I kinda forgot this thing existed. So, if any of you are inordinately patient and are still out there, I sincerely apologize.
What have I been doing since the beginning of October? Everything! Well, maybe not everything, but life has definitely been whirlwind chock full of firsts. I've gotten my grades back from my bug project, my first paper returned, first formal dance, first this, first that...
Some weeks are mellow and some weeks feel surreal. It seems like they decide, every once in a while, to pile an impossible amount of things on top of us at once. Those weekends are painful, but there's always time for fun. Even if they're just little moments on my way to class or at meals, they make me smile and carry me through the day.
I'm home for Thanksgiving... unlimited internet access is a nice treat, but I'm thankful I don't have it at school. A lack of wi-fi forces me to be consistently and efficiently productive.
But more about school. There are days I want to cry and days when I maniacally giggle frequently. Days when I can't focus in class and days when I can't stop talking. Days when two hours of work study flies by and days when I can feel every single minute dragging by. Days when I just throw on comfy clothes and days when I feel somewhat put together. Days when I leap out of bed with a smile and days when I roll out with a groan. But I'm happy. Really, truly, sincerely happy. I've got wonderful new friends who are learning about the Natural Faculties and Interpretation right alongside me.
I don't know when I'll post again... maybe Christmas break. Finals are right around the corner and there's a dance in between. Time certainly flies...
If people are out there, I'll talk to you soon. If not... well, it wouldn't be the first time I've talked without someone listening. :)
Showing posts with label Journaling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Journaling. Show all posts
28 November 2008
12 July 2008
M&M
Today, at eleven o'clock CST, M&M became one! I can't believe they're married! And, since I'm in a sentimental mood, I'm going to tell you a little bit about my history with these two.
Mr. M is a long time family friend. Looooongggg time family friend. Our fathers went to college together and worked together. They've remained close ever since, thus the children of both are as well. It has been at least 25 years... I'm not exactly positive on the number, but at least that long. Mr. M is the oldest of the eight children and, for a very long time, wanted to become a priest. In fact, when his mother told me he was courting the then Miss M, I didn't believe her. When you meet him now, he comes across as a nice, mature, respectful, and altogether good guy. But when he was three years old... well, let's just say he wasn't quite the model of decorum that he is now.
My mother was at the grocery store with his mother. My mother was pushing the cart with Mr M in it, while his mother put stuff into it. He, being at that very mischievous age of three, was reaching for all sorts of things that he shouldn't have. When my mother told him not to do that, he grinned at her, leaned over, and spit on her shoes.
But I also have memories of him being very helpful and kind. One in particular was when I was about ten and he was 15. I was riding my bike around a dirt path, hit a bump and fell head over heels down a hill. I was quite traumatized and crying. Mr M picked me up, carried me to his aunt and uncle's house (where they were visiting) and deposited me at the door were my mother was. He was very nice about it, and checked up on me a few minutes later - just to make sure I was ok.
Mrs. M I met just a couple of years ago, at a Father-Daughter dance Mr. M's family was hosting. The two of them were not courting at the time, but Mrs. M was another close friend's roommate at TAC, thus she had become a part of the local family already. She taught us all the basics of swing dancing, waltzing, and polkaing...all with an English accent. :) I saw her again not much later, up at TAC, where I met her sister who is going to be in my class at college. Mrs. M is such a wonderful person...I remember telling her sister after M&M started courting, that if I was going to pick any girl for Mr. M, Miss M would have to be her. Her sister replied that if she had had to pick a guy for her sister, Mr. M would have been him. We smiled at each other, and then watched M&M waltz around the room at the dance. It was clear to almost everyone that the two of them were perfect for each other.
And now they aren't two people anymore. Mr. and Mrs. M are one... married until death do them part. And I am so incredibly happy for them. I wish I was there, but as I am not, I shall spend my day praying for them with all my might and main.
Mr. M is a long time family friend. Looooongggg time family friend. Our fathers went to college together and worked together. They've remained close ever since, thus the children of both are as well. It has been at least 25 years... I'm not exactly positive on the number, but at least that long. Mr. M is the oldest of the eight children and, for a very long time, wanted to become a priest. In fact, when his mother told me he was courting the then Miss M, I didn't believe her. When you meet him now, he comes across as a nice, mature, respectful, and altogether good guy. But when he was three years old... well, let's just say he wasn't quite the model of decorum that he is now.
My mother was at the grocery store with his mother. My mother was pushing the cart with Mr M in it, while his mother put stuff into it. He, being at that very mischievous age of three, was reaching for all sorts of things that he shouldn't have. When my mother told him not to do that, he grinned at her, leaned over, and spit on her shoes.
But I also have memories of him being very helpful and kind. One in particular was when I was about ten and he was 15. I was riding my bike around a dirt path, hit a bump and fell head over heels down a hill. I was quite traumatized and crying. Mr M picked me up, carried me to his aunt and uncle's house (where they were visiting) and deposited me at the door were my mother was. He was very nice about it, and checked up on me a few minutes later - just to make sure I was ok.
Mrs. M I met just a couple of years ago, at a Father-Daughter dance Mr. M's family was hosting. The two of them were not courting at the time, but Mrs. M was another close friend's roommate at TAC, thus she had become a part of the local family already. She taught us all the basics of swing dancing, waltzing, and polkaing...all with an English accent. :) I saw her again not much later, up at TAC, where I met her sister who is going to be in my class at college. Mrs. M is such a wonderful person...I remember telling her sister after M&M started courting, that if I was going to pick any girl for Mr. M, Miss M would have to be her. Her sister replied that if she had had to pick a guy for her sister, Mr. M would have been him. We smiled at each other, and then watched M&M waltz around the room at the dance. It was clear to almost everyone that the two of them were perfect for each other.
And now they aren't two people anymore. Mr. and Mrs. M are one... married until death do them part. And I am so incredibly happy for them. I wish I was there, but as I am not, I shall spend my day praying for them with all my might and main.
23 June 2008
Finally
It's 9:30 in the morning and it's still under 100 degrees!!! Yessss! Now that this miraculous occurrence has taken place, I'll actually write a post. :)
Friday afternoon, (when it was 95 degrees outside) my maternal grandparents made it here from their home five hundred miles to the north of us. They hadn't been here in three years, which made this occasion especially exciting.
We were apprehensive about the interaction between the dogs and them, but they were fine. After the dogs got their initial rambunctious "hello" over with, they were really models of good behavior. Sam attached himself in a particular way to Grandma. He followed her everywhere, laid at her feet, and generally made himself agreeable. All little kids have an especial liking for my grandmother, so Sam's affection is, I suppose, further proof that he is just like a little kid.
And, in true Italian fashion, we all ate way too much this weekend. Because of the heat, Mom didn't really want to cook. As a result, Friday we had pizza, Saturday we went out to a really nice restaurant to celebrate Mom and Dad's anniversary, and Sunday we went to a more casual family restaurant. I don't think I have to eat any substantial meals for a couple of days. Just little bits of protein so I don't pass out. Other than that, I don't think I'll be needing much food.
But they left this morning :( I hope it won't be another three years before they come down again...
Friday afternoon, (when it was 95 degrees outside) my maternal grandparents made it here from their home five hundred miles to the north of us. They hadn't been here in three years, which made this occasion especially exciting.
We were apprehensive about the interaction between the dogs and them, but they were fine. After the dogs got their initial rambunctious "hello" over with, they were really models of good behavior. Sam attached himself in a particular way to Grandma. He followed her everywhere, laid at her feet, and generally made himself agreeable. All little kids have an especial liking for my grandmother, so Sam's affection is, I suppose, further proof that he is just like a little kid.
