Random Sherisms and Random Tunes

I waited to post about all of the exciting things that happened to me this week until my random post. And now I'm thinking it's too little, too late. The moment has passed. The adrenaline is expired. I've come down from my high.

And now I don't feel like it.

I woke up this morning with a sick feeling in my stomach. (No, not morning sickness). It's just that gnawing feeling. I don't know. Feels like anxiety...or that sense that you've forgotten something really, really important. But what?

Maybe its the rain today. Maybe it's the fact that our 3 year old house just sprung a leak from the roof into our family room. Maybe it's all of the stuff I've been involved with lately. Maybe it's stress. Maybe it's the guilt I'm feeling because I've been spending so much time away from my family, and my wonderful husband has been picking up the slack without complaint. He has a lot of stuff going on at work, he has every reason to be stressed, but he is getting off early, coming home, and doing my job after doing his, and all with a great attitude, just so I can go out and live my pipe dream. I seriously love that man! What did I do to deserve him?

___________________________________________________________________

I suppose I'll give you a synopsis of my week anyway, and maybe some of the excitement will return.

Friday:

Friday night (a week ago), Veronica and I went to the studio to start recording with Greg Simpson.

A little history--Greg was my seminary teacher in high school, many moons ago. At that time, he was just starting his music career (I think he had one record out). I had a major music crush on him. Not a real crush, because he was my seminary teacher, he was married, and I was a good girl. But, he was living the dream I'd always wanted. And Veronica's husband is Greg's cousin--thanks to her he agreed to record our song for cheap!

Well, if you remember it rained a lot last Friday night in Weber county. We arrived to Greg's studio, and the power was out. So, we loaded the piano out of my car (thanks to my SIL for letting me borrow her electric piano--I need one of those), and into his basement. While he tried to figure out what to do about no power, V and I went to the Ogden marathon expo.

Bless her heart, Veronica had signed up for the half marathon, and gave me her #, because I missed the boat, signing up. So at the expo, I signed her up for the 5k under my name. At the time, it seemed hilariously funny that we were switching places.

After the expo, we headed back to Greg's. Thankfully the power was back on, and he had everything set up and ready to go. I recorded the piano part in one take. I guess it comes that easy when you eat, sleep, breath and live one song for 2 months. V recorded a scratch track with the intention of coming back later the next week to record it for reals, with the violin part.

Greg played us a couple of his new songs, and it was fun just shooting the breeze with him.

Afterwards, we stopped at Pizza Factory for some carb loading.

Didn't get home till 11 pm.

___________________________________________________________________

Saturday:

Woke up at 4:30 am. Surprisingly refreshed considering I didn't go to bed until midnight. There's always a certain excitement that comes on race day. I got dressed, got my things together, and drove with my SIL, Shannon, up to meet my running group to ride together to the start line.

This would be my third time running the Ogden marathon. Only this year is the first time I was running the half instead of the full. Part of me felt a little sadness that I wasn't running the whole thing. But I was surrounded by good friends, and the energy in the crowd got me pumped. Most of my friends in my running group have run the full marathon, so it became the joke, every time we'd pass a certain land mark, we'd say "If we were running the full, we'd be at mile 20." It felt good, knowing I only had to do 13 instead of 26 miles.

I went in thinking I'd be slow. I felt a little defeated after running the Thanksgiving Point half three weeks ago, and getting my slowing half marathon time ever. So, I went into this race, hoping to beat my 2:15 time, but not expecting much more.

A group of my friends before the race.

Now, I know why I call myself a social runner. A few of my friends were running close to me for while, and I just couldn't allow myself, no matter how much I wanted to, to slow down, and let them get away from me. My dear friend, KO, stuck with me, and pushed me the whole way.

In the end, he beat me by a full minute, but I'm grateful to have someone pulling me along, because I finished with my 2nd best half marathon time ever! 1:59. Talk about a rush! And I loved every minute of the race. Every year that I run the Ogden marathon, I am swept away by the beauty of the canyon, the awesome downhill course, and the energy of the crowd.

I hope to be doing this race every year for as long as I'm still breathing.


___________________________________________________________________

For Mother's Day, C gave me a gift certificate for a massage, and tickets to Hale Center Theater for Saturday night. He even made the massage appointment for me!

Right after the race, C and I went to the spa for a couples massage, then had an awesome date night and saw The Three Musketeers at HCT.

____________________________________________________________________

Sunday night, I participated in an amazing production of Bryce Neubert and Michael McLean's "The Garden." If you're not familiar with it, it's an oratorio about the Atonement. I was asked to be the accompanist. We had two rehearsals. These singers are absolutely amazing! And the music was so beautiful and inspiring (and fun to play).

