Lent 2009 Day 3

One of my very dear friends wrote to me the other day. Suzanne. Suzanne has a gazillion kids (more like 7) and the penultimate one, Phillip has cancer. They were in the hospital (they still are) and she took time out of her cancer ridden schedule to write to me and to cheer me. The thing that struck me though, was that she mentioned the Gospel reading on Sunday and remembered that it was *my* reading. "Not that you wrote it" she says lol but that it was one of my very favs! That made me feel amazing. That someone with all this stuff going on remembered something that meant a lot to me.

In emailing her back, I talked more about the Gospel and how I mentioned it here a couple days ago. Well, in telling her why I love that particular Gospel so much, the Bob (what I call the Holy Spirit) took over and wrote this amazing review of why I love this particular Gospel so much. I don't think Suzanne will mind me sharing this with you. She rocks like that.

Here it is:

If you read back on my blog on 2-22 I posted about that very reading! It is one of my very favs! Not just b/c it has to do with faith, but it also has to do with friendship. If it were me on the matt, I know I would've protested. I'm a lifter, not a liftee. Being a liftee is hard and humbling and I would have balked and protested for a while before I gave in. But, I would have gave in. But I mean, think about it. Think about the love that the five friends have for each other! There was no 'he's too heavy we need another person'. These were his five closest friends who love him the most. I know this because they were the four who climbed the roof. I bet at least one of them had a fear of heights! And, I'm sure they didn't live right next door. How far do you think they carried their friend? My guess is pretty far.

Now, by this point, I bet their tired. There arms from all the carrying, their legs from all the walking. But they find more strength, from the font of love they have for their friend, and CLIMB to the roof and then use even more strength to lower him down.

Here's what I want to know, you never hear about the friends coming in the house, just 'Matt'. lol get it, I named him Matt cause he was on the matt, lol. I haven't had caffene yet, don't judge me! lol But, I digress, Matt's in the house on the Matt, how much rope did they have? Enough to lower him to the ground or did they have just enough to get him almost to the ground and they had to hold him there suspended in mid air? This I don't know. But I'm thinkin it was enough to get him to the ground b/c Jesus says "rise, take up your matt and walk" So, he had to be able get up and pick up the matt. Pick up, meaning it was on the floor.

I like to think by this time, his friends were off the roof and when Matt came outside, they were waiting for him with open arms.

That's what we do. We lift, we carry, we celebrate. Kind but great exercise program wouldn't you say?

Until next time,
pray for Suzanne, Phillip and their family and all children with cancer.

Love,
Me

Lent 2009 Day Two

Here it is...Enjoy and happy Lent!

Until next time,
Know that I love you!

The CatholiCity Message
Volume XIII, Number 2

Special Lenten Edition

Dear CatholiCity Citizen,

Our only purpose today is to help you begin your Lent well. Remember the initials YBLE: Your Best Lent Ever. Before we start, we saved a really, really, really good insight for last, entitled "YOU ARE NOT DEAD." Hmmnn.

1. NOW FOR THE...CONCEIT
This is one message you may want to forward to your friends and relatives--before Ash Wednesday is over. Let us being with...a conceit. Huh? A what? What is a "conceit"?

As some of us may recall from English class in the olden days, a conceit, according the fourth definition of the third meaning of the noun in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, is (drumroll):

"an organizing principle"

A Lent well-lived needs an organizing principle. May we suggest that your conceit for Lent 2009--your organizing principle--be to:

Go. For. It.

THE POPE'S PETARD
Go For It! We only have so many years on this earth, and to waste a Lent is just plain subpar for a believing Catholic. Challenge yourself spiritually in 2009. Choose extra *difficult* mortifications. Give up your very very most favorite things. Fast more often than ever before in your life. Commit to prayer or Mass or Good Friday devotions like never before in your life. Do not fall for the sadly common temptation to slide into this worldwide season of extraordinary grace like a wet towel into a hamper.

