Saturday, February 28, 2009
the tamale lady
Thursday, February 26, 2009
what a day!
Today I got up at 430. Got out the door by 615. On my drive out, I noticed that my gas tank is pretty low. I stopped at the only gas station I've seen in Florence. I needed Excedrin (for my headache), water, and a DP. I take my things to the register. The cashier isn't able to scan my water. She tells me to go get another one (because typing in the barcode is SO hard). I bring her the other one, and she doesn't charge me for all my items. I tell her this. She then scans items I've already paid for. By the time I explain to her the problem, and she is trying to wrap the idea around her head, I give up. It's not worth the couple bucks.
I get to work and find out that some people from the Legislature is coming to tour the prison. Everyone is on best behavior. Good thing I actually got ready, eh? The people that came were very nice; though, not that familiar with healthcare. Oh well.
It was a slow afternoon, so I had completed all my work and asked the doctor if I could leave early. I head out around 4. I start driving down the road when I look at my temperature gage. It HOT! I'm about 10 minutes from Florence. I pull over down some dirt road. I start putting the antifreeze in my car (I've figured out the problem) when all of the sudden about five vehicles pull up beside me. Five or so people get out of their cars and inquire if I need help. I'm startled with the sudden attention and inform then that I have it all under control. I had parked in front of the National Guard Gun Range, and everyone was getting off work at the same time. I quickly pull away being flustered. However, my car was not fine. I turned around and headed back for Florence. My only option was to go to the gas station that screwed me over earlier in the day. I get water and antifreeze added to my car, and things start to cool down. So much for having an early afternoon. Or a Saturday morning, for that matter. I'm having some friends check it out tomorrow. Lovely. No tennis for me!
So...here I am, pondering about my sleep! I declined a few different offers tonight because I'm so lame! My black licorice and a movie at home sounded so nice. Just been one of those days!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A day well spent!
Tuesday is my official day off during this rotation. I decided that I would enjoy my day. I slept in (till about 730), watched a show, did some studying, and then the fun began. My old roommate, Trisha, and her husband, Danny, had their baby, Hyrum Patrick, at Mercy Gilbert Hospital the day before. So I made a plan... I would go to Dr. Rheys (get an adjustment and muscle work), visit Hyrum Patrick, spend some time at JP and Mary Ann's with the boys, and hang out with Ty that night. It was a nice loop and it actually worked out pretty well.
Hyrum Patrick Wilkins - Born February 23, 2009
An afternoon at the park...
Yeah for slides!
Don't worry, I'm hiding over here!
Weee!!!!
Enjoying some great books with Dad.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
sushi, the most wonderful thing
Going out for sushi is a favorite of mine,
Especially when I don’t have to pay a dime.
So many options to chose
I could never lose.
The anticipation is building
The sensations are thrilling.
My palate is wet
As my eyes see a set.
Clasping the chopsticks
I peruse the grand mix.
Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail
None of these will fail.
I partake of the first
Praying I will not be cursed.
A dash of wasabi with soy sauce
Or else I will be quite cross.
Crunchy or spicy
My tastes buds do “likey.”
Stimulating conversation entails
The night is better than the best sales!
Complimentary oranges to end
A memorable evening with a best friend.
Other events of the night...
Studying Gospel Doctrine Lesson 6: Personal Revelation
Joseph Smith: "The Spirit of Revelation is in connection with these blessings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing unto you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented into your minds by the Spirit of God [Sec. 85:6; Enos 10], will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus." (HC, 3:381)
Elder Richard G. Scott: "When we seek inspiration to help make decisions, the Lord gives gentle promptings. These require us to think, to exercise faith, to work, to struggle at times, and to act. Seldom does the whole answer to a decisively important matter or complex problem come all at once. More often, it comes a piece at a time, without the end in sight." (Ensign, Nov 1989, p32)
Origami Airplanes
Of course, the Purple People Eater Aircraft dominated* the SS Aircraft. Pilot Boyle just wasn't up to par this race. Pilot Scoville took the winnings!
As you can clearly tell, the PPE Aircraft was engineered by skilled hands! And Pilot Scoville was in sync with her aircraft.
