Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Happy Epiphany!
Did I miss anything?
Clearly I've been gone for waaaaaaaaay too long.
In the last month or so I've done a lot of working, a fair amount of reading, some decorating, un-decorating, cookie baking, dog walking, house cleaning, home visiting, journaling, etc.
Christmas at the Mount was fantastic. I enjoyed spending it with the Sisters and was able to make it home a few days after for a 5 day weekend with my family. It was a great way to spend the holidays.
Since the start of Advent I've been much better about making time for some spiritual reading and journaling every day. I'm in the habit of getting up by about 6am, taking the pup out, reading, journaling, catching a snooze for like a half hour, and getting up to get ready for work. I also try to relax for a few minutes before bed, write a little about my day, and put on some calm music while I fall asleep. I feel much better keeping up with my spiritual life this way, my day feels a little more centered and I usually feel a little more relaxed.
I'm trying to save my pennies for a new laptop, this one has about had it. It's officially to the point that it needs to be plugged in to turn on. Basically it's on life support, the battery is shot. It's not so bad until you're in the middle of something really important and your dog accidentally trips the cord.
As always, the never ending saga of school loans continues. One of my monthly payments is about to increase in February, and another will begin repayment in April. So, cue me trying to find a part-time job that I can work a few nights a week. I knew having my evenings and weekends free was too good to be true, I've been spoiled for the last year and a half. But it's not the end of the world, it's only temporary while I get my life together and beat down my financial burdens.
So I'd love prayers that I might find a decent part-time job to help pay my bills and give me any chance of building up my savings. I'd also really appreciate prayers as I try to discern what I want to do with my life, there are so many possibilities!
Also, say a quick prayer for Alyssa. Her first day of graduate school is tomorrow :)
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Advent
It's Advent, the season to prepare for the coming of Jesus, both in the celebration of His birth and in preparing for the second coming. The messages in church these last couple of weeks have dealt a lot with clearing out the clutter of life and starting fresh. It's the start of the new liturgical year and almost the end of the regular calendar year. What a perfect time to evaluate life and make some changes.
In going with the theme from recent Gospel reflections and homilies, I want to clear up some clutter in my life. In the literal sense, my room, living room and dining room are cluttered with too much stuff. I need to tidy up a bit because all this stuff laying around puts me on edge. In another literal sense I seriously need to clean out my inbox. I get probably 30 emails a day and if I'm lucky 1 or 2 are relevant and important. Most are junk and chain emails to the tune of 430-something unread messages in my inbox. I'm sick of looking at all of it, it's too much and bothers me just as much as physical clutter.
As for the not so literal, I'm trying to bag my laziness and put it to an end. My life is cluttered with crappy tv shows and too much connectedness. I spend too much time on my phone playing games or senselessly putzing around on the internet. I have a stack of books in my room I've been dying to read, and a couple of new found hobbies I'd like to pursue a little more. Out with the useless and mundane, in with the challenging and exciting.
I'm going to throw in a cute story from work just to wrap up this post. I've been in a new classroom for 2 weeks now, I'm with the oldest group of preschoolers and I love it. Every morning we do yoga and exercises with the kids after breakfast. One stretch we do everyday involves trying to touch your toes while sitting. I'm one of the least flexible people you'll ever meet, so I'm lucky to get past my knees most days. But it cracks me up because whatever kids are sitting next to me are just appalled that I can't reach and fuss at me about it. "Try harder Ms Carrie!" Or my favorite, they'll grab my wrist and try to stretch me further, to no avail. Even better though, some will grab my toes for me to help out. Gotta love it :)
In going with the theme from recent Gospel reflections and homilies, I want to clear up some clutter in my life. In the literal sense, my room, living room and dining room are cluttered with too much stuff. I need to tidy up a bit because all this stuff laying around puts me on edge. In another literal sense I seriously need to clean out my inbox. I get probably 30 emails a day and if I'm lucky 1 or 2 are relevant and important. Most are junk and chain emails to the tune of 430-something unread messages in my inbox. I'm sick of looking at all of it, it's too much and bothers me just as much as physical clutter.
As for the not so literal, I'm trying to bag my laziness and put it to an end. My life is cluttered with crappy tv shows and too much connectedness. I spend too much time on my phone playing games or senselessly putzing around on the internet. I have a stack of books in my room I've been dying to read, and a couple of new found hobbies I'd like to pursue a little more. Out with the useless and mundane, in with the challenging and exciting.