By the way, you know the Pope is going to kick petard this Lent. This is the only time of year when it is, in fact, a good idea to be more Catholic than the pope. Pope Benedict XVI practically invented the Conceit. He was going for it, like, over eighty years ago.

So plan today, right now, to look back on April 12, 2009 (Easter Sunday) with the wonderful sensation of knowing that you did your very, very best to grow closer to Jesus. That you did not squander another Lent. And let us know, on April 13, how It was goed for for you. (Yes, if you read that slowly, it makes sense. Sort of.)

CRACKERJACK, SURPRISE-INSIDE SUGGESTIONS
Some of you are psyched. Some of you are groaning. Others are nodding (hopefully in agreement, not into sleep). Many stopped reading after the word "conceit."

And, now, for some suggestions. Please forgive us for listing some of the "usual suspect" suggestions. Our goal below is to make you tremble in fear: "Oh no, not that! I can't give up that!"

Yeah, we (and you) are looking for the Perfect Oh No Not That to give up because this year, our conceit is Go For It.

And remember, there is no prohibition from "doubling" up, or choosing three, five, or seven things for Lent 2009 (Your Best Lent Ever!). We know that many of you have been intending to get off your duffs and do several of the following for years (and even decades--you know who you are).

We can only offer this bold encouragement because we are weak, slothful, wimpy, selfish, lazy, prideful, ashamed, and cowardly. Here are some suggestions to get into the spirit of GO FOR IT, followed by helpful hints, resources and comments...

1. Pray the Rosary every day.
2. Receive Communion at Mass every day.
3. Go to Confession every Friday.
4. Pray the Family Rosary every day or once a week.
5. Pray in silence 20 minutes a day.
6. Make a Eucharistic visit every day.
7. Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet (at 3:00 PM) every day.
8. Fast on bread and water one to three times per week.
9. Read a spiritual book.
10. Give a painfully large donation to charity.
11. Give a donation to charity instead of buying something for you.
12. Pray "Jesus, I love you!" in the first waking seconds of the day.
13. Listen to Catholic CDs.
14. Do something major to improve your marriage.
15. Volunteer anywhere: at your kid's school, homeless shelter
16. Visit a home for the elderly
16. Give up something you absolutely love, crave, or spend time on, or that annoys the people you love, including:

-television or your favorite television show
-television before a certain hour
-television AFTER a certain hour
-coffee
-diet soda
-donuts
-hamburgers
-chocolate, and anything with chocolate flavor
-all snacks or desserts
-movies, Netflix, movie rentals
-the Internet
-following your favorite sports team
-video games
-celebrity magazines
-golf (an objectively grave moral evil) (only kidding)
-booze
-watching golf on TV
-a destructive, irresistable "friendship"
-foul language
-picking your nose
-sports radio
-satellite radio
-music radio
-talk radio
-restaurants
-driving when you could walk
-sleeping in late on the weekends
-sleeping an "extra" ten minutes in the morning
-fast food drivethroughs
-not cooking breakfast for your kids
-shopping for clothes or food
-text messaging
-not stopping by your neighbors to say hello for weeks
-failing to visit or call your "not close by" relatives
-soap operas
-the beach (for those of you lucky enough to have one nearby)
-fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, skateboarding
-some of your "alone" time doing any hobby
-your absolute favorite, passionate hobby (aha, you just fainted!)
-nagging your husband (you know who you are)
-nagging your wife (she knows who you are)
-interrupting others
-not smiling when you arrive at the office
-knitting, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku
-knitting? (you addicts understand)
-cigarettes, cigars, gum, and "phony candy" breathmints
-cellphone calls in your car on the drive home
-bluetooth headset (harder than you think)
-fantasy football, basketball, or baseball
-eat your vegetables (even you adults)
-betting on March Madness
-gossiping at work--say something nice instead
-stealing "little stuff" from your employer, including time online
-relations with your spouse (on certain days or weeks)
-thinking about yourself when you wake up or go to sleep (pray instead)
-thinking about yourself when you drive (pray instead)
-buying anything you don't need

LITTLE CHILDREN
That, ahem, should get you started. We are also big advocates of children giving up video games and television. Consider encouraging your little ones to abstain from meat on Friday and even to fast (using your parental judgment, under your supervision of course). Have them give 10% of their piggy bank into the collection basket.