And, in true Italian fashion, we all ate way too much this weekend. Because of the heat, Mom didn't really want to cook. As a result, Friday we had pizza, Saturday we went out to a really nice restaurant to celebrate Mom and Dad's anniversary, and Sunday we went to a more casual family restaurant. I don't think I have to eat any substantial meals for a couple of days. Just little bits of protein so I don't pass out. Other than that, I don't think I'll be needing much food.
But they left this morning :( I hope it won't be another three years before they come down again...
19 June 2008
Hobbitly Partiness
Yesterday was Walnut's twentieth birthday. A hobbit at heart, he was given a birthday party of magnificent proportions.
Breakfast was served at 8:30 am. There were five people in the "core" group of the party. We had other visitors - some more long-term than others - but Raspberry, Banana, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Walnut were there to both start and end the day. Raspberry made the breadpudding which we feasted on for breakfast and we raided Banana's store of tea. After a very tasty breakfast, we hunkered down on the couch in the TV watching room to start our Middle Earth adventure. The Fellowship of the Ring was viewed with much commentary and laughter. The close quarters of a couch make for jovial times. :)
A picnic lunch was planned. We had a couple of false starts, but we did eventually get on our way.
We were certainly an interesting group. Walnut led the way across the field, bearing a backpack which contained the carrots, plates, forks, water bottles, and his birthday present. My sister and I were carrying the quiches, and Raspberry has Maxine in hand...her faithful but temperamental guitar. The Strawberry was laiden down with the potato chips. When we emerged from the brush on the far side of the field, we encountered a city worker. He must have thought that he had gotten stuck in a time warp back to the age of the hippies. I was wearing a long denim skirt and my long hair was blowing around. We were carrying a lot of food...and a guitar. I'm sure we made his afternoon. :)
The picnic was a success. We ate the wonderful food that was the handiwork of Banana and the cookies that I happened to be successful with. Afterwards, the guitar was handed off to the birthday boy and the girls laid down on their backs and sang. It was really quite pleasant. We were lying in a fashion that put one person's head on another person's stomach and so every time you laughed the person's head would bounce around. This would cause the other person to laugh...and once that vicious cycle got started, it took a while for it to stop.
Walking back with full stomaches and empty dishes, we were getting pretty warm. The day was toasty, but we found ourselves a remedy: running wildly through sprinklers. We had a very short, rather lame game of tag during which all but one of us got sopping wet. That made the walk home much more pleasant, but it didn't make the sidewalk any cooler. And the barefooted hobbits got some scorched feet. But we didn't care - we were having fun.
The viewing of The Two Towers commenced when we arrived back at the wonderfully air conditioned apartment. Sitting around in wet clothes is slightly uncomfortable... but LOTR is a fantastic distraction.
Because of the enormous amount of time it takes to watch the extended editions, we didn't take a break for dinner, but we managed to have a scrumptious one while viewing the movies. We did, however, take a break to eat cake and for Walnut to distribute presents (for anyone familiar with hobbit tradition, this makes sense). The sung happy birthday was in multiple keys, but it was very heartfelt and very appreciated by our resident hobbit.
We did finish watching the movies before midnight...by fifteen minutes. Our core group was still alive, talking, and deliciously content. We'd had way too much food, way too much television time, and just the right amount of comradely squashing on the couch. :D
Breakfast was served at 8:30 am. There were five people in the "core" group of the party. We had other visitors - some more long-term than others - but Raspberry, Banana, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Walnut were there to both start and end the day. Raspberry made the breadpudding which we feasted on for breakfast and we raided Banana's store of tea. After a very tasty breakfast, we hunkered down on the couch in the TV watching room to start our Middle Earth adventure. The Fellowship of the Ring was viewed with much commentary and laughter. The close quarters of a couch make for jovial times. :)
A picnic lunch was planned. We had a couple of false starts, but we did eventually get on our way.
We were certainly an interesting group. Walnut led the way across the field, bearing a backpack which contained the carrots, plates, forks, water bottles, and his birthday present. My sister and I were carrying the quiches, and Raspberry has Maxine in hand...her faithful but temperamental guitar. The Strawberry was laiden down with the potato chips. When we emerged from the brush on the far side of the field, we encountered a city worker. He must have thought that he had gotten stuck in a time warp back to the age of the hippies. I was wearing a long denim skirt and my long hair was blowing around. We were carrying a lot of food...and a guitar. I'm sure we made his afternoon. :)
The picnic was a success. We ate the wonderful food that was the handiwork of Banana and the cookies that I happened to be successful with. Afterwards, the guitar was handed off to the birthday boy and the girls laid down on their backs and sang. It was really quite pleasant. We were lying in a fashion that put one person's head on another person's stomach and so every time you laughed the person's head would bounce around. This would cause the other person to laugh...and once that vicious cycle got started, it took a while for it to stop.
Walking back with full stomaches and empty dishes, we were getting pretty warm. The day was toasty, but we found ourselves a remedy: running wildly through sprinklers. We had a very short, rather lame game of tag during which all but one of us got sopping wet. That made the walk home much more pleasant, but it didn't make the sidewalk any cooler. And the barefooted hobbits got some scorched feet. But we didn't care - we were having fun.
The viewing of The Two Towers commenced when we arrived back at the wonderfully air conditioned apartment. Sitting around in wet clothes is slightly uncomfortable... but LOTR is a fantastic distraction.
Because of the enormous amount of time it takes to watch the extended editions, we didn't take a break for dinner, but we managed to have a scrumptious one while viewing the movies. We did, however, take a break to eat cake and for Walnut to distribute presents (for anyone familiar with hobbit tradition, this makes sense). The sung happy birthday was in multiple keys, but it was very heartfelt and very appreciated by our resident hobbit.
We did finish watching the movies before midnight...by fifteen minutes. Our core group was still alive, talking, and deliciously content. We'd had way too much food, way too much television time, and just the right amount of comradely squashing on the couch. :D
07 June 2008
Graduation weekend
The past two days have been rather crazy. I'll give you a summary. Whether or not it will be brief, I don't know yet :)
Friday started out earlier than I anticipated. I was expecting to leave the house at approximately 11:15 to get to the Cunninghams' by 11:30. Instead, I had to leave the house at 10 (which I found out at 9) to get to the Cunninghams' and do a Holy Hour before we went to Mass. This wasn't a bad thing, but it deprived me of an hour or my morning. To any guys reading this, it may not seem important. But to girls, an hour is important. Not that I had anything special planned - I just didn't get all of my chores done when I had anticipated that I would.
For the Mass, "my" choir was supposed to sing the Latin Mass parts. However, my choir usurped me and decided to to the Our Father in English. Then Father usurped the whole choir and started saying both the Holy and the Lamb of God. So, things didn't go exactly as planned, but we got through it. As long as I don't dwell on the unmitigated disaster that the Our Father became, I will remember it as a very pleasant last Mass with Father.
After Mass and the party, we went to the Cunninghams' swim lesson. They aren't the traditional lessons that most people receive. They are "water safety" lesson. Basically, this way the kids can be reasonably safe in the water. They learn how to swim basically and float when they get tired and/or need air. The little ones are so cute!
