating) and walked back. It had started to rain a little, but then the most amazing thing happened: it had started to hail! That was the second time in my life I had seen hail, and if I wasn't being pelted by it, I would have observed it. I jogged to the RV to get instead. When Mom and Sarah got back, we watched part of The Matrix, then relaxed and went to bed.

Xaven

(5/28/08) Attemped English and Zoology

Today was a day of disappointment. I worked on my English (the last few days was actually relaxing), but was extremely lazy, and only got a small part done. I will try to do better on it. Anyway, once we were done we went to lunch at a Sonic-which was very tasty-and went to a nearby mini-zoo called Reptile Gardens. However, because Sarah was tired, we had to leave after going to the first location we went to; a bird show. that was pretty cool though, if you like exotic (a few were from Africa) and American birds. My favorite part was the final bird, which consisted of a raven that was actually capable of taking donations out of people's hands, and putting it in a box. That was about it for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(5/24/08) Math Excellence (Reading and Writing Too)

Today was another great day. Mom and I got up very early to go the South Dakota School of Mines. There was a huge test that I had to take so Mom could decide where to put me in math. Although math was the main thing, Mom wanted me to work on the reading and writing parts as well. Anyway, I did the test, got the answers, then headed back to the car where Mom was waiting. At that time I looked and the result, and I have 93% on basic algebra, 50% on college algebra, 25% on trigonometry, 92% on reading, and 99% on writing! Mom was very happy at this, and we headed back to the RV to celebrate.

Xaven


P.S. Not a lot will be happening for a while, so I won't be posting for a few days

(5/22/08) Reprieve Before Test

Now, being out of the working trance, I will talk about what happened today. Mom had decided to get a crack in the RV windshield repaired so we went to a nearby repair center, then went to explore the town that the center is in. Everyone first went to a Borders to read books (or manga in my case), then went to have lunch. Afterwards Mom and I dropped Sarah off at the RV and went shopping. While we really just got cleaning supplies, I did get a new game. Although it had started to pour, we got the RV set up to move, and left for Hart Ranch, where we relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(5/18/08) Dad Gone and Working

Today was a day of turning sadness into hard work. When I woke up, Mom had already left to take Dad to the airport. I was very sad and moped around the RV for a while. Although I had tried thinking about the bad things that happened (see 5/17/08 for example) I had been really upset. While Mom was gone, I went to a website that enabled me to study for the (written) exam for my learners permit. I worked hard all of today, and will keep working hard until I get my permit.

Xaven

P.S. For the next few days I will be focusing just on working for my learner's permit and will not be blogging until something important happens

(5/23/08) Hard Work Pays Off

Today I got my learner's permit!!! When I first got up today, I did a quick refresher of everything I learned, then Mom drove me to the location where people get their drivers license. After waiting a while, I took the written exam (there was no physical), and passed with flying colors. I had hoped to drive a little after, but there was fog so thick, you could cut it with a knife! If that wasn't bad enough, Mom and I saw an accident so bad, there were only tire pieces left. Once Mom had driven us down out of the clouds (it was at that point that I realized that we were on a hill) we went to a Sonic, then to a Mostly Chocolates to celebrate. We went back to the RV after, but since there was a major exam tomorrow, I studied a lot before bed.

Xaven

(5/17/08) Dad (and Driving) Trouble

Today was special because it is the last full day that Dad will be here. First Dad and I started off with trying to set up an antenna that would enable the RV's internet to become much faster, but we didn't have the right bolts. While out, Dad guilt tripped me into driving on a deserted road. IT WAS TERRIFYING!!! We had to go down everything that a driver should avoid, and then some. It was exhausting. After we got back, we ate dinner, and while Mom and Dad checked out a light show on Mount Rushmore, Sarah and I relaxed for the rest of the night.

Xaven

(5/16/08) Crazy Horse and His Horse

Today we visited the Native American equivalent of Mount Rushmore: a giant statue of Crazy Horse riding his horse. The statue is created by a group of hardworking individuals who do not take funds from the government, and instead just take donations. However, this has made it so that despite around sixty years of working on it. The best part of the trip was: an explosion (500 tons worth of dynamite) was planned right when we got there! Mom and I got video of the explosion, so that will probably be uploaded onto Malkoff Grand Adventure. After checking out the Native American museum we headed to a steakhouse named Shooters (the food that we ordered was very good) and headed back.

Xaven

(5/15/08) Rushing More

Note: Yesterday, we did not do anything special. We had just lazed about so I will not make another page just so here is the more important today

Today we visited Mount Rushmore! First we got some audio wands to listen to more information, then started walking (for images, Mom will put up pictures of the trip (or trips if there are more) in her blog). First we passed into a row of state flags, that had every state in the United States! We looked at the museum describing the history of (and jokes about) Mount Rushmore. Afterwards, we all ate lunch at the nearby cafe, then Sarah sat and looked at the famous monument, while the rest of the family explored a thirty-minute walk path that explained nearly everything about the mountain and a small, if sweet history of the presidents. Afterwards we headed back and enjoyed the thought about the great things the amazing men had done.

