7 Quick Takes

Jennifer has lots more Quick Takes over here!

1.  It has been a week!  It is still Easter but feeling a bit more like Lent around here.  Why?  Well, accidents and sickness mainly.  On Easter Monday my husband was rear ended while at a STOP sign.  After e-rays and an MRI we know he has bulging and herniated discs.  He has good hours and bad hours.  He can't go to work but is able to do his school work which is good.  Last weekend was his last seminary weekend for this school year and he went.  I planned a fun girls' night.

2.  Fun girls' night to include a haircut and then wine. Didn't happen.  Instead, we had an "Almost 50 (years old) Girl's night out! When I got to my friend's house for the haircut, she was in her bed with severe intestinal pains.  Long story short, there was no haircut, no wine, just two friends taking one friend to the ER.  Now, I'm not sure if you will think this is pathetically sad or a testament to our friendship, but we had a good time and laughed and laughed. Especially once we realized she would be okay.

3.  My friend is okay and I got the haircut yesterday.

4.  Confirmation is this Sunday and rehearsal is tonight.  I hope all goes well and all the teens remember to say "And with your spirit" when the Bishop extends the sign of peace to them as part of the rite.  Also, let's hope there is no rain, since the hall where we will meet and put robes on is across the street from the church.  I can't let my new hairdo get wet, now can I?

5.  Two things about my life really surprise people.  1.  I don't have TV reception. We watch DVDs.  2.  I don't have a microwave.  Yesterday I had a close to 5 minute conversation with the other person sure I meant I didn't use a microwave but certainly had one.  The question then is how do you make popcorn?  With a hot air popper and a  talented husband.

6.  I realized that the lawn needs to be mowed and mentioned to my husband that either I would have to learn how to use the lawn mower or we'd have to get our teenage occasional yard helper to do it.  He is such a great guy that he said he would call the young man and have him mow.  Dodged that bullet!

7.  One of my dearest and oldest friends told me that if, in addition to cooking and sewing,  I took up gardening we'd have to cease being friends.  Apparently she considers the 3 together to be the perfect trifecta of skills.  I assured her that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

7 Quick Takes

1.  This weekend there is a Rachel's Vineyard retreat in our diocese.  This retreat amazes me.  Briefly, it's purpose is to bring healing to those who have had their baby aborted. You can find out more at Rachel's Vineyard Ministries.   When it first began, I was in charge of the kitchen for the retreats.  I did not have much interaction with the retreatants but would greet them upon arrival and then go cook.  When they first arrived the level of pain and discomfort was apparent in the way they carried themselves and avoided making eye contact for more than a few seconds.  By the end of the weekend, the joy was so beautiful to see on their faces.  I don't cook for the group any more, but I do pray.  So, tonight and tomorrow I will make my way to the chapel, sit with Jesus in Adoration and pray for those on the retreat.  Please pray where you are too.
2.  It is seminary weekend!  I have some fun planned as well as some items to get off my to-do list.  Fun includes seeing friends, finish wall hanging quilt ,and fabric shopping.  To-do list is longer, , send a package to our daughter in Australia, clean my office at home, laundry, grocery shopping and work on Sunday.  Ugh, way to many to dos!  Anybody want to come and help me?
3.  We celebrated August birthdays in the office the other day.  All were men; ages 33, 45, 53.  So, sometimes the boss, aka our pastor, asks the question what were you doing when you were xx years old.  Since most of us were working there at 45, a few of us not yet 53, he asked about 33.  I was 33 in 1997 (47, I'll save you the math) and could not specifically recall what I was doing.  In general, I knew I was going to basketball games, scout meetings, involved in religious ed at my parish and all the other things parents do when their children are 10 and 8.  I couldn't remember where I worked so I looked it up on my resume.  I was teaching, but I don't know what or where.  At first this disturbed me, but then I realized it didn't matter. I was mainly being a mom, which I miss now.
4.  Today's readings include the parable of the wise and foolish virgins.  A reminder that though we may think we see signs all around us of doom and gloom and the end of the world is coming, "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour."  Mt 25:13b
5.  There is a conference going on in Houston this weekend about using all the new media for the  evangelization of the Church.  I love their tag line, One Gospel, Many Channels!  Check it out!
6.  I have to write a brief testimony as to why I go to Adoration and present it at Mass this weekend.  It is part of our campaign to have Adoration every Friday instead of just once a month.  I really want to stress the peace I receive as the most important reason I go, but I don't want Adoration to sound boring.  I think I will pray and write about it while I am in Adoration, good plan, no?
7.  Hurricane Irene is heading to New York.  My mom called for advice.  She and my dad have different opinions as to what should be done.  So, I am sending a list.  Hopefully this will help my father understand that tying chairs together is not a good plan; bringing them inside is the way to go.

