Today I had a jolting experience. As I was coming home from the grocery store and hit the last block or so from our home, frozen snow started sliding off the roof of my van in large chunks. As I pulled into the driveway and stopped, an AVALANCHE fell on my windshield! I cleared it with my wipers, backed up to reposition the van and pulled up again, and even more covered the windshield. It has been frigid the last two days along with snowfall, and today we have had lots of sunshine. Thus the frozen chunks (HUGE) sliding all of a sudden! I'm so thankful that that didn't happen while I was driving, because I couldn't see a think for those seconds before I got the windshield clear. That could have been a very bad situation on the road.
It's amazing how many sudden, unexpected things can happen and have scary consequences. I definitely felt like I was being watched over! I'm glad I prayed for safety this morning.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Shaking Hands and Heart in My Throat
Yesterday was ward conference in our new ward, and I was asked to play a piano solo for Relief Society. This was only our 3rd Sunday in the ward, so the RS president referred to it as my baptism by fire. :)
I had a little over a week to prepare, so I opted to play one of my own pieces. Well, sort of. So far I haven't completely anything COMPLETELY original, but I have written arrangements of and accompaniments to hymns for choir. The first one I ever did is a medley of the hymns on prayer, and with a little tweaking it works as a piano solo as well. I figured that my nerves would probably kick in pretty good since I'm not in a comfort zone anymore, so I chose that one (I performed a not-my-own-work solo of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing in our old ward a few months ago and getting it ready gave me fits, so I figured that taking nerves into account it would be a bad choice this time).
Practicing went well and I actually got pretty bored with it. Didn't feel nervous at all the morning of, not in Sacrament Meeting or anything. I went to the RS room during Sunday School to run through it a couple of times and get the feel of that piano, and it went fine; even with people walking in and out and setting up for RS. (The tone on that piano is so lovely that it really smacked me in the face how badly our piano needs to be tuned!)
Then Relief Society started and I about had a stroke! Something that always worries me is blanking out while I play. Sometimes I'm able to get into this "zone" where I'm not consciously concentrating on what I'm doing and I get lost in the music, and that's when I play best. But if that gets broken by a distraction I can find myself staring at the music without it registering where I am, even though I've been reading it the whole time. It's horrible when that happens! That worry, coupled with seeing again all these sisters whom I don't know, really got me going. It didn't help that as the RS president was introducing the program she said that she had heard me practicing and I was "amazing." I sat there thinking, "Well now I'm jinxed for sure!" I said a few prayers and was able to enjoy the speakers and found myself relaxing. My hands didn't get cold or anything. Then, when it was time I started playing and it was fine. Then halfway through the piece, as I got into the more involved parts that also call for more emotion, my freaking hands started trembling, and my heart literally moved up into my throat! Through that, though, I actually was able to pull off one of my better performances and made few mistakes--more obvious to me than them, I think.
I ended up happy with the performance, and so many people were so kind and complimentary. That was a good feeling. I was even happier when I was able to stop shaking about 20 minutes later!
I had a little over a week to prepare, so I opted to play one of my own pieces. Well, sort of. So far I haven't completely anything COMPLETELY original, but I have written arrangements of and accompaniments to hymns for choir. The first one I ever did is a medley of the hymns on prayer, and with a little tweaking it works as a piano solo as well. I figured that my nerves would probably kick in pretty good since I'm not in a comfort zone anymore, so I chose that one (I performed a not-my-own-work solo of Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing in our old ward a few months ago and getting it ready gave me fits, so I figured that taking nerves into account it would be a bad choice this time).
Practicing went well and I actually got pretty bored with it. Didn't feel nervous at all the morning of, not in Sacrament Meeting or anything. I went to the RS room during Sunday School to run through it a couple of times and get the feel of that piano, and it went fine; even with people walking in and out and setting up for RS. (The tone on that piano is so lovely that it really smacked me in the face how badly our piano needs to be tuned!)
Then Relief Society started and I about had a stroke! Something that always worries me is blanking out while I play. Sometimes I'm able to get into this "zone" where I'm not consciously concentrating on what I'm doing and I get lost in the music, and that's when I play best. But if that gets broken by a distraction I can find myself staring at the music without it registering where I am, even though I've been reading it the whole time. It's horrible when that happens! That worry, coupled with seeing again all these sisters whom I don't know, really got me going. It didn't help that as the RS president was introducing the program she said that she had heard me practicing and I was "amazing." I sat there thinking, "Well now I'm jinxed for sure!" I said a few prayers and was able to enjoy the speakers and found myself relaxing. My hands didn't get cold or anything. Then, when it was time I started playing and it was fine. Then halfway through the piece, as I got into the more involved parts that also call for more emotion, my freaking hands started trembling, and my heart literally moved up into my throat! Through that, though, I actually was able to pull off one of my better performances and made few mistakes--more obvious to me than them, I think.
