bright, bright sunshiny day

The sun is shining! It has rained for almost 2 weeks straight, and this is the first day of sunshine we have had.

I want to go play.

I have a ton of things to do here, and Joseph has school work to do, but I really want to go somewhere.

*whine*

amen and hallelujah

I got back last night from the L.A. Congress. It was so awesome. I am so glad I went for the whole thing this year.

Thursday was Youth Day. The kids had a ball. After the opening ceremonies, Cardinal Mahony said Mass in the morning, then we went to our workshops. We saw "The Bible Geek" Mark Hart. He was powerful. He is from Lifeteen www.lifeteen.com. When Josephine and I went to get his book afterwards, Joseph told me to tell Mark how much HE was touched by listening to him :*)

We also saw Father Tony Ricard from New Orleans. www.fathertony.com. We heard him speak last year too. Thursday night we met with a couple of other parishes for pizza, then a 'social'. Joseph brought his guitar down, so he and Derek played for the other kids. I think they have their first groupies, LOL. After they played, 2 girls came up to them and told them how good they were, and asked if they are going to be playing in the battle of the bands at the Diocesan Rally in a couple of weeks, and that they would cheer them on.

Friday was a free day. We all walked to Downtown Disney and had lunch then went shopping. Father Humberto went along. It was interesting to see him 'off duty'. He is still a kid, and the kids adore him;-) He and Joseph talked music, and when Therese bought a Disney soccer ball, he was kicking it around with them. He hit me in the head, not once but twice. The second time, when I turned around and said, "You again??" he giggled like a 12 year old.

The kids and other chaperones flew back Friday evening, and Josephine and I went out to dinner, then Victor, Andrea and her assistant (can't remember her name) brought some wine to Jo's suite. It was nice to sit, relax and visit. I raised a glass in Denine's honor, since it was her birthday. (See, I remembered)

Saturday morning we got up and went to workshops. Mine was great! I learned so much. I am energized and refreshed, and ready for religious ed. tomorrow. After the workshops, we went shopping in the arena. There were over 700 vendors there. I won't tell you how much I spent....I ended up getting 9 CDs and about 20 books....not to mention a few tee shirts. That doesn't count all the samples I brought home. I am lucky I have an understanding husband, and money to spend;-)

Saturday night was the big concert in the Arena. The band was a w e s o m e. The name of the band is Ceili Rain (of couse it has to have the name RAIN in it, lol) www.ceilirain.com They are incredible. I got a giggle out of watching priests and nuns up and dancing....in a conga line.
After the concert we went over to the Marriott for a late dinner.

Yesterday, Jo and I were both exausted. We slept in then went back over to the arena to pick up a few last minute things. We flew back home about 2:30.

I can't wait for next year.

leaving on a jet plane

Joseph and I leave ths afternoon for Anaheim and this: http://www.recongress.org/

Tomorrow is Youth Day...15,000 teenagers. Joy;-) Actually, it is really fun and powerful. And loud. Can't forget loud. There is nothing like 15,000 like minded teenagers in one place to make you feel the Holy Spirit. Those kids have some energy.

Friday is a free day basically. We will most likely go to Downtown Disney. I wish we could go to Disneyland, but Chris, Joseph and I will be back down there in a couple of weeks, so I guess I can't complain too much;-) The kids leave at about 4 to return home. I am staying the weekend with Josephine to attend the rest of the congress. I have some good classes picked out.

It should be interesting, and a lot of fun. I am excited. Now, I need to pack;-)

the boy was sure surprised

To see a new IPod sitting on the coffee table when we got back from Mass tonight;-) The look on his face was priceless. I wish I had thought to have the camera ready.

He has been working really hard at everything....his schoolwork, his music, helping out around the house, stepping up as leader at youth group. Not to mention his room is almost clean. He has really matured this year. This weekend, for example. Friday night it was pouring rain, and he *could* have gotten out of serving soup after Stations at church. (I was kind of hoping he didn't want to go out in the rain. I sure didn't) Yesterday he spent the day at Derek's practicing the songs for the battle of the bands later this month, then got up at 6:30 this morning to serve from 8-12 at the pancake breakfast the Knights of Columbus put on. He had a 3 hour break, then back for youth group, choir practice & Mass.