Let's review our conceit: GO FOR IT.

YOU ARE NOT DEAD: LENT VERSUS LINT
May we mildly suggest that you are not dead. You are not a corpse. You are alive. You are breathing. Put your index finger into your bellybutton. Dig. That's lint. This is Lent. And Lent 2009 and it shall never come again, and it shall never *start* again, so that is why it is so important to have some courage on Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Lent is about changing, for forty days, how you live so you can grow closer to Jesus.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER FOR LENT 2009
Our prayer is simple. Let us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit...

"Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Please help me do my best, and by leadership or by example, help my family and friends, do their their best, this Lent. Because I love you and I want to love you more. Amen."

LENTEN QUOTATIONS

"Study the generations long past and understand;
has anyone hoped in the Lord and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?
has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the Lord;
he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble
and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth."
Sir 2:5-11 (Reading for Tuesday, February 24, 2009)

"An honest man is the noblest work of God."
Alexander Pope

"I have done my part. May Christ teach you to do yours."
Saint Francis of Assisi, final words on his deathbed

"My Lord has suffered as much for me."
Savonarola, final words on his deathbed

"I have not behaved myself that I should be ashamed to live, nor am I afraid to die, because I have so good a master."
Saint Ambrose, final words on his deathbed

"Jesus! Jesus!"
Saint Joan of Arc, final words on her deathbed

Thank you for being an august citizen of CatholiCity, and for reading to the sweet end. Next time we write, it shall be in the middle of Lent, in the fray, so to speak, of Lent 2009. Meet us there, going for it.

With Immaculate Mary,

Your Friends at CatholiCity

Lent 2009

So, I go throughout my day and I'll find something quirky or something will grab me that I think I want to share here. Take for instance the email I got the other day from Catholic City about Lent. It was an awesome email. Then, at Mass this morning, it seemed like Fr. Tim was talking just to me. The Masses have been hitting me kind of hard as of late. But, I digress...I'll start writing the blog or some form of what I want to say before I get anywhere near the laptop. And, then sometimes, when I sit down, this blog takes on a life of its own.

This is one of those times.

If you don't mind, I need to vent. I just had a panic attack and I'm coming down from that. I am stretched more than I ever thought I could be. I am exhausted. Both physically and mentally. Did I tell you I got a new job this week? Cheddars. I'll be working there during the day (in the kitchen) as well as Olive Garden at night.

Today during Mass I did a great deal of thinking about Mom. And, then tonight, I had my attack. I talked to dad this afternoon. He is having a good day today. He's talking about volunteering now. He's attending a senior group with a Mom's best friend. He is still lonely, but he is making strides. I just realized, he is moving on. Slowly, but he is and that scares the crap out of me. No, I'm not worried about him meeting someone. Yes, I want him to be happy. But if he moves on, then she truly is gone. Makes no sense. This, I know.

Confession. Sometimes I'll stare at the picture of her and dad and remind myself that she really was here. That I did have almost ten glorious years with her and that she did, in fact love me. Not just because I married her son but for me. She loved me unconditionally.

Tonight. I don't know if it's b/c I'm pmsing, my hormones are going all wonky, stress or everything combined, but I am missing her terribly today. I am so exhausted, I cannot sleep. The anxiety is just sitting in my chest and the hole that was punched into my chest when Mom died somehow seems bigger.

It's been fourteen months since she died. It might as well have been forty. Today, I am missing her tremendously. I ache for her. Just to hear her voice.