I ended up happy with the performance, and so many people were so kind and complimentary. That was a good feeling. I was even happier when I was able to stop shaking about 20 minutes later!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Teenage Drama=Headaches for Me
Oh my, what a zoo it has been around here the past few days. It's quite the experience to witness your children deal with the complexities of dating relationships as teens. Brittany has been dealing with this kind of drama this week; not sure if it's resulting in a breakup or in a better relationship as they are learning to communicate better. The past two days it has seemed "over," but tonight they're out together with a friend.
It's been a little exhausting for me, but I've been happy that Brittany is speaking up and communicating how she wants to be treated. A couple of nights ago when things came to a head, I got a text from her boyfriend and ended up texting him for about 30 minutes clueing him in on why she was upset. I never imagined THAT would happen! I've always made a point of trying to establish a comfortable relationship with my kids' friends and dates; I never imagined that that would result in being enlisted by the one who ISN'T my kid to help with a misunderstanding. It was pretty surreal!
I'm so glad I'm not a teenager any more.
It's been a little exhausting for me, but I've been happy that Brittany is speaking up and communicating how she wants to be treated. A couple of nights ago when things came to a head, I got a text from her boyfriend and ended up texting him for about 30 minutes clueing him in on why she was upset. I never imagined THAT would happen! I've always made a point of trying to establish a comfortable relationship with my kids' friends and dates; I never imagined that that would result in being enlisted by the one who ISN'T my kid to help with a misunderstanding. It was pretty surreal!
I'm so glad I'm not a teenager any more.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
So Far, So Good!
I am happy to report that the way we are approaching Brittany's school schedule this semester seems to be a good solution.
True to the pattern of the past two years, her migraines and days not feeling well have increased in frequency, with the worst of it being first thing in the morning. I vowed after last year that I would not do the home and hospital option again; it was hard on both of us and we really didn't like each other too well by the time spring rolled around. She's been doing better mood-wise with the medication she's been on, and I was hoping against hope that we wouldn't have a repeat of last year. Last week was the first week back to school and also the end of term, and it was a hard week. Having her schedule changed so that 1st period on both days (block schedule--A and B days) is released time like seminary turned out to be an easy adjustment to make since she had Geometry 1st period, and the other 1st period class was one that she never signed up for and would have had changed anyway.
So this week we have been operating on this modified schedule, and it is making a big difference. I am very hopeful!! She is still in quite a bit of pain when she first gets up, but it allows her to sleep a little later and take a bit longer to get ready if she needs to. I still have her take her meds early so that they are in her system, then let her go back to sleep. The only drawback is that I have to take her since it's later, but I'm happy to make that adjustment. She has been a real trooper! Brittany is my hero in so many ways; I'm amazed at what a strong person she is.
True to the pattern of the past two years, her migraines and days not feeling well have increased in frequency, with the worst of it being first thing in the morning. I vowed after last year that I would not do the home and hospital option again; it was hard on both of us and we really didn't like each other too well by the time spring rolled around. She's been doing better mood-wise with the medication she's been on, and I was hoping against hope that we wouldn't have a repeat of last year. Last week was the first week back to school and also the end of term, and it was a hard week. Having her schedule changed so that 1st period on both days (block schedule--A and B days) is released time like seminary turned out to be an easy adjustment to make since she had Geometry 1st period, and the other 1st period class was one that she never signed up for and would have had changed anyway.
So this week we have been operating on this modified schedule, and it is making a big difference. I am very hopeful!! She is still in quite a bit of pain when she first gets up, but it allows her to sleep a little later and take a bit longer to get ready if she needs to. I still have her take her meds early so that they are in her system, then let her go back to sleep. The only drawback is that I have to take her since it's later, but I'm happy to make that adjustment. She has been a real trooper! Brittany is my hero in so many ways; I'm amazed at what a strong person she is.
Yay Me!!
I'm so excited about something that I just have to tell about it; I have exercised every day, including today, since Monday!