(*PPE may have struggled some before some professional help came along!)
Jamming out to some way cool tunes
(sorry I haven't figured out how to upload songs on my blog)
Boys Like Girls "Hero/Heroine"
Earlier in the day I...
spent the afternoon at Heidi and Patrick's engagement party at Eldorado Park in Scottsdale. It was a beautiful day outside!
Monday, February 16, 2009
loving my electric fondue
Sarah's Concoction of Cheese Spinach Fondue
- 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Emmenthal cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
On medium, bring apple cider to boil. Reduce heat to low. Add cornstarch, Cheddar cheese, and Emmenthal cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until melted, about 10 minutes. Add dry mustard, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and spinach. Keep warm while serving. Serve with bread cubes, cut vegetables, cut fruit, or chips. Delicious!
My only complaint is that the oil started to separate from the cheese. If you have any suggestions on curing that problem, let me know.
Here's a typical shot of Sarah and Rachel. Sarah always wanting a cute picture of the two of us, and Rachel thinking it's so funny. This one is classic.
Jenny, Molly, and Kristen came over to enjoy and share in the tasty. It was quite the night!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
who would've thunk...
...Music Night could be so GREAT! My pal Josh invited me to come experience Music Night at The Glass House. We each bring one song to share. The song can be meaningful, have a great rhythm or lyrics, or whatever you're in the mood for. I almost tainted my character by bringing Britney Spears, but redeemed myself with another favorite: Tire Swing from the Juno soundtrack.
Hippo became a favorite friend by the end of the night; hence, Hippo is in all the pictures! Josh using his "iPhone that was bought from Brad for $100."
Josh, Sister Glass, JC with scary eyes, and sleepy Heather!
Josh in an awkward pose with Hippo.
If you have a desire to hear some cool tunes, check out the website! It was an entertaining and cultural experience. I had a blast! Thanks Josh for a fun night!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
it's that wonderful time again
On the bright side, that means my Neuro rotation is coming to an end. Thank goodness! Don't get me wrong, I love the Doc and I've learned a lot. I'm tired of headaches and back pain. On to even better days...treating inmates at the state prison. Yes, I will be working with male inmates, not patients, for this rotation. It should be quite the experience. Maybe I will take a job out there - they do have student loan repayment. Could you see it?
This Friday also marks a big day! I will have finished half of my clinical year. It sure is flying by quickly. Before long I better know something.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Rain!
It was quite a delight to wake up hearing thunder and rain pouring outside. We don't get very much rain here in AZ; hence, when we do we shout for joy.
This is a view from my apartment! Yeah for rain!!!
All week I've been waiting for
my new glasses! I ordered them off Zennica online. The script is a little off, but I can definitely see out of them. And the arms are a bit long so they tend to slide. Overall, I cannot complain about my $10 purchase! I'm excited to have a new pair of glasses. Thanks to Amie and Mat for helping me out!
Another day of showers...
"The House" as Trisha calls us all carpooled out to the freaking end of the earth, or so it seemed. Trisha lives off Ironwood and Schneff in QC.
Sarah, Kari, Aubrey, Jenny, and Dainia
Always great fun to get us ladies together!
The best part was when we grabbed lunch. We stopped at Taco Bell and the line inside was rather long. Jenny and I decided that we would try to drive-thru and see if it was any faster. Kari called to tell us that she totally saw us go through the drive-thru and she was still waiting for her soft burrito. We had eaten half of our food before Kari came outside to join us. Mmm, glad I went through the drive-thru.
On to the next event...
It was Heidi Hamilton's bridal shower. We played some fun games like "Pin the Kiss on Patrick," Heidi opened gifts, enjoyed some fondue treats, and gabbed for a while. Get worried if you invite me over - I tend to stay longer that necessary. It was great seeing Heidi and Crystal since we don't get together as often.
Sarah, Heidi, Crystal
Heidi and Patrick are getting married March 6 in Oakland, Cali. Crystal and Dave are getting married in May in UT.