And so, mix in an out of work husband for seven weeks, kids I have seen only glimpses of in passing whom I miss terribly, one bad orthodontist appointment, a new job, coordinating the old job with the new, not making time for my bible study that I so desperately want, the gas being shut off, the washer on its death kneel, and a mattress that is just as bad, missing my sister in Florida, coping with Mom's death,filing taxes,paying the house tax, and possible cysts on my ovaries, something was bound to snap.

So, I've made some African Honeybush Mandarin Orange Unwind Twinnings tea (I call it Mom's tea, it's what she drank). And, let's be honest here, if anyone needs to unwind, it's me. I am going to drink my tea, cry a little more, apparently, I am not all cried out yet,snuggle with my husband. Talk to God and hopefully fall asleep.

Until next time,
Thanks for your ears and for being here. I'll hopefully post the Catholic City message tomorrow, it really is a good one!

Love,
Me

Did you ever think of the cost?

Sure. We all do. Especially now, with George out of work. How much is that? How much is that going to cost? Our washing machine is on it's death kneel. How much is that going to cost?

But then sometimes we don't think about the cost. A friend is sick. Someone needs a ride somewhere. A friend needs help moving. Someone's family needs help. We have all been there. We have all rallied around someone. We know someone who is having surgery or doctors appointments, or who's family member is dying. And, we, the member's of the St. Jude's community are there. We don't think about the cost. We think "what day am I to bring you dinner?" We are a family. St. Judes, you, and I.

Today's Gospel reading is one of my very favs. There are a ton that I love, some that are my favs, and then, there are my very favs. Hey, you gotta start somewhere, right? Today's reading was from Mark 2:1-12. It's the one about the guy on the mat. Basically, Jesus is preaching in a house. To say the house was packed would be an understatement. There were so many people, the door was even blocked. Now, you have this group of friends and one of them is paralyzed. They love their friend *so* much that they climb the roof! Then, the opened up the roof and lowered their friend down on the mat. And, seeing their great faith, Jesus heals their friend. But think about it. I can tell you without a doubt there have been numerous times that my friends have lifted me up on the mat. And, there have been times where I've helped with the lifting. It's what we do. It's what our family does.

One of the songs today was Here I am to Worship. Great song. There was a line in there that got me thinking today. 'I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.' I mean think about it. Over and Over in the bible, God said He paid our ransom. He paid for our sins with Jesus' life.

Chew on this if you will. God loves *you*. He loves *you* so much that He can't bear to be without *you*. And, try this one on for size...Jesus loves *you* so much that He climbed. Let me repeat that. Jesus loves *you* so much that HE CLIMBED on the cross. He went WILLINGLY! He ransomed His life so He could spend eternity with *you*. Now, my friends, *that* is love!

How often do we think of what it cost Him? Sure, sure, we all say we'd give up our lives for our kids, our family, our friends. But, what about our neighbor? What about the weirdo down the street that we don't care to get to know? What about the brown noser at work? Would we give up our lives for them? Jesus did! Yes, I know we are not Him.

With Lent being only two days away, I wanted to give you all some food for thought. And, while I was at Mass today, those two things struck me and I felt compelled to share them with you (the song, and the Gospel). As we prepare ourselves and our wine skins (apparently, two words, not one like in my head, lol) remember that you are worth far more than you could ever imagine. You are loved so much that the Prince of Peace gave His life for you because He loves YOU!

Until next time,
What are you giving up for lent? Let's share shall we!

Love,
Me

Let me tell you about my day...

Okay, so I had to start work at 8am today. A)not my favorite shift and b)I've been trying to switch to Saturday's at 11. That way it would afford me the luxury of attending my bible study with my lovely All-Star CHRP sisters. C) This shift is not easy to do with just one person as is usually scheduled. I feel constantly behind the 8 ball (the pool ball, not the drug)and always in the weeds.

