just a note...

I really do not enjoy when people are singing Christmas carols in the middle of Lent.  Just thought I'd share.

Spring Cleaning

It must be something about spring having started, but I have had an intense desire to do housework for the past 2 days.  I have been doing laundry,which, as many people know, is one of my least favorite things to do--I'd rather clean  toilets.  I have been ironing so I don't need to worry about it in the morning during the week.  I have also been cleaning my room, which at the moment looks like a bomb went off in it.  What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

A life lived to the fullest.

My 99 year old neighbor Jim passed away today.  If you were to imagine a 99 year old man, you might think of someone who uses a cane or a wheelchair, perhaps someone with  a failing memory, or even some one who is bedridden.  Up until this past month none of these depictions would come close to describing Jim.  At 99, Jim still went dancing with his eighty-something girlfriend, went for a run most days, and in the summer he would swim a mile on every day that the weather allowed it.  Jim never got old; he just got older.  

Jim was one of a kind. When he was 93 yearsold, we were both at a benefit for a mutual friend who was battling cancer.  Jim asked me to dance.  At the time I was attending ballet classes and rehearsals for hours each day--I was unquestionably in shape.  Jim, however, managed to wind me.  He was an amazing ballroom partner and at 93 had far more stamina than I did as at 17.

Jim brought joy to all who knew him, and showed us all how to get older with out ever getting old.  Please as you say your prayers tonight, remember Jim.  

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei . Requiescat in pace. Amen.

Something to be thankful for...

I got a new prescription for my glasses today. As my lovely astigmatized near-sighted eyes have needed a new prescription for about a year, this is cause for rejoicing for me. My glasses prescription will not be filled until next week, but I also got contact lenses today and despite all the eye poking, I am very glad to have some sort of lenses that match my needs (even if they don't correct my astigmatism). Deo gratia for the ability to see once more.

Just in case you needed a laugh....

Reasons my students think I am ancient...

...I remember when computers were not common place in households.

...I have actually used an abacus before

...I remember when the Austin Powers movies came out in theaters 

...I can remember 9/11/01

...I remember watching Bill Clinton's 1st inauguration

...I went to high school with other teachers that they think are ancient

...I say things like "thems the berries" 

Joy in the little things...

3 little things that made my day just a little bit better today:

--Helping a little girl find her mother after Mass.  Really, it was the huge smile on both faces when they were reunited.

--The new altar boy at church whose feet don't touch the ground when he sits in his chair.

-- Hot chocolate after a trip to the grocery store.

Food for thought.

Please take the time to watch this incredibly well-spoken 12 year old.  Even if you do not agree with her, she is guaranteed to make you think.  Thanks to Andie for sharing this video.

Progress

So I am learning to crochet.  My tension is awful, but I am starting to get the hang of it and not going so cross-eyed.  I do still prefer knitting, but that is probably because I am better at that.

Snow day for work and class...

Today the school system I work in had a snow day.  We didn't actually get too much snow, but the predictions of a nasty wintry mix were enough for over 500 closings in the state of Massachusetts.  My crochet class was also cancelled tonight (thankfully the class will be made up at the end of the course.  So what have I done with my snow day? I went to Panera Bread for free coffee day, and otherwise I have given myself permission to relax some.   I also registered for a class to learn to make Pysanky [Ukranian Easter Eggs].   

What have you done today?

Snow...blech

I am sure there are plenty of people who love snow, but I am not really one of them.  I admit that it is pretty to look at, but I really do not enjoy being out in it.  Massachusetts has been really snowy this winter.  We have had 1 snow day, 1 early release due to impending storms, and 1 2hr delay for school already--hopefully there will be no need for another.  Another, downside to all of this snow is I haven't been able to make it to Tridentine Mass every week.  I don't mind the Novus Ordo Mass every now and again, but 2 weeks in a row is a little much.

Feeding my spirit...

I have come to the conclusion over the past several weeks that living life as a pattern of going to work, coming home, eating dinner , and then crashing is really draining to me.  I decided I needed something purely for me that would be both relaxing and challenging.  Thus, I registered for a beginning crochet class.  My class starts next week, so I will do my best to keep everyone updated on my progress.  I think this will be good for both my brain as well as being some food for my spirit.