Showing posts with label FUS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FUS. Show all posts

Friday, November 27, 2009

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. XVII



I.
First, the BIG NEWS: My best friend is getting married! She called me yesterday to tell me the news. I am so excited and happy for her and her fiance. They are a great couple.

II.
Other than that big news--thanksgiving was uneventful. I watched my high school band in the parade--they were the big purple group before Santa, weren't they great!?--made biscotti, and then headed over to my parents'. We watched Star Trek, had dinner from Bob Evans', and then played Apples to Apples. Dad won. It was a great day with lots of good food.

III.
It snowed last night. First snow of the season. It's mostly gone now, but there's still some wet powder clinging to my back porch. Hey, if the first snow of the year is on November 26, I'll take it.

IV.
I also have today off, so yesterday I was singing the "four days off! four days off!" song.
Can you tell I'm really excited about that?

V.
Bought House seasons 3 and 4 for $12 apiece this week, so I'm making my way through those.

VI.
Want an early Christmas miracle? I've been to the gym twice this week. And I'm going today.
Maybe I subconsciously knew my best friend was getting married, and I had a wedding to prepare for?  I mean, cute guys might be there.

VII.
Also making progress in my biblical studies class--planning on starting my second assignment today.
Oh, and the novel? Up to 159 pages.

Have a great Black Friday, y'all!

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook--November 23, 2009








Outside My Window ...
It's a gray day! But I got to wear my fun new navy peacoat, so that made it better. 
***
I am listening to...
My iTunes mix CD—Eagles, REM, Credence Clearwater Revival…good stuff.
***
To Live the Liturgy...
Mass as often as I can; Magnificat; Rosary
***
To Fit and Happy...
Gym. Sigh. And my pilates video.
***
I am thankful for...
A short week!
***
I am pondering ...
My next MA assignment for Biblical studies—outline of the Old Testament
***
From the kitchen ...
Pasta. Again. And making biscotti for Turkey day!
***
I am wearing ...
Gray pants; heater blue turtleneck; gray socks
***
I am creating ...
Christmas cards. Well  not creating them. Writing them.
***
On my iPod...
more "Messiah" and voice lesson music.
***
I am thinking...
That I am ready for some Turkey!
***
Around the House
Vacuuming, getting the table under control
.***
I am reading ...
Catherine of Sienna and The King's Good Servant, But God's First.
***
I am hoping and praying ...
for my grandpa.
***
On Keeping Home ...
Wrapping presents; digging out Christmas decorations.
***
One of my favorite things ...
singing
***
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Th: Happy Thanksgiving!
F: Dinner and movie with siblings
Sun: First Sunday of Advent! Messiah rehearsal


For more daybooks, go visit Peggy!



Friday, October 16, 2009

Happy stuff!

(about time, right?)
Over here.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Simple Woman's Daybook--September 22, 2009



Outside My Window ...

A gray day for the first day of fall. Leaves are already falling! A lot are turning gold and lighter green, with a few red leaves here and there. No rain today, but we had lots of it yesterday.

***
I am listening to...
The Dirty Dancing soundtrack (getting in touch w/ my 80s side)

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Rosary, Magnificat, Bible reading, classes

***
To Fit and Happy...

Gym yesterday--I've lost three pounds in a week! Ballet class tomorrow. (With hopefully more of the awesome company dancer as teacher we had last week?)

***

I am thankful for...
My family
***

I am pondering ...

What else I need to do for my parish council meeting tonight.
***
From the kitchen ...
Not much right now. Probably just spaghetti for dinner.

I am wearing ...

Boden skirt and top, grey pearl earrings that I bought in Duck.

***
I am creating ...
A CLEAN APARTMENT. REally it's coming along. And music.

***
On my iPod...
Everything is back! Yay!!!!

***
I am thinking...
that I'm excited for this evening.
***

Around the House

Vacuuming (again, always)...dusting a bit.

.***

I am reading ...

Just finished Moloka'i for facebook book club. Such a great read.

***
I am hoping and praying ...
For friends I know with cancer.
***
On Keeping Home ...

these candles look awesome. (keeping this link because they are awesome)

And MORE candles: these are what I'm burning right now.

*yeah, I really like candles*

Putting out my autumn Willow Tree Angel.

***
One of my favorite things ...
Fall, in general

***
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Tonight: Parish Council meeting

Wednesday: Ballet class, "Glee"!

Thursday: "Bones"!, voice lesson


***

If you like reading my daybook, you can find many more over at Peggy's!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. XI






I.
I cannot wait for Labor Day weekend--we're taking a trip to Pittsburgh to see the fam, and that means celebrating this little guy's first birthday (a bit late, but....he doesn't know that).