We were going to save the IPod until school is out, but since he and I leave for L.A. on Wednesday for youth day/religious ed. convention, I decided he needed the IPod now (because I want to use my cd player this week. Selfish reasons, lol)

Besides, he is a good kid and deserves it;-)

Ok, I am finished bragging about my son for the moment.
But I am a lucky mom.

*Grin*

zorro in hell

http://www.zorro.com/news-cc.html

Casey had to go see this play last night for her theatre arts class, so I went with her.

Here's my review:)

It rocked.

I thought it was laugh out loud funny, entertaining, political and thought provoking. I also don't think it would go over well here in conservativeville. Thank God I live close enough to Berkeley;-)

Seriously, I would like to take Joseph. I think he would enjoy it as well. I will most definitely look for any other Culture Clash's shows and try and see them.

i just noticed

The date. It's March 22. My dad would be 88 today.


I love you Dad, and I miss you :*)

I hope you and Mom are celebrating together:)

Today's Special :Guilt

Chris had his (phone) interview with the guy from Ponca City. He is perfect for the job. Exactly what and who they want. He comes highly recommended, etc. He isn't getting the job though...because he won't relocate. In actuality, I won't relocate. No matter that he would be travelling over half the time, and he could really do that from here. They want him based in Ponca City.....and I am such a spoiled baby I won't move. Joseph doesn't want to go either, but I am SO feeling like I am fucking things up. What do I do? I honestly don't think I could live there. I mean live. As in survive. No matter. I feel like i am holding him back.

Then...I turned my cell off yesterday for class, and forgot to turn it on until today. When I turned it on, there were 3 voice mails from Casey begging me to call her. She was having an emergency. She was in tears. I wasn't available. When I finally connected with her today, she told me that she had such a panic attack she had to call an ambulance and go to the hospital. Steve is out of town, and I am who she relies on when he is gone. She is at her brothers right now. She has been diagnosed with acute panic disorder and post traumatic stress. (She was in a horrible car accident in December) I feel so awful for not having my phone on when she needed me :*(

I hate guilt.

rain rain go away

Today is the first day of spring...and it is raining yet again. **Note to Mother Nature** Seriously , we've had enough for awhile. We're at something like 120% of normal. Do you think you could give us just a little break? Pretty please? My back lawn looks more like a swamp, and we'd really like to get the garden tilled and ready to plant.

The flowers I planted a couple of weeks ago have really exploded though. There is a silver lining in all these friggin rain clouds. Pretty flowers and no drought. It could be worse. I guess I would rather have it wet than dry. Water restrictions suck eggs. We have been there before.

And I do have a yellow rain slicker and very cute rain boots;-)


From the inbox (thanks Eleanor) :

LATE BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

In a courageous attempt to thwart the spread of bird flu, President George W. Bush has just bombed the Canary Islands.

In honor of St Patrick's Day tomorrow.

Your Irish Name Is...

Roisin Sheridan

What's" your Irish Name?

Lemon Tree Very Pretty

I have wanted a lemon tree almost since we bought this house. I hate buying lemons in the store. I used to get mine from LaDonn, but since she moved away, my lemon source has dried up (pun intended)

We have an apple tree and an orange tree. I wanted a lemon tree too, dammit. More specifically, a Meyer Lemon tree.

I finally got one last weekend. It is a true dwarf tree, so we have it in a half whiskey barrel on the back patio. It already has lemons on it, too. Ahh.....life is good.

http://kevan.org/johari?name=raingirl

Lent

So far so good;-)

I am trying to give up swearing for Lent. (I can cuss like a trucker/sailor/take your pick) I am doing better. Really. I sh*t you not ;-) Seriously, I really have a potty mouth. I need to stop. I have been a whole lot better. I am thinking more about what I say. Maybe I will actually cut down on my cursing for ever. Maybe I won't ;-)

I went to Bible study tonight. Fr. Mike has one every Lent. I really feel better going. It seems to clear my mind. I used to go to a bible study in high school (bet you didn't know that about me) I love to learn, and to hear different perspectives.

This season, our bible study is about the passion of Christ. Of course, Fr Mike really liked the Mel Gibson movie....and he mentions it frequently during the 90 minutes or so we are there. I have to admit, I never did see the movie. Maybe I should rent it during Lent this year. Anyway, I think the Bible study will be good for me this year.