More Quick Takes at Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes

More Quick takes over here!

Not sure if I'll get to 7, but here we go!
1.  I had the best day off yesterday.  I went to Orlando and visited Jesus,  Ikea, Millennium Mall;spent most of the day with a friend who is like a second dad to me.  We went to Mass together, had lunch and talked and talked about everything.  And, my phone did not ring, not once to interrupt anything I was doing.  We spent part of the day at Our Lady Queen of the Universe Basilica.    If you are ever in Orlando, maybe to visit the mouse, it's a great place to attend Mass.
2.  Too many meetings this week at work, three nights in a row and then Wednesday was a major staff meeting, 3 hours long.  UGH!  It's no wonder I enjoyed the solitude on my drive yesterday. This week, no meetings at night, plus seminary begins with class on Wednesday and the weekend.  Not hat I won't miss my husband, but I want to finish a few projects and this will give me some time.
3.  Our Thursday morning group is starting a new book next week, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.  I've read it before but it's been a few years, so I am looking forward to it. Plus, we always have great discussions.
4.  Did you miss me?  I took a little break for lunch.
5.  I had to follow my friend for one part of my travels yesterday.  If you are ever in Orlando, I can save you all the money you would spend on getting into Disney.  Just follow my friend for about five miles and you will feel like you've been on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Teacups, and Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride all in one!  I am NOT exaggerating. No turn signals, getting all the way over to the left on I-4 and then all the way to the right to exit, squeezing in between cars, and did I mention no turn signals. Yes, well, it bears repeating.
6.  When something happens I think my daughter would fine interesting or I have a question to ask her, I still think  for a fleeting second, "let me call Elisa."  Then I remember that she is in Australia and I can't call her.  I hope to have a skype date with her tonight.  Of course, by then, I will have forgotten everything I wanted to tell her about.
7.  Morning mass was celebrated today by one of my favorite priests.  To summarize the readings and his homily, it's all about loving God and one another.  I wonder what would happen if we all followed that mandate?

7 Quick Takes

1.  This morning at Mass this verse just jumped out at me:  "This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other."  Deut 4:39.  Truly, God is in heaven and on earth; God is God and we are not.  Good little reminder.
2.  Since it is First Friday, here is a video of Adoration  quotes with pictures and music.  Very beautiful.
3.  If you are interested in improving your blog, and writing in general take a look at some tips from Michael Leach at Why Stay Catholic.
4.  I have found a few new blogs, The Deacon's Wife, which is a slight misnomer she her husband has just been accepted into formation, but interesting nonetheless.  I like reading and hearing about things are doing in other dioceses in regard to almost everything, but especially the things I am also involved in personally.  A Penny Saved has realistic tips on saving money.  Most money saving tips blogs and articles are not very helpful to me, so finding one that actually seemed realistic was great! The tips I've looked at so far are things I actually do or would consider doing.  Last one, Imprisoned in my Bones, why?  she reminds me of myself and I love her blog title!

Virtual Tour

5.  Today the Optional Memorial for Mass is the Dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome.  This basilica was built under Pope Sixtus III (432-440).  It is one of the seven papal basilicas in Rome and each year the Pope celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15.
6.  I have invites to Google+, so if you'd like one, let me know.
7.  I'm excited that my husband has decided to join me in the weight loss adventure.  He is always supportive, but now that I have someone suffering doing it at the same time as me in the same house, it makes it so much better.

Go over and visit Jen at Conversion Diary for more!

7 Quick Takes

All today's Quick Takes are over at Conversion Diary!

1.  I helped set a mouse trap with peanut butter.  It's not for my house, but I am loathe to tell you where it is going.
2.  What is Pinterest?  What is the purpose?  More importantly, should I join?
3.  I have been skyping with Elisa in Australia.  The other night we had a group conversation with the two of us and another friend.  Fun!  The reception was better with Elisa way over in Australia  than with our friend who lives in Florida.
4.  I've joined Google+ but am insure as to why at this point.  I see potential though.
5.  Feast day of St. Martha today.  According to the homily this morning she is a reminder to balance contemplation and action.  So, this weekend I am slowing down on the action and working on contemplation.
6.  Yesterday's dinner was sauteed chicken breasts with zucchini ribbons.  When I was done I started to wash the mandolin I had used to slice the zucchini and sliced my middle finger on my right hand. However, this got me out of doing the rest of the dishes:).  Then I walked over to my friend's house with the dinner and was rewarded with a bang trim, which was sorely needed.   She said she got the better part of the deal since she was going to have my cooking for dinner.  I am so glad we all different gifts.
7.  Tuesday we went to Wet and Wild with my brother's family.  We had a blast!  I even convinced my husband to go on a ride.  I miss that sort of thing now that our children are adults.