Is he NOT adorable?! That's my cousin Kelly holding him. She's a music (flute, specifically)/music ed major at Michigan. She's starting him early.

II.
The last time we saw the adorable Justin, he looked like this:

And that was just in May.
Don't they grow fast? Stop! Stop I say!

III.
OK, is that enough cuteness for y'all? I don't think it is, but you'll get more later.

IV.
Let's talk weather, huh? On the way home, I hit three downpours, and no it is lovely and sunny out. Welcome to Ohio. We're supposed to get more storms tonight and throughout the weekend, and it's going to be in the upper 60s. Bring on fall, I say!

V.
Corollary to that: High School football starts round here tonight. Go Tigers!

VI.
So, fall is back-to-school. And I am back-to-school, not just with my MA stuff (which is going swimmingly), but also with voice. I finally found a new voice teacher (after, oh, nine years?) and am starting my lessons w/ her next Thursday. We will meet for an hour a week.
Am I excited? You bet. I have a large bag of music I'll be tugging along with me, and it's got everything: Operas, arias, art songs, oratorios (i.e., stuff from "Messiah", like "O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion"), and the Ugly Yellow Italian Book of art songs that I sang in high school, but there are still a few pieces left to cover. So I am very excited. I'm hoping to learn a lot of new repertoire, vastly improve my ear again, and hone the technique. I have very modest goals. :)

VII.
Another great thing about fall? Fall clothes. I love sweaters, turtlenecks, corduroy, cashmere. Mmmmm soft and snuggle things. So bring on the falling leaves!


Monday, August 24, 2009

Simple Woman's Daybook--August 24, 2009



Outside My Window ...

It feels like fall. All my windows are open and I am very happy about this.

***
I am listening to...
the traffic on I-70, outside my window.

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Liturgy of the hours (I'm getting on board w/ this), Bible Reading, spiritual reading daily, rosary.

***
To Fit and Happy...

More gym, ballet classes start next week so thank God for that.

***

I am thankful for...
beautiful days like today.
***

I am pondering ...

What to do this evening. Other than sacraments class.
***
From the kitchen ...
Cowboy spaghetti, with meat, onions, hot sauce....we'll see how this goes.

I am wearing ...

jeans, a Life is Good long-sleeved shirt (bright pink)

***
I am creating ...
My memoir, which is coming, slowly but surely.

***
On my iPod...
The gym playlist.

***
I am thinking...
This weather is fantastic.
***

Around the House

Taking out the trash, dusting a bit.

.***

I am reading ...

A&J (because it will never end), Medjugorje: The Mission


***
I am hoping and praying ...
For some church friends who are battling cancer.
***
On Keeping Home ...

these candles look awesome. (keeping this link because they are awesome)

***
One of my favorite things ...
spaghetti; good friends

***
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Gym

Lunch w/ a friend from high school tmr.

Mass

Steel Magnolias auditions this weekend, Pickerington Community Theater

***




Monday, July 27, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook--July 27, 2009




For July 27, 2009:
(Geez, where did the month go?!)

Outside my window...
Another very pretty summer day here. Warmer--in the 80s.

I am thinking...
That I"m glad I went and got errands done even though I just wanted to come home.

I am thankful for...
Life.

From the kitchen...
an egg recipe from Julia later this week....nothing big tonight.

To live the liturgy:
Rosary, bible reading

I am wearing...
Gap jeans, Banana Republic t-shirt.

I am creating...
my memoir. It is going so well! I'm sort of freaked by how well it is going.

I am going to breathe deeply ...
And enjoy new things.

Bringing beauty to my home ...
Weekly Home Blessing Hour

I am going...
To listen to another Sacraments lecture tonight; write; read some of my new books

I am reading...
Abigail and John; Emma

I am hoping...
for another date (?)

I am hearing...
an iPod mix CD

One of my favorite things...
learning about new things.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Classes in general--gearing up for my Sacraments midterm
Gym in general
Sat.: All Day parish council retreat.


A picture thought I am Sharing:



The rainbow we saw in Tiff's back yard that night of my t/x party. :)

Monday, July 20, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook--July 20, 2009





For July 20, 2009:

Outside my window...
Blue sky with a few clouds, in the high seventies. Gorgeous, windows-down weather.

I am thinking...
That I am going to be productive today. Yes.

I am thankful for...
A wonderful vacation.

From the kitchen...
Julia Child's garlic soup.

To live the liturgy:
Magnificat, rosary, Sacraments class

I am wearing...
Black Ann Taylor shirtdress; pearls

I am creating...
my memoir. It is going so well! I'm sort of freaked by how well it is going.