So, knowing I had this shift today, I was way anxious last night. Then, this morning, I had a panic attack. George calmly listened and tried to calm me down. Which, is a moo point (obscure friends reference). But, I totally appreciated the effort. God, of course was listening and I'm sure He felt bad that His daughter was unhappy. I kept telling George "God has a plan, God has a plan. I don't know what it is yet, but I know He has one!"

Guess what He did for me, His daughter today? First off, when I arrived at 8, not happy, Erma arrived right after I did. Apparently, Thomas, the culinary manager had her come in at 8! Okay, my first reaction was 'yea! help! This is awesome!' My second reaction was 'wait a minute...does Thomas think I suck that bad or did he finally realize this shift needs two people?' Then, I decided, it didn't matter, I had help! Thank you, Dad! As the day went on, we weren't as slammed as we have been on past Saturday's (Thanks, again, Dad!).

Then, panic stricken, I go to talk to Thomas about my schedule. I said a Hail Mary first. I politely, respectfully tell him I need to talk to him about my schedule. I mention that I had talked to him a couple weeks ago about coming in at 11 b/c I have a meeting at church every week. He then says "you didn't say it was every week". I know for a fact I did, and coming out of my passive/aggressive shell, I politely say "Yes, I did". He said "So, you need to come in at 11 and Elena at 8". I say 'yes'. He says 'okay'. That was the end of that! Wow! Thanks, Dad! Now, Elena told me today that she cannot come in every Saturday at 8. I am not worried, that is not my job to figure out. I needed to get my point across that I can come in at 11 not 8, on Saturdays. The point was made. I was proud of myself for remaining calm (even though I was panic stricken).

Then, when my guys came in (my guys being my evening guys whom I work with and we all take care of each other) at 4 today (I got off at 5), Jairo and I talked about Cheddar's (new restaurant perpendicular to OG where a few of us night people applied for day shifts). He said that Elaine, one of the managers, asked him about me (since we both work for OG)if he knew me, etc. He said "I told her how great you are to work with and you are a hard worker". This coming from a guy I've worked with barely two months! Thanks, again, Dad! The guys that I work with on the night shift, Jairo, Guiermo, Ivan, Juan, they are my guys. We help each other, take care of each other, and look out for each other. Don't get me wrong, the other people on the night shift are very nice too. But, they haven't formed the bond that my guys and I have. Even in my own Salad group, I am extremely close to Liz. While the other 4 people on salads are nice, Liz and I have a connection.

Then, there's Pammie, one of the managers. She always, always makes me feel appreciated. Even when she's busy. She sees all I do and how I help out and she always makes it a point to say "thank you for doing blank (fill in the blank) I appreciate you." It's not, I appreciate that. It's I appreciate you. That makes me feel noticed and that the things I do, other than salad/breadsticks, are appreciated.

Haaaaaaaave I told you about Mike, the Culinary Assistant/Certified Trainer? He noticed the desire I have to learn more. So, he's constantly quizzing me on temps and will teach me anything I ask. "What's that? How do you make that?" Very cool. He sees that I want to learn and instead of 'no, you have to wait', will teach me.

Now, it's almost 6pm and I have a half our to get ready because tonight is the St. Jude's annual Winterlude! (Oh, Sharon, I wish you could be here! Might I see you at Monserrat?)

I just wanted to share with all of you how what I thought was going to be a bad day turned out to be beautiful thanks to Dad. It is a great feeling to be so loved!

Until next time,
Tell Dad what's bugging you!

Love,
Me

PS. My necklace that I lent one of my favorite people, my CHRP sister, Mary on our weekend, I totally forgot about until yesterday. And, today, when I got home, it was waiting for me, delivered by one of my favorite people in the world (God Bless you Tina Scheckel!) and Mary placed a new charm on it. It said 'Joy'. This was awesome and got me all sorts of choked up. See, My Mary calls me Joy. She wrote me this beautiful letter (Hope you don't mind me sharing, Mary), and in it she called me Joy. What a beautiful end to my day. Thanks, Mary. Thanks, again, DAD!