Being as his last name is McFadden, and he IS an Irish priest, he did talk a lot about St Patrick tonight. He also said that the Bishop didn't give dispensation for this Friday (St. Patrick's Day. We Catholics are supposed to fast on Friday. ( no meat = no corned beef and cabbage) He did say that the priest could also give dispensation;-) Will I go to hell if I eat corned beef & cabbage on Friday? I don't really think so. After all, eating meat isn't up there with murder & stealing, is it? Please don't tell me it is. I really want my corned beef. We will be serving soup until 7:30 at church though. Will that help?

I finally got up to the new IKEA in West Sacramento today. It's been open for a week or so, but I didn't want to fight the huge crowds at first. It's bigger than the Emeryville store I think. There is a lot of new and different stuff too. I *heart* IKEA. Really. I am thrilled that we have one 30 minutes away now. It will be a lot easier to get there.

I only got a few things today. I'm working on getting the 'classroom' cleaned out, since Joseph does his work on the sofa with a lap desk now. I have SO many books and stuff to go through and decide what to do with. What do I want to keep, and what do I want to get rid of. Anyway, I bought a bunch of containers there to make SOME kind of dent in that room. Joseph wants to soundproof the walls and use it for a studio. I think that will be a great idea. I will just be happy to get all. those. guitars. out of my front room;-)

Of course, a trip to IKEA isn't complete unless I buy meatballs. OMG, those friggin meatballs are SO good.


We had a parent's meeting at Jo's tonight. We spent the first 30 minutes helping Alyssa decide which shoes to wear with her prom dress...which is outstandingly beautiful. It is kind of a light teal-y color with beading. Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. She is stressing big time. What shoes, which hairstyle...she brought pictures down of a couple of different hairstyles. I liked one a lot more than the other. So did she. It is very pretty, a half up/half down with tendrils....she will look like a princess. A sexy princess, LOL.

We did actually get some business done too. We're getting everything finalized for the convention and youth day.

Only 3 more weeks until the L.A. trip! We're all excited. Fr. Humberto (El Guapo) is coming along. He can't stay for the whole weekend though, as he can't get anyone to cover for him at Spanish mass. He will go home with the kids on Friday, and I will stay with Jo for the weekend to attend the rest of the convention & workshops. John and Tony are going back on Friday as well.

Light the Way

I found some cool clear votive holders at Big Lots for 29 cents each ( I *heart* Big Lots) , so I decided to have the kids at CCD decopauge them today. When I was at Target the other day, they had some of their specialty tissue paper on clearance (Some of it looks hand made) in purples, blues and pinks. The votive holders turned out really pretty.

I also brought a bunch of vanilla scented candles, so when they were all finished, they put the candles in, and we had a small prayer service at the end of class. I told them to remember when they light their candles, that Jesus is the light of the world. It worked well.

They were actually all engaged today. Even the boys;-) Funny, but their hormones are already bubbling up (6th grade) and they try so hard to be cool, but give them glue and paper, and they are as happy as clams. It makes me happy when they seem to actually enjoy being in class....not just because they have to be.

This morning, I went up to Sacramento, to the big Catholic bookstore, to try and find some different stuff for these kids to do. I didn't find much for the kids, but lots for me. *Sigh* I know why I don't go in there often. I spent almost $80.

I have decide to make an 'altar' in my house. I am doing it for Lent, but will keep it all the time. I got a nice Crucifix, a small statue of Jesus and a smaller one of Mary. Now I need to find a suitable table. I will put a cloth on it, and my Bible and rosary, along with the cross and statues. I also think I will put one of the votive holders we made in class today:)

A Note to the Teens

... who showed up last night to serve soup after the Stations of the Cross at church.

You rock.

There were only 5 of you, but you managed to get it all done. You served all the soup up with a smile, even when you had no clue what kind of soup it was.

*Note to those who bring soup* Label the soup, please. We had to play 'guess the soup' before the masses came in. Thank you for bringing it, but please, please label it. And another request...it is up to you, the ones who bring the soup, to make sure it is hot enough to eat. I am not going to be responsible for any kids getting burned carrying a big pot of soup from the stove. Do you know what kind of trouble there would be if one of those kids spilled soup on themself and got burned? Really. So, if you bring the pot of soup two hours before the kids have to serve it, please come in a few minutes before serving time to make sure it is heated enough. Thank you.

