Seven quick takes

It's been awhile. Glad to be back. Hope your Friday is going well. It's rainy here, which always makes me want to go to sleep....

In order to stay awake, I will post 7 quick quotations -- on RAIN.

1. "Rain, rain, go away, Come again another day." ~ Nursery Rhyme

I remember singing this as a child. Boy, was I mad when it rained and I had fun things I wanted to do! I hear the echoes of that kind of anger in my own children.

For instance, one may be angry that soccer practice, or a game, has been called on account of rain. We moms often rejoice internally when the soccer fields are closed...right? How many times have you prayed for rain? I know I have!

I was really disappointed on Labor Day because our pool's party was cancelled...and the pool closed that day. Bummer!

Rain's got a really bad rap for ruining things, doesn't it?

2. "Into each life some rain must fall." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

But as we all know, rain is  a part of life.  The sun will shine, and it will rain. If you live on the East coast, like me, summer's great, but there's always a chance of a hurricane. I remember the summer of 1986 -- my folks had rented a place at the shore (that's what we call the beach around here) and Hurricane Gloria forced us to evacuate. When we came back, we had to wade through puddles that went up to our knees. Yuck.

So, even if it messes up vacation, or a game, or makes the pool party a bust, it's just one of those things we must grudgingly accept. Right?? 

3. "And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow. " ~ G.K. Chesterton

Chesterton is always spot-on.  Yeah, there are some nice things that can occur when it rains. I like rainbows as much as the next girl.  Not the political rainbows that have proliferated among certain interest groups, mind you, but the good, old-fashioned, Noah's-Ark kind. 

I saw a really cool double one a few weeks ago after attending a retreat where we did a lot of grief recovery.  After all the crying, I felt a whole lot better.... 

Oh, that reminds me of this one! 

4. "Save a boyfriend for a rainy day - and another, in case it doesn't rain." ~ Mae West

I found out some awesome news right before that retreat -- I am free to marry. Yes, the long-awaited decree of nullity was granted, thank God. I felt like a 1000 pound weight was lifted from my heart. So, if I wanted to, I could have a boyfriend.  

If you have any recommendations of good Catholic men who are also free to marry, I will happily take them. No smokers, more-than-rare drinkers, Obama-supporters, or cat-haters need apply.  

So, that makes me think of this one...

5. "Many a man curses the rain that falls upon his head, and knows not that it brings abundance to drive away the hunger." ~ St. Basil

How true! I've cried a lot of tears in the last few years, but again, they have fallen on soil that needed them.  That suffering bore a lot of fruit. My marriage was not good, to say the least...but didn't it bring me closer to God? Didn't it help me revert? Didn't I get three beautiful daughters out of the deal? 

Suffering really does act as a crucible, burning off the dross, and purifying the soul. I've still got a lot of impurities, but that's what the next few decades are for. 

Shortly after the divorce, when I had dated and been dumped, having looked for love in all the wrong places, I remember asking God in prayer, "How long do I have to suffer?" 

I got an answer, amazingly enough -- "How long do you want to suffer?"  

When I get an answer like that, well, how can I not obey Him? 

So I quit dating...and rediscovered the joy of the single life. Now, if I get married again, great. If I don't, I've learned how to live chastely. Didn't know how to do that before I got married! 

6. "Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." ~ Roger Miller

What this one says to me is that attitude is EVERYTHING. I can perceive the rain -- any suffering, in fact -- as a punishment, or as a gift.  Suffering, when used for the good of others, and to grow spiritually, has meaning.  

That doesn't mean that there is no suffering, or pain. It just means that it's not useless. 

The sun will shine again, the rainbow will appear, and the crops will grow.

7.  "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way." 

~ Johnny Nash

A great quotation, from a great song. I actually prefer Jimmy Cliff's version. Here ya go. Enjoy. And relish the RAIN in your life! 

For more quick takes, go to Conversion Diary!

Wishes...

A friend of mine received the following writing prompt as a suggestion"


What do you wish were-
1. different 
2. better
3. more
about person, place, thing, event. Include self.