I went to the doctors yesterday. The cardiologist to be exact. This caused me great anxiety. I don't know if it has to do with turning 40 in July. It really shouldn't. But, with George's severance package ending in a few weeks, I want to make sure the entire family makes uses of the awesome health insurance we have through him, versus the indemnity package that I've got.

I was worried b/c I haven't been to the cardiologist in almost two years. Not good, I know. For those of you who are unaware, I have aortic insufficiency (see here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aortic_insufficiency). Anyways, what if my valves were bad? What if I have to have surgery? This is my heart we're dealing with here. It's the very core of who I am. My mom had two heart attacks in six months (albeit ten years ago) and 5 or 6 stints put in. So, this added to my anxiety.

Well, I went to the cardiologist. Had an eco and an ekg. And they were awesome! First, he wasn't happy that I waited almost two years to come see him. He said that everything looked great! My leakage was the same as before. And, that my valves were great! He said they should last me 20 years. And after 20 years, we have Star Trek! lol He stressed the importance of coming to see him every year as we need to monitor the leakage, but I left there on angel's wings! And, on my way to work, stopped by adoration to say a big thank you!

We talked about my anxiety and panic and how it sets in my chest and I automatically think it's my heart. He understood exactly what I was talking about. So last night, when my anxiety set in as it inevitably does, I was estatic with the knowledge that it wasn't my heart :)

For more good news, check this out:
> http://www.kxmc.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=333726

Until next time,
Please continue to pray for the unemployed of our parish.

Love,
Me

Nothing Much

It amazes me. Noise, that is. Maybe b/c my silent retreat is coming in April, but for some reason, I am more cognizant of the noise the last few days.

I was at work yesterday. We were SLAMMED! It's like everyone decided to celebrate Valentine's Day at Olive Garden! Anywho, the vibe on the day shift is way different than that of my beloved night shift (which I also got to work...a double shift way cool!). I was way quiet during the day. I radio was on (as it always is, but it was a little lower than usual) and I just listened to all the noise. The hum of the workers talking. Orders being barked out. Knives and machines chopping. It was quite noisy. So, I retreated inside my head. Where, it was noisy.

Random thoughts would float by like clouds. Nothing of importance or interesting enough to hold my interest. Then, I decided to say a rosary. I can NEVER remember the Apostle's creed. EVER. I always confuse it with the Nicene creed and I end up mixing them together in some weird concoction that is never said the same way twice. Mary knows what I mean, and so I believe I get points for trying and the Rosary counts as being said. I got so involved in my Hail Mary's, I know I said extra, but I don't mind :)

This week was full of noise. Not so good noise-my great aunt passing, not getting the position I interviewed for at work, kids fighting, George and I arguing occasionally, missing my grandma, and missing mom. To good noise, the valentine's texts I got from my friends, the music from dancing, the laughter of my family. Noise, Noise, Noise.

I went to Mass on Friday. All I could do was cry. It was so peaceful there. God spoke to me. And, I let Him. Some times, I don't want to hear what He has to say, but this day, I let Him. And, you know what He said? He said Isaiah 42: 1-10. Then, today, I went to noon Mass. Gotta love the music! I cried through Mass again today. I can't help it, the music gets to me. We sang a song today, the title escapes me, but it was talking about being on your knees. And, I was struck by something. I don't usually take to my knees except at Mass. And, when I'm there, on my knees, and the songs are speaking to me, and He is speaking to me, all the world is right. I am *in love* with my God, and my relationship with Him. All is right with the world.

Then, Mass is over. We leave. And go to Kroger's. And, the world is no longer right. Kids are being kids and George and I cannot decide what to make for lunch (seriously!). And, after six weeks of him being unemployed, tension has been mounting. And, arguments happen. Crow is ate. Tension lingers. Forgiveness happens, feelings are hurt. The peace from Mass seems eons away.

