Gray. Very cold. Sleet and freezing rain. A perfect setting for a day off! Happy, happy me.

I switched days off when I realized today was Election Day and schools would be closed. I'll be working Thursday instead. I called my clients on Friday to apologize and cancel their Tuesday appointments. Unfortunately, the majority of them were teachers, who made their appointments specifically because of the day off. I should have arranged my schedule for this months ago.

Yesterday I made it my mission to play with the Wii. Here's the screen with my Mii:


Half the fun was creating my image. Then I set about to find my inner hand/eye coordination. It doesn't come natural. I started with bowling. I like bowling the best. I was alone in the house, and was screaming and shouting with every spare and strike. Then I went on to tennis. I probably spent an hour hitting balls. I'm getting better at it, but still haven't had that 'aha' moment. I turned it on today to do more practicing, but Emily wanted to play. I watched her play tennis, standing beside her, trying to mimic her moves. It seems like she uses her wrist a lot. I'm swinging my whole right arm. And that arm is very sore. And that's my Wii story, so far.

Time off and the weather have put me in the mood to cook. I made quesadillas for dinner last night. And the night before. And for Emily's lunch today. She made one for lunch on Sunday. I guess you'd say we're on a quesadilla kick. Safeway had Tyson's southwestern chicken strips on sale for a great price. I bought many packages, thinking I'd freeze them. Not. Tortillas, fried onions, Mexican cheese blend and the chicken makes a great crispy meal. And I didn't take a picture because? Last night I made The Pioneer Woman's cookie dough and candy recipe, using her oatmeal crispies dough. Oh, I feel the calories adding up. I have a head of garlic roasting in the oven. Emily just called down from upstairs, 'Ewwww, what smells??' I think it's a heavenly smell. I'm making PW's mashed potatoes and I planned to add the roasted garlic. I'm rethinking that. I'll cook marinated chicken on my George Forman grill, along with fresh broccoli. Then I'm done cooking. Till the cupcakes tomorrow.

Today was a very un-Cheryl day. Did I just refer to myself in the third-person? Weird. I had the hardest time staying asleep last night. It was a relief to be off today because I've been feeling very glassy-eyed. I threw on some clothes and went to vote at about 10:00. I was the only voter in the building, so it was a quick trip. I went to the grocery store for some fresh fruits and veggies, and came home to spend the rest of the day indoors. I finally showered after noon. I vacuumed my bedroom and cleaned my bathroom. That's the extent of the work I did. I'm in sweats, and it's been a low-key and relaxing day. Dinner should only take about 30 minutes to prepare, and I'll start that as soon as I finish writing.

Any Jericho fans out there? I love that show! It was canceled last season, but thanks to the fans, the network was persuaded to release the un-aired episodes. It's on at 10:00 tonight, after my bedtime. No DVR here, so I'll have to catch up later. Jericho and Lost are my favorite shows. The writer's strike has been on so long that I don't even remember what else I like!

The news is on in the background. The interstate highways are a parking lot because of the freezing rain. Ten and twenty car pileups. I'm so glad I'm safe and sound in my warm and smelly (in a good way) house. And with that thought, I'm off to cook.

Later!