the tamale lady

One time, months ago, Rachel was home and the tamale lady stopped by to sell some tamales.  Rachel bought some.  We ate them over time.  They were okay.  Without fail, the tamale lady stops by once a month.  On occasion, I've been home and just "didn't have the right change."  She'd even barter with me and sell them pretty cheap.  Now, every time Rachel and I hear an unplanned visitor ring our doorbell, our first thought is "it's the tamale lady, don't open the door."  We try to sneak and look through my bedroom window.  Some days it's her, and others it's someone else.  We still don't answer the door.  If you come a ringing without a calling, you most likely won't get in!

what a day!

Since my current rotation schedule starts much earlier than I've been used to, my bedtime is gradually getting earlier.  I fell asleep last night around 930.  That means I wake up anywhere between 330-4.  Pretty dang early!  I try to go back to sleep, but then that makes me even more tired.  

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!

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.

 

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"

MGMT "Kids"

 

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!

 

loving my electric fondue

Whoever gave me this gift deserves a lot of blessings or maybe a big thanks!!!  I have sure enjoyed myself with this new kitchen device.   Yesterday, I invited a couple of friends to come over for cheese fondue.  I researched a few recipes, and found a couple I liked.  I decided to combine the two and see what came out.  Almost perfection!  

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!

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!

 

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