Southern Illinois Bride

The River Radio Ever After Bridal Show was this past Sunday. Yes, I attended a bridal expo just one week after getting engaged. Brandon asked if I wanted to go, so I said yes. I mean, what better time to go than now, with no pressure - an really no ideas of what I wanted. I invited Nancy, and Knute tagged along to keep Brandon company.

The event was held at The Pavillion in Marion. We got there right at noon when the doors opened. There were already about 30-40 people infront of us in line! Upon check-in, I registered as a "bride" and got a bright green "bride" sticker to wear - fun! I also got a Bingo card with all the vendors names on it. At each booth I had to get a signature then enter my card in a raffle for $1,000. I guess I didn't win. The card actually made it easier to get a signature and run away from talkative vendors. Most of the vendors were putting on a hard sell. "Do you have a date?" was the most popular question I was asked. My favorite booth was the jeweler who cleaned my ring:

We also loved the party bus. They had one of their limos that we could look at and it was seriously decked out (stripper pole included)! I also confirmed my desire for a photobooth at the wedding. Larry's had the best cakes:

I don't think I want people eating my face, but cute idea:

 By far, the most unique cake display was this one:

Woodland chic... not my style at all! But I love the birds and the dark blue icing. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to stay for the wedding dress runway show. But, I got a lot of catalogs with dresses to start looking over. Ooh and a lot of goodies, cupcakes, pens, magnets, chapstick, coupons, etc. Obviously, there were only local Southern Illinois vendors. Probably, not getting married out here but it was still fun to look. I think we all had a great time!

"Miner" League Baseball

I went to my first Southern Illinois Miners game on July 17. It was the annual Kiwanis game meaning club members from all over Southern Illinois were invited. We also got a shout out on the big screen. It was a hot day, but our seats were in the shade. We had a fellow Kiwanian hook us up with good seats and a parking pass (just outside of the gate).

Love the couple behind us!

I was wearing a sweet Kiwanis visor. The park was really really nice. Although, in my opinion they could use some new mascot costumes. The Miner, TNT, Canary and the Gopher were a little rough around the edges. We had a great time. Especially, when the home team won in the bottom of the 9th, woo hoo!

The Marion Eye Center sponsored the eyeball race. I was rooting for brown but green came in for the win.

Blood & Country Music

I had to work on Saturday. Actually, I was sent to class. A bunch of the techs from Marion Eye Center were sent to John A Logan to take Introduction to Phlebotomy. The course went from 9-4:30. While it was a long day, it was very informative and will prove useful in my career in healthcare.

We learned how to tie the tourniquet, palpitate for the veins, insert and remove the needle. Not as hard as you would think, but definitely not for everyone. We practiced on some dummy arms filled with water and then on our fellow classmates. I was able to draw blood on my second try. Our teacher, Van Hendrickson, was very informative and calm when we poked him in the arm :)

On our lunch break, many of us went to Arturo's Mexican Grill in Carterville. We had the lunch buffet which was a good deal for just $7.00.

When I got home, I found out that the plans for the evening were to go to the Williamson County Fair for the LoCash Cowboys concert. This was the first night of the fair. Can you believe it has been occurring annually for 155 years?! We went with Brandon's parents and his niece Kayla. We were able to get into the concert for free because Nancy is the childhood friend of Juli Ingram aka "Honey" from Z100's morning show Nut 'n Honey. Her son Ryan was going to be playing drums in the opening act Jared Thomas and the Vagabonds. Listen to their music on facebook.  They gave a good performance and the crowd seemed to be into them.

LoCash Cowboys followed them with lots of energy and excitement. They shot off red, white and blue confetti! But their loud base started shaking Nancy and we decided it was time to go, lol!

Marion Swimming Pool

Today, feeling like the hottest day of the year, all I wanted to do was soak in some sun and lounge by a pool. It took some extensive research to find an outdoor public pool but Brandon helped me find the Marion Swimming Pool at Ray Fosse Park.

Winner! It was $4 to get in and since I got there a little after 1pm (when it opens). I was able to secure a beach chair. There was plenty of parking and as you can see, a fun water slide. There was also a deep end with 2 diving boards. The locker room left much to be desired (ie doors to the stalls) but there were several (curtained) toilets, showers and changing rooms.

Marion Cultural and Civic Center

Tuesday was an interesting day of work! We had the opportunity to attend a health department hearing at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center.

Source

Me and hundreds of my coworkers went in opposition to this exemption application...

E-001-11     Surgery Center of Southern Illinois, Marion

In accordance with the requirements of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act, Notice is given of receipt of a change of ownership exemption application (E-001-11 Surgery Center of Southern Illinois, 806 North Treas, Marion, Illinois). Cirurgia Centro, LLC is proposing to purchase a 100% interest in Marion Holding, LLC that owns 51 general partner interests and 9.6 limited partnership interest of Marion Surgical Center, Ltd. Upon completion of this purchase Cirurgia Centro, LLC will obtain control of a health care facility’s capital operation or physical plant and capital assets. The cost of the transaction is $1,512,500.

Basically, we do not want to give up our surgery center to the unethical lawyer - Ronald E. Osman. The hearing was definitely in our favor.  All of our MDs spoke and so did some patients. The best part was the beautiful setting:

Only an IDPH staff member and a court reporter were there to record the hearing. The case is scheduled to go before the State Board on June 28. I'll be sure to let you know if we get our way.

SoIL: Latin Style

Yesterday, I finally met the girls of the "Southern Illinois Ladies Club." This is a social group for ladies who are out of college but want to make friends and enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. I was excited for the chance to make some girlfriends since right now my social circle is mostly Murphy boys (Brandon's friends).

We met up for Cuban food in Marion at A "Lill" Taste of Cuba. This was a cute and colorful but small building. We ordered at the counter and ate in a side hallway by the bathroom. They only have 3 small tables inside but it worked for the 5 of us. I ordered a beef and cheese empanada, fried plantains and black beans and rice. My meal with a soda was about $9.50. It was delicious. When I get sent to work in Marion again, I think I might order some takeout for dinner so that Brandon can try it.

The conversation was really good. We all took turns talking a little bit about our lives, places we like to eat and shop and other activities in the area. After dinner we headed to Tres Hombres in Carbondale for drinks. I had a $4 margarita. They also gave us complimentary chips and salsa but we were all too full to have any.

At 8pm we headed over to Longbranch Coffeehouse house for a $5 salsa lesson. When we arrived there were 6 girls and 6 guys. As the lesson started more latecomers came to join us - all men! Probably 18 guys to 6 girls. Needless to say, we girls got a lot of dancing in. From 9-midnight they play salsa, merengue and bachata music so everyone can free dance. Really fun!

We ended our night with drinks at The Cellar. Lovely ladies! We already have an outing planned for Tuesday. Ok, back I go to watching the Oscars.

People of Southern Illinois

-Biker on a bicycle spotted in Marion