1. What do I wish were different?  I wish my children had an intact, healthy, spiritually united family. Instead they have a broken, dysfunctional, and spiritually divided family. 


On a lighter note, I wish I had the metabolism I had 20 years ago! 


2. I wish my relationship between myself and my ex were better. That we worked together regarding our kids. However, if that were the case, I would probably still be married.


3. I wish I had MORE sleep!!!! Like every other mom. 


But, as the saying goes, "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride."

So, today I have to be accepting of my present circumstances and then take action where needed.

1. I am working on being a better mother -- more healthy, spiritually focused. When they are with me, I focus on THEM, not a boyfriend. Someday, I'd like a man in our lives. But today, I am waiting for my annulment to be granted.

2. I am trying to resolve some disputes between myself and my ex-husband.

3. I am trying to take better care of myself. 

7 quick takes -- kvetching and kvelling

1. (Kvetch) So happy it finally cooled down in the East. Of course, it cooled down just in time for my planned evening at the pool and tomorrow's tubing down a river. And not in time to relieve my near heat-stroke two days ago when the AC unit at the Crisis Pregnancy Center where I work decided to blast hot air. Alas.

Maybe this is God's way of saying "You need to clean your house." Probably.

2. (Kvetch) There was an annoying high-pitched sound here and I didn't know what it was...had to crawl under the desk to figure it out. My intern, who is 28 years younger than I, thought I was ridiculous, but I did find it! That amazed me because I have a hard time hearing high pitched sounds...so it must've been much worse for her...

3. (Kvetch) I had to take a very quick lunch break and wouldn't you know it., the antique shop that I have been eyeballing for 6 months is open. It's the first time I have seen a light on there ... EVER.

4. (Kvell) Some very nice person turned in a client's wallet to the local police station, who called me because my business card was inside. Redeems my faith in other humans.

5. (Kvell) A friend who was living outside the 48 contiguous states is back from a lonnnnnnggggg absence. I will see said friend tomorrow!!!

6. (Kvell) Another good friend who is married to a JERK is beginning to realize it. Having been married to a similar jerk, I saw what she was not able to. I was able to keep my mouth shut and my ears open. God willing, she will find her way out of an emotionally abusive situation. One way or the other.

7. (Kvell) It's Friday. (Friday, Friday...kicking with my good friends...la-la). Sorry. I imagine you HATE that song as much as I, but of course, it comes to mind. Gonna share the love...now everyone can have the lyrics running through their minds for the rest of the day! 

And if you still don't know what kvetching and kvelling are, click on the hyperlinks!

Laundry Purgatory

I have to say that with three children, laundry is a big chore. It is constant. I could do laundry all day every day and still never be absolutely done. I am so tired of laundry!!!!! Plus, my kids seem to have an aversion to putting it in the proper place. Thus, I find items of clothing in various states of decay all over the house. It's frustrating.

Before you give me lots of advice, let me just say that I have tried various methods to deal with the laundry. I found it manageable, and actually, quite enjoyable, when I was at home full-time. It's been since I went back to work full time that I find it so onerous. And even worse since I have become a single working mother.

Ok, so what does one do with an onerous, repetitive, and annoying task? Offer it up! Yes, laundry, too, counts. Unmatched socks? 10 minutes off purgatory. Difficult stains? 1 day. A load of barfed-on towels? 6 months. Soiled sheets? 1 year.

I ought to be paid up before I die. Oh, yeah...I keep losing my patience with the kids over laundry. So, I keep "earning" more time...Sigh...

Someday, my prince will come, but my King is with me...

My kids asked me when I'll "be done with the annulment." (The better question is when the annulment will be done w/ me!) They want me to find someone, I guess. I tried dating briefly last year after the divorce, in the post-divorce insanity and grief. I stopped when I realized I was making myself miserable -- and had put barriers between myself and God. Let's just say that dating is a near occasion of sin for me today.

Anyhow, I am in limbo. I actually am enjoying it today. I didn't date when I was separated at all, on principle. Not sure why I lost my principles once the divorce was granted. Fallen human nature, I guess. Today the main man in my life is the Son of Man. He's all I need.