After the parties, I went over to visit my friend Wendy. She's a crazy working woman who I don't get to see as often as I'd like. But it sure is fun when we get together.
It was a jam-packed day of fun!
Sleepover at JP and Mary Ann's
Friday night I went out to JP and MA's. I thought it would be fun to use my new fondue pot that they got me for Christmas. So I bring all my stuff. As soon I JP sees my things, he's like "We do have a fondue pot of our own." I just laughed because I brought all my stuff out, when they already had it all. Oh well! We dipped our fruits and treats in a French Vanilla Dark Chocolate. It was delicious.
I slept over to eliminate so of my driving for the weekend. I enjoyed playing with the boys a bit in the morning. It was a beautiful Saturday with the sun shining! The boys were loving the dirt and playing in the backyard.
Mary Ann was also enjoying the outdoors - reading her book!
Definitely can't complain about the winter weather here!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Country + Dance = Good Times
Once upon a time... There were two best friends that attended college together. Every once in blue moon, they would travel south to the land of Trolley Square. They would gather together with other such folk and get their dance on. If they were early, they would learn new steps while meeting new people. They were always in high hopes that they'd get a few good dances in. Finally, O'town started their own crew down on Union Station. It became an addiction for the best friends. Until one day... one of them packed their car, Ned, and travelled even farther south. Within time, the other friend found herself down in the same territory. However, there we not too many places to get some country swinging done proper. One day, a little birdie told the first friend where to go. And the dancing began, again!
The End!
As told, country dancing started a long time ago.
I decided to go to country dance last night! Solo. The best friend has since gotten married, finished school, and moved to WY. Since not as many people attend, they have moved it to an actual studio. The guy:girl ratio is way good for guys. Only a few of the guys actually know how to dance. Watching some of the couples made me miss being "Steve's gal." I was pretty good for a time. Now I'm out of shape and out of practice. Kind of embarrassing. Fishin' in the Dark is my all time favorite song to line dance to. I enjoy wearing my boots and tight jeans. I love a guy that can spin and twirl me around. Country dance makes me happy.
Yeehaw!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
journal entry
January 29, 2008
Today has been a super crazy emotional day for me and the family. We just found out that dad has pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to the lungs. The prognosis for this type of cancer isn’t good. Only five percent have a five year survival rate. Majority die within one year of Dx. The parents are going in to the oncologist on Friday and more will be determined there, but it doesn’t look so good. It’s hard to think that my dad could even die. I just thought they’d both be around forever. And maybe it’ll be a miracle.
At first I was just like no way, my dad? Then as I did more research, my heart sunk and my emotions kicked in. I ended up going out to JP and MA’s for a couple hours with Rachel. It was nice to just talk about things with them. What will my mom do?
I’m trying to remember good things: dad reading stories over Christmas or anytime for that matter (one of my favorites), talking about relationships and listening to me banter about my life, four-wheeling at the sand dunes and at Spencers, long drives to WA and CA and Canada, ice cream daddy daughter dates, watching him play with the grandkids, always helping me with finances and budgeting, being a faithful latter-day saint, teaching Sunday School, always reading his scriptures, playing the piano for him, dutch oven cooking, playing phase 10 and scrabble, long walks, camping/biking, The Loft trips, Thanksgiving in Sedona (hiking, eating, talking, window shopping)
If I could tell my dad anything I would want him to know that I love him and I hope that I have done some good in my life to please him. Dad is such a serving, caring, thoughtful man. I can’t imagine life without him here.
Life is never going to get easier. I know life will continue to move forward.
It was good to spend some time at JPs and just reminisce for a while, and to feel their love as we all go through this together. I know this is going to be a challenging time for my family, but it will also be a time to bring us together. I need to remember what my priorities are in this life! And never let my goals in life be compromised. I need to strengthen my testimony of the Savior, build my family relationships, be loving and kind to everyone (you never know what people are going through), help others feel of the Savior’s love. Hope in the Savior!
WHAT CANCER CAN NOT DO:
Cancer is so limited ...
It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot destroy Peace
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot suppress Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot steal Eternal Life
It cannot conquer the Spirit.
