Talk Back Tue..er..Monday--The Thing about Driving in the Snow

I posted this last year about this same time, right here.  And since we've has sooo much snow this past week, I've had similar thoughts about it.  I LOVE driving in the snow.  Really!  Do you know it was -4 in Wolf creek last week?  Bbbbuuuurrrrrhhhhh!!

I like it.

Yeah, you heard me right. I like driving in the snow.

Ok, don't get me wrong, I hate driving among other stupid people who don't know how to drive in the snow.

I'm sure it helps that now that I have a 4 wheel drive, I'm feeling a little more confident out there on the slick roads.

I think the immature kid in me comes out when I drive after/during a snow storm. If there's not much traffic on the road, I like to drive as far to the edge of the road as possible, where the plow hasn't come, and slosh through the virgin snow banks. I like to make my own tracks.

And when I turn a corner, I like to gun the gas a little bit, so I kinda fishtail.

I get all giddy when the car starts to slip a little bit.

There is a huge part of me that wants to go to the church parking lot and do doughnuts. I resist, because, you know, I'm 30ish and I need to behave myself, and act mature. But I really want to.

Also, after a huge rain storm and there are big puddles on the shoulder of the road, I just can't resist driving straight through them. I just can't help myself. There is something about that huge splash on both sides of the car that just brings me pure joy.

It's the little things in life that make me happy!

(Thanks to google for all the pictures)

Solitude

Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone. - Paul Tillich

Don't you love that quote?  My visiting teacher sent it to me yesterday.  It's perfect for what I'm going through right now.  I really wish I'd know about it before I produced my CD "Solitude."  It perfectly explains the reasoning being the title of my song Solitude.  I called it that because if those few precious moments that I do have as a mother, to sit down and write. 

Yesterday, I was lonely.  I sat on my butt all day, watching basically nothing on TV.  Just flipping through the channels all day.  I completely wasted the day away doing absolutely nothing.

Today, instead of wallowing is self pity and loneliness, I decided to get up, and actually take a shower and make myself worth something.   There's nothing like getting cleaned up to make you feel better.  And I decided to enjoy my solitude.

I went to the movies.  And know, that's not much, but at least I got out.  And on my way out, I helped a guy and his son in the hotel parking lot jump start their truck.  All the while, I tried keeping my distance, because of course, I am still radioactive.  It felt good to help someone else besides myself for a change. 

Then, I went to the theater, and saw New Moon.  I took extra care to find a seat a good distance from other people.  It wasn't too hard, because I deliberately went to the first showing of the day. 

Then, I came back to the hotel, and got all of my  Christmas presents wrapped, while I watched Julie & Julia. 

I know it seems like all I'm doing is watching movies, but I feel productive.

Honestly, as much as I'm enjoying my solitude, I am definitely looking forward to going home tomorrow.  I miss C.   And I miss my monkeys.

Chronicles of my Radioactive Experience: Day 1

Well, I wasn't exactly bitten by a radioactive spider, or infected by a giant Gamma Ray, but I did take a giant radioactive horse pill this morning. I wanted to take the vile it came in home, but they wouldn't let me. Something about it being......well....radioactive. And no, I don't glow in the dark.

The thing is I don't feel so super right now. They said there is a small chance of side effect, sore throat being one of them. The other? Racing heart and heat intolerance. Yeah, I already had that. I thought that was why I was doing this thing to begin with. I guess the radiology department didn't get the memo that I have record breaking hormone levels in my thyroid.

No, I feel sick. Nauseous. I have a hunch that it has something to do with the fact that I had to fast (no food, or drink) before my little "procedure." And for the past week, I've been on a very special "iodine-free" diet, in which I basically only got to eat fruits and veggies. Add that to the fact that my symptoms have returned with a vengeance (namely metabolism in hyper drive) and I feel like I am starving to death.

And anyone who knows me well, knows how important food is to me. My all time favorite past time is eating. And not just for sport either. Me and not eating don't go well together. You see, for years (probably ever since I first got pregnant with KJ) I get nauseous if I have an empty stomach. Fast Sunday for me, usually means skipping breakfast. I can only stand to skip one meal. Anything beyond not eating for more than an hour or so, and the slight queasiness, turns into full fledged nausea. I mean dry heaving (because there's nothing in my stomach to throw up) nausea. Then comes the headaches, dizziness, irritability. Then my emotions come into play, and I'm bawling like a baby for no reason.