I am going to breathe deeply ...
And enjoy summer!

Bringing beauty to my home ...
Weekly Home Blessing Hour

I am going...
To listen to another Sacraments lecture tonight; write; read some of my new books

I am reading...
A Man On The Moon; Abigail and John: Portrait of a Marriage; Spindle's End

I am hoping...
For a good week before vacation!

I am hearing...
an iPod mix CD

One of my favorite things...
traveling to new places, especially beaches

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Classes in general--gearing up for my Sacraments midterm
T: Pushing Daisies Season 2! Yay!
Th: Dance class @ BalletMet downtown


A picture thought I am

sharing:


Tiff and I with the cake she made me for my four year anniversary party on Saturday. It was wonderful! (The cake and the party)

Sunday, July 05, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook--July 6, 2009




For July 6, 2009:

Outside my window...
Blue sky with a few clouds, in the low eighties. A very nice day.

I am thinking...
That I had a good gym workout today!

I am thankful for...
My family and my body (that it does what I want it to do, anyway)

From the kitchen...
I made shortbread last night. Yum.

To live the liturgy:
Magnificat, rosary

I am wearing...
Green Life is Good Creamy tee with a daisy applique; jeans

I am creating...
Added more chapters to L&A yesterday; will continue today

I am going to breathe deeply ...
And enjoy summer!

Bringing beauty to my home ...
Cleaning

I am going...
To listen to another Sacraments lecture tonight

I am reading...
Master and Commander; Mansfield Park; Mrs. Dalloway

I am hoping...
For a good week before vacation!

I am hearing...
an iPod mix CD

One of my favorite things...
my movie collection

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Classes in general--gearing up for my Sacraments midterm
W: Gym class w/ Mel
Sat: 4 year anniversary! Dentist/SAI Swim 'n Swell/Dinner w/ family

A picture thought I am sharing:

A photography from Luciano Photography that is over my bedroom desk. Inspiration to get to Paris. :)

Friday, July 03, 2009

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. VI


I.

I hope a lot of you had a chance to read this entry. I'm pretty proud of it and glad that Hollywood has put a story about this family onscreen. Seeing it is a much more visceral experience than reading about it.
I've read a few articles about the movie, and then the comments following, online. And I've seen a few people ask why books and movies like this are even written, then degrading the emotions of people who read them to people who view pornography--they want some sort of emotional hit. I don't know what people's psychological reasonings are for reading these books, but I'm glad they do. My family, and all the other families whose lives are just like this, need people to understand. We're not looking for pity--that's an easy emotion--but for empathy, for people to understand.
Case in point--I love birthdays. A lot of people I know don't--they don't like being reminded that they're getting older. But I love it. Each birthday is another victory for me. It's another year I got to do things, to enjoy life. I love knowing that I'm racking up more experiences and having more time here. Maybe my blog, and movies and books like My Sister's Keeper, can help people understand how precious life is.

II.
Wow, that was a long quick take. So some shorter things to follow, like: what books I've been reading. An updated list: Robert Louis Stevenson's South Seas Tales; Richard Paul Evans' The Last Promise (love, love, love his books), and, of course, Jane. Mansfield Park being started today. I'm a bit behind in the re-read this year. Oh, and Mrs. Dalloway.

III.
New favorite TV show--Bones. If you follow me on facebook or twitter, you know this. But really, fantastic show. And interesting to me, from a theological perspective. One of the main characters, Agent Booth, is very, very Catholic. His partner, Dr. "Bones" Brennan, is not. In fact, she's an atheist. But there is definite chemistry between them. I'm planning something on Booth to have up at CPG at some point--hopefully later this weekend. He's really a fascinating study.

IV.
Speaking of theology--nearing time for my Sacraments mid-term, and my first assignment is due in Biblical Studies. We're just about to start Genesis in the latter.

V.
Next week is my four year anniversary! Can you believe it? To celebrate, I'm going to visit my cousin, Di, her husband, and her baby girl in Houston. Never been, but I hear it is hot, hot, and more hot. Thank God for air conditioning! We're thinking about visiting NASA, Galveston, and a host of bookstores. :)

VI.
It's Independence Day weekend--do you know your Declaration? Brush up on it here.

VII.
And a happy, happy Independence Day to all of you. Let's go out and celebrate "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness," eh? If you're in the mood for some patriotic movies, I suggest John Adams and The Patriot for some good viewing, especially John Adams. Phenomenal, and faster than reading the book. (I read the book. I liked it. But whew, it's long!)