I'm going to throw in a cute story from work just to wrap up this post. I've been in a new classroom for 2 weeks now, I'm with the oldest group of preschoolers and I love it. Every morning we do yoga and exercises with the kids after breakfast. One stretch we do everyday involves trying to touch your toes while sitting. I'm one of the least flexible people you'll ever meet, so I'm lucky to get past my knees most days. But it cracks me up because whatever kids are sitting next to me are just appalled that I can't reach and fuss at me about it. "Try harder Ms Carrie!" Or my favorite, they'll grab my wrist and try to stretch me further, to no avail. Even better though, some will grab my toes for me to help out. Gotta love it :)
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Give Thanks
I spent a wonderful couple of days with my family this past week. They came into town Tuesday night and stayed until Saturday morning for Thanksgiving. It was the first time they were able to come see my new apartment, and my very first time hosting a major holiday function. My Mom and I cooked dinner together on Thursday, we went shopping on Black Friday, we lounged around, we cracked jokes, we played board games and watched football. It was the perfect way to spend a holiday.
In the spirit of giving thanks and appreciating the blessings in my life, here are a few things I am extra thankful for:
1- My family. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like since I live in another state, but I appreciate every second we do spend together. My mom has been a constant support my whole life. My brother and sister are growing into wonderful young adults and I'm so proud of them. My dad, my step dad and my grandparents are special to me and I'm happy to have their love and support in my life.
2- My best friend. She keeps me in check and provides great support. We fight, we get on each other's nerves, but we care about each other no matter what. It's one of the greatest blessings in my life to have someone I can share so much with.
3- Friends, old and new. I'm thankful for the friends I've had since 5th grade, the ones I've made recently and everyone in between. The friends I have had over the years tell a story about my life. I'm happy to have good people in my life who I can have a good time with.
4- The sisters. I'm reminded every week of the great love and support within the walls of the Mount. I walk in on Sunday and it just surrounds me. I never get tired of the hugs and the kind words from everyone. Certain sisters are always checking in on Alyssa and I to see how we're doing and to give their blessings for the week ahead. I'm still amazed by how much the sisters and the monastery mean to me.
5- My job. I'm thankful everyday that I work at such a great place with such great people. I enjoy going to work everyday and I love the kiddos I work with. I'm learning new things in a field that I never thought I'd find myself working in, but it's all great experience for the journey ahead.
6- New beginnings at work. I spent the last couple of months working with the young toddlers and found it to be more challenging than I expected. Terrible Twos are not a joke! I would never say that I disliked working with that age group, but it definitely was not within my comfort zone. I'm happy to be returning back to preschool tomorrow in my favorite classroom.
7- My dog, Daisy. Anyone who knows me knows that my dog is my pride and joy. I'm thankful for a happy pup waiting for me at home everyday. She's always excited to see me and cheers me up no matter what kind of day I've had. There's nothing in this world quite like the unconditional love of a dog.
8- My apartment. It has taken a long time, and it's still getting there in some ways, but my apartment is a special place for me. I'm proud knowing Alyssa and I pay for this place every month and that it's ours to call our own. We decorate, we cook, we clean, we share this space with friends and family. I love coming home to a place I can call my own.
These are just a few things I am most thankful for. I've been trying to journal everyday about something I'm thankful for, and most of that will stay in the journal. It's a practice I'd like to keep up. It's hard to have a bad day when you focus on the good and capture it in writing. I want to give thanks everyday for God's blessings.
In the spirit of giving thanks and appreciating the blessings in my life, here are a few things I am extra thankful for:
1- My family. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like since I live in another state, but I appreciate every second we do spend together. My mom has been a constant support my whole life. My brother and sister are growing into wonderful young adults and I'm so proud of them. My dad, my step dad and my grandparents are special to me and I'm happy to have their love and support in my life.
2- My best friend. She keeps me in check and provides great support. We fight, we get on each other's nerves, but we care about each other no matter what. It's one of the greatest blessings in my life to have someone I can share so much with.
3- Friends, old and new. I'm thankful for the friends I've had since 5th grade, the ones I've made recently and everyone in between. The friends I have had over the years tell a story about my life. I'm happy to have good people in my life who I can have a good time with.
4- The sisters. I'm reminded every week of the great love and support within the walls of the Mount. I walk in on Sunday and it just surrounds me. I never get tired of the hugs and the kind words from everyone. Certain sisters are always checking in on Alyssa and I to see how we're doing and to give their blessings for the week ahead. I'm still amazed by how much the sisters and the monastery mean to me.