At this point, I'm really hoping to die, and be put out of my misery.

I actually was allowed to eat at 3:00. But, you go that long feeling that miserable and your appetite goes out the window. So, I drank a bottle of water, ate some snap peas, and called it good.

I'd really like to eat some pasta (I brought some to cook) but they aren't going to allow me to eat "normal" food again for 24 hours.

I really might starve to death before tomorrow. And if I don't starve to death, I just might die of boredom.

Entertain me, please?

Wordless Wednesday

This is my subliminal message.

Talk Back Tuesday--Christmas Spelling

This is a re-post..originally posted last Christmas (2008), but for the sake of this contest..I'm posting it again. Is that cheating? In my defense, our decorating experience this year, is pretty much exactly the same.

Thanks to my overactive, over excited children, we decorated for Christmas over the weekend. Friday, we put up the new Christmas tree. KJ was so excited she was hounding me all day. I made the kids help me clean out the toy room first. We took 6 boxes of old toys (including all my baby toys) to the DI. It feels sooo good to clean stuff out.

Then we got out the Christmas crap and started decorating. I think the tree looks pretty good. Although, I'll be honest, it seems a little small compared to our mondo Griswald tree from last year. I'll learn to love it, I suppose. But, part of me wonders if I should've bought the 12 foot tree, instead.

KJ put up the nativity scene. I love this set. I can't remember what it's called...Olive Tree or something, but they are beautiful.

Sup.

I found these cute little blocks. And it's taken me a while to figure out what their supposed to spell. Can you help me figure it out?

What could this possible have to do with Christmas?

Or this?

Oh, I get it!

See Me Play

I just wanted to tell you that amid all my other crazy things going on, I am going to be playing some of my piano Christmas arrangements on Channel 2 news! (in Utah) If you're not in UT, you might be able to watch it on the web.

Watch for me on Tuesday December 8th at 6:20 and 7:20 am (or set your DVR) on channel 2.

Thanks!

Random Sherisms and Random...uh...tunes?

I am still in my pajamas. I am having a do nothing day. I got burned out with all the doing and stuff last week with Thanksgiving, and I got a little overzealous. So, if you got a comment from me on your blog today, that's why. Today is blog day.

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I wanted to tell you all about my latest news with my music without sounding like I'm begging for you go over to my website and spend money, but really, that's exactly what I'm doing.

I ordered a new batch of CD's, because I finally "sold" (more like gave away) all of my other ones. I am selling them on my website for 20% off for the holidays. I think I will keep them on sale until Christmas.

I also finally put together a song book with songs from the Solitude CD. So all of you pianists out there might like it! It is also for sale at my website for 15% off. I might slash it a little more for Christmas and go all crazy and do 30% off or something. We'll see.

CD's are a great Christmas gift! Go order some! PLEASE!?

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Ok, I have a confession to make. This is really stupid and I'll probably regret writing this, but I'm been blog stalking a lot today. And I've gone over to all of my family member's blogs, and I think I'm pretty good at keeping up with them and commenting and stuff. But I've noticed that a lot of my cousins/sisters comment on each other's blogs, but not on mine. I feel like the loser dork who desperately wants to hang out with the cool kids. Is that dumb to let that hurt my feelings?

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My precious little angel is getting baptized this Saturday. I'm so proud of her. I can see the Spirit in her, preparing her for this momentous event. She has been the sweetest, most helpful, wonderful little girl lately.
I had intended to go get her picture taken, but life just got busy. So, I was thinking of just going to Kiddie Kandids, but that almost seems sinful knowing there are so many amazing photographers out there in blogland.
Anyone have any recommendations for someone who could take beautiful pictures of my angel for a low price? Someone maybe in the Northern Utah area, that wouldn't charge me to travel to my neck of the woods?

