In January, I discovered a new passion.  I bought a membership to the Caldwell YMCA, which is about a mile from campus, and found that I loved going to the group exercise classes.  I kept coming back for one in particular - a Cycling class at 10:15 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  The instructor, Ann, was fun, energetic and very motivating.  She played a variety music that suited everyone's taste.  I quickly noticed that she had a consistent group of regulars who would attend each of her classes - and I soon became one of them.  

One of the things that I like about our school is its efforts to foster some elements of sustainability with its daily consumption, whether it be through energy conservation or though its work with Bon Appetit to provide local food options. Since I was in high school, my mom has been a prodidgious locavore, shopping for organic and local foods whenever she can. She turned her entire back yard into a garden and raises chickens for their eggs which she eats and sells.

This last weekend was a blast– not only was it the half way mark of Winter Term, but my handsome suitor was in town, and we got to explore the local scene.  Last time, we visited Lucky Peak, which was appropriate in the 90 degree weather in mid-September.  This time around, however, we hit the town.

My parents are pastors. So even while still in my mommy’s belly, I was making tamales. Every year the church would make tamales to help raise funds and I would always help. As a small child I learned how to use a spoon to spread masa on dozens of tamales. We would make up to 250 tamales every time. Over the years my tamale skills improved and I was spouting up to three tma (tamales a minute)! I learned how to fill tamales with the meat and how to cook them. Recently before coming to the College of Idaho I learned how to make the masa.