I am Lily Casey Smith

Today, one of my customers hit on me. He didn't touch me, but the way he looked at me made me feel cheap like a street corner hooker and not like a good-willed volunteer or a future physician. My level of discomfort was felt at the very pit of my stomach. On his way out the door, he said "I'll come back next Monday, just so I can see you again." Rather than cowering or feeling weak, I responded with zeal "No, no, don't act like that. You better maintain professionalism while you're here."

At that moment, I channeled a character in the book I'm reading... and I think Lily Casey Smith, from Half-Broke Horses, would be very proud of the way I handled the situation. As far as book characters go, I think she's my new favorite; she's a fighter and I like her spunk. I think AmeriCorps is making me a modern day Lily Casey Smith, thus helping me gain thick skin and a strong backbone. These are character traits that I always thought I had, but I'm actually proving myself on a regular basis these days. In the words of Lily Casey Smith, "You can't destroy me. You don't have what it takes to do that."

Snickerdoodle Muffins
(from In Praise of Leftovers)
1 1/2 c. + 2 Tb. flour
3/4 c. sugar
2 ts. baking powder
1/4 ts. salt
1/4 ts. nutmeg (freshly ground, if possible)
1/2 c. milk
1 beaten egg
1/3 c. melted butter

For topping:
1 ts. cinnamon
1/2 c. sugar
1/3 c. melted butter

Preheat oven to 400. Combine first five ingredients. Add milk, egg, and 1/3 c. melted butter, mix gently to combine. Butter a muffin tin, and fill muffin cups 1/2 full and bake for 15-20 minutes, until tops are light brown and springy to the touch.

While muffins are still warm, dip in butter and roll in cinnamon and sugar. Serve warm.