Xaven

(5/13/08) Travel Frustrations

Today was another travel day, from Medora to a Hart Ranch in South Dakota near Mount Rushmore. The hardest part of today, though was what happened after the drive. Due to the frustrations of travel days, tempers were running high all around. Anyway, when we had parked the RV, Dad and I tested the water pressure, and to our surprise, there was next to no water pressure. I nearly lost my temper then, but when we had the repairman come over, and we all laughed at the problem (Dad had not actually turned the valve all the way open). We had a fun night afterwards.

Xaven

(5/12/08) Traveling Birthdays

Today was a surprisingly short travel day compared to two days ago to Medora, North Dakota. However, Medora was extremely close to a town called Wibaux, Montana (Dad has never been to Montana, so we went there to soothe his ego), which we ate dinner at. Before that though, we went to a museum that was based on President Teddy (Theodore Roosevelt). There was even a part about how the president thought of North Dakota. After the museum we we went to the dinner at a little restaurant that so far as could be seen, had no name. Surprisingly, it was forgotten by the kids that Mom's birthday was today, but at least she let everyone had her carrot cake. Once the bill was paid everyone went home and went to bed.

Xaven

(5/11/08) Earth and Cluster's Houses

Today was a day that was exhausting, yet informative. After getting up and having breakfast (Okay, it was more like brunch, but everyone was exhausted) we walked over to the information center and got tickets for some tours. First we went to a Native American village called On-A-Slant Village (the joke was that it actually on a slant) where the Native Americans that lived there lived in houses made of earth. The Mandan tribe were a matriarch group, because the women actually made the houses that everyone lived in. After exploring the houses, we went over to where General Cluster had lived. It was fun, partly because of the fact that the tour guide acted like we were in 1872. After we did that, then we all headed back to the RV and watched the move Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. It was a sad movie, so Mom wanted us to watch a CSI: Miami to get it out of her mind. We watched one and went to bed.

Xaven

(5/10/08) Omega Travel Day

Today was a huge travel day. We went from Ogallala, Nebraska to Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota! As one would imagine, because of the distance, it took us around twelve hours worth of driving. While driving, we listened to the rest of the book on tape Dad and Sarah were listening to, then listened to The Golden Compass. If one thought that it was to be clear all day though, they would have been sadly mistaken. It actually started snowing on the trip, and it wasn't until late in the day that it stopped. Anyway, after setting up the RV in the park, we all went to bed exhausted.

Xaven

(5/9/08) Fun with Dad

Today was the first day I had with Dad, and it was very fun. After having breakfast, Dad and I went over to North Platte. When we first got there, Dad went to get his watch fixed while I read manga, then we went to lunch at a Japanese restaurant named Tempura. Despite eating practically to bursting, we were still able to walk around trying to find the train depot. Unfortunately, there was no way to look at it, so we went back disappointed. The best part about today wasn't the eating or walking, but who was with me the entire time (I love my Dad!). We got back later, and ate with the owners of the RV park again for dinner. After eating some delicious fish and playing games, we headed back to the RV to rest up for travel tomorrow.

Xaven

(5/8/08) Dad and Sarah Back!!!!!!!!!! :)

Today Dad (Mel Malkoff of Malkoff and Associates) and Sarah came back today! However, that was late at night so I should explain what happened first. When we got up, I worked on updating the blog, then Mom said that if I did a bunch of chores to clean up the RV (I don't remember what they were. Sorry!) Anyway, once that was done I played Playstation 2, and then Wii until around 10:00. That time Dad and Sarah came back!!! The reunion was fun, but we didn't do anything. Oh well.

Xaven

(5/7/08) Fishing Trip

Today was special, because I went on a fishing trip! At around nine, we went over to a lake, which was called Lake McConaughy. I didn't catch anything, but we caught a grand total of five fish. Unfortunately, I wanted needed to go to the bathroom, but I couldn't and what happened next is not only obvious, but very embarrassing so because of that, no details. We went back soon after to the park soon after, so I was grateful that I could change my clothes. I was really happy as well because Dad and Sarah are coming tomorrow!

Xaven

(5/6/08) Apologies and Colts

Today we relaxed all day, so there isn't much to write about, but I have a confession to make. Unfortunately I have not been looking at the comments, so I have not been paying attention. Sorry! If it will work as an apology, I will explain the day (which I had really just relaxed) fully and completely. I got up around six and walked the dog. Did I ever explain about Mayim? Maybe I should right now. She is a Portuguese Water Dog (Other than poodles, they are the only hypoallergenic dog) and is around three feet long and one and a half feet tall. Anyway, I worked a ton on math and got around twenty sections or seven percent of the entire math work done. After I headed to lunch at a restaurant that was around four miles away. On the way, I got some pictures of a colt (baby horse) that we had noticed driving around a couple days ago. I had a burger, than returned for a day of playing Playstation 2. We then watched CSI: Miami and then went to bed.