Friday, June 05, 2009

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. V


I. 
So the week got off to an auspicious beginning with time in the resort, fun drugs and a clean digestive tract (an empty one, anyway). Thankfully the rest of the week was less eventful (although the budget did get passed out of the Senate at work, so that's a wonderful thing.). Stomach is still slightly iffy, so I'm trying to be nice to it. 

II. 
Side note to the above: I like pain meds, I like what they do. I don't like needing them (who does?), and when my parents are around I tend to act like I need them less than I do. I actually have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but when it's reached, it's reached. 
So I definitely "reached" that point on Sunday morning when the ER nurses (both named Jen, although one was "Jen" and one was "Jenn") came in to access the port, start fluids, get blood draw, and give me magic drugs of phenergan and dilaudid. Oh happy day. 
Anyway, I had sort of lost it...pain was in the 10+ range, etc., and I wasn't really thinking about not asking for as much med as they would give me to feel sane. 
After Jen got the port in and the fluids running, and Jenn had the blood sent to the lab, she held up the two tiny syringes that held wonderful magic drugs (OK, I know, this sounds awful, but really, they looked fantatic at this point). She asked, " do you want to do 1 mg and see how that goes, or just do 2 right off the bat?"
"Can I have two, please?" *(Yes I said please)
It was immediate, and normally it is not immediate. Normally I look at Dad and sort of hem and haw and if mom's there she'll lobby for the lower dose. But no way.
"Absolutely." Magic was swiftly delivered. Even after the port needle had to be taken out and re-accessed with a 1" needle, I did not care. I was blissfully unaware. Or at least, pain-free, ergo I did not care what was happening to me. 

III. 
While the Pens may have lost on Sat., they've won the last two, including last night. Game 5 is tomorrow in Detroit. If we win, we can win at the Cup at Mellon in Game 6. Go team!

IV. 
Biblical studies class happening after I write this. 

V. 
We've had so much rain lately that it's nice to see sun! It was 90 on Saturday, but it will be 80 tomorrow, when I'm volunteering at BalletMet's booth at the Art Festival! Should be a lot of fun, and if you're in Columbus, come on out to the Discovery District. The Art Museum is FREE, so you can see the Egyptian Art exhibit! (That's what I'm planning to do pre-shift) After the art fest, I'm thinking about going to see my friend Bill, from Parade (he was Mr. Watson, the "rabid newspaper publisher") play Cardinal Richelieu in Actors' Theater's The Three Musketeers. One of the great things about summer in Columbus--theater at Schiller Park!
 Free!

VI. 
The gym thing goes on. I may go tonight--will go tomorrow, but will probably get enough walking, etc in at the Fest. Don't worry I'm still doing it. (Gloom and doom sigh here)

VII. 
Reading: Pride and Prejudice; The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday (finished); Handle With Care (finished); A Father Who Keeps His Promises

For more Quick Takes, see Jen at Conversion Diary!

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Whoa

Today's mind-blowing thought from Biblical Studies:

"Reading the Scriptures is like going to communion." --Dr. Miletic

More at CPG

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Saturday

So, the first day of my three day weekend leave us with this tally: 
*Movies watched: 1 1/2 (Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day--review later--and the first half of The Pursuit of Happyness--finishing that right now)
*Books read: More of David Copperfield (he just got engaged to Dora, if you want to know where I am). 
*Chores done: staples bought at Target; general cleaning
* MA classes: Sacraments lecture 
*Games watched and won: 1 (Pens!) (For more hockey, check out this bad blood in the West)
*Taco Dip Consumed: A Lot
*Pizzas eaten: 1/2. Mel at the other half. 

A good day. 

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Random thoughts, linkage, etc.

  • OK, yes, I've been AWOL for a bit. But between the Penguins winning, insanity at work, and friends' visiting, it's been busy here!
  • So, first, some linkage. This is a great, great blog post. Really great. Go. Read. 
  • Above I mentioned I had friends visit this week. Who? These two: 
That, my friends, is Karen, my transplant nurse, and her adorable, soon-to-be-one-year-old daughter, Paige. Paige was focused on the bit of lucky muffin that Karen was holding out--and Paige loved them. Every time she had a bite, she did this little head-bang/nod thing. It was adorable. Karen hadn't seen my apartment since I first moved in, so there were lots of changes! In honor of Paige's birthday, I got her Go, Dog, Go! which was my brother and I's favorite Dr. Seuss book when we were kids. I would read it to him over and over. We actually have that on videotape at my parents'--me reading to Bryan in my dad's big recliner. I was doing all the voices, too. Bryan was entranced. 
  • And yeah, speaking of the Lucky Muffins--Pens up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals against The Carolina Hurricanes. Game 3 tonight in Carolina. 
  • Also in sports news: this is a good column. 
  • In MA news: working on both classes, slowly but steadily. More up at CPG later. 
  • The unread book pile? Remember this?
We're working on it! David Copperfield is actually being read, and I'm making progress! Of course this weekend starts the Great Jane Re-Read (I think this is the fourth year for it? Not sure), wherein I re-read all of Jane. I will be starting with 
S&S later today. 
  • OK whew. I think that's it for now. More as the long weekend progresses....