7 Quick Takes

More Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

1.  Saying good-bye is difficult. Our daughter is leaving for an extended, unknown period of time.  She is moving to Australia for a year and then wants to be a missionary somewhere, maybe Brazil, but it will depend on what she can find.  She was away at school for four years and our son moved out two years ago, but Australia is very far away from Florida.  VERY. FAR. AWAY.  My mom was trying to convince me it is no different than when she lived in Gainesville or our son now living in New York.  I wasn't buying it.  In some ways it is more than the moving far away, it is the fact that truly my children are now adults and this part of my life where they are my responsibility is over.  I am blessed beyond measure that both can take care of themselves and make good decisions, but it will take some time to get used to this new stage.
2.  Last night we had dinner with a family we have been friends with since before either of us had children.  We reminisced about many things the kids all did together.  Our girls are two weeks apart and Elisa and I were the first visitors Kathy and Sarah had at the hospital.  But even before that, Kathy and I took our pregnancy test together.  Apparently we had never shared this before with the girls; they were surprised. 
3. Elisa is going to NY before going to Australia.  She'll spend time with family and go visit her brother in East Hampton for a few days.  She will  be in the U.S. until July 12. 
4.  Do I seem a bit focused on Elisa?  Well, it's hard not to be with one day left to spend with her. 

5.  Elisa's best qualities are her determination, strength of faith, love of family and friends and her level headedness.  She also has a quite a spirit of adventure but loves a good plan, especially if she has come up with it herself. She is loyal, values fairness, and holds on to traditions. 

6.  She likes to hold my hand when we are out and gives me hugs when I need them.

7.  Elisa has the best qualities of both her parents, her few negative traits come, of course, from her dad!  I'm kidding.  But, in the interest of honesty, she is very much like me in that she does not suffer fools well at all.

7 Quick Takes



For more, go on over to Jen at Conversion Diary

 1.  Our daughter is home from her mission trip to Brazil.  Yes, she fell in love with a Brazilian boy.  He's 7 though, so they are not running off together anytime soon.  She loved being there and enjoyed her time with the kids the most. 
2.  I have been taking in my skirts.  Yesterday I was bored waiting for Elisa to get home, so I decorated one of my skirts with rows of little flowers about half way down the skirt.  Just a few rows, but it looks cute.  My new machine has some embroidery stitches, so I figured, why not try it out? 
3.  Tomorrow is  Elisa's graduation, welcome home and bon voyage party.  Thankfully, the shopping will be done by my husband.  I'll just cook and bake.  The menu is:  grilled flank steak, roast pork tenderloin, tortellini salad, quinoa salad, cole slaw, rolls, orange and blue cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies and some appetizers I can't recall at this time.  Tonight I will be baking!
4.  The death of someone you love changes you.  I find myself having little patience at people's "problems" and not understanding people's obsession with material things.  Life is so fleeting and meant to be lived with and in love.  I have never been one to suffer fools, but now it is even worse.
5. This morning as I got ready for work I went into the pantry to get something for breakfast.  Guess what I found?  My cell phone.  No idea how that happened to get in there and I have no children to blame.  Absentminded? I guess so.
6.  Since school is out, I often have the pleasure of my husband's company at morning Mass.  It is a great way to start the day!
7.  Rachel Balducci over at Testosterhome had a post about calling your husband DH when writing.  I don't like DH, but 'hubby' really sets me on edge.  I do like her thoughts, pop over and take a look. 

7 Quick Takes

Jen hosts 7 Quick Takes every Friday! 1.  Our daughter is home for another day, then she goes to Miami to meet the rest of the mission team before leaving for Brazil on Monday.  She is going with FOCUS which I think is a wonderful group evangelizing college campuses all over the country.  Please keep the group in your prayers.

2.  I am sure this news will make your day; I'm wearing my pink converse today because it's Friday!

3.  My husband has returned to the living.  He finished all the work for his alternative certification program to become a teacher.  Now, it all gets hole punched and placed in a binder and given to the district office.  He  already passed all the exams associated with this program so sometime this summer his official teaching certificate will arrive.  I am happy for so many reasons.  And thrilled to have my husband back for myself!

4.  I heard this quote of St. Augustine's twice this week, so I'll share it with you, "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."

5.  The empty bedroom in our house has now become a storage unit for furniture and household items of both our son's girlfriend's and our daughter's stuff.  I wonder how long do you keep stuff that your children no longer use or need.  SG's stuff is only temporary, until she moves back here.  But our daughter is leaving for Australia and really has no idea when she is coming back.  So, what do I do with the toaster and trash can and mirror and and and.  Then there's the other stuff; old scout uniforms, school projects, toys, and more.  UGH!  Too much stuff!

