Here I sit tonight, nursing a sore throat with a cup of tea with lemon and raw honey. I’m hoping it won’t last and I’ll feel better come Christmas. Shopping is done, thank goodness! We don’t have any major plans this year; just Dad and I, my son and his girlfriend, Lindsey. My daughter and her boyfriend, Zack won’t be able to make it down since they have to work Christmas Eve. But all’s well; they came last week and we spent a good day together. We’ll have a simple ham dinner and open a few gifts. We’ll spend the day watching funny Christmas movies, like “Trapped In Paradise” or “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Oh, I can’t forget Dad’s favorite, “Bad Santa.” It’s raunchy, but hilarious.

Right now, I’m resting. I’m snuggled in a nice, warm throw with my cup of tea. I’m listening to music that always makes me feel better, no matter the circumstances. On my playlist tonight:

Blind Melon’s “No Rain”
Incubus’ “Drive”
Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses”
All-American Rejects’ “The Wind Blows”
Apocalyptica’s “Nothing Else Matters” (a cover of Metallica’s hit)
Creed’s “Higher”
Collective Soul’s “The River Flows”

And the entire new album by Avenged Sevenfold. I was never a big fan of theirs. Just couldn’t get past the singer’s voice (too gravely for my taste), or the drums, which were always more annoying than anything else. The lyrics have always been good and the guitars are awesome. I tried for years to like them….knowing they were talented musicians and all, but I just couldn’t do it. This time they nailed it. From the theme of the entire album (end of the world) to even the drums. It’s sad they lost their drummer to prescription drugs a few years ago but this new drummer is easier for me to listen to. There’s a beat now instead of that continuous rat-ta-tat-tat that annoys me to no end. The singer seems to have smoothed his voice some…for lack of a better description. The guitars solos are awesome, as always but it’s more than that. There seems to be even more guitar. Anyway, they nailed it this time. I’m lovin’ it. It’s Rock Music, what can I say? I’m a sucker for power ballads and guitars.

So, tomorrow is Monday…. I hope the relaxation (and tea) help me kick this sore throat because I can’t even sing along to my favorite songs!!