★ Little Sunshine's Wonderland ★

: Amy. So, how are you doing?

Amy: Oh, hi Stuart. School is so crazy these days, and when I'm not at school, I'm at work.

Stuart: Hey, listen. I'm getting together with Sara and Paul tonight, and a few of our other friends are going to join us. [Oh.] And, we're . . . well, we're going out to eat and then catch a movie. Why don't you come with us?

Amy: Hey, I'd love to, but I have to cram a test tomorrow.

Stuart: Ah, come on. We're planning on having dinner around 6:30 and then seeing a movie at 7:30. We should be home by 10:30 . . . 11:30 at the latest. I mean you're always saying that you don't have any friends . . . and that your love life . . . well, that you don't have one. Come on!

Amy: I . . . I don't think I'd better. I haven't been feeling well lately.

Stuart: Yeah, because you study too much. Well, we'll have a blast. Come on! Relax. [Well . . .] And it's Sara's birthday, too. And we're throwing her a small birthday party after the movie. Come on. Best friends always stick together.

Amy: Oh. Okay.

Stuart: Great. I'll pick you up about 6:00.

Amy: Okay. See you then, but I have to be back by 10:30.

Stuart: Ah, 10:30 . . . Midnight. It's all the same. See you at  6:00.

Vocabulary,

• catch a movie (verb): watch
  - Let's catch a movie this afternoon after school is over.
• cram (verb): study hard
  - I had to cram all night for the final text in my biology class.

• blast (noun): fun time
  - Thanks for inviting me to the party yesterday. It was a real blast.

• throw a party (verb): have
  - My parents are throwing a big party for my brother who just got married.

• midnight (adverb): 12 o'clock at night, the middle of the night
  - I have to be back home by midnight. It's a family rule.

• "know someone through and through" = know very well
  - "Hey, I know him through and through, and I can only say he is full of integrity."

• "true-blue friend" = someone who is completely loyal to another
  - "A true-blue friend never turns against his or her friends."
  

: Dr. Carter's Office.

Ronald: Yes, I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr. Carter, please.

Receptionist: Is this your first visit?

Ronald: Yes it is.

Receptionist: Okay. Could I have your name please?

Ronald: Yes. My name is Ronald Schuller.

Receptionist: And may I ask who referred you to our office?

Ronald: Uh, I drove past your office yesterday.

Receptionist: Okay. How about the day after tomorrow on Wednesday at 4:00 O'clock?

Ronald: Uh. Do you happen to have an opening in the morning? I usually pick up my kids from school around that time.

Receptionist: Okay. Um . . . how about Tuesday at 8:00 A.M. or Thursday at 8:15 A.M.?

Ronald: Uh, do you have anything earlier, like 7:30?

Receptionist: No. I'm sorry.

Ronald: Well, in that case, Thursday would be fine.

Receptionist: Okay. Could I have your phone number please?

Ronald: It's 643-0547.

Receptionist: Alright. And what's the nature of your visit?

Ronald: Uh . . .

Receptionist: Yes sir.

Ronald: Well, to tell the truth, I fell from a ladder two days ago while painting my house, and I sprained my ankle when my foot landed in a paint can. I suffered a few scratches on my hands and knees, but I'm most concerned that the swelling in my ankle hasn't gone down yet.

Receptionist: Well, did you put ice on it immediately after this happened?

Ronald: Well yeah. I just filled the paint can with ice and . . .

Receptionist: And so after you removed the paint can . . . Sir, sir, Mr. Schuller, are you still there?

Ronald: Well that's part of the problem. Uh, the paint can is still on my foot.

Receptionist: Look, Mr. Schuller. Please come in today. I don't think your case can wait.

Vocabulary,

• refer someone or something (verb): directed or pointed to
  - My brother referred me to this doctor.
  - Please refer to page 30 in your textbook. You will find more information on heart disease on that page.

• happen (verb): have the chance or possibility of something
  - I think he happens to know a doctor who might be able to help you. Give him a call.

• nature (noun): purpose
  - What is the nature of your problem?

• sprain (verb): twist suddenly
  - I need to see a doctor today. I think I sprained knee when I slipped on the ice outside of my apartment.

• case (noun): special circumstances or situation
  - Wow. That looks like a bad cut. In this case, you'd better see a doctor and get stitches. That cut won't heal well by itself.

• "keep fit" = stay in good healthy condition
  - "I like to go hiking to keep fit."

• "shed pounds" = lose weight
  - "I suggest you shed a few pounds to improve your health."