Playing Catch-up

Current music selection 

Stepping out of a Dream via Nat King Cole 

Current state of mind 

Happy as a clam!

Current thoughts

The past few evenings I’ve been lazy in my blogging; however, not lazy in my living. The  thirtieth (Tuesday)I shadowed in the ER as planned. I then rushed home to lightly pack for a nights stay in Jackpot, Nevada with friends. We enjoyed our overnight break: we played at the craps table, ate plenty, took a dip in the pool, and had some nice conversation in the hot tub. During the Jackpot visit I had attempted to read poolside, but so much uproar from my friends ensued that I eventually tossed any ideas I had of reading out the window. Nevertheless, even with a success of only three pages read out of my current book interest, I still was able to relax the night away. I am not much on gambling large quantities of my hard earned cash, but I do enjoy to toss a little money around now and again. And I always plan on losing said money; so, I never have any regrets playing monetary russian roulette the following morning.  And, of course, any gained money is simply a bonus. 

Early morning in the hotel room. . .before a cajun chicken and spinach crepe breakfast

The thirty-first (Wednesday) and the first (Thursday, obviously) I was a little workhorse. I keep getting new clients in; so, work is steady and full of long hours. I prefer working long hours because these hours allow me to save for my December move to Boise. December couldn’t come sooner. 

Yesterday I discovered my tiny pomegranate bonsai tree is actually producing pomegranates for the first time! These little fruits give my tree character; plus, my tree has finally lived up to its given name. I was beginning to wonder if it’d ever be fruitful. I am shocked that I’ve kept a plant alive this long, too. Indoor plants usually die from neglect or ignorance on my part. . .I’ve been working to change this. If I ever hope of succeeding at gardening one day (which I do), I must pay more careful attention to the vegetation in my care. 

The pomegranates are cute little entities.

My father formed this mini-tree decor from some spare copper wire. It's a friendly addition for my bonsai. 

While I was away from blogging, I also found time to pick some apricots from Bret and Brandon’s apricot tree; I’ve been dehydrating them.

One bowl (of two) from a ten minute apricot tree visit.

High energy snacks in-the-making (thanks to Bret and Brandon for the permission to forage)

Seeds. . .after the fact.

Last night my two sisters (Tara and Jessy) and I conversed while we enjoyed a cheap bottle of tempranillo wine. The wine is of Spaniard origin and is made from fermented black grapes. The wine, albeit inexpensive, was delicious and seemingly potent. We each only needed one glass. I think we’ll polish off the bottle tonight. ;) 

If you partake of wine, this bottle has my favorable recommendation.

Tomorrow my two jobs have me fully scheduled. I open the coffee shop at 6:45 in the morning and have PSR obligations in the evening. I see two clients back-to-back for two and a half hours apiece. I’ve already formed bonds with my current clients; I really love working with them. I feel very blessed to be able to get to know them so well and play a positive role in their life. Not only are they my clients, they’re quickly becoming my friends. 

Seeking Gold

Current music selection 

Lonely Runs Both Ways (entire album) via Alison Krauss and Union Station 

Current state of mind 

Thankful

Current thoughts

In-between a work meeting and scrambling to finish my PSR paperwork to bill for my hours, I dined on Chinese food at Shon Hing and spent time in a java supplying book store (Alice’s Coffee and Espresso) with an Arizona friend visiting for a few days. The book and coffee shop is a recreational gold mine that combines two of my favorite pastimes. 

Books galore. It was a glorious sight indeed.

Within the walls of books at Alice’s, Daniel and I soul-searched and wrote a list of activities we were interested in experiencing before our lives had fully run their course. We quietly wrote all the pursuits that materialized in our minds for a solid 20 minutes.  After our introspection, we read our lists to each other and discussed them. Not only was this spontaneous diversion fun, it was also highly productive. What’s more, we have concrete goals set to make these desires come to fruition. 

I had the pleasure of viewing an exquisite (fully working) antique espresso machine. 

Toward the end of my stay in Alice’s, I encountered a couple acquaintances. One acquaintance was an EMT I met through shadowing in the ER; I am now scheduled to join said EMT tomorrow at 7:00 A.M. sharp. It’s always exciting to learn, and I am very much looking forward to the day’s events. Given my early morning, this is where I sign off. Much love. 