Do I ever want a mere mortal in my life? Yep, a lot of times I do. Especially when I need to lift something heavy. But also when my kids aren't with me. I do get lonely. Late at night, too. Sometimes I just want a hand to hold, a muscular shoulder to cry on. Someone to be my champion.

There are advantages to being in the state I am in. I get to make ALL the choices about decor. My husband was very controlling. I made no choices about decor for 15 years. That stunk. It was hard when I moved out because I didn't know what my own preferences were.

I also get to dress myself without too much criticism (I get some from the snarky teenager) today. I can wear what I like.

I get to put religious statues, pictures, holy cards, and the like wherever I want. I can go to church and pray all I want, without the name-calling, putdowns, and snide remarks. I can give as much as I can afford -- which ain't much -- in the collection.

I can open up my bills without being shocked at the charges that I didn't make...

I can take the job I want. Amazingly, the job I wanted materialized after the divorce and my experiment with dating.

I get to have TWO WHOLE cats. I am happy. No, I am not turning into a cat lady. Two is quite enough, thank you. I did want the cat to be less lonely. He is. He has someone to pick on. : /

Which brings me back to married life...I want better for myself and my daughters than what I have experienced with their dad. I pray, and hope, if it is God's will, that I can find a man who can show them how a man treats a woman, and how a sacramental marriage works.

Keep me in your prayers.

What Do We Remember on Memorial Day???

What do we remember on Memorial Day?

Some of us seem to remember that we like to spend money at the mall.

Some of us like to remember to get out the grill and fire it up.

Some of us like to remember to put sunblock on.

Some of us like to remember our forefathers who died for our beloved country.

Some of us like to do all of the above. And why not? I remember a few years back going to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which features the Rockettes. http://radiocitychristmas.com/

For the life of me, I couldn't figure out what this bunch of tall, willowy, long-legged women kicking away had to do with Christmas. I got on my inner high horse and decided I didn't much care for the ostentatious, commercial presentation.

But then, something blew my mind....

I never had seen a living Nativity before that day. All of a sudden, my opinion was changed. What had seemed like sacrilege was revealed to be a most amazing tribute to Him, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

So, when you start feeling annoyed at the Memorial Day Sales, the smell of roasting hotdogs and sunblock, and wonder why we've gotten off track, remember...

THEY died to ensure OUR freedom. In order to honor them, should we not celebrate their lives and their triumph??

In Flanders Fields 

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. (1872-1918) , Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

And, May the Souls of the Faithful Departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in peace. 

Nice quiet Friday

Ahhh, a quiet Friday night. Kids are with their dad. Cats fighting periodically. Started watching a movie - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - that I had wanted to see in the theatre, but hadn't gotten to. I loved the Cold War. I mean, I worried daily about being nuked by the Russians, but at least we knew who the enemy was. And we knew they were afraid of us, too. I am not as much a fan of the War on Terror. Too terrifying. Too real.

How did we not see this coming?? I mean, I was ten when the Ayatollah's guys took our guys hostage. And what about Pan Am Flight 103? Umm, did no one see the handwriting on the wall? I didn't. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

I didn't get my parents' and grandparents' terror of Communism and Nuclear War -- that is REALLY, on a gut level -- until 9/11. I totally understand now. I used to be glad that my kids were so small when it happened -- 2.5 years and 6 months (Tertia not having been considered yet) -- but maybe it's not so good because it's not part of their Weltanschauung to be a paranoid Patriot. Just like it didn't make sense that my parents and grandparents were such knee-jerk Commie-haters.

I guess we all have to learn the hard way, huh??/

Where were you when the Towers fell??