Kids, you had the tables set with spoons and napkins, the garlic bread cut and placed in bowls on the table, the coffee made and water out. About the only thing I had to do was remind you to put more spoons & napkins out after the first group ate.

Thank you all for giving up a few hours of your precious Friday night to help serve. We've got 6 more Fridays to do this. I know there are lots of other things you could be doing instead of hanging around the parish hall. It is much appreciated:-)

PS. The few who complained, I would ask you to remember a couple of things. First, this is a free meal. It ain't the Ritz. These kids are doing it because they want to. They don't get paid for it.

If you don't like the soups for any reason, don't complain to the kids. All they do is dish it up. That is all. They didn't make it.

PPS: To the vast majority of people, thanks for taking the time to thank the kids for their help. It is nice for them to feel appreciation for what they do. And, to the one lady who came in and gave me a hug and told me how sweet those kids are...thanks. You made my night. These kids are awesome, and I'm glad someone sees it:-)

New Job? I Hope Not.

A posting came open for a new job within the company for Chris. It is what he really wants to do ( travel and help out at other coking units around the country and possibly world) , but it is based here: http://www.poncacityok.com/

he haasn't even decided whether or not to apply for it. he said if he did that he would find out if he could stay here and do the same job. It entails travel about 60% of the time, so while he would be travelling, Joseph and I would be in Ponca City. I can't even begin to get enthused about it. He says he wouldn't take the job if it means moving there, but.......

Rainy Day and Monday

Holy Gucamole! It has been pouring rain all day. Last time I checked, we've received almost 2 inches since midnight, and it's not even 2 in the afternoon. They are worried here about some parts of the city that got flooded New year's Eve. I guess they have been passing out sandbags.

I did manage to get to Michael's during a break in the rain to get some foam crosses for the CCD class to decorate tomorrow. I also picked up a few other things. I can't go to Michael's and get just one thing. I think it is physically impossible;-)

One thing about it being so wet...I am definitely getting some cleaning done. And I hate. to. clean. house. Really.

I wish I had a maid;-)

Blah Blah Blah

I'm in a funk. I don't know why...winter blues, I guess. I am feeling old, frumpy and unattractive, not to mention unappreciated.

The boys are playing tomorrow night and I still haven't decided whether I am going to see them. More than likely I will go. Chris said I should. *Sigh* I hate feeling like this. I don't know how people who really suffer from depression do it. I am awful just when I have the blues:/ I need to snap out of it.

The Eucharistic Ministers had a big meeting with Fr Mike a couple of weeks ago to go over his 'rules'. They actually aren't as bad as I thought. I think a lot of his bitchiness lately has to do with his bad back. I am sad that we have lost 3 EMs lately though:( Tony had to quit because of his migraines...and Andy was driven out I think....just because Cindy S. is his mom and Fr Mike doesn't like her. Freaking politics in church:(
Derek showed up at CCD on Tuesday to see Joseph (he comes every week and the two boys hang out....and sometimes help me) He had eyeliner on, A la Green Day;-) I got a giggle though. He went and washed it off before Kathy came to pick him up;-)

Embracing My Inner Geek

I got a new pencil set today. Liquid graphite! The pencils look like pens, but instead of ink, they are filled with liquid graphite. They are oh so cool. I can't believre how excited I get buying something like that. Office supply stores are fun for me....all the different types of pens, pencils, markers, paper and folders. *sigh* Yes, I am pathetic;-P I even got excited when Joseph and I went to Vancouver, because there was a Staples across the street from our hotel. I got to buy Canadian school supplies;-)

Weather or Not

I'm so glad I didn't buy all those flowers for the pots in the front.

We have been having the best weather. It has been in the 70s for the past week...in February. Chris was getting ready to till the garden and get it prepared, and I had about $100 worth of plants picked out to put in the flower pots and the half whiskey barrel. I was almost fooled. Almost.

It barely reached 50 degrees here today. That is a 20+ degree drop from yesterday. And we have a frost warning for tonight. If I had bought all those pretty flowers and planted them, I may have lost them. I would not have been a happy camper then.

Stinking weather. What a tease. I know what the calendar said, but it felt like April :(

*Sigh*

I just have to be patient. It will be warm enough soon, and I can get those flowers planted.

I have an urge to dig;-)