Quick Takes~ April 19

(hosted at Camp Patton)

-1-

I really should be folding laundry.

Instead, I'm using naptime to obsess over Boston news-- between email checks and, of course, blogging.

It's good to have priorities.

-2-

You know that your toddler watches "Blue's Clues" too often, when a pawprint motif (on a dog's bandana) sends her craning her neck for Steve.  "Clue, Steve... STEVE! WHERE STEVE?!"

-3-

Exciting-- this week BBC cited the blog of my good friend Shannan (Tween Us)!!   

The quote pertained to Justin Bieber's visit to the Anne Frank House...  Here's Shannan's original post on the subject.  Adolescent response (see her comments section) made me smile and shake my head, recalling how "mature" I thought myself in high school...!

-4-

Speaking of worthwhile blogs, I've added two to my blogroll--  Living with Lady Philosophy (by a Theology M.A. married to a philosophy professor) and The Accidental Philologist (A.B.D., studying medieval Latin).  Since both authors navigate the academic world as Catholics, I'm thrilled to follow them!

-5-

Back to toddler-isms:

Apparently our two-year-old aspires to the big-kid job of cleaning up after household pets.  "Want pick up puppy poops RIGHT NOW!" she demands, pink plastic shovel in hand...  (Oh, how I wish I could put her to work!)

Someday-- when she views this backyard drudgery with the "enthusiasm" of a sane human being-- I'll remind her of today.

-6-

Years ago, when my husband and I were first married, we endured a job loss and year of unemployment that really challenged our optimism!  And back then, my husband used to say that our theme song was "You Can't Always Get What You Want" (Rolling Stones)... Well, on arriving home Tuesday evening (the day that the Catholic college ended his candidacy), what was the first thing he did?  Load that song, and play it... Before hanging up his jacket.  Before taking off his shoes.

If you try sometimes, you just might find 

you get what you need.

It was like fresh air.

-7-

Along the same lines (comfort), my new favorite flavor: Kroger Private Selection, "Chai Tea with Chocolate Ginger Cookies"

Since when last I declared a favorite (Edy's "Tiramisu") it was discontinued immediately, I'm preparing to campaign for this one.  Try it! Become addicted!  


Thanks for visiting-- and have a great weekend, everyone!  

Coping with a disappointment

He didn't get the job

He didn't get the job.

I just learned this, five minutes ago... My husband called, and I knew from the low, sunken tone in his voice that he was dreadfully unhappy; and when he told me, I realized how much the hope of an offer had buoyed us both for the past six weeks.

Six weeks!  Six weeks since his on-campus interview.  The length of time would have itself crushed our expectations, if there hadn't been significant reasons-- explained to him at the interview, and subsequently-- for extending the search for so long a time. And in that time, we both began to feel invested in that Catholic collegiate community and all of its concerns.  For more than a month we followed the Facebook posts, the Twitter feeds, the student newspaper, envisioning:

A truly Catholic campus, in accordance with Ex Corde Ecclesiae-- Catholic professors and families to be our neighbors, our friends-- their support for homeschooling--  tuition benefits for our daughters, down the road-- the possibility of designing or teaching a course in U.S. Catholic History...  The dream of this is suddenly gone!

Where is my resolution to trust God's Providence?  At the moment, it's overwhelmed by waves of disappointment-- by feelings of rejection, and even (yes) betrayal.  (As if this community owed anything to us....!)

If you can, please say a quick prayer that I'll regain some perspective; and also that I'll be able to emotionally support my husband when he returns home in an hour or so. Right now I am actually crying about this, can you believe it?  I'm crying, and I need to stop and find something else-- some plan for the summer, some organizational scheme or activity for the girls-- to make the future seem more, well, fun.

Seven Quick Takes

-1-

Timman (Saint Louis Catholic) is reading The Power and the Glory; while Delena (It's on My To-Do List) is not reading The Lord of the Rings (which frankly I never finished, either)...

So of course I must be reading-- or not reading-- something as well!  And I manage to cover both in my approach to Les Miserables. Meaning, that I read it off and on, and am currently stuck in Hugo's multi-chapter discussion of the Paris street urchin. Thus far, Hugo really loves the idea of progress; has a problem with cloistered nuns; and evokes Pope Francis in describing the Bishop Myriel, who (for example) converts his episcopal residence into a hospital for the poor.

-2-

At the conference in New Orleans, my husband and I received lots of encouragement regarding our newly-founded historical organization, which we hope will soon launch an e-journal.  I'm a Managing Editor....!  Of something that doesn't yet exist.

(And I'm telling you about it, because telling you will help to motivate me.)

-3-

My manuscript revisions are moving at a snail's pace.  (Again, I'm telling you for the sake of shame-based motivation.)

-4-

I'd given up coffee for Lent-- and oh my, is it good to have that cup of deep-rich-fragrant comfort once again!  Tea smells nice, and I like tea, but... it just isn't as substantial.  Tea is a beverage; coffee is a meal.

-5-

Our two-year-old is having a blast with a few of Delena's printouts!  And while of course she needs help to work them (drawing and tracing are not her strengths right now), I'm amazed at how well she grasps some of the concepts.  

Overall, a worksheet can keep us both pleasantly busy-- and focused-- for longer than I thought possible at this flighty, fidgety age.  Thanks, Delena!

-6-

Oh yes, and may I brag a little (more)?  I mean, I have to make the most of these encouraging moments, right?  Especially since I'd worried that our evening "family prayer" time was an absolute shambles  (you'll see the connection in a sec)...

Our two-year-old has astonished me with plausible renditions of the Our Father and Hail Mary!  True, they consisted only of a few key words and phrases, connected by well-inflected gabble-- but you could recognize the prayer.  Really recognize it!!

And I'd thought she wasn't listening.

-7-

It's (finally) occurred to me that this blog needs more photos.  I'll get on that.... Someday.

Thanks for indulging me-- and have a great weekend!!


PS: "Quick Takes" are hosted at Camp Patton.

Like so many in our area, we're praying for Johnny, a high school senior who was critically injured in an accident last month.  While he emerged from the coma on Easter Sunday, his recovery has only just begun, so.... please keep him (and his family and friends, too) in your thoughts, along with Baby L and others!

Hearing of these needs so close to home, I realize that-- if our girls were in danger-- I'd give anything to return to a "bad" day of endless tantrums and time-outs, nap strikes, spills, whining, and staggeringly potent diarrhea.

Behold the Lamb (Cake)

I'm only posting this because my good friend Shannan was kind enough to ask for a photo...  Not because I'm proud of it or anything.

(Right.)

Since I'm no artiste with pastry (You should see me try to pipe frosting!  It's hilarious), I'll exploit any opportunity to brag small success.

Happy Easter!

Wesołego Alleluja!  Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday.

Our Easter basket, blessed this afternoon (minus a yellow chick that would sneak into the photo!)