Days of Terror: A September 11 Photo Gallery

Ahhh, Wednesday. Hump day. Kids are back w/ dad until Monday, this week. I never really know what to do w/ myself without them. Most of the time, I just want to veg out on the couch. But I find myself running around getting stuff done. That tends to make me more worn out... Got a lot on my mind today. I am so grateful to be working in the pro-life movement. I feel a sense of mission and purpose that I have lacked since I was a SAHM. Yep, teaching didn't ignite my passion in the same way. There are days, as you know, when I year for a return to those days. Actually, most days. I loved being a mommy. Being a wife to my former husband wasn't so great. He seemed to resist my ministrations. He would pull back from me when I tried to touch him affectionately. He wouldn't come to bed. If he came to bed, he came very late at night, when I was already asleep...sometimes he would try to wake me up and get some "action." I wouldn't call it lovemaking. I found out later that my ex used internet porn. I was devastated. That signaled the beginning of the end. He became gradually more dysfunctional, remote, hostile, and cold. I had to go back to work full-time and we had to take support from his family (and mine) because he lost jobs and was generally unreliable. So, am I grateful today to be sending the kids back to him? Yes, and no. Yes, because I am glad they have a father. They need one. I am glad he cares enough to want to take them half the time. I wish he'd spent more time with them when we were married, but he didn't. Thank God he does now. I am sad, though, because our family is fractured, and I miss my girls. I am not happy with his influence, either. I trust in God that He loves my girls even more than I, and I commend them to the care and protection of our Blessed Mother and their Guardian Angels.

I'm so happy to be HOME on a Monday evening. For months we've been rushing around to CCD. Thank Goodness, that's over for the year and we can come home to have dinner together...

The kids are bathed, the dinner was cooked here, rather than in some fast food place, everyone's had a bath, I even got some housework done! Hooray! The kids are watching Shorts. We saw this in the theater a couple of years ago, but that is ancient history to the kids.



I miss Barney, Blue's Clues, Sesame Street, and the Teletubbies...those were the days! I was home all of the time with my babies...well, the good news is, as my eldest pointed out yesterday, in 10-15 years she'll be celebrating Mother's Day. Oy!

Hope all you moms had a wonderful day. Remember, you're doing the most important job in the world...

The most important person… on earth is a Mother.
She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral.
She need not.
She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral –
A dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body.
The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.
They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new souls to heaven.
Only a human mother can.
Mothers are closer to God the creator than any other creature.
God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation…
What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother?


Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty [1892-1975]

I like being a mom. Let me count the ways:

1) I love Prima (codename for my eldest): She sings, she acts. She is universally praised for her manners. She is beautiful but doesn't know it. She is a fashionista and is in despair over her mommy's lack of attention to style. She is so smart!!!!! But so innocent, too. She can be a taskmaster to her sisters, but she loves them. I love her to pieces.

2) I love Secunda. She sings, too! She hasn't tried acting yet, but I can't wait till she does. She loves to read, to draw, to ride a special horse. She is beautiful, and has no idea. She is cuddly and loves babies. She is soooo smart and an awesome writer. I adore her. Everyone loves her.

3) I love Tertia. She also sings, likes soccer, cats, swimming, and playing with her friends. She still is very attached and I am so grateful that she likes being my little girl still. She is adorable and pretty and charming. And has no idea. She is bright and creative and so smart! And has no idea.

4) I like the opportunity to be a better person every day. My kids kind of force that on me. 

I'll write more later...

Feeling grumpy

Again, the wretched PTA has scheduled a Friday night activity. Two different PTAs have scheduled events at the same time (1 elementary, 1 middle) ... I think rather than calling it the PTA, we should call it the PITA.

I mean, really. Why would I want to eschew channel surfing and hanging in my sweats for hobnobbing with the a bunch of scrawny botoxed....

Ok. Feeling uncharitable. Will offer this up for the souls of the PITA.

Frank Sinatra- Night and Day

Love this song...and just because I am trying to remain chaste doesn't mean I don't have feelings!!!!!


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3 AM Awakening...

I wake up at 3 AM frequently. Do you?

Some people think it's a biologically-driven occurrence. I do not know. (Although I do frequently visit the facilities at that hour).

Some give the occurrence a spiritual significance. http://www.spiritdaily.net/stonebook2.htm

Some believe -- and I think they may be on to something -- that because 3 AM is a full 12 hours from the time of Christ's death on the cross, that the "veil" between this world and the spiritual realm is thinner. If you've ever watched Paranormal State, that's when "dead time" seems to begin. Very creepy.

