Weddingbee

I am very sorry to have been absent from writing all week. There were two very different reasons for this.

One was that I have been feeling the pressure. With only a little more than a month left to go, I have had to really think about what it possible and what is probable in terms of projects. I have a million ideas for programs, guest book, centerpieces, etc. But I have had to face the hard truth that they may not all happen. Now that I have sorted what I think I can get done, the projects will be coming fast and furious.

The other reason is that I fell prey to something that I think is probably pretty common among women as busy as we are. I was burning the candle not only at both ends, but sometimes in the middle. I went to work, planned for the wedding, wrote a lot, taught jewelry making for Advent Conspiracy at my church, failed at reading a new book, tried to hang out with friends and spend meaningful time with Mr. Robin, then bake for Thanksgiving and on, and on. I was averaging about 4-5 hours of sleep per night, and eating terribly because I had no time to cook.

So I got sick. And not like a little sick. Like my boss sent me home from work because I was so ill, and then it only got worse. I was a miserable Miss Robin for a few days.

Planning a wedding, while also trying to keep up with the commitments of the holiday season can take a toll the healthiest person so, please learn from my mistake and do not try and do too much. Take care of yourselves also, during this season when it is so sad to be ill, but so easy to become so.

And, if tragically, you should succumb, here is a great Ginger Tea recipe that really helps me when I can’t breathe and my throat hurts. It is unbelievably good. This tea and lots of spicy Tom Yum soup pulled me through.

Ginger Tea

• 1 inch fresh ginger root, sliced thin or grated
• 1/2 a fresh lemon, sliced (peel & all)
• 1 clove garlic, mashed
• 2 cups of water
• tablespoon or two of honey

Place everything but the honey into a saucepan and then bring to boil, then turn down heat and simmer gently for 20 min. Strain and add lots of honey. The garlic, honey and ginger in this tea are both very good for cold symptoms, such as sore throat, upset stomach, chills, etc. Caution though if you let it sit it will get stronger! (adapted from a recipe by Kim Goddard)

You can also make a simpler version by grating ginger into a mug then pour hot water over it along with a peppermint, green or black tea bag.

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