Saturday was the big day. Ten o'clock Mass was supposed to be offered by our religion teacher mentioned above, but he wasn't able to make it. Thankfully, the abbey sent down a substitute priest who was very nice. For his homily he told stories of young people (young women, actually) who had changed the world because they had said "yes" to God. Very inspirational. After Mass was the presentation of diplomas, during which the parents got up and gave speeches about how wonderful their children are. I was really, really red when it was my turn. It was pretty embarrassing, but it only happens once . . . so I suppose I'll survive. :D
This afternoon we went to the Commissioning Ceremony for an Air Force staff sergeant who became a second lieutenant. There was lots of patriotism in the air and lots of men in uniform . . . big plus. haha, jk
On the way back, we kidnapped Andrea with her knowledge and consent, and went out to dinner at Outback. The food was excellent, the conversation was not stimulating, but it was entertaining, and the atmosphere was pleasant. It was nice that my sister was able to come for dinner at least. Her finals are next week, so she's been cramming, but she escaped the textbooks for a couple of hours and came with us.
Now I'm sitting in the computer. Writing this. And in about 10 seconds I'll be done. The End.
Friday started out earlier than I anticipated. I was expecting to leave the house at approximately 11:15 to get to the Cunninghams' by 11:30. Instead, I had to leave the house at 10 (which I found out at 9) to get to the Cunninghams' and do a Holy Hour before we went to Mass. This wasn't a bad thing, but it deprived me of an hour or my morning. To any guys reading this, it may not seem important. But to girls, an hour is important. Not that I had anything special planned - I just didn't get all of my chores done when I had anticipated that I would.
For the Mass, "my" choir was supposed to sing the Latin Mass parts. However, my choir usurped me and decided to to the Our Father in English. Then Father usurped the whole choir and started saying both the Holy and the Lamb of God. So, things didn't go exactly as planned, but we got through it. As long as I don't dwell on the unmitigated disaster that the Our Father became, I will remember it as a very pleasant last Mass with Father.
After Mass and the party, we went to the Cunninghams' swim lesson. They aren't the traditional lessons that most people receive. They are "water safety" lesson. Basically, this way the kids can be reasonably safe in the water. They learn how to swim basically and float when they get tired and/or need air. The little ones are so cute!
Saturday was the big day. Ten o'clock Mass was supposed to be offered by our religion teacher mentioned above, but he wasn't able to make it. Thankfully, the abbey sent down a substitute priest who was very nice. For his homily he told stories of young people (young women, actually) who had changed the world because they had said "yes" to God. Very inspirational. After Mass was the presentation of diplomas, during which the parents got up and gave speeches about how wonderful their children are. I was really, really red when it was my turn. It was pretty embarrassing, but it only happens once . . . so I suppose I'll survive. :D
This afternoon we went to the Commissioning Ceremony for an Air Force staff sergeant who became a second lieutenant. There was lots of patriotism in the air and lots of men in uniform . . . big plus. haha, jk
On the way back, we kidnapped Andrea with her knowledge and consent, and went out to dinner at Outback. The food was excellent, the conversation was not stimulating, but it was entertaining, and the atmosphere was pleasant. It was nice that my sister was able to come for dinner at least. Her finals are next week, so she's been cramming, but she escaped the textbooks for a couple of hours and came with us.
Now I'm sitting in the computer. Writing this. And in about 10 seconds I'll be done. The End.
29 May 2008
Birthday fun!
Yesterday was my birthday! I definitely don't feel my age. I always thought people who had lived this long would have acquired some great wisdom or knowledge. Maybe they do and I'm just exceptionally immature.
The day started out in the best way possible - Mass! We were going to leave right after and chill at home, but Deacon Bob had other plans. My brother, who is one of the senior altar servers at our parish, needed to be trained alongside the other senior altar server in how to use the incense. So, I had an "accidental" Holy Hour. But it was really, really nice. I mean, it is only fitting that I spend an hour with the person who caused and is causing me to be in existence. :)
At 11:30 we got home. Mom insisted that I open my presents. The one from my parents was awesome - "The Sound of Music" on dvd. You may find it funny that someone my age would get that movie for her birthday, but it is seriously one of my favorite movies of all time. It might even be my favorite movie of all time.
Mum took me out to lunch with my little brother. The place where we ate has awesome food, but what we did after was even better. Right next door to the restaurant is a grocery store that has intensely good frozen desserts. You just stick 'em out on the counter for a couple of hours to defrost and you have a masterpiece to eat. So we got one. Along with a week's worth of groceries.
The afternoon was filled with watching "The Sound of Music." Like I said before, I love that movie! At about five o'clock I started warming up for my voice lesson. I usually don't warm up for that long, but I had not had a lesson in such a long time, that I needed to get myself back in gear. My lesson went from six to almost seven (we ran quite a bit longer than normal) and from seven to eight-thirty we had choir practice. Now, some people think I'm insane to go to choir on my birthday, but I love all the people and I love to sing. The combination of the two made it the perfect way to spend the evening.
At about nine pm we did cake and ice cream. After that, most of the house went to bed. I normally go to sleep fairly early, but I figured that you only have one eighteenth birthday, so I was going to enjoy every minute of it. My brother volunteered to stay up with me until eleven - after that we had strict parental orders to go straight to bed.
It as a fantabulous day, and I had a blast. Oh, and I got flowers for the first time ever. Dad got me a dozen yellow roses! They're so pretty and sunshiny . . . if the day was a package, the flowers were the neat bow that tied it all up. :D
The day started out in the best way possible - Mass! We were going to leave right after and chill at home, but Deacon Bob had other plans. My brother, who is one of the senior altar servers at our parish, needed to be trained alongside the other senior altar server in how to use the incense. So, I had an "accidental" Holy Hour. But it was really, really nice. I mean, it is only fitting that I spend an hour with the person who caused and is causing me to be in existence. :)
At 11:30 we got home. Mom insisted that I open my presents. The one from my parents was awesome - "The Sound of Music" on dvd. You may find it funny that someone my age would get that movie for her birthday, but it is seriously one of my favorite movies of all time. It might even be my favorite movie of all time.
Mum took me out to lunch with my little brother. The place where we ate has awesome food, but what we did after was even better. Right next door to the restaurant is a grocery store that has intensely good frozen desserts. You just stick 'em out on the counter for a couple of hours to defrost and you have a masterpiece to eat. So we got one. Along with a week's worth of groceries.
The afternoon was filled with watching "The Sound of Music." Like I said before, I love that movie! At about five o'clock I started warming up for my voice lesson. I usually don't warm up for that long, but I had not had a lesson in such a long time, that I needed to get myself back in gear. My lesson went from six to almost seven (we ran quite a bit longer than normal) and from seven to eight-thirty we had choir practice. Now, some people think I'm insane to go to choir on my birthday, but I love all the people and I love to sing. The combination of the two made it the perfect way to spend the evening.
At about nine pm we did cake and ice cream. After that, most of the house went to bed. I normally go to sleep fairly early, but I figured that you only have one eighteenth birthday, so I was going to enjoy every minute of it. My brother volunteered to stay up with me until eleven - after that we had strict parental orders to go straight to bed.
It as a fantabulous day, and I had a blast. Oh, and I got flowers for the first time ever. Dad got me a dozen yellow roses! They're so pretty and sunshiny . . . if the day was a package, the flowers were the neat bow that tied it all up. :D
24 May 2008
"What, silent still? and silent all?"
"Ah, no - the voices of the dead/Sound like a distant torrent's fall."
Trouble was afoot in the Mesa last night. A rich man, by the name of Rupert Sheinhardt, was hosting a party to celebrate his many accomplishments and marvel at his good fortune. He is the wealthiest man to ever hail from, visit, or even look upon Muncie, Indiana. But, before he could make his appearance, he was murdered!