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My ward Christmas party is tonight. I was asked to play the piano for it. I'm always happy to get a gig, even if its just for the ward party. They want me to play Lamanite and Jerusalem music. Other than Book of Mormon stories, and maybe Hava Nagila, I got nothin. Any suggestions?
I've also been wanting to get around to transcribing some of my Christmas arrangements into sheet music. Would anyone be interested in some Christmas sheet music?

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And I guess I should expand on my Facebook status, since I left you all hanging. I went to my doctor yesterday. It was just supposed to be the first of many check ups--every six weeks, I was to go in, check in, and get blood work done. But, my blood work came back abnormal. the doc showed me my test results and told me I'm a record breaker. I guess the test only goes up to a certain number, and my results were so far above that number that they can't even measure it. And after 6 weeks of being on anti-thyroid drugs, they are still too high for the test.

So, the doc decided to bag the drugs and schedule radioactive iodine treatment instead. That's supposed to kill my thyroid. Then, I get to take thyroid hormone drugs for the rest of my life.
We're doing it next Wednesday, which means this week, I stop taking the drugs. My symptoms will come back, and I have to be on this special zero iodine diet. It sucks. I can pretty much each nothing but fruit and veggies. I have to stay away from all dairy, and can only eat 4 servings per day of whole grains --as long as its made with non-iodized salt, and only 5 oz. of poultry--not turkey (so much for leftovers). And then I have to be isolated for 3 days. I can't see anyone. It really sucks.

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Tunes:

This is from my CD collection, since my iPod is still out of commission. I'm hoping for a new one from Santa this year......

1. Little Drummer Boy - Harry Connick, Jr.
2. Merry Christmas Darling - Carpenters
3. Rejoice (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) - Jim Brickman
4. Santa Baby - Kylie Minogue
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Coldplay
6. Away in a Manger - Kenny Chesney
7. Silent Night - Kurt Bestor
8. Ave Maria - Harry Connick, Jr.
9. The Holly & The Ivy - Kurt Bestor
10. What Child is This - Darrin Vincent, Cody Kilby, Alison Krauss, Ronnie McCoury, Rob Ickes

Bonus: Prelude/Carol of the Bells - George Winston

Confessions

I have been in a weird funk lately. I could blame it on my sickness, but I really don't think that's it. In fact, I might have go so far as to say that possibly I was "blessed" with this crazy illness to help me out of my funk. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

I guess you could say I was in a bit of a depression. It happens a lot to me this time of year. I am a self-diagnosed victim of S. A. D. I was talking to my best friend the other day...the one who shares the other half of my brain...who's life seems to take the same turns as mine at the same time. We were talking about how I've (we've) been so depressed lately (like for the past 10 years). And when I say depressed, I mean down right pissed off. And within the past year, I believe I've moved passed that into a state of complete apathy. I have become numb. I am no longer angry at the world, because I have just stopped caring.


At one point, I even came to the conclusion that I no longer wanted to be a wife and mother. I was ready to just walk away and never look back. I had lost my faith, my motivation, my drive. I had lost the Spirit. I stopped praying. I stopped reading my scriptures. I kept going to church, but only going through the motions, not really wanting to be there. I didn't know what I wanted or where I would go, I just wanted out. I don't know why. My husband is an amazing patient, good man, and my children want nothing but my love, and I wanted nothing to do with them. My life was completely falling apart. I was losing my mind.


And then, I got sick. And I crawled deeper into my hole. And then, I could see the fear in my husband's eyes at the thought that he might lose me. I could hear my children praying for me to feel better. I had countless friends, neighbors and family member pour out their heart and souls to me and lift me up.

And I was humbled. I've said on many occasions, I believe I was blessed with this illness to humble me. To put me in my place.


And I now know that those thoughts of leaving my family behind and walking off into oblivion were promptings from the Adversary. That tells me that what I have with my husband and children is something really special, and he is trying to tear us apart.

And that only makes me want to fight harder to keep my family. I was blessed with a competitive nature for a reason. I will not let the Enemy win.


So, this coming Saturday, my baby is getting baptized. And I owe it to her to set a better example. So, Sunday, we decided that everyday, I would make an effort to make dinner, and immediately after dinner everyday, we will sit down together as a family and read our scriptures. We've been doing it for 2 days. And already I can feel the peace in our home. And the joy in my heart.