Knees of Bees.

Current music selection 

Little House, Vienna, and Trust Me via The Fray 

Current state of mind 

In good spirits

Current thoughts

I wore a bathing suit underneath my dress for work today. A friend had invited me to her boating/BBQ party; so, I was attempting to plan a step ahead on account that I’d already be arriving late from working long hours at the coffee shop. By the time I had closed up shop, purchased a side dish to allocate, and reached the party destination, the weather had turned and the temperature outside had dropped. It’s no surprise that a cold-pansy such as myself decided against jumping into the water in the end. I selected to wear a cardigan(I notoriously have a cardigan stuffed away in my bag at all times due to my granny-style cold intolerance). Then I completed my toasty fashion trend with a blanket supplied by Amanda. Even with the chilly weather, I still very much enjoyed the company I kept and the ambience of easygoing boating. 

Serene.

Cutie-pie Amanda driving the boat while her boyfriend wake-boarded 

A rainbow presented itself after the rain.

This little guy was on the patio table when we returned to shore. Today was the bee's knees. 

The rest of tonight is dedicated to quality time of two varieties: snuggling my cats who’ve seen less of me lately and a scheduled conversation with someone I hold partiality for. Well, I better get to it. 

Work and Play Tug-of-War

Current music selection 

Cease to Begin via Band of Horses 

Current state of mind 

Drowsy, but content nonetheless

Current thoughts

Today was work-filled and sleep deprived. . .a duo I know I should abstain from pairing together often. Even so, sometimes I decide to play regardless of the next day’s engagements (as long as they aren’t too taxing and important).

The recreation ground we used for night games yesterday. So fun.

After a couple hours rest, I woke up and met a very dear old friend of mine at The Upper Crust in Burley for a luncheon date. He was visiting for the day on his yearly expedition through the Northwest. . .Jason is a lucky soul that will be in the Seattle area soon. I wish I could tag along. It was great chatting, though we didn’t have near enough time to catch each other up to speed. In spite of the work schedule I was obligated to adhere to, it was a nice way to break in the day. We both enjoyed the red pepper and Gouda cheese soup. Yum, yum! Dessert followed.

Then came work: espresso-based beverages were served to the caffeine-needy, and a PSR client was seen. In between these two separate jobs I was fortunate enough to witness another Idaho sunset. The breathtaking colors are from Rayleigh scattering. I loved walking out to my car. . .and then standing beside it while I took in the scene. 

And now I seek sleep--I open at 7:45 tomorrow at the coffee shop!! If you live in town, you should come visit.  

The Unknown.

Current music selection 

Gold in the Shadow (entire album) via William Fitzsimmons [[Thanks to Luke Montgomery for the introduction and Tyler Shockey for the compact disc]]

Current state of mind 

Agog

Current thoughts 

My own exploration of online narrative has been initiated. It is time for a change; not the ‘change’ Obama spouted about. This change is intentional and primarily directed toward my comrades (past, present, and future). I have long been guilty of negligence: I’ve left many e-mails, Facebook messages, and phone calls from dear friends without reply. . .sometimes months after their attempt to connect. I bet if you’re reading this you have probably been a victim of the delinquency I speak of. It’s not that I am lackadaisical and disinterested in the relationships I’ve been privileged to have, even though the time I’ve allowed to lapse before I’ve sufficiently answered would lead many to believe otherwise. The truth is I stay busy, live very much in the moment, and have a hard time personally justifying hours of inefficient, individually-directed writing. Perhaps this blog will alleviate my guilty conscience by providing a streamlined medium to share my daily activities and musings with the ones I love. I cannot provide; hence, will not guarantee, a litany of clever, riveting posts. I can, however, deliver personal snippets from my days lived. AND. If we get lucky, there’s a possibility I might have something witty to say or something beautiful to share on occasion. Bear with me. I have no theme selected for this public journal of sorts, and I hope that does not doom this endeavor from the start. I guess I’ll make an effort to put my perfectionism aside and take a leap into the unknown. . .to cross a new bridge and see what I discover. 

I took this picture on a bridge going into Sacramento. I had moved to California for a summer--an internally transformative experience. In a similar vein, I hope this reflective online record is transformative, as well as informational for those who care.