Monday through Wednesday Brittany went to the indoor track at the Rec. Center and walked, and today I did water aerobics. She and I have decided to meet there after school three days a week, since it's right there by the high school. Monday I wasn't counting on lasting very long, not because of muscle issues, but because I have had so much trouble with my left knee for a long time. It's the reason I quit my membership at Curves and started water aerobics. The glorious thing is that we did 30 MINUTES and I had practically no pain! What pain I did experience was toward the end, and I wasn't sore afterward. That right there is a testament to the miracle of exercising in the water. I experience almost no pain in my knee anymore; I do get stiffness sometimes but it is so much better. It's because I started water aerobics a month before starting my job at the Distribution Center that I was able to work two jobs on my feet during the holiday season. I'm so thankful for this progress!
My exercise of choice is still water aerobics. I love being in the water! I love the way I feel during and after, and how hard I'm able to exercise. It is also very soothing to me. I remember the first time I ever got into a swimming pool; I was in 2nd grade and we went on a field trip to swim at BYU. I had never been swimming before and had no idea what to do, but I remember feeling the same way I do now when I go. It's a weird thing to say something can be so relaxing while you're working out; working out typically doesn't feel that way. I love it!
Monday through Wednesday Brittany went to the indoor track at the Rec. Center and walked, and today I did water aerobics. She and I have decided to meet there after school three days a week, since it's right there by the high school. Monday I wasn't counting on lasting very long, not because of muscle issues, but because I have had so much trouble with my left knee for a long time. It's the reason I quit my membership at Curves and started water aerobics. The glorious thing is that we did 30 MINUTES and I had practically no pain! What pain I did experience was toward the end, and I wasn't sore afterward. That right there is a testament to the miracle of exercising in the water. I experience almost no pain in my knee anymore; I do get stiffness sometimes but it is so much better. It's because I started water aerobics a month before starting my job at the Distribution Center that I was able to work two jobs on my feet during the holiday season. I'm so thankful for this progress!
My exercise of choice is still water aerobics. I love being in the water! I love the way I feel during and after, and how hard I'm able to exercise. It is also very soothing to me. I remember the first time I ever got into a swimming pool; I was in 2nd grade and we went on a field trip to swim at BYU. I had never been swimming before and had no idea what to do, but I remember feeling the same way I do now when I go. It's a weird thing to say something can be so relaxing while you're working out; working out typically doesn't feel that way. I love it!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Business Trips are Yucky
Kelly is in Florida on business. He left on Sunday afternoon and will get back Thursday night. I don't like it when he's gone. We got cell phones for me and the kids for Christmas, though, and I am enjoying flirting with him over text messaging. :) I miss him.
He has had a lot of opportunities for travel with his job; this is about his 5th trip to Florida, which is where their sister office is. Last year they went to Disney World for a day on one of their trips and I scored a totally awesome Disney World T-shirt out of that deal. I mean, why go there yourself when someone can bring you back a T-shirt from THEIR trip? Especially when it's your husband!!
I'm not bitter, not at all!
He's been to some really cool places on business--Boston twice, New York City complete with THREE BROADWAY PLAYS and don't even get me started on the fine dining, India twice (three weeks at a time), and trips to California, Oklahoma, Texas and Maryland. I have to say the ones to New York and Boston about killed me; two places I have always wanted to go. When he got sent to New York, I had about 30 minutes notice and he was gone for two weeks!
I am going to get my perks one day, I tell you! I'm glad that he gets these opportunities and does so well with his job. He has had some amazing growth opportunities. We always dreamed of this; I just always pictured me going along with him! One time when he was gone we were talking on the phone and he said, "I'm so tired of eating out." I started laughing hysterically at that point and he said, "What?" I said, "Yeah right, I'm so sure--as you're eating at those nice restaurants you're thinking "Boy, I sure wish I could have Heidi's spaghetti right now." And he insisted that he missed home cooking. I was like, "We're having macaroni and cheese tonight, aren't you jealous?!"
He has had a lot of opportunities for travel with his job; this is about his 5th trip to Florida, which is where their sister office is. Last year they went to Disney World for a day on one of their trips and I scored a totally awesome Disney World T-shirt out of that deal. I mean, why go there yourself when someone can bring you back a T-shirt from THEIR trip? Especially when it's your husband!!
I'm not bitter, not at all!
He's been to some really cool places on business--Boston twice, New York City complete with THREE BROADWAY PLAYS and don't even get me started on the fine dining, India twice (three weeks at a time), and trips to California, Oklahoma, Texas and Maryland. I have to say the ones to New York and Boston about killed me; two places I have always wanted to go. When he got sent to New York, I had about 30 minutes notice and he was gone for two weeks!