Since I was invited to this "Murder Mystery Dinner", I was able to take part in the fun and spectacle involved in solving this mystery. Everyone was given a character. Every character (besides the detective - he was there to moderate) had a grudge against Rupert. He had afflicted everyone in attendance by his greed and selfishness. His offense towards myself was that he was inheriting my aunt's estate. An estate that should legally have been MINE. I was a nasty, rich, aristocratic snob. I was terribly mean to everybody. . . for about thirty seconds at a time. I couldn't keep it up much longer than that. Everyone else was much better at staying in character. I guess it comes from attending a media school. . . you witness a lot of theatrics so you feel more comfortable with them. Whatever the reason, the other people were absolutely fantastic in their roles. My raspberry was a stupendous Texan. . . accent and all. My sister was the victim/host's sister, and was married to "the short one." I was unfailingly and consistently nasty to both my sister and her "honey-bunny". (Isn't it funny that it is easier to be mean to people that you know? You think it would be easier to insult people that you weren't friends with. Another phenomenon of the human psyche I suppose)
The evening was stupendously fun. I, being the snob, spent a lot of time with the jerk in the room. We got to insult each other all night. But, in the fun, we let the murderer win. Somehow, and this remains a mystery to me, I was the last one left with the murderer. I had the opportunity to kill him, but I killed the short one instead. Granted, the short one was acting suspiciously and, like Mofia, there isn't much real evidence to go off, but I still feel terrible! I could've killed the murderer! But I didn't! He got away with murdering 30 people! Horror of horrors!
But it was ETMF, and I'd do it again. I want to send out a big "thank-you" to "Effie" the maid, the mother of the host (whose character name I can't remember!), and the cowgirl who didn't officially have a character as far as I could tell.
Trouble was afoot in the Mesa last night. A rich man, by the name of Rupert Sheinhardt, was hosting a party to celebrate his many accomplishments and marvel at his good fortune. He is the wealthiest man to ever hail from, visit, or even look upon Muncie, Indiana. But, before he could make his appearance, he was murdered!
Since I was invited to this "Murder Mystery Dinner", I was able to take part in the fun and spectacle involved in solving this mystery. Everyone was given a character. Every character (besides the detective - he was there to moderate) had a grudge against Rupert. He had afflicted everyone in attendance by his greed and selfishness. His offense towards myself was that he was inheriting my aunt's estate. An estate that should legally have been MINE. I was a nasty, rich, aristocratic snob. I was terribly mean to everybody. . . for about thirty seconds at a time. I couldn't keep it up much longer than that. Everyone else was much better at staying in character. I guess it comes from attending a media school. . . you witness a lot of theatrics so you feel more comfortable with them. Whatever the reason, the other people were absolutely fantastic in their roles. My raspberry was a stupendous Texan. . . accent and all. My sister was the victim/host's sister, and was married to "the short one." I was unfailingly and consistently nasty to both my sister and her "honey-bunny". (Isn't it funny that it is easier to be mean to people that you know? You think it would be easier to insult people that you weren't friends with. Another phenomenon of the human psyche I suppose)
The evening was stupendously fun. I, being the snob, spent a lot of time with the jerk in the room. We got to insult each other all night. But, in the fun, we let the murderer win. Somehow, and this remains a mystery to me, I was the last one left with the murderer. I had the opportunity to kill him, but I killed the short one instead. Granted, the short one was acting suspiciously and, like Mofia, there isn't much real evidence to go off, but I still feel terrible! I could've killed the murderer! But I didn't! He got away with murdering 30 people! Horror of horrors!
But it was ETMF, and I'd do it again. I want to send out a big "thank-you" to "Effie" the maid, the mother of the host (whose character name I can't remember!), and the cowgirl who didn't officially have a character as far as I could tell.
20 May 2008
MK's Visit
We have had the privilege of having a very old family friend in town from Oklahoma for the past couple of weeks. Technically speaking, I haven't seen her except for the past few days, but she has been local rather than halfway across the country.
Yesterday involved surprising my sister with MK's appearance. My sister's roommate helped plan the whole thing. JP has a strict visitor policy which involves paperwork. Generally this is done by the individual hosting the guest, but since we wanted to surprise the host, we were allowed to have the paperwork done by her roomie. Mrs. C was kind enough to drive MK and I over to my sister's apartment before she came home from class. When we spied the truck pulling into the garage, I hid in the closet (to keep her from getting suspicious) and MK hid behind the bedroom door. She placed her purse on the desk as a means of diverting attention.When Andrea walked in, she tiptoed up behind her and placed her hands over Andrea's eyes and said, "guess who?" Surprisingly, Andrea guessed on the first try! The general happenings of hugging and exclaiming and wondering followed.
After MK spent the night at the apartments, we picked her up after she had sat through half of one of Andrea's classes. We then took her over to a fish taco place where another friend met us and we enjoyed a nice lunch together. MK and 3/5 of my family went over to the Museum of Art downtown and we enjoyed the Renaissance/Baroque era art work which was mostly religious in nature. This was more enjoyable than the Museum of Man which I found to be a bit disturbing. Rather strange.
We just dropped her off at her aunt and uncle's house. Tomorrow she starts on her way to the launch pad of the "Crossroads" which is a pro-life event in which young adults walk across the country. We've enjoyed having her...I don't know exactly when I will see her again. But, I am sure that there will be ETMF going on the next time I do. :-)
Yesterday involved surprising my sister with MK's appearance. My sister's roommate helped plan the whole thing. JP has a strict visitor policy which involves paperwork. Generally this is done by the individual hosting the guest, but since we wanted to surprise the host, we were allowed to have the paperwork done by her roomie. Mrs. C was kind enough to drive MK and I over to my sister's apartment before she came home from class. When we spied the truck pulling into the garage, I hid in the closet (to keep her from getting suspicious) and MK hid behind the bedroom door. She placed her purse on the desk as a means of diverting attention.When Andrea walked in, she tiptoed up behind her and placed her hands over Andrea's eyes and said, "guess who?" Surprisingly, Andrea guessed on the first try! The general happenings of hugging and exclaiming and wondering followed.
After MK spent the night at the apartments, we picked her up after she had sat through half of one of Andrea's classes. We then took her over to a fish taco place where another friend met us and we enjoyed a nice lunch together. MK and 3/5 of my family went over to the Museum of Art downtown and we enjoyed the Renaissance/Baroque era art work which was mostly religious in nature. This was more enjoyable than the Museum of Man which I found to be a bit disturbing. Rather strange.
We just dropped her off at her aunt and uncle's house. Tomorrow she starts on her way to the launch pad of the "Crossroads" which is a pro-life event in which young adults walk across the country. We've enjoyed having her...I don't know exactly when I will see her again. But, I am sure that there will be ETMF going on the next time I do. :-)
11 May 2008
"Not the Mississippi River"
The above words were part of Cardinal Pell's description of TAC's Class of 2008. But, at the same time, he said, they were like the water in the ponds on the lower part of campus -- pure and clear.
I am now officially an incoming freshman. TAC's finals finished on Friday, so all of the freshmen are now sophomores and the seniors are the graduates. August seems so far away, but so close at the same time. I'm excited, nervous, happy, and scared all at the same time. It is amazing the wide variety of emotions one can experience at once without exploding. :)
Another favorite quote from Cardinal Pell's Commencement address: "The young people are meant to bring fire to the Church; we elders are here to ensure that they don't burn it down."
