These Unforgettable Moments

Its been awhile. Without getting in to a long explanation, let's just say that I've had some medical issues that have left me a little out of sorts as of late. These issues may or may not have involved anesthesia and silly things said to my doctors. That about sums it up! Now, on to the good stuff ...

My recovery has not been fun. God bless my husband who has had to put up with me these past few months. He does his best to keep me entertained. The other day I was having a rough time and he offered to take me for a drive (he knows I find road trips relaxing). So, we got in the car and headed toward the unknown. We took a dirt road and were a little concerned when we saw people with car troubles on the side. However, our curious hearts decided to carry on because the landscape was just so beautiful! We stumbled across a tiny little vineyard ran by a couple out of a house. We stopped and were immediately greeted by the resident dog, Nate. The man who runs the place quickly followed with a friendly hello and welcomed us in. I was already smitten.

He talked to us for quite awhile about how he and his wife got in to the business then showed us the best view on the property. We took a seat, relished in the beauty around us, and enjoyed the wine that he so kindly brought to us while we sat outside.

It wasn't long before a massive storm moved in, which by the way is extremely unusual for Southern California. The wind was angrily blowing, flowers were flying off of the tables, menus were airborne. All of us who were enjoying our wine quickly scrambled to move everything in to the garage. Once everything was stable, we sat back and laughed about how we love this weather because it's so foreign - one of those moments you'll never forget.

I loved the intimacy of this place, the seclusion, and most of all, the people who run it. It's definitely worth taking the beaten path to get there ... even if there are flash flood warnings on your way out!

Pour Some Sugar On Me

I walked through the door and threw my backpack on the floor, typical for a girl of 11 years. My mom was in the kitchen preparing that night's dinner when my dad appeared in the doorway and asked me if I wanted to go see Def Leppard. "What's that?" I asked, intrigued and honestly wondering if he was literally asking me if I wanted to see a deaf leopard. He laughed and told me they were a rock band. I asked if he was serious and he said he was. I could barely contain my excitement. I ran to my room and rummaged through my closet to find something to wear. Even at 11 I was obsessed with clothes.

The concert was the next day and my little heart was racing with anticipation. I bragged to anyone who would listen, "I'm going to see Def Leppard tonight!" When I told this to my teacher he laughed and told me that after attending that concert I was going to be the def leppard. My dad picked me up after school and we made our way downtown. As we entered the arena my innocent eyes could not comprehend why so many men had long hair. I found it odd and even asked my dad why the guys wanted to look like girls. I didn't quite understand "hair bands" at that time, but after the night was over I was convinced I was going to marry a long hair and became a die hard fan of Def Leppard's. I loved the music, I loved the way the people banged their heads, the flashing lights, the cheers of the crowd. I was fascinated and it was that night the music lover in me emerged.

Though I didn't marry a rocker, I still love Def Leppard. Animal, Hysteria, Photograph ... I jam out to those songs in my car and people look at me like I'm crazy. It's fine with me, there's nothing wrong with enjoying a little 80's rock. It must be my age, but I just don't think they make music like they used to. I'll take anything from the 50's to the 80's over most of today's music. I guess that makes me officially old..... OR I just have great taste in music;)

 What was your first concert? Are you still a fan?

Who Says You're Too Old to Wish Upon Stars?

Sharing her Christmas candy

We were there. It was cold, very cold, but there wasn't a trace of snow on the ground. My disappointed eyes glanced to the mountain tops to see if there was a glimmer of hope for a white Christmas. Indeed, there was and I wished on the bright stars that shone in the dark country sky that it would be. I had forgotten how magnificent the stars appear when you are in the middle of nowhere. I found the road we were traveling on a bit unnerving, but their numerous glittering bodies mesmerized me ... I was home.

The first stop was of course, my favorite, but completely Americanized Mexican restaurant. My husband absolutely hates it, but he caves in to my whims since I suffer through the traditional Jordanian dish, mansaf whenever we go to Jordan. I figure if I can gag through yogurt and lamb to appease him, he can handle a smothered burrito..and so it was. (I mean no offense by that - the truth is, most people like mansaf. I just can't handle it.) After dinner, we made it over to my grandpa's house and he and my grandma were absolutely delighted to see us. She was a bit disappointed that I couldn't record all of the lectures from my supernatural anthropology class for her, but she quickly got over it with the hustle and bustle that was going on. According to her, there are enough ghosts in her house to keep her occupied. Oh, how I love that woman and her obsession with the spirit world. Being around her and my grandpa is constant entertainment. She is the queen and he is her yes man.

We were in Utah for 5 days and it flew by much faster than I had hoped. Christmas was finally there. I insisted on the adults opening their presents on Christmas Eve because with kids, Christmas morning is so chaotic - paper flying, the excited squeals, why not just take it all in? After all, there is nothing that will melt your heart more completely than a kid on Christmas. By Christmas Eve, Mother Nature still had not blessed us with snow and I was beginning to lose hope. I diligently wore a bracelet that read, "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used to know." It was so perfect for me. My stepsister gave it to me for Christmas a few years back and I love it. The evening was full of laughs, hugs, and good conversation and I thoroughly enjoyed the time with my family. We were all together and it truly felt like old times. I needed that.

My sister knows me so well.

On Christmas morning I groggily crawled out of bed. As you would assume, the first thing I did was look out the window. Much to my surprise, my wish had been granted! I felt like a kid again as the excitement consumed me. Beautiful white snow blanketed the ground and the earth was suddenly silent. I love the stillness in the air when it snows outside - it's almost as if time momentarily stops as the sky showers us with a different kind of serene beauty. My husband and I threw on our hats and gloves and headed out for coffee. Odd? Yes, but one of the things I miss the most about Utah is sitting in Starbucks watching the snow fall ... it's those small things, you know? The snow continued throughout the night and with the warmth of family and a nice cup of coffee, my heart was content.

Isn't it a dream? See why I miss it?

I hope your holidays were are memorable as mine. Best wishes for the new year my friends! Let's make it the best year yet. Cheers!