5- My job. I'm thankful everyday that I work at such a great place with such great people. I enjoy going to work everyday and I love the kiddos I work with. I'm learning new things in a field that I never thought I'd find myself working in, but it's all great experience for the journey ahead.
6- New beginnings at work. I spent the last couple of months working with the young toddlers and found it to be more challenging than I expected. Terrible Twos are not a joke! I would never say that I disliked working with that age group, but it definitely was not within my comfort zone. I'm happy to be returning back to preschool tomorrow in my favorite classroom.
7- My dog, Daisy. Anyone who knows me knows that my dog is my pride and joy. I'm thankful for a happy pup waiting for me at home everyday. She's always excited to see me and cheers me up no matter what kind of day I've had. There's nothing in this world quite like the unconditional love of a dog.
8- My apartment. It has taken a long time, and it's still getting there in some ways, but my apartment is a special place for me. I'm proud knowing Alyssa and I pay for this place every month and that it's ours to call our own. We decorate, we cook, we clean, we share this space with friends and family. I love coming home to a place I can call my own.
These are just a few things I am most thankful for. I've been trying to journal everyday about something I'm thankful for, and most of that will stay in the journal. It's a practice I'd like to keep up. It's hard to have a bad day when you focus on the good and capture it in writing. I want to give thanks everyday for God's blessings.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Prayer.
Every morning I wake up around 6:45. I change out of my pajamas, put on my sneakers and leash up my dog. I walk for at least 15 minutes, sometimes almost a half hour if I have the time. I walk the quiet streets around my neighborhood and I pray. When I get back from my walk, I grab some breakfast and try to journal for a bit (this one doesn't come as easily everyday, but I'm working on it!)
I get home from work around 4:50, and since the sun is gone earlier and earlier everyday, the first thing I do when I walk in the door is leash up Daisy and head out. I'll walk her as long as I can, it depends on how much light we have, and how loudly my stomach is growling for dinner. It's a nice way to unwind after a hectic day at work.
Living at the Mount, I prayed with the community twice a day, everyday. Prayer was first thing in the morning, and first thing in the evening (or right after dinner, depending on the day of the week.) I've mentioned before that my prayer life has been falling a little flat since moving out of the monastery. But it seems to be taking on a new life.
One thing I learned in my time at the Mount is that prayer can take on any form. It is not confined to a specific place, it is not something than can be practiced only at a certain time, it is not something that God will hear only if you follow this rule or that rule. Prayer happens anytime you open your heart to God.
One major bonus of having prayer time while I walk the dog is that there is no way to skip it. Trust me, Daisy will not let me hit the snooze button. She's in my face, ready to explore a new day as soon as her eyes open. I can't help but be excited for a new day too.
"We must know that God regards our purity of heart...not our many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace."- The Rule of Benedict, Chapter 20: Reverence in Prayer
I get home from work around 4:50, and since the sun is gone earlier and earlier everyday, the first thing I do when I walk in the door is leash up Daisy and head out. I'll walk her as long as I can, it depends on how much light we have, and how loudly my stomach is growling for dinner. It's a nice way to unwind after a hectic day at work.
Living at the Mount, I prayed with the community twice a day, everyday. Prayer was first thing in the morning, and first thing in the evening (or right after dinner, depending on the day of the week.) I've mentioned before that my prayer life has been falling a little flat since moving out of the monastery. But it seems to be taking on a new life.
One thing I learned in my time at the Mount is that prayer can take on any form. It is not confined to a specific place, it is not something than can be practiced only at a certain time, it is not something that God will hear only if you follow this rule or that rule. Prayer happens anytime you open your heart to God.
One major bonus of having prayer time while I walk the dog is that there is no way to skip it. Trust me, Daisy will not let me hit the snooze button. She's in my face, ready to explore a new day as soon as her eyes open. I can't help but be excited for a new day too.
"We must know that God regards our purity of heart...not our many words. Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace."- The Rule of Benedict, Chapter 20: Reverence in Prayer
Monday, November 5, 2012
Where Have I Been?
I wish I had a good story for why I haven't posted in 3 weeks, like that I was on a wild adventure out at sea or something (don't ask, that's the first thing that came to my mind!)
Last weekend I was welcomed as an initiate into the Oblate Way of Life. 21 of us were welcomed as new Oblates, with a total of 280 of us making a commitment to the Erie Benedictines. I'm so excited to have this new relationship with the Sisters and to further deepen my relationship with God and my understanding of the Rule of Benedict.