It was an awesome two days spent with friends who live halfway across the country, as well as friends who live close by. There was laughter in abundance and enough food to keep even the boys full. A recipe for success, is it not? And all the while we were surrounded by scenes of the following nature:
I am now officially an incoming freshman. TAC's finals finished on Friday, so all of the freshmen are now sophomores and the seniors are the graduates. August seems so far away, but so close at the same time. I'm excited, nervous, happy, and scared all at the same time. It is amazing the wide variety of emotions one can experience at once without exploding. :)
Another favorite quote from Cardinal Pell's Commencement address: "The young people are meant to bring fire to the Church; we elders are here to ensure that they don't burn it down."
It was an awesome two days spent with friends who live halfway across the country, as well as friends who live close by. There was laughter in abundance and enough food to keep even the boys full. A recipe for success, is it not? And all the while we were surrounded by scenes of the following nature:
04 May 2008
Crazy Weekend!
But good, all the same.
Saturday was Becca's Confirmation. It took place at the 5:00 Mass but all of the candidates and sponsors had to be there at 3:30. It ended up being a ridiculously long wait, but it gave me a good opportunity to talk to a CAP cadet who is in my brother's squadron. He was also getting confirmed that day. I'm easy for cadets to talk to as I know all of the lingo used in CAP. He could complain about the incompetency of A1Cs and I knew exactly what he was talking about. The concept of "flight sergeant" was one that was known to me, so he didn't have to give me a translation. We spent a solid 30 minutes talking about CAP, which was fun for me. Otherwise, in all honesty, I would have been bored silly.
The head bishop of our diocese offered the Mass for us. He is a very nice, very conservative bishop. He does, however, have a bit of a "canned" homily that he gives at Confirmations. Since I have been to several, what he says has become very familiar. Not that that is a bad thing. With a brain like mine, it is nice to hear things repeatedly. Helps it stick.
Today was a First Communion for a little boy whose baptism I actually remember! There are finally kids who are at that age. I was old enough at the baptism to actually remember the First Communion now. There have been quite a few where that was not the case. The family hosted a very nice party afterwards. There were a lot of people there, but it actually wasn't that chaotic. They have a nice backyard with lots of room to roam, so the kiddies could spread out. Besides, outside noise is always less aggravating than inside noise. Myself and two other girls amused ourselves by giving each other new names. But not just any names -- boy names. It is kind of a long story, but suffice it to say that my new name is Balthazar Aaron. And I am a lilac. It is amazing what a little sugar can do to a few teenage brains.
It was a tiring weekend, but it was nice. I didn't get any pictures...I was too lazy, I suppose. And even if I don't remember any particulars, I'll remember that it was an overall pleasant weekend. :)
Saturday was Becca's Confirmation. It took place at the 5:00 Mass but all of the candidates and sponsors had to be there at 3:30. It ended up being a ridiculously long wait, but it gave me a good opportunity to talk to a CAP cadet who is in my brother's squadron. He was also getting confirmed that day. I'm easy for cadets to talk to as I know all of the lingo used in CAP. He could complain about the incompetency of A1Cs and I knew exactly what he was talking about. The concept of "flight sergeant" was one that was known to me, so he didn't have to give me a translation. We spent a solid 30 minutes talking about CAP, which was fun for me. Otherwise, in all honesty, I would have been bored silly.
The head bishop of our diocese offered the Mass for us. He is a very nice, very conservative bishop. He does, however, have a bit of a "canned" homily that he gives at Confirmations. Since I have been to several, what he says has become very familiar. Not that that is a bad thing. With a brain like mine, it is nice to hear things repeatedly. Helps it stick.
Today was a First Communion for a little boy whose baptism I actually remember! There are finally kids who are at that age. I was old enough at the baptism to actually remember the First Communion now. There have been quite a few where that was not the case. The family hosted a very nice party afterwards. There were a lot of people there, but it actually wasn't that chaotic. They have a nice backyard with lots of room to roam, so the kiddies could spread out. Besides, outside noise is always less aggravating than inside noise. Myself and two other girls amused ourselves by giving each other new names. But not just any names -- boy names. It is kind of a long story, but suffice it to say that my new name is Balthazar Aaron. And I am a lilac. It is amazing what a little sugar can do to a few teenage brains.
It was a tiring weekend, but it was nice. I didn't get any pictures...I was too lazy, I suppose. And even if I don't remember any particulars, I'll remember that it was an overall pleasant weekend. :)
03 May 2008
Earnestly Retreating
I'm calling it a mini-retreat. Technically, it was an "Evening of Reflection." For Becca's Confirmation.
We arrived at the Church a little after 4:30 pm. The evening was supposed to begin at five with Adoration and Benediction with Mass following at 5:30. But since they have Perpetual Adoration at this particular church on Fridays, we got almost a whole hour in with the King of Kings.
Mass was wonderful...as usual. It was my second Mass of the day, which I tend to enjoy especially. It really gives the readings an opportunity to sink in and take hold of your soul. The priest also gave an excellent homily.
After Mass we went "downstairs" to a room filled with chairs and, soon enough, young people. Being the typical youth group type event that it was, there were some interesting antics going on during the talks and activities. The part that moved them the most? The food. It got them excited and out of their seats quicker than anything :D
The rehearsal was...interesting. Teenagers don't seem to be able to follow directions effectively. Thus, we practiced and practiced and practiced. There will probably be some catastrophe today with the actual Confirmation, but newly filled with the Holy Spirit, the confirmandee can't stray too far.
Then the most awkward moment of the day came at the end. We did affirmation prayer for all of the candidates. They knelt on the step below the sanctuary and all of the sponsors and adults went around and laid hands upon their shoulders. We were supposed to pray for the person either quietly or in our heads and we went all the way around. So every sponsor laid hands on ever candidate. It took a long time, and the candidates were kneeling on the cold, hard, unforgiving stone step. It was also more than a little awkward for my part -- I only knew 3 of the people there (two of them very vaguely) and all of the other guys and girls were total strangers. The guys presented more of a problem. There was a whole section of them who wouldn't stop snickering. Made it more uncomfortable than the touching strange guys issue did. Nice concept, but very, very awkward.
This evening is the Confirmation. Please pray for the candidates as they receive the Holy Spirit and start their journey as soldiers of Christ.
We arrived at the Church a little after 4:30 pm. The evening was supposed to begin at five with Adoration and Benediction with Mass following at 5:30. But since they have Perpetual Adoration at this particular church on Fridays, we got almost a whole hour in with the King of Kings.
Mass was wonderful...as usual. It was my second Mass of the day, which I tend to enjoy especially. It really gives the readings an opportunity to sink in and take hold of your soul. The priest also gave an excellent homily.
After Mass we went "downstairs" to a room filled with chairs and, soon enough, young people. Being the typical youth group type event that it was, there were some interesting antics going on during the talks and activities. The part that moved them the most? The food. It got them excited and out of their seats quicker than anything :D
The rehearsal was...interesting. Teenagers don't seem to be able to follow directions effectively. Thus, we practiced and practiced and practiced. There will probably be some catastrophe today with the actual Confirmation, but newly filled with the Holy Spirit, the confirmandee can't stray too far.
Then the most awkward moment of the day came at the end. We did affirmation prayer for all of the candidates. They knelt on the step below the sanctuary and all of the sponsors and adults went around and laid hands upon their shoulders. We were supposed to pray for the person either quietly or in our heads and we went all the way around. So every sponsor laid hands on ever candidate. It took a long time, and the candidates were kneeling on the cold, hard, unforgiving stone step. It was also more than a little awkward for my part -- I only knew 3 of the people there (two of them very vaguely) and all of the other guys and girls were total strangers. The guys presented more of a problem. There was a whole section of them who wouldn't stop snickering. Made it more uncomfortable than the touching strange guys issue did. Nice concept, but very, very awkward.