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

And..

my Sacraments prof and more links here

Monday, May 18, 2009

The Simple Woman's Daybook--May 18, 2009



The Simple Woman's Daybook
For MONDAY, May 18, 2009
Outside my window...
It's a beautiful spring day! High 60s, a bit of a breeze, the trees are all green. 

I am thinking...
That it has been a good Monday so far. 

I am thankful for...
My family, my vocation

From the kitchen...
Not sure yet. A few options, including shrimp or pasta.
To live the liturgy...
Magnificat, Bible reading, rosary, St. Francis prayer book 
I am wearing...

A DKNY green plaid skirt; green camisole; green cardigan (all different shades of green so I don't look like a Leprechaun)
I am creating...
Files for my MA classes (I know, not very exciting)

I am going to breathe deeply ...
And enjoy this lovely day

Bringing beauty to my home ...
the house is clean!
My kitchen table is finally clear!
I am going...
to listen to my next Sacraments lecture and do the homework (if any. This prof isn't real big on assignments). And then follow the Pens online. 
I am reading...
A lot of the CCC. :) And then...On Being Catholic, David Copperfield
I am hoping...
For good classes this week.
I am hearing...
The Juno soundtrack
Around the house...
not a lot to do. General tidying. 
One of my favorite things...
My new file folders :) 
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
T: A meeting w/ a friend of mine from church about a youth ministry he's involved in here in the city. 
Th: Lunch w/ Dad, ballet class (I will get there!!) 
F-M: Long weekend, yay! 

A Picture Thought I am Sharing:

Another pic of me and the cutest babe ever. Behind us is my cousin Kelly. My brother took this while Justin and I were playing "airplane", or whatever you want to call the game where you rock the baby back and forth. 
(sorry the spacing is all funny--blogger was going nuts as I composed this) 

Friday, May 15, 2009

Sacraments 101

(well, OK, really 516, but who's counting?)
Second class here

Seven Quick Takes Friday--Vol. IV

I. 

Market Day was on Thursday this week. For $19, I bought: two large lemons, a pint of strawberries, a bunch of bananas (for the making of these), a quart of local,non-fat milk (that tastes AMAZING), and a pound of hot dogs from the local butcher. $15 more will buy you two delicious pints of ice cream from here. (And if you don't live in Columbus, get this delivered. Seriously)

II. 
Had my first MA class yesterday-Principles of Biblical Study I. You can read about it here. I have my first Sacraments class tonight. I'll let you know how it goes. 

III. 
Addendum to point II--I still can't believe I read all of Genesis in one sitting. I guess reading the Bible is more fun when you understand how it works, or you're looking for things. Not that I didn't like Genesis before, but it makes more sense when you understand it. True of life in general I guess. 

IV. 
Auditions for Hilliard Summer Theater's musical--Big River--are next Sunday. If I can swing clips rotation with my boss and co-workers, I will be there. I am looking forward to seeing lots of old friends! If you want to read about my first year of summer adventures with them, check out the 'j_h' category on the sidebar.  Still not sure what next year's theater line-ups are for other theater companies. 

V. 
In apartment news--my dad thinks I need a new garbage disposal. Yay! 

VI. 
Not a lot of reading this week. I got Scott Hahn's "A Father Who Keeps His Promises", and began to read it, but since my MA stuff came the next day, I"ve been reading that. I will probably read some more over the weekend and have bookshelves if there is anything new (as in, anything from the ever-growing 'to read' pile that gets finished). The new Duck's Cottage book club book should be arriving tomorrow or Monday, so I'm excited to see it!

VII. 
We have had a lot of rain this spring, so much that when it's sunny (like today) everything is a brilliant green. BUt when it's not sunny, when it's overcast and rainy, I'm reminded of a phrase of Annie Dillard's, from Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. She talks about the "fecundity of spring"--how things are growing and green and alive, how it's a powerful thing to witness. So while I love the sun, seeing that power and growth when it's grey and raining is quite wonderful as well. 

For more quick takes, hop over to conversion diary