And in the end I've decided, there really is something to the Primary cliche: say your prayers, read your scriptures and go to church and everything will fall into place.

I still have to work hard, and there will still be trials, but doing those things will give me strength to endure them.


Amen.

Wordless Wednesday

Talk Back Tuesday

Ok, well, that title doesn't really make any sense, but the whole double alliteration thing seems to be the thing these days, and you know I'm such a follower.
Anywho, I've never re-posted anything I've written before...before, but I wrote some pretty good crap about a year ago, so we'll give it a whirl.
I'm not sure if any of the people who read my blog a year ago, still read it. They've probably all been offended and never came back, but tell me if you remember this one:



I was chastised by many for not having shared my Wassail recipe, in a previous post, while bragging about it. I've made it my personal creed NOT to do anything remotely crafty or domestic on my blog, because that might possibly mislead you into thinking that I actually Do things that are domestic.

Well, back in the day, I used to fancy myself something of a culinary genius. I think we've all been there. Fresh from the alter, anxious to please my new husband with all my domestic brilliance. I made up recipes and cooked them for my husband and family. I even made a recipe book a few years ago, and gave it out to my family for Christmas. I've been told by some of my sister-in-laws that it's the only recipe book they use!

Now, before you pass out from shock, please understand that this was the younger, more ambitious and more energetic Sherrie.




There is something about having 3 children in 3 1/2 years, that can wipe the fun right out of you. Now, I'm lucky to have a meal cooked every night. And yes, cheese tacos, mac 'n' cheese, and frozen pizzas are regular menu items now days.

So, since I've been lacking in the holiday spirit, and the domestic department lately, I thought I'd unburden myself by sharing my Wassail recipe with you.

I started making Wassail for Thanksgiving when I was 10 years old. (So when I said 20 years ago, I wasn't exaggerating!) My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Sevy, had the class all help make it one year. I was so excited to come home and share it with my family. That year, we (Mom and I) made Mrs. Sevy's recipe for Wassail. Over the years, I've altered the recipe slightly, adding an ingredient here and there, taking out things I didn't think worked. I've had some years when I tried new ingredients and it turned out simply awful. But the last few years, I think I've got it mastered! I have NEVER missed a year of making Wassail since that year in 1988. Now, I'm passing on the delicious blessing to you.

Are you sick of my talking yet? Are you thinking, well get on with it then, where's the recipe?

Now, I'm having second thoughts. What if I've hyped it a little TOO much, and now you'll be expecting some magic potion of youth and vitality, and you'll be disappointed when it turns out to be just plain old Wassail, delicious as it may be.

Maybe I won't share.........



Ok, I will. Here it is:

Best Ever Holiday Wassail

1 gallon apple cider (not juice, cider has more zip. Yes, that's important)
4 oranges (these are for juice, you could use frozen juice, but it's not the same)
2 lemons
ground nutmeg (I don't know how much--just shake the bottle, probably 4-5 shakes)
or about 1 tsp, if you are a measure freak.
ground cinnamon (same rule applies, only use a lot more, probably 10 shakes)
or 1 TB-ish
ginger (4-5 shakes, or 1 tsp)
1 bottle of stick cinnamon (just dump it in--about 10-15 sticks)
16-20 whole cloves (you can use ground cloves (1 tsp), but it's not as pretty)


Pour cider into large pot or crockpot, set on Low heat. Slice oranges and lemons in half. From each orange, cut a slice and set aside. Juice oranges and lemons with juicer (or just squeeze 'em if you're really strong), and pour juice into cider. Add spices. Stir. Stick cloves in sections of orange slices. Put slices in cider to float as garnish(now it's tasty and pretty. Simmer 1 hour. Serve Hot (duh.)


There you have it! Now you know I don't measure when I cook. I just dump stuff in and hope it tastes good. But if you're a OCD control freak, and HAVE to measure stuff, you can. I'm pretty sure it won't taste as good, though, if you measure it. I'm not sure why. I think a little dash a rebellion is my secret ingredient.


So, go try it, and then, tell me how much you LOVE it!!!