This evening is the Confirmation. Please pray for the candidates as they receive the Holy Spirit and start their journey as soldiers of Christ.
28 April 2008
Movie Mania
Over the past two days...maybe three, I can't remember exactly...I have been privileged enough to have seen two VERY good, distinct, and thought-provoking movies.
The first one was "The Star of Bethlehem." Its existence was brought to my attention a number of months ago when Steve McEveety appeared on "Life on the Rock", a program which airs Thursdays on EWTN. He was there promoting various things, one of which was this movie. He was the executive producer of the project and was (or, at least, pretended to be) very enthusiastic about it. It fell into my hands, as it were, because a family friend who I was babysitting for offered to lend it to us. (btw, it has been the past two days. we got the movie on Sat., 'cause that is when I was babysitting and we watched it the next day) We, as a family watched it, and it absolutely blew me away. Of course, maybe some of the theories are slightly far fetched, but overall it gave me goosebumps. It was AMAZING. You all need to see it!
The second one, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed", was equally though provoking but in a very different way. The first movie was questioning between degrees of faith. This one was between faith or none at all. Intelligent Design of the universe was the specific issue. Ben Stein hosted and he did a very good and thorough job of it. I would recommend it to everyone. Well, maybe not everyone. The attitudes of some of the evolutionist professors were quite chilling and could be disturbing to younger people. Some of the images used to illustrate points were also beyond what you would want younger audiences to be viewing. But EVERYONE else needs to see this. Amazing stuff.
Go see them. NOW!
The first one was "The Star of Bethlehem." Its existence was brought to my attention a number of months ago when Steve McEveety appeared on "Life on the Rock", a program which airs Thursdays on EWTN. He was there promoting various things, one of which was this movie. He was the executive producer of the project and was (or, at least, pretended to be) very enthusiastic about it. It fell into my hands, as it were, because a family friend who I was babysitting for offered to lend it to us. (btw, it has been the past two days. we got the movie on Sat., 'cause that is when I was babysitting and we watched it the next day) We, as a family watched it, and it absolutely blew me away. Of course, maybe some of the theories are slightly far fetched, but overall it gave me goosebumps. It was AMAZING. You all need to see it!
The second one, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed", was equally though provoking but in a very different way. The first movie was questioning between degrees of faith. This one was between faith or none at all. Intelligent Design of the universe was the specific issue. Ben Stein hosted and he did a very good and thorough job of it. I would recommend it to everyone. Well, maybe not everyone. The attitudes of some of the evolutionist professors were quite chilling and could be disturbing to younger people. Some of the images used to illustrate points were also beyond what you would want younger audiences to be viewing. But EVERYONE else needs to see this. Amazing stuff.
Go see them. NOW!
27 April 2008
Berry Much Fun
Friday night was awesome! I went to a swing dance with my pelicans!!! I loooooove swing dancing...although you might say it is one of those things that I do with more enthusiasm than grace.
It began at 7:26. Well, it was supposed to. But since there were only a handful of people there, things didn't really get going until more like 8:00. But it was awesome when it did. As the most enthusiastic of the bunch, I got elected to teach several people how to dance. Thankfully, they were all very adept pupils. I just got them going, and they ran with it. Technically speaking, I suppose, they danced with it...
At 10:00 the power went out. That killed the music. But not the party. College age kids will always find something exciting and/or dangerous to do when they get together. The boys began exercising their physical prowess by jumping over things such as chairs, each other, and some of the girls. It provided several laughs and multiple photo ops. And the fun didn't end until about 11:30.
Here are some pictures. I didn't take very many -- I was too busy showing people how to mop the floor and beat eggs. :D
It began at 7:26. Well, it was supposed to. But since there were only a handful of people there, things didn't really get going until more like 8:00. But it was awesome when it did. As the most enthusiastic of the bunch, I got elected to teach several people how to dance. Thankfully, they were all very adept pupils. I just got them going, and they ran with it. Technically speaking, I suppose, they danced with it...
At 10:00 the power went out. That killed the music. But not the party. College age kids will always find something exciting and/or dangerous to do when they get together. The boys began exercising their physical prowess by jumping over things such as chairs, each other, and some of the girls. It provided several laughs and multiple photo ops. And the fun didn't end until about 11:30.
Here are some pictures. I didn't take very many -- I was too busy showing people how to mop the floor and beat eggs. :D
20 April 2008
MY BABIES!!!
Here are some pictures of my kiddos on their biggest day yet -- BAPTISM DAY!!! I love them so incredibly much, it's ridiculous. YAY!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D
18 April 2008
Girls!
Exasperation was running high this afternoon. Girls can be so...so....exasperating!!!
I'm trying to teach "my girls" aka "my choir" the Latin Mass parts. One of the girls wouldn't sing, the other one wasn't paying attention to my directions, and the last one knew them better than I did! Don't get me wrong, the last one wasn't as exasperating as the first two. It was the contrast that was driving me nuts!
I tried to very patiently explain that in order for the congregation to follow along, the choir had to be solid. But they were convinced that they could "wing it" to a satisfactory degree. But for me, little perfectionist over here, they have to KNOW it. Not wing it.
So, I have to painstakingly maintain their attention again next week.
I'm trying to teach "my girls" aka "my choir" the Latin Mass parts. One of the girls wouldn't sing, the other one wasn't paying attention to my directions, and the last one knew them better than I did! Don't get me wrong, the last one wasn't as exasperating as the first two. It was the contrast that was driving me nuts!
I tried to very patiently explain that in order for the congregation to follow along, the choir had to be solid. But they were convinced that they could "wing it" to a satisfactory degree. But for me, little perfectionist over here, they have to KNOW it. Not wing it.
So, I have to painstakingly maintain their attention again next week.
17 April 2008
Gather round, kids
Time for a funny story.
A member of our choir had knee surgery earlier this week. Her life is a very sad story, but for the purposes of this post, suffice it to say that she has no family around to help her. She is staying at a friend's house. But the friend is out of town. So, she's 65 years old, all by herself, and recovering from a torn meniscus. Mum, a veteran of knee surgery, brought her supper today. But not before she had a very peculiar adventure.
Mrs. B is a good friend of ours and the injured lady's. She gave Mum directions to the house. They were, "Turn left onto the street that you turn on to get to my house, but she is in the second house on the right. There is a big, white car in the driveway."
So, Mum did just that. She turned left and looked at the second house on the right. It existed, but there was no car. She looked at the second house on the left. It also existed. And it had a car in the driveway. A gold one. Then she began to worry that maybe she had misunderstood Mrs. B. Maybe it was the house on the left. Then she got scared. She couldn't remember for sure what Mrs. B had said! While kicking herself for not writing it down, she proceeded to the left side of the street.
Mrs. B had told Mum that the lady would be leaving the front door unlocked for her. That way she wouldn't have to get up and hobble over to let her in. Mum, even with her uncertainty, didn't want to run the risk of making the invalid walk. So she opened the door cautiously and tip-toed in. She called out, "Ruth?" No answer, but she saw a young girl at the other end of the house. This couldn't possibly be it. She ran back out, shut the door, and then knocked on it. The little girl came to the door. She was about 10 years old and while she didn't know anyone named Ruth, she was kind enough to fetch her mom. My mum, in her extreme embarrassment, explained to that mom that she was looking for an old lady named Ruth who had just had knee surgery. She was trying to bring her supper, she told the stranger. The lady was very sympathetic and said that it probably was the house without the car. Mum thanked her and got away as fast as she possibly could. Then she got back in the car and did a couple laps around the block.