The director asked me to play a medley of hymns on the piano in the middle of the performance. So, I spent all Sunday afternoon writing an arrangement about Christ. I used Jesus, Once of Humble Birth; I Stand All Amazed; I Know That My Redeemer Lives; and He is Risen. I was really nervous that it would sound thrown together (cuz it kinda was). But, as I was playing, I could here sniffles in the audience. That sound is music to my ears, when I know something I've written and/or performed has touched someone emotionally. That is the greatest payoff for my music.

___________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, I brought my brother, Mason back into the studio to record a violin part for my song. He is amazing. Seriously amazing. Veronica couldn't come to record the vocal part on account of her poor daughter's unfortunate accident. So, on a whim, we decided to have me record the vocals, just for fun.

How exhilarating! I was shy, and timid at first. I'm not comfortable with my solo singing voice. I know I have singing strengths. I have a wide range, I can sight read anything, and I can pick out parts like it's nobody's business. But, I've never been really confident as a soloist. It was a huge self esteem booster to be able to sing my own song, and have a professional musician tell me he thought it was good. I was on a total high the whole way home after that.

Don't worry, V, I'm not firing you. But, I just might keep a version of me singing it to give to my Mom.

V and I will be wrapping things up in the studio this week. I'm really excited for you to hear it!

___________________________________________________________________

Sorry for the novel. And sorry it's not that interesting. At this point, I'm just trying to get it down. Oh well.

__________________________________________________________________

That's it for me this week.

I'll see y'all at the CBC!

Look for a coupon from me for a discounted download of my album in your swag bag!

Random Sherisms and Random Tunes

I had started writing a post entitled "Tra La, it's May!" And as I sat listening to Julie Andrews (as Queen Guenevere) singing inside my head, I had an epiphany. Ok, not really an epiphany as much as a sudden wave of dispute and rebellion. Tra La? Bull Butter! (that's my new favorite phrase, by the way). May has got to be the most INSANE month of the year. It's by far worse than December. Because, first of all, it's Spring, and the phase of the moon and the tide or something because I don't know about you, but my kids are CRAZY! It's like they've been possessed by some hyperactive alien who desperately needs to jump and yell all. Day. Long! And of course, since it's Spring, every sport on the planet is taking place at the same time. We are driving here and there and everywhere, sometimes in opposite directions at the same time, to get kids to baseball and soccer, and stuff. AND it's the last month of school. So kindergarten programs, preschool programs, recitals, performances....

....I'm having chest pains right now thinking about it. Holy crap, I think I'm having a heart attack!

After this month, I think Annie's advice on her blog yesterday, is the most sound advice I've ever been given.

So, after soccer season is over, and school gets out, and softball and baseball season gets over, and my girls have their singing recital, and swimming lessons, and football clinics...I'm totally pulling the kids out of their activities for the summer.

Peter at her karate belt test. Now she's a blue belt!

T's kindergarten program. Sorry, I took these with my phone...forgot the camera. (T is on the back row, third from the right in the green shirt) K's piano recital. Here she is with her amazing teacher, Andrea!

If you need us, you'll find us by the pool.

__________________________________________________________________

I wish there were a way to comment right from google reader. I know it would drive down people's traffic, but it sure would make things so much easier.

That said, I haven't read blogs in ages.

I log in to my reader about once a month, see the 1000+ unread posts, mark all as read, and promise to stay on top of it from now on. Then, a month later, I do the exact same thing.

Sorry, I'm not a good blog visitor.

__________________________________________________________________

I had to rewrite "He Healeth Me" I had some remnants of "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" in the accompaniment. It was really cool. But I guess the Church doesn't allow its intellectual properties to be put up on You Tube. Did you know that? I just found out yesterday. So, I went through and rewrote most of the accompaniment to take out the hymn. Honestly, I actually really like how it turned out.

I think there must be a LOT of illegal churchy stuff on You Tube.


__________________________________________________________________


We hit the recording studio tonight! I'm so excited for everyone to hear the song. It will debut with the Road Show book trailer, and then a full length version of the song will be available for download! Yay!! Stay tuned!


__________________________________________________________________


I'm running the Ogden half marathon tomorrow! It almost feels anticlimactic after all the other crazy stuff going on this week. I'm a little nervous that even though I ran a half marathon three weeks ago, that I'm going in unprepared. I ran a total of 3.4 miles this week. And that was on a treadmill. I haven't exercised since Wednesday, and I've eaten sugar and junk for every meal for the past two days. (I'm blaming stress).

At first, I was hoping to at least beat my time from Thanksgiving point (my slowest half marathon ever). But, now, I'm just hoping to finish without keeling over.

Here's to getting in to the rush of race day and pleasantly surprising myself. (fingers crossed)

________________________________________________________________


I discovered my voice recorder on my phone last night on my way down to play for my sister's Enrichment night in Lehi. I had some serious epiphanies while sitting in traffic! Some worthy of their own post, so I won't write them down now.