Xaven

(5/5/08) Car and Steak

Note: I am going to try with a suggestion that I should put down the date I am writing about, and say it from the point of view that I just finished up that night. I will start doing that until I think it is unnecessary (though if anyone wants me to keep it up please say so).

Today was a very fun day. When we first got up, Mom and I packed up the RV and went to a surprisingly close RV repair place (I asked Mom why we didn't go to this one. Apparently we needed a specialist that was farther away, while the close repair place is for minor problems.) for the busted water pump hose, then went for a drive. Here is the best part about the drive: when we got onto a dirt road when nobody was around, Mom actually let me drive the car for a little. Both of us were terrified (I think my knuckles are still white) but because of Mom's teaching ability we were able to survive the lesson intact. Anyway, we went to a cool steakhouse for lunch (there were the a ton of animal head plaques on the wall), then headed back to the RV, Mom drove it back (with me as the co-pilot of course!), and the relaxed (Mom working, me playing Playstation) for the rest of the night.

Xaven

(5/4/08) Writing (Part 7) and RV Relaxation

Note: I am going to try with a suggestion that I should put down the date I am writing about, and say it from the point of view that I just finished up that night. I will start doing that until I think it is unnecessary (though if anyone wants me to keep it up please say so).

Life is great in the RV. Today we watched another Writing DVD (this one was mostly a basic review of the rest of the tapes), but spent most (I helped Mom defrost the fridge) of the rest of the day relaxing. Now relaxing is a thing that I put up often, so I think I should explain it. Now, Mom tends to work or read a book during break. I, on the other hand, tend to play Playstation 2, Wii, or computer games usually. Normally though, I like reading manga (Japanese comic books) that is action or comedy from a website called One. I normally read them while doing homework though.

Xaven

(5/3/08) Writing (Part 6) and Relaxation

Note: I am going to try with a suggestion that I should put down the date I am writing about, and say it from the point of view that I just finished up that night. I will start doing that until I think it is unnecessary (though if anyone wants me to keep it up please say so).

Today was actually a slow day. The snow had mostly melted away, but it still looked too cold for walking so I stayed inside nearly all day. Mom and I relaxed for a while then watched Mythbusters. After a while, Mom realized the water pump had a leak, so while watching more shows I stood on towels for the water to come out of the carpet. After we watched the sixth writing DVD, and then relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(5/2/08) SNOW IN MAY!!!!!!!

Note: I am going to try with a suggestion that I should put down the date I am writing about, and say it from the point of view that I just finished up that night. I will start doing that until I think it is unnecessary (though if anyone wants me to keep it up please say so).

Today it SNOWED in May! It's crazy, but it happened! Happily, the dog spent much of her time being walked playing in the new snow. Anyway, we went over to the RV camp's owners' house (That looks weird doesn't it?) t0 play cards again. Afterwards, we headed back to the RV and relaxed for the rest of the day.

Xaven

(5/1/08) Tempura and Back

Note: I am going to try with a suggestion that I should put down the date I am writing about, and say it from the point of view that I just finished up that night. I will start doing that until I think it is unnecessary (though if anyone wants me to keep it up please say so).

Today was the day Mom and I traveled back to the park we were staying at, but the mechanics still had some work to do, so we went to North Platte again. After some more exploring, we went to a Japanese restaurant named Tempura. Unsurprisingly, it surved tempura and sushi, which were very good. Once we were done we headed back to the RV and went back to the RV park. After the RV were set up, Mom and I went over to the RV park owners' house (it was under the canteen) to play games, and eat dinner. After we headed back and went to bed.

Xaven

(4/30/08) Town of North Platte

Note: I am going to go with a suggestion that I should put down the date I am writing about, and say it from the point of view that I just finished up that night. I will start doing that.


Today we explored the town of North Platte while the repairmen were fixing the RV. After we left, we went and ate breakfast at a resaurant (I don't remeber the name. Sorry!). Once that was done, Mom and I went to a historical museum about a World War II volunteer canteen that was in the town. After, we saw a lot of Buffalo Bill Cody museums and his personal ranch. That done, I was dropped off at a bookstore while Mom and the dog went to the vent, then we headed back for the rest of the evening.

Xaven

(4/29/08) Writing (Part 5) and Trucks

Note: I am going to go with a suggestion that I should put down the date I am writing about, and say it from the point of view that I just finished up that night. I will start doing that.

Today we started off with yet another DVD. It was fun, but once Mom and I were done, we had to pack up the RV. The reason was because we were going to get the tow rod replaced. Unsurprisingly, Mom had found more problems (A brake light, and getting a chair that was supposed to revolve) to dump onto the very hard working and patient repairman's lap. Anyway, we ate dinner at a nearby restaurant, and slept in the RV parked in the parking lot.

Xaven