Not much else has been going on lately. Work is exciting and crazy as ever. Our migrant season is winding down which means we'll be saying good-bye to many of the kids and rearranging some classrooms very soon.
I feel like my life is boring and that I don't have much to write about lately. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with this blog, because just reporting on day-to-day life isn't quite so exciting lately. Soooo, I'm still working on it :)
Last weekend I was welcomed as an initiate into the Oblate Way of Life. 21 of us were welcomed as new Oblates, with a total of 280 of us making a commitment to the Erie Benedictines. I'm so excited to have this new relationship with the Sisters and to further deepen my relationship with God and my understanding of the Rule of Benedict.
Not much else has been going on lately. Work is exciting and crazy as ever. Our migrant season is winding down which means we'll be saying good-bye to many of the kids and rearranging some classrooms very soon.
I feel like my life is boring and that I don't have much to write about lately. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with this blog, because just reporting on day-to-day life isn't quite so exciting lately. Soooo, I'm still working on it :)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Doggy Dash
Friday after work Alyssa and I hit the road and drove to Syracuse to pick up Daisy, my dog. We stayed the night there, visiting with my mom and siblings. Saturday afternoon we visited my dad and grandparents for lunch before beginning the trek back to Erie.
It was a 24 hour adventure, we left at 5pm Friday and were back at our place by 5pm Saturday. We spent almost 8 hours in the car round-trip. Daisy probably feels like her world is upside down with all the travel and all these new sights, sounds and smells. But she seems to be adjusting rather well, and I'm so happy to finally have her here, I've missed my 4-legged kid. I was asked today by one of the sisters if I feel complete now that she's here, and I definitely do. It's been two years since I last had her with me, and it felt like forever.
Welcome home Daisy :)
It was a 24 hour adventure, we left at 5pm Friday and were back at our place by 5pm Saturday. We spent almost 8 hours in the car round-trip. Daisy probably feels like her world is upside down with all the travel and all these new sights, sounds and smells. But she seems to be adjusting rather well, and I'm so happy to finally have her here, I've missed my 4-legged kid. I was asked today by one of the sisters if I feel complete now that she's here, and I definitely do. It's been two years since I last had her with me, and it felt like forever.
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| Road trip! |
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| Enjoying a chewy bone in her new home |
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| Experiencing the peninsula for the first time |
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| Bath time! Clearly not her favorite lol |
Monday, October 8, 2012
Bless This House
This past weekend Alyssa and I hosted our big house blessing. It was quite the production which included planning the blessing itself, making food and figuring out how we'd fit almost 50 people into our apartment.
I'm happy to say it went off without a hitch. We asked our director from the Benedicta Riepp program to actually do the blessing, which she was more than happy to do for us. It helped it to mean a little more to us getting to plan it with her. The response from the community was massive, as we had about 40 sisters in attendance. They loved our place and were so happy to finally see it with their own eyes.
Having been in a funk for the last few weeks, it made me feel so good to have a house full of sisters and friends. My new house felt full and warm and bursting with life and energy. I could feel the pride pouring off of the sisters as they finally got to see how Alyssa and I are doing now that we're on our own. Having them here putting their blessing on our new place has helped it to really feel like it's mine now. It has felt kind of empty these last two months. But if I listen really carefully, I can still hear the voices singing praise over my new space, and it helps it feel like home.
Thankfully, there was a sister taking lots of pictures and videos of the event which she turned into a wonderful slideshow. I'm happy to share that with all of you :)
House Blessing
I'm happy to say it went off without a hitch. We asked our director from the Benedicta Riepp program to actually do the blessing, which she was more than happy to do for us. It helped it to mean a little more to us getting to plan it with her. The response from the community was massive, as we had about 40 sisters in attendance. They loved our place and were so happy to finally see it with their own eyes.
Having been in a funk for the last few weeks, it made me feel so good to have a house full of sisters and friends. My new house felt full and warm and bursting with life and energy. I could feel the pride pouring off of the sisters as they finally got to see how Alyssa and I are doing now that we're on our own. Having them here putting their blessing on our new place has helped it to really feel like it's mine now. It has felt kind of empty these last two months. But if I listen really carefully, I can still hear the voices singing praise over my new space, and it helps it feel like home.
Thankfully, there was a sister taking lots of pictures and videos of the event which she turned into a wonderful slideshow. I'm happy to share that with all of you :)
House Blessing
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