For anyone who knows my mom, you can probably picture fairly well the state she was in. A bit of panic would have set in by now and that makes her (like most people) less rational. She turned onto another street. There, on that street, there existed a second house on the right with a white car in the driveway. Could it be possible that Mrs. B had gotten the streets mixed up? Not likely. She lived in the neighborhood and had been to the elusive house just that morning. Thankfully, Mum didn't adventure into that house, but she went back to the original street and bravely approached the second house on the right. The one with no car in front. Not wanting to risk another indelicate entrance, she tapped on the door before she opened it and peeked in. To her utter relief, she heard Ruth's greeting. Whew! She got her dinner delivered and was back, safe, in the car headed home.
And then Mum, because she is my mum, started wondering, "Maybe there was a car in the driveway and I was just hallucinating."
hehehehe
Poor Mum.
A member of our choir had knee surgery earlier this week. Her life is a very sad story, but for the purposes of this post, suffice it to say that she has no family around to help her. She is staying at a friend's house. But the friend is out of town. So, she's 65 years old, all by herself, and recovering from a torn meniscus. Mum, a veteran of knee surgery, brought her supper today. But not before she had a very peculiar adventure.
Mrs. B is a good friend of ours and the injured lady's. She gave Mum directions to the house. They were, "Turn left onto the street that you turn on to get to my house, but she is in the second house on the right. There is a big, white car in the driveway."
So, Mum did just that. She turned left and looked at the second house on the right. It existed, but there was no car. She looked at the second house on the left. It also existed. And it had a car in the driveway. A gold one. Then she began to worry that maybe she had misunderstood Mrs. B. Maybe it was the house on the left. Then she got scared. She couldn't remember for sure what Mrs. B had said! While kicking herself for not writing it down, she proceeded to the left side of the street.
Mrs. B had told Mum that the lady would be leaving the front door unlocked for her. That way she wouldn't have to get up and hobble over to let her in. Mum, even with her uncertainty, didn't want to run the risk of making the invalid walk. So she opened the door cautiously and tip-toed in. She called out, "Ruth?" No answer, but she saw a young girl at the other end of the house. This couldn't possibly be it. She ran back out, shut the door, and then knocked on it. The little girl came to the door. She was about 10 years old and while she didn't know anyone named Ruth, she was kind enough to fetch her mom. My mum, in her extreme embarrassment, explained to that mom that she was looking for an old lady named Ruth who had just had knee surgery. She was trying to bring her supper, she told the stranger. The lady was very sympathetic and said that it probably was the house without the car. Mum thanked her and got away as fast as she possibly could. Then she got back in the car and did a couple laps around the block.
For anyone who knows my mom, you can probably picture fairly well the state she was in. A bit of panic would have set in by now and that makes her (like most people) less rational. She turned onto another street. There, on that street, there existed a second house on the right with a white car in the driveway. Could it be possible that Mrs. B had gotten the streets mixed up? Not likely. She lived in the neighborhood and had been to the elusive house just that morning. Thankfully, Mum didn't adventure into that house, but she went back to the original street and bravely approached the second house on the right. The one with no car in front. Not wanting to risk another indelicate entrance, she tapped on the door before she opened it and peeked in. To her utter relief, she heard Ruth's greeting. Whew! She got her dinner delivered and was back, safe, in the car headed home.
And then Mum, because she is my mum, started wondering, "Maybe there was a car in the driveway and I was just hallucinating."
hehehehe
Poor Mum.
15 April 2008
Goodness Gracious Me!
My twins are growing up SOOOOOO fast!!! Well, technically not my twins, but that doesn't change the fact that my favorite pair of twins is getting so big so fast!
I haven't seen them in almost a month, and a month can do so much in the world of babies. They're twelve weeks old now and oh so big!!! George Nicholas weighs 12 pounds now and Coral weighs 9 pounds 15.4 ounces. With a bit of assistance they can sit up fairly well, both of them look around and actually focus on things across the room, and they can SMILE!!! And giggle, too!!! Can you tell I'm excited??? I got to spend four hours making babies LAUGH!!! Oh, the joy and felicity baby giggles bring me!!! I am so happy and lucky and I feel I can face anything at the moment!!!
I suppose I shall come crashing down to reality soon enough, but I think the present high will at least carry me to Sunday which is their baptism!!! I'll post pictures when I have them!!! AAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!! I'm so HAPPY :D :D :D :D
I haven't seen them in almost a month, and a month can do so much in the world of babies. They're twelve weeks old now and oh so big!!! George Nicholas weighs 12 pounds now and Coral weighs 9 pounds 15.4 ounces. With a bit of assistance they can sit up fairly well, both of them look around and actually focus on things across the room, and they can SMILE!!! And giggle, too!!! Can you tell I'm excited??? I got to spend four hours making babies LAUGH!!! Oh, the joy and felicity baby giggles bring me!!! I am so happy and lucky and I feel I can face anything at the moment!!!
I suppose I shall come crashing down to reality soon enough, but I think the present high will at least carry me to Sunday which is their baptism!!! I'll post pictures when I have them!!! AAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!! I'm so HAPPY :D :D :D :D
13 April 2008
The Mount of Iron
We conquered! A large hill, which the locals call a mountain, was taken by force by Scott's CAP squadron yesterday. I went along, too.
We were all supposed to report at 0800 hours. Most of the cadets did. Some of them didn't. Between all of the incomplete CAPF-31s (fancy name for a permission slip) and people forgetting water, etc, we didn't actually start hiking until almost 0900 hours. That wouldn't have been as much of a problem, except for the fact that it got to be just about 100 degrees yesterday. Every minute that we "hurried up and waited" was another minute to be in ever increasing heat.
But start we did. And in one hour and thirty minutes we completed climbing the 2.8 mile trail. The view from the top was fantastic. A strange weather phenomena called Santa Ana winds was causing the extreme heat, but it also gave us a breeze that wasn't altogether unpleasant and it pushed all of the smog out over the ocean. We could see all the way to the coast (which, I'm guessing here, was about twenty miles) along with quite a bit of the ocean itself. We all perched up on the rocks for a while and I had a discussion with one of the cadets. He was saying that even though it was hot, it was nice to have the Santa Ana winds blowing for the sake of the breeze. I was convinced that if the Santa Ana winds had not been blowing at all, that it wouldn't be as hot. Period. The temperature is supposed to drop approximately 20 degrees in a few days when the flow shifts. He wasn't convinced. So he and I continued to argue about it. One of his friends was sitting next to him, silently laughing his head off.
The descent was very pleasant. It is always easier to go downhill than uphill. And I was able to listen to a fascinating discussion about giving blood and fake blood and lots topics pertaining to blood. My dad and a couple of the cadet sponsors were having this discussion. Very fascinating. But slightly gross.
And, after 3 hours on the "mountain" we got back down. I, personally, was very tired. I got in a fight with a rock and lost, acquired two new blisters, and became caked in dust due to the extreme wind. But it was worth it.
We were all supposed to report at 0800 hours. Most of the cadets did. Some of them didn't. Between all of the incomplete CAPF-31s (fancy name for a permission slip) and people forgetting water, etc, we didn't actually start hiking until almost 0900 hours. That wouldn't have been as much of a problem, except for the fact that it got to be just about 100 degrees yesterday. Every minute that we "hurried up and waited" was another minute to be in ever increasing heat.