I am going to get my perks one day, I tell you! I'm glad that he gets these opportunities and does so well with his job. He has had some amazing growth opportunities. We always dreamed of this; I just always pictured me going along with him! One time when he was gone we were talking on the phone and he said, "I'm so tired of eating out." I started laughing hysterically at that point and he said, "What?" I said, "Yeah right, I'm so sure--as you're eating at those nice restaurants you're thinking "Boy, I sure wish I could have Heidi's spaghetti right now." And he insisted that he missed home cooking. I was like, "We're having macaroni and cheese tonight, aren't you jealous?!"
Monday, January 12, 2009
So THIS is what Heaven is Like
Yesterday was our first day in our ward (see Lots of Tears post if you want to read about the realignment) and oh my goodness, what a wonderful day we had! We were greeted with open arms and so much warmth. And I can't tell you how good it felt to be in a full chapel! I sat and cried through most of Sacrament Meeting. I can't gush enough.
The Relief Society president greeted us in the foyer, introduced herself and it was evident that this ward went to the effort to find out about us when they knew we were being added. She asked about Brittany (Brit was home with bad migrain) and said that she was told she's sick a lot. I was really impressed; she was so personable and friendly. We went into the chapel and Shane went over to the Sacrament table while Kelly went to the restroom, and the bishop came right over to me, introduced himself and said they were so glad to have us, and could the bishopric come and visit this afternoon? The sacrament table had 3 priests administering (I'd forgotten that that's usually the case since Shane has often been a lone priest with either Kelly or another adult up there with him. Mostly young men passed the Sacrament, instead of mostly adults.
The Priest Quorum visited Shane this past Wednesday and none of them were scary. He came out of church SO HAPPY yesterday and said, "I'm not alone." It still makes me cry to think or tell about that.
The bishopric visited yesterday afternoon, and yesterday evening the Young Women's President came over with five or six girls to visit Brittany and introduce themselves. They brought a card with a candy bar saying "You're an important part of our symphony," the favor they got in class yesterday, and a calendar with temples on it that the girls got for Christmas. The Relief Society presidency is visiting me tomorrow morning.
You'd have to have "been there" to really get what a trying experience the last several years have been. They really have been a trial of faith. It has been hard work hanging in there (I could write several books explaining why, but won't). For the first time in I don't know how long I felt ENERGIZED coming home from church yesterday. For the longest time it's been exhausting, and until yesterday I didn't realize how draining it has been to deal with the challenges in our old ward.
There is such a strong spirit in our new ward. It absolutely hit me over the head as I was sitting there. My soul just soared. And I cried--lots and lots of tears again, but good tears.
The Relief Society president greeted us in the foyer, introduced herself and it was evident that this ward went to the effort to find out about us when they knew we were being added. She asked about Brittany (Brit was home with bad migrain) and said that she was told she's sick a lot. I was really impressed; she was so personable and friendly. We went into the chapel and Shane went over to the Sacrament table while Kelly went to the restroom, and the bishop came right over to me, introduced himself and said they were so glad to have us, and could the bishopric come and visit this afternoon? The sacrament table had 3 priests administering (I'd forgotten that that's usually the case since Shane has often been a lone priest with either Kelly or another adult up there with him. Mostly young men passed the Sacrament, instead of mostly adults.
The Priest Quorum visited Shane this past Wednesday and none of them were scary. He came out of church SO HAPPY yesterday and said, "I'm not alone." It still makes me cry to think or tell about that.
The bishopric visited yesterday afternoon, and yesterday evening the Young Women's President came over with five or six girls to visit Brittany and introduce themselves. They brought a card with a candy bar saying "You're an important part of our symphony," the favor they got in class yesterday, and a calendar with temples on it that the girls got for Christmas. The Relief Society presidency is visiting me tomorrow morning.
You'd have to have "been there" to really get what a trying experience the last several years have been. They really have been a trial of faith. It has been hard work hanging in there (I could write several books explaining why, but won't). For the first time in I don't know how long I felt ENERGIZED coming home from church yesterday. For the longest time it's been exhausting, and until yesterday I didn't realize how draining it has been to deal with the challenges in our old ward.
There is such a strong spirit in our new ward. It absolutely hit me over the head as I was sitting there. My soul just soared. And I cried--lots and lots of tears again, but good tears.
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