Friday, August 28, 2009

Napa Valley--a Review/And the Reason for my Absence.


It is Friday, today, isn't it? I'm pretty sure it is. Traveling across different time zones with a slew of self-diagnosed terminal illnesses can be very debilitating. Dr. Me, however has recently discovered that my mysterious disease must be stress induced.

This was only diagnosed after several extremely sophisticated medical tests. It may be difficult to describe such comlicated procedures, but they may have included vomiting on the side of Interstate 15, whilst en route to the airport, vomiting again on the airplane, again in the Oakland airport, and finally feeling absolutely fantastic during my 4 day relaxing "business" trip to Napa Valley, California.

This morning? As I prepared to pack, and board a plane to come back to reality, the onset of perplexing symptoms resumed.

Crap.

No pun intended.

Needless to say, the reason for my continued haitus from blogworld is due to my nearly month long battle with the strangest disease I have ever experienced in my life. Possible self-induced diagnoses include: brain tumor, Parkinson's, pregnancy (ruled out), stroke, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, IBS (look it up), diabetes, hypoglycemia, Krohns, and Celiacs. In the end, the only confirmed diagnosis at this point (made with the help of my thoughtful husband) is simply Hypochondraicism.

I am now also a big fan of Lomotil.

But, some good came from my little trip to the whine, I mean, wine country. I learned a whole lot! For instance, just as I expected, Northern California, is so beautiful, and lush and green.


Ha. Okay, it wasn't what I was expecting, but as we got into the Napa Valley, it was quite beautiful.

Can you tell I took this picture in the car? While it was moving.

Also, despite my religious and nutrition convictions, I decided to participate in the ever popular activity of wine tasting.


I learned two things:

a) Red wine is disgusting.

b) White wine is only slightly less digusting than red wine.

I know now what they mean when they say it is an aquired taste, because EW!

I don't get why people can get addicted to the stuff, because it was just NAST! No longer curious or tempted to drink.


This picture has absolutely nothing to do with whatever it is I'm talking about at the moment. Just needed somewhere to stick it. This is the ladies golf round. From the left: Carrie--can't remember where she's from, Sonja--her hubby is my hubby's boss and owns all of the Utah companies and works out of the WJ office, Me, Susan--her hubby runs the Orem store affiliated with C's company.


I learned, also, that funny people become hilarious when drunk. And Loud. And apparently, I am much prettier to a drunk person. One girl kept telling C and me over and over that we were the most beautiful couple she had ever seen. Apparently, she doesn't read the tabloids, and has never seen Brangelina.




I forgot take pictures. Most of the pictures I am posting were taken my the hilarious drunk lady at dinner last night.




The rest were taken this morning, in the car, at every light we stopped at on the we to the airport. Trying to make up for forgetting to take pictures.

This is the Golden Gate Bridge. We could see it far away from the freeway. (Actually it's a milk truck that drove right in front of my picture. Rude!)


This is also the Golden Gate Bridge. Well, actually, it's the chain link fence on the side of the free way, but that red splotch at the top? That's the Golden Gate Bridge!


Grapes. One bunch out of many, many acres and miles of grape vineyards. It was pretty cool to see.
Never mind the glare of the windshield that was in the way of this potentially beautiful photo.


20 comments:

Kristina P. said...

I have been thinking about you and was going to track you down today!

I hope the symptoms go away, Sher.

And your hair looks a lot darker! It looks great!

Wonder Woman said...

What is the deal? Half the bloggers I know are knocked up, the other half are experiencing mysterious health issues. Weird. I hope you get to feeling better soon, or at least getting it diagnosed.

Sounds like you had a blast in wine country! I missed you!

Unknown said...

You just need a job where you're on vacation all the time. Maybe you need a long, extended rest, Sherrie. Honestly, between you and Kristina, I'm seriously worried about the bowelly effects of blogging!

Hugs!

Peggy said...

I love Northern California. Although, I've never tasted wine even though I've always wanted to. I'm glad you said it's gross.

And I like your dark hair.

Feel better, won't ya?

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

You are so gorgeous! Your drunk lady friend was right. You both look famous and beautiful.

Elisa said...

I was in an earth quake in the Napa Valley area once. 7.3 It was a shaker. But, its still a beautiful place!!