But, I actually thought maybe it'd be cool to just post the voice stream, if I could figure out how to do that. Anybody know how?

___________________________________________________________________

K, I'm off to practice, clean, shower, etc, etc.

But, I'll leave you with some happy tunes for the weekend!


1. Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Eric Clapton
2. Defying Gravity - Wicked
3. Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy - Big & Rich
4. In Love Again - Harry Connick, Jr.
5. Buy Me a Rose - Kenny Rogers
6. I Can't Make You Love Me - Bonnie Raitt
7. Papa Don't Preach - Madonna
8. The Song Remembers When - Trish Yearwood
9. Chasing Pavements - Adele
10. Exodos - Eros Ramazotti
Bonus: Barriers - David Archuleta

Random Sherisms and Random Tunes

Ho boy, has it been one of those weeks! Do you get those? You know the ones that feel like they may never end, and you have no idea how you are possibly going to get through it?

I went to bed last night feeling all dark and twisty inside. Not in a depressed way, although, with all this ugly rain and snow today, I feel a little case of the SADs today. No, I'm just feeling stressed.

We are just way too over-scheduled. It's that time of year. It's the last month of school. That means more homework, projects, programs, not to mention, it's soccer AND softball/baseball season. Kids have games, recitals, belt tests, and birthday parties. Things are starting overlap, and it's getting to me. I can't wait til Summer. I have pulled my kids out of everything for the Summer. We are just going to swim and relax and do nothing for 3 months straight. (stay tuned for the I'm bored and I can't wait for school to start post coming soon)

My house is trashed, and my laundry is piling up.

Plus, I'm trying to get things wrapped up with my new song for The Road Show. I've been writing the accompaniment part, getting help to work out a violin part, and a vocalist (can I just tell you how amazing this girl is, by the way? V-you are AWESOME! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!) We hit the recording studio next week. So, you should be able to see the trailer really soon, barring any copyright issues.


Needless to say, I'm pooped!

___________________________________________________

I was going to entitle this post Raising my White Flag as an alternate. Because in light of all of my insanity, and trying to get the kids schedule to C so he can come home early and help me get 3 kids to 3 different places all at the same time, I actually sat down and typed out a schedule.

You can all pick your jaws up off the floor now. I despise schedules. I fight it like the plague. I like to think of myself as a fly by the seat of my pants kind of girl. But I have been married to my borderline OCD hubby for almost 10 years, and it starts to wear off on you. But, I fight it. It's how I was raised. My family is the same way. My Mom calls on Sunday at 4:30 and says, "we're having dinner in 5 minutes, want to come over?" C's Mom calls in June to invite us for Thanksgiving. (No, these are not exaggerations) We've learned to meet in the middle over the years, but I still fight planning and scheduling.

But, I've learned, there is some sense in scheduling out my kids day. I mean, I kinda have to be on schedule for them to go to school (even though they miss the bus more often than not, and they probably have more tardies than all of the other kids put together). And I have to admit it's kinda nice to know what's happening ahead of time. (My eye is twitching as I type this)

So, yes, today, I surrendered, and typed out a schedule. What is the world coming to?

__________________________________________________________________

But, I really don't think how busy we are has much to do with me being tired and stressed. Maybe a little, but we're this busy most of the time, and I manage. I think my lovely crazy hormones are kicking in. Or kicking out. And no, I'm not talking about my "special friend" or a visit from "aunt Flo" or my "womanly time" so quit acting all offended. I'm talking about my stinkin' thyroid. Again. I know, I know. You're sick of hearing about it. You're thinking, "Get over it already."

Yeah, I know, I'd like to, really, I would. Easier said than done.


I just need to complain a little bit, then I'll move on, I promise.

I'm just so darn'd tired all the time. Tired, and down. I'm sure part of it, is that I allowed myself some "time off" after my race last weekend. So, I haven't been to the gym. I did have two really great runs on Tuesday and Thursday. I felt great while I was running and right after, but by the time noon hit, I was exhausted again. Maybe I should just run all day and do nothing else. Then, I'll feel fantastic!__________________________________________________________


I just wanted to say Thanks to everyone who commented on my Spanking post. I really do appreciate all of your opinions. I really wanted to write that, more to learn something from you, than to start a debate. And everyone that commented was diplomatic and gracious. It also goes to show that people can disagree and still get along, and be friends. So thanks!
_____________________________________________________________

I have this great idea for an invention. Or maybe it's already been invented and I just haven't discovered it yet. Maybe you can help me.
I've noticed that men's shower gel, and deodorant are by far more odoriferous than women's. I feel like the smell of my shower gel or soap wears off by the time I dry off from the shower. And I always say I have more testosterone than the average woman, because I'm a total sweater, but I reapply my deodorant like 5 times a day.
And I don't want to use my husband's shower gel or deodorant because I don't want to walk around smelling like a dude all day.
So, I really want some girly smelling shower gel that is actually strong enough to smell all day.
Anybody know of a brand that does that?
Or am I the only one who is ultra paranoid about BO?

