Hopping Aboard the Coupon Train

Today was a slow day at work, we had more techs than were needed. So I had a chance to practice my venipuncture skills some more. This time we did infusions (pushed saline into each other's veins). I'm getting better. Thanks to my brave coworkers! After that, my supervisior decided to send someone home and I was the lucky one :)

Brandon also had the day off so we spent the day watching world cup soccer. USA USA USA! I also made a wicked shopping list using all the coupons I've started collecting. When I went to Kroger I used 7 coupons at the register and saved $6.75. Haha. Yay! I'm almost an extreme couponer, lol.

For dinner I made BBQ shrimp, sweet corn and the disaster that was microwave mashed potatoes.

That's what I get for taking a short-cut I guess? Oh well.

It's been really hot here lately. But last night we had some torrential rain:

Gotta remember to take those summer storms seriously! (I was stranded for a good 20 minutes).

We're having a pot luck lunch at work on Friday. What should I bring?

Secret Admirer

I spent the majority of the day at the library working on my Genetics exam. When I got out, I found this note on my windshield:

Tribe Pride or stalker? Either way, I don't plan on calling him. When I got home I had the urge to make Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. They turned out delish!

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!

Lewis & Clark

On July 3rd we went up to St. Louis in hopes of catching the free Maroon 5 concert under the arch and fireworks. Unfortunately, just as we pulled into town a storm blew in and the concert was cancelled. WAHH. Brandon's parents had hooked us up with a hotel room at the Casino Queen so we decided to gamble the night away instead. Well, I gave the slots a chance and ended up liking them (because I was winning). Brandon played blackjack and won some money too. Not too shabby, but I think we really missed out on a good show.

The next day we were invited to Bethalto to visit Seth and Mary Jo. Since we had some time to kill, Brandon made us take a detour at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, IL. The main draw here is the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower but it was closed due to firework viewing later that night. So instead we headed over to the museum.

It was small but informative. I'm sure lots of school groups come through because it is very interactive.

Here's Brandon with one of the boats. Outside they had a little camp set up so you could see what it was like for Lewis and Clark... but it was still raining a bit so we skipped it. We were happy to strike this place off our list - you only need to come here once :)

People of Southern Illinois

Man from Pomona spotted in Carbondale

Read the full story at The Daily Egyptian

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.

Red Lobster Lovers

Brandon can't get enough of Red Lobster's cheddar bay biscuits. Using a copy-cat recipe I made these:

SOOO good. Mix buttermilk pancake mix with milk and cheddar. Bake and then brush with melted butter and garlic powder. We're going to Red Lobby tonight because Brandon's got a gift card, I have a coupon and they have a $15 meal deal. What more could a girl ask for on date night?! Let the holiday weekend begin!