Things I know:
It's still noisy, even inside my head.
God has a plan.
I'll never remember the entire Apostle's creed or the Act of Contrition.
Everything is going to be okay.
Isaiah 42:1-10.

Until next time,
Take to your knees and know I love you.
Love,
Me

Not Good

Today was/is a bad day. I've been sick the last two days. Nothin' too serious, just allergies mixed with yet *another* sinus infection.

I went in to work today at 8am. The shift I *hate*. There's way too much work and only one person scheduled. When we get behind, people are suppose to come help. In the evening, it's never a problem, they are more than willing to help. Today, that didn't happen. I wasn't feeling well today and got behind and got no help. Even when I asked for it (not from a mgr, they would've helped). Then, four hours into my shift, I've got a fever, *stomach issues* (that's putting it mildly and being nice), nausea, and a headache. So, they sent me home.

I felt like a failure. I got behind. I couldn't get caught up. I felt, and still feel, just awful. Plus, they have yet to announce the list for the certified trainer spots that interviewed for on Monday. So, I look at today as another reason for the culinary manager not to give me one of the spots. Sigh. I feel he just looks at me at goes 'why did I hire this incompetent bafoon?' Not a good day.

Then, the kids are all insane. My kids. All of them. They are insane and want to take me with them, but I won't let them. They won't shut up. EVER! James and Sarah are fighting constantly. Sarah won't stop screaming and James wont be quiet. He won't stop bugging everyone. He won't mind his own business. Sarah thinks this is her house and she's in charge. I'm half tempted to let her run the house and be in charge. That way I won't have to listen to her, lol. She's extremely bossy. And, that's putting it mildly. Maria's getting over being sick so she's quiet and she's doing all her make up work too.

There's no job in sight for George. Although, this week, he'll be delivering flowers for Valentine's Day. I'm looking for an additional job during the day (if you happen to know of anything, please let me know). The money at OG is good, however, a big chunk of my pay is going to benefits which we need. So, benefits, a plus, the net pay every week, not much. Sigh.

God has a plan, God has a plan, God has a plan. No matter how many times I say that, He's still not telling me what it is, just yet. In His time. I just wish His time was now.

Until next time,
Remember I love you.
Love,
Me

I don't need to eat

Because I am so filled up today!

First off, MY STEELERS WON! We set numerous records last night with the ultimate being the only team to win SIX superbowls!!! Now, the whole nation knows what I've known my whole life....the STEELERS ROCK!!!

Secondly, I am filled b/c I got to talk STEELERS with my dad this morning! My dad who rarely calls, called me last night (I was working) and called back today. It was such a great call. We may not have much in common, but we have the STEELERS!!!! Yes, it does all boil down to the STEELERS! PLUS, I even found something to like in our President. HE'S A STEELER FAN!!!!

Thirdly, I got to spend the early part of the afternoon back in my beloved burgh by proxy. I called part of my heart, my Sharon and not only got to TALK MORE STEELERS, but got to catch up with her.

Don't get me wrong, Allen, TX is my home. St. Jude's is my home, but Pittsburgh and the STEELERS will always be my home. There is something about calling home talking all things Pittsburgh, hearing the accent from home and talking about THE STEELERS that makes the world all seem right.

I am interviewing for this new position at work today. Rumor is we won't know for a week who or how many are choosen. If it's God's will, GREAT! If not, I'll be a little disappointed, but then I'll just look at my TERRIBLE TOWEL, and know that with God (and MY BELOVED STEELERS) that everything will be okay!

Here's wishing you much SIXCESS (get it, WE WON SIX SUPERBOWLS!) in all you do.

Until next time,
Try not to be too upset that your team didn't fair well this year. And, don't take it personally as I continue to gloat over MY STEELERS in the coming weeks!

Love,
Me