______________________________________________________________

I cooked Lynn Wilson's freezer tamales in the microwave for dinner tonight. I've never bought them before, but they sounded good at the time. And tonight was one of those make whatever's fast and easy nights. Holy hell, they totally bombed. Note to self: stay away from Lynn Wilson's. Yuck.

______________________________________________________________

How about some energizing, cheer-me-up tunes?

1. What I Want - Daughtry
2. Time for Me to Fly - REO Speedwagon
3. Once You Had Gold - Enya
4. Don't Get Around Much Anymore - Harry Connick, Jr.
5. Forgiven - Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians
6. Any Man of Mine - Shania Twain (NOT because of AI)
7. Dreaming of You - Selena
8. California Song - Brooke White
9. Somewhere Only We Know - Keane
10. Change My Mind - John Berry
Bonus: Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson

Random Sherisms and Random Tunes

I'm having a moral dilemma today. I can't decide if I should get up off my bum, go outside and finish up my weeding, so I can be ready for C to help me spread bark tomorrow, or if I should stay on my lazy bum and catch up on all of the TV shows I'm behind on watching.

What d'ya think?
____________________________________________________

I haven't been completely useless today. I opened up my bathroom cupboard under the sink this morning and 8 things fell out because it's so jam-packed and disorganized. And I guess I'd had enough, so I just started pulling stuff out and throwing things away, right then and there.
And I found the little Tupperware box I was keeping my race bibs and medals in under there. Why I put them in my bathroom cupboard, well don't ask, I can't even remember. So, I decided to create a shrine dedicated to my glory days (or really my one glory year--2008) of running. I hauled all of my bibs and medals and pushpins down to the weight room down stairs. I figured, it's a place we "use to exercise" so it's a good place to build my shrine. I hung up all of my racing paraphernalia. It makes me feel proud to have it all displayed in one place.


Is that lame? It kinda feels like I'm bragging a little bit. But, on the other hand, with four marathons, two Ragnars, a dozen-ish half marathons, and countless other races under my belt, I feel like I've earned my right to brag. So there.

_________________________________________________

I'm running the Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon next week. I'm kind of excited. It's right in the midst of the tulip festival.

There is nothing like running a race with beautiful scenery all around you. I'm totally psyched! (I never use that word. I was trying find a word other than excited. It was either that or stoked.)
I didn't think I would be ready for a half marathon already after coming back from being sick. I'm so glad my friend talked me into it.
And I'm so glad to have my amazing SIL to train with me. I absolutely adore her. This will be her first half marathon, and I wouldn't be surprised if she beats me. She is amazing!

__________________________________________________________________

Speaking of how amazing my SIL is, she is starting her own preschool next year. She was an elementary school teacher til she had her 2nd baby, and she is one smart lady!


Question of the Day:

If you have a preschool age child and live in the Davis County area, you should check out her preschool!
Click the pic or go here to visit her website.

_______________________________________________________________

TJ lost his other front tooth this week. There is nothing cuter than a little boy with two missing front teeth. And hearing him talk! Oh my goodness!
I made him say "Thupercalifragileithticethxpealidocthus" the other day over and over, until C told me to stop teasing the toothless boy.

_______________________________________________________________

We had our family pictures taken a few weeks ago. Now I remember why we haven't done it in five years (yes, I was pregnant with Peter the last time we got family pictures taken). It's a royal pain trying to find outfits that go together and look good, and that everyone will agree to wear.
So, I got them back yesterday. Well, at least the disc.
Now, I have the giant task of decided which ones I want printed to hang on the wall, and give to the Grandma's.
Here are some of my favorites. They haven't been edited yet (except the one of me and C--isn't that one gorgeous?)

What do you think?


___________________________________________________________________

Tunes!
Maybe if I put up ten good "work in the yard" tunes, it will motivate me to get outside!

1) Addicted - Dan Seals

2) Crashed - Daughtry

3) Part of My Heart - Jim Brickman

4) Love Me Tomorrow - Chicago

5) I Will...But - SheDaisy

6) Because the Night - 10,000 Maniacs

7) Angels - David Archuleta

8) On the Road to Mandalay - Frank Sinatra

9) Another Long One - Shawn Colvin

10) Otro Como Tu - Eros Ramazotti

Bonus) Hotel California - Eagles

________________________________________________________________

Happy Weekend!