6.  I can't wait to plan our vacation for this summer.  We are probably going to North Carolina and staying at a friend's house.  We are considering going white water rafting.  When I mentioned this to our daughter, she was a bit miffed that we'd consider doing that without her and her brother, since that was always a great time for all of us together.  I really could not work up much sympathy though for either of them. He in East Hampton, NY for the summer and her, going to Brazil and then moving to Australia. 

7.  Right now, there are many struggles and much suffering with my friend who is dying.  Please pray for her and her family as they journey with her from life to death.  The journey is long and not easy.

7 Quick Takes

1.  I am ready to be back doing some writing.  It is a good way for me to write and this upcoming week may allow me some time to do so.
2.  Jennifer asks what would your worst job be in her Quick Takes.  My answer, accountant.  Anything to do with numbers bores me to tears and frustrates me.  Probably because I am bad at math, little details about numbers, and have a hard time seeing patterns in numbers.  I am a people person, that's that!  What would your worst job be?
3.  My son is going back to New York, the Hamptons for the summer.  Yes he is going to work, but he will also get to have fun.  His girlfriend is also going to work up there.  I suppose it is only fair that I have them here for part of the year and her family has them the other part.
4.  My daughter has graduated.  She choose not to walk, so I have no pictures.  She is still in G'ville so we have yet to celebrate.  The plan is to celebrate when she comes home from her Brazil mission trip and before she leaves on her next adventure.  Hopefully she'll be here more than five minutes!
5.  My book group has been reading Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. Yesterday we called it quits.  We have tried and tried, but cannot grasp her points.  Five women, all of us passionate about reading, very intelligent; among us we have over ten degrees, years of study, one of us a former sister and yet, can't get through it.  So, it will go back on my shelf for another time.
6.  Mother's Day was a non-event for me.  Both children not around, husband up to his eyeballs in studies and certification, so I knew it would be a non-event.  But it didn't matter. Why?  because as I thought about my children I realized they are both just where they want to be in their life right now.  They have been blessed and so I am as well.  While a part of me is sad that physically they are not close to me and so I don;t see them very often, they are living out their lives in awesome ways (or at least about to), becoming the person God is calling them to become.  What more could I possibly want?
7.  I have a new ministry focus in my life right now.  I am a part of a Cursillo team which will put on a retreat for women on June 23-26.  I am enjoying getting to know the team, writing my talk and soon learning about all my tasks to help make the weekend run smoothly. 

7 Quick Takes

More Quick Takes, Click Above

1.  This has been a difficult week.  Monday our daughter called from school to tell us about her friend who was in a terrible accident and not expected to live.  She died on Wednesday, after the hospital let her friends go and say goodbye to her.  I was so proud of Elisa for being there, but at the same wishing she didn't have to do something so hard without me.  The memorial service is Sunday for this young woman who died so young.

2.  It's seminary weekend!  Sorry, is it wrong to be excited?  Last Friday we had an interview with a deacon couple.  We spent time all together and then separated.  The wife asked me some questions about ministry, the Church, if I was comfortable with priests, and so forth.  Then she asked me if how did I feel when John was away for the weekend at seminary.  I had to remind myself not to laugh.  I simply said it was not a problem and life always seemed to give me plenty to do so I didn't miss him too much.  This weekend I have a St. Joseph's dinner with all of our friends, then tomorrow I'll spend the day with a girlfriend who is visiting, Sunday morning Mass and work and then, he's back.  Piece of cake.

3.  Sunday afternoon we have a special lunch planned with four other families for our friend who is dying of cancer.  It promises to be a beautiful day and all the children will be there except two who are away at school.  My son and his girlfriend are even joining us.  We'll celebrate spring and life for as long as we can.
4.  Since it is Lent we are eating many more meatless meals than usual.  However, I prefer them much more to meat meals, so what is the sacrifice?  Today for lunch I had brown rice with green pea pesto, it was so much better than say, a turkey sandwich.
5.  I have a serious candle addiction. 

6.  My annual well visit was yesterday.  One hour and forty-five minutes is how long it took.  I will not explain why.  I will say it was not that I was kept waiting in the waiting room.  So, there was good news and okay new and not too bad news.  And, I have to have an ultrasound on my thyroid to check the growths on it, a bone density scan because I take thyroid medication, a chest x-ray because it's good to have a baseline and a mammogram because I had the last one when I was forty, which is seven years ago.  The truth is that if my friend did not have cancer, I would probably have none of this or at most the thyroid done.  But I feel as if I must do what I am told so I can monitor my health and be proactive.  Not that she wasn't, she was, but that story is not a quick take!

7.  My husband and I went to the Society of the Four Arts Garden yesterday.  These were my two favorite sculptures: