To deal with all the awkward, and make my annual(ish) Mayo Clinic trip something special I make a point to develop a new tradition, buy an item of clothing, or discover a new treat every time I come to Mayo.  This trip has been no different.

For starters, I am freezing.

“Freezing in Arizona?” you say?

Yes.  It is December, after all.

Although, to be fair, I got married on this exact day six years ago (Happy Anniversary, Danny!) and it was 70+ degrees.

But, stick with me. Please.

So it’s December.  And since I arrived, AZ has been cooler than home almost every bit of every day.  Plus, it doesn’t help that I am almost always cold.  (I’d say I’m just weird like that, but since I like to imagine you are like me in that regard, I won’t.)

Are you like me?

Anyway, yesterday I broke down and bought two more long sleeve pieces I can layer with the wardrobe I packed.  These two new items will make a significant improvement in how warm I feel… especially when paired with one of the four scarves I brought.  (I NEVER leave home without a scarf.  Even in the summer.)

I also bought these.  They are delicious.

Too delicious.

But that’s not the point.

Since I make a point to begin new traditions, it only makes sense that I make a point to continue those new traditions during future visits.

So, for this round of Mayo Clinic trips, here’s the status of my must-do tradition list:

• dine at Kona Grill Done, with my SIL and her littles.  I even left my debit card there.
• make at least one trip to MoJo Yogurt
• people watch and eavesdrop so I can remember this trip vividly and take it all in
• FaceTime with my sweetie
• make and eat lots of homemade sandwiches Although, this is a sort of ongoing goal.
• sleep
• visit Pro’s Ranch Market as often as possible for chicken taquitos and  aguas frescas (What’s your favorite flavor?)
• spend some quality time at TJ Maxx
• stretch every morning AND every evening
• consume bagged lettuce to my heart’s content I’ve already restocked once.
• Christmas shop… for 2012
• take pictures Who am I joking?  I do this all the time.
• read
• appreciate a few weeks of Arizona weather (don’t worry, it usually improves in January)
• watch sports
• buy plane tickets for summer vacation
• spend quality time with my in-laws, nieces, and nephews Again, with the ongoing bit.

And, these aren’t traditions, but I’d like that to change:

• take Daniel to Oregano’s for a late anniversary date
• actually respond to people who call and/or text

Here goes… I will keep you posted.