But start we did. And in one hour and thirty minutes we completed climbing the 2.8 mile trail. The view from the top was fantastic. A strange weather phenomena called Santa Ana winds was causing the extreme heat, but it also gave us a breeze that wasn't altogether unpleasant and it pushed all of the smog out over the ocean. We could see all the way to the coast (which, I'm guessing here, was about twenty miles) along with quite a bit of the ocean itself. We all perched up on the rocks for a while and I had a discussion with one of the cadets. He was saying that even though it was hot, it was nice to have the Santa Ana winds blowing for the sake of the breeze. I was convinced that if the Santa Ana winds had not been blowing at all, that it wouldn't be as hot. Period. The temperature is supposed to drop approximately 20 degrees in a few days when the flow shifts. He wasn't convinced. So he and I continued to argue about it. One of his friends was sitting next to him, silently laughing his head off.
The descent was very pleasant. It is always easier to go downhill than uphill. And I was able to listen to a fascinating discussion about giving blood and fake blood and lots topics pertaining to blood. My dad and a couple of the cadet sponsors were having this discussion. Very fascinating. But slightly gross.
And, after 3 hours on the "mountain" we got back down. I, personally, was very tired. I got in a fight with a rock and lost, acquired two new blisters, and became caked in dust due to the extreme wind. But it was worth it.
09 April 2008
Poor Kid
Every morning at daily Mass, a little girl of approximately eleven years sings an entrance, Communion, and recessional hymn. She does pretty well; her pitch is great and her timing is good. For an eleven year old, she's phenomenal!
This morning, while singing "Though the Mountains May Fall" (or whatever it's called) she got a terrible case of the hiccups. At totally random intervals, she would hiccup really loudly. She had courage and tenacity though -- she got through the whole thing without completely busting up laughing. It had to have been dreadfully embarrassing...I don't think I could've gotten through it. Like I said, she's a brave little kid.
I had to hide my face behind my book to keep her from seeing how hard I was laughing. It was AWESOMELY funny.
Poor kid.
This morning, while singing "Though the Mountains May Fall" (or whatever it's called) she got a terrible case of the hiccups. At totally random intervals, she would hiccup really loudly. She had courage and tenacity though -- she got through the whole thing without completely busting up laughing. It had to have been dreadfully embarrassing...I don't think I could've gotten through it. Like I said, she's a brave little kid.
I had to hide my face behind my book to keep her from seeing how hard I was laughing. It was AWESOMELY funny.
Poor kid.
06 April 2008
Praised from the outside, discontent on the inside
The above phrase describes my present state. I'll explain why.
I love to sing. I've always loved to sing. My beloved siblings have always "disliked with a fiery passion" my singing. Not my actual singing, but I do it all of the time and everywhere I go. Sometimes (and quite understandably) they would like to experience something called peace and quiet. Then my sister got a roommate who sings almost as much as I do, just not quite so loudly. Poor her. But Andrea's roommate isn't the cause of my discomfiture. My own singing is. Specifically, my singing at Mass this morning. This is going to take a bit of explaining, so please be patient.
Our choir director is also my voice teacher. He is very nice and very good, but part of his technique of making me a better "performer" (if that's the right word for singing at Mass. If it isn't, please excuse me) is to throw surprises at me. Like this morning. I had been told on Wednesday that I would be singing a verse solo at Mass. It is a song that I know like the back of my hand...I've been singing it at every lesson for the past couple of months. This didn't bother me too much. It would be over in thirty seconds, so I wasn't anticipating being very nervous. Then Adam leaned over and said, "I want you to stay here while the rest of the choir goes to Communion and start the song." I said, "Ok." I thought, "Grrreeeaaat" (intense sarcastic intonation). So, I'm standing in our "choir corner" as it is affectionately known, all by myself with a big ol' mic in my face. Then three things happened that caused me to freak out. 1) I was standing really far away from Adam. My comfort zone is standing right next to the piano, almost behind Adam's left shoulder. I was about ten feet away from him, with him almost behind me. 2) He played it A LOT slower than we had practiced it. This may appear a trifle, but it really isn't. When you sing, you need energy. It is very easy to get the required energy when singing a fast and/or upbeat song. When singing a very slow, quiet song, you have to artificially come up with that energy, which is a skill I haven't mastered yet. Most people never do master it -- it's one of the things that distinguishes between good and great singers. 3) Right as I started singing the first refrain, all by myself, far away from Adam, really slowly, one of the guys threw me a look. It is hard to describe looks with words, but it was basically a "Why are you singing?" look and for a split second, it totally threw me. The second half of that seemingly infinite second contained a realization on my part that I was supposed to be singing...Adam wanted me to. I managed to get through it, following a really shaky first four measures. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't what I normally am capable of.
Now, internally, I was rather disappointed with myself. I knew the song, I normally don't get that nervous, and, from my perspective, I totally fell apart. I said something after Mass about how I totally slaughtered my part of the Communion song. Everyone else disagreed with me. They thought it was lovely, beautiful, awesome, etc. But it is still "rankling in my soul" to steal a phrase. And I shouldn't let it bother me as much as it is. But it does. It really, really does.
I love to sing. I've always loved to sing. My beloved siblings have always "disliked with a fiery passion" my singing. Not my actual singing, but I do it all of the time and everywhere I go. Sometimes (and quite understandably) they would like to experience something called peace and quiet. Then my sister got a roommate who sings almost as much as I do, just not quite so loudly. Poor her. But Andrea's roommate isn't the cause of my discomfiture. My own singing is. Specifically, my singing at Mass this morning. This is going to take a bit of explaining, so please be patient.
Our choir director is also my voice teacher. He is very nice and very good, but part of his technique of making me a better "performer" (if that's the right word for singing at Mass. If it isn't, please excuse me) is to throw surprises at me. Like this morning. I had been told on Wednesday that I would be singing a verse solo at Mass. It is a song that I know like the back of my hand...I've been singing it at every lesson for the past couple of months. This didn't bother me too much. It would be over in thirty seconds, so I wasn't anticipating being very nervous. Then Adam leaned over and said, "I want you to stay here while the rest of the choir goes to Communion and start the song." I said, "Ok." I thought, "Grrreeeaaat" (intense sarcastic intonation). So, I'm standing in our "choir corner" as it is affectionately known, all by myself with a big ol' mic in my face. Then three things happened that caused me to freak out. 1) I was standing really far away from Adam. My comfort zone is standing right next to the piano, almost behind Adam's left shoulder. I was about ten feet away from him, with him almost behind me. 2) He played it A LOT slower than we had practiced it. This may appear a trifle, but it really isn't. When you sing, you need energy. It is very easy to get the required energy when singing a fast and/or upbeat song. When singing a very slow, quiet song, you have to artificially come up with that energy, which is a skill I haven't mastered yet. Most people never do master it -- it's one of the things that distinguishes between good and great singers. 3) Right as I started singing the first refrain, all by myself, far away from Adam, really slowly, one of the guys threw me a look. It is hard to describe looks with words, but it was basically a "Why are you singing?" look and for a split second, it totally threw me. The second half of that seemingly infinite second contained a realization on my part that I was supposed to be singing...Adam wanted me to. I managed to get through it, following a really shaky first four measures. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't what I normally am capable of.
Now, internally, I was rather disappointed with myself. I knew the song, I normally don't get that nervous, and, from my perspective, I totally fell apart. I said something after Mass about how I totally slaughtered my part of the Communion song. Everyone else disagreed with me. They thought it was lovely, beautiful, awesome, etc. But it is still "rankling in my soul" to steal a phrase. And I shouldn't let it bother me as much as it is. But it does. It really, really does.
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