Maybe Clint needs to hire a Nanny for the kids so you can relax at the spa every day. I think that's the answer!

Lisa said...

You have been missed. Glad you are back and at the blogging thing. Feel better soon!

Suzie said...

Northern California is totally gorgeous, green, lush, etc. (slightly biased, I am, since I'm a native)...you just went at the wrong time of year! This is the dry season out yonder. If you ever want to get a real taste of how things are, head back out during our winter, spring, and early summer months and you won't be disappointed!

Suzie said...

By the way, you look totally beautiful (as always) and C looks O.K. as well (I guess). Sorry to hear you were sick...hope you get feeling better soon.

AND - so glad you're back. I've missed your posts!

Mikki said...

Wow! I really do like that shot of the acres and acres of vineyards, and the shot right above it of the grapes. I bet is beautiful in it's full glory. AS for you! Well you are gorgeous!! I know from first hand experience too, you're even more stunning in person than in pics. So, while the lady may have been soused, her vision was spot on!!!
Hope you're feeling better.

Erin said...

I'm sorry for your Hypochondriasis. I hope you can relieve it soon.

But I'm glad you had a great time in Napa Valley!

AS Amber said...

So freakin' glad you had a good time! Seriously. Been worried about you!!!

I love your guts. Even if they're poopy right now.

And you're right. Red wine is kucka. If the white wine you had was yucky, then you didn't taste the right kind.

Tavis and I spent our first winter together at his cabin at Sundance drinking wine and falling in love. And gaining weight.

One glass of wine = 30 mins on the treadmill. Good thing you hate it!!

H&H...for reals.

Chad and Tenaya said...

Sounds like a fun trip (minus the sickness...sorry!).

mCat said...

Gotta get those squirts under control! Makes it hard to run, and you've got training to do right?

The trip looks divine! And yes, wine tastes nasty. I should have warned you. I could have spared you.

Anonymous said...

In his book The Holy Temple, Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained succinctly why it is so important to wear the garment properly.

“The garment represents sacred covenants. It fosters modesty and becomes a shield and protection to the wearer.

“The wearing of such a garment does not prevent members from dressing in the fashionable clothing generally worn in the nations of the world. Only clothing that is immodest or extreme in style would be incompatible with wearing the garment.” 8

What more needs to be said about the garment and the way it is to be worn and treated? The principles are stated clearly, and it is left to the wearers and their consciences to live accordingly. People of faith need not be commanded in all things, for they do not endeavor to excuse themselves in the least point or over the absence of a Mosaic code of conduct. But rather, they govern their dress and behavior as God and His prophets have decreed, allowing the justice, mercy, and long-suffering of God to have full sway in their hearts (see Alma 42:29–31).

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=92ba196b5a1eb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Elisa said...

People who hide behind the anonymous comment feature are cowards. If you have something to say, OWN IT!

Otherwise keep your mouth shut.

The End.

Elisa said...

One more thing: A person's blog is the equivalent to a person's home. If you would say what you write in the comments to their face, then fine. But, if you wouldn't say it to their face, in their home, then don't comment. Just because you *can* be anonymous does not excuse bad manners.

You Anonymous commenter have bad manners, because clearly you don't have the Cojones to own what you say!

Now I'm done.

tammy said...

I've always heard how beautiful it is there. I used to like wine in a former life (but only blush zinfandel....and that was a long, long, time ago. And I hope my mom never reads this).

Anonymous said...

I am very confused. I thought you were LDS. I thought you were an active member of the church. I thought you played LDS hymns and sold your music in LDS book stores? Yet you take a vacation to Napa Valley and go wine tasting? And have that post right next to a picture of the savior touting your membership in the church?

I am a little shocked by that.

Sher said...

I apologize if I have offended anyone. I wasn't aware that I was supposed to be perfect.
If you have a problem with how I live my life, then first of all, it's none of your business, and second of all, say it to my face.
I have nothing to hide. Why do you feel like you need to hide behind an anonymous comment to tell me you don't like me? Own your opinions. Otherwise, keep it to yourself.
If you have lived your life perfectly, and have never made mistakes, then go ahead and judge me.
Otherwise, mind your own business.