Well, I just know that I frequently wake up at 3 AM and wish I didn't.

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz

Nobody has ever died from not having sex…

Nobody has ever died from not having sex…

Whew! That means I am in the clear. Thank God!!!!

I am trying to refrain from dating, and therefore, any SEX of any sort...(even the kind Bill Clinton says isn't sex). I'm trying this radical thing called CHASTITY.

No internet porn. No cable-tv porn. No phone sex. No "self-abuse." Nada. I'm really not even trying to attract guys, for the first time since I stopped thinking they were icky (about 30 years ago).

What has this done for me? Have I shriveled up??? Nope. On the contrary.

I feel like for the first time, I am accepting myself, stretchmarks and all. I enjoy my own company, because when my kids aren't around, I have to LOOK for someone to hang with. I am beginning to prefer my own company, and quiet. Lord knows if I'll ever want to have a man in my life again.  I am rarely lonely, whereas in my emotionally abusive and neglectful marriage of 15 years, I was ALWAYS lonely. It's amazing how lonely one can be in a bad marriage.

I don't wear makeup. I just find it annoying now. Same with hair gel. I promise that I do bathe...and wear deodorant and perfume, and use moisturizer. But it's for me in a way that I've never experienced before.

I am enjoying finding out w/ CPC (Crazy Prolife Catholic) likes...and dislikes. And what God wants me to be. He gave me a mission -- a ministry -- that I had just daydreamed about. How lucky (really, blessed) am I???

Girls, and guys, if you haven't tried this, it's awesome...

God love you.

Lived thru a school concert!

I don't know about you all out there in cyberspace, but I dread the school concert. I don't generally mind the plays, but for many years, the concert was abominable. The little darlings just sounded like mating cats. Thankfully, either Johnny Can't-carry-a-tune-in-a-bucket and Susie Tinear have accepted their lack of musical prowess, and stopped going to band, instead choosing to develop other gifts. Or not. They could be getting high. Ugh. That idea makes me wish they were still al screeching away.

Well, for those still suffering through screeches and clangs, I have to tell you things get better. I don't feel the urge to stuff my fingers in my ears or need to stifle giggles. The kids sounded, well ... Pretty good!

The orchestra did make a rock standard sound like elevator music, but the choir -- where my little songbird shines-- is stunning!

I guess all those years of endurance DO pay off...For everyone.

Soccer...set me free!!!

I love my kids, truly, madly, deeply. I love that they have interests that captivate their hearts. But honestly, I am sick of soccer. Offering up my suffering for the souls in purgatory. Sigh.

The Loser Letters - Mary Eberstadt : Ignatius Press

This is a FANTASTIC book. Eberstadt is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.




The Loser Letters - Mary Eberstadt : Ignatius Press

What in the world??? I am speechless...

Bowling for abortions??? Can we be more morbid and disgusting???


http://bowlathon.nnaf.org/nnafbowl/default.asp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcKRNx4t1aM

Catholic Blogger looking for NFP users ...

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/badcatholic/2012/05/i-need-you.html

The cats aren't fighting tonight. That is good news. I do think the boy is jealous of the new kitty, because she is sitting next to me...

Tonight, I am feeling very thankful for having had all my grandparents until my adulthood. How many people can say that? I am so blessed. My last surviving grandparent is the one to whom I have been closest, my Nanny. She is winding down like one of the toys we used to have pre-batteries. Just slowing down. Thank God, she's not suffering or in pain.

I pray all who read this (if there is anyone out here who does) enjoy the blessing of grandparents...and that those who are grandparents have the blessing of grandchildren who love and cherish them.

Did Mom Ever Tell You She Was Going to Abort You? | LifeNews.com

Did Mom Ever Tell You She Was Going to Abort You? | LifeNews.com

She's one of my heroes....check it out!

I can't hold back anymore...gotta blog. I am a mother of 3 girls (ack!), one a hormonal teenager, professional pro-lifer, and a reverted Catholic. I've been left and right...and now I am Catholic. I have to have a place where I can release all the ideas that spin through my mind about politics, culture, religion, and life....so here goes! Hope you enjoy the ride!