gobbledygook

Hello there, regular readers. I still get a few visitors daily, much to my surprise. (It's a pleasant surprise.) At the rate I'm going, you can probably stop by once every two weeks and catch up on anything on my blog. I do feel a little bad that I don't have anything interesting for you. But on the other hand, it means that you don't have to spend much time here.

My work shift has changed and now I'm not able to attend daily mass. Nor am I able to visit my spiritual director. Hopefully I won't make a habit of that.

It's not been pretty on the home front. As you well know, if you are ready for a change and the other folks around you are not, the result is usually much tension and maybe some chaos.

Not sure yet where I'm going with my job. It currently consumes my life. But due to inertia, change doesn't happen until I get a a huge whack on the head that says it's time to change directions. Wish I could tell you about my job and share the misery, but that's rather privy info. I believe today's terminology would be "to suck it up" which is more swaggering than "to grin and bear it."

I do have a personal rule: no whining. If you're not going to do anything about it, then shut up already. So pretty soon you won't hear too much more about the job from hell. ( And yes, whining is a major pet peeve of mine. Venting is ok - that's a one-time event. But whining knows no end. )

I really should take my butt to bed, but perhaps one game of websudoku won't hurt.

bummer

Took my first shot at the CCNA exam today. Didn't pass. Needed 849 score and I got 737. Good thing the company paid for it. It'd hurt much worse if the cost of the test came out of my pocket.

back to the drawing board ...

timeless

Of all my college books, about the only one that I pull back out from time to time is the Oxford Anthology of English Literature. Though I don't own one, I do also love the Little, Brown Handbook. And is there anyone who has not read the Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr.? Anyhow, here's one piece from the anthology:

Sonnets of William Shakespeare

XXIX.
When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deal heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

it sucks

Ok, so it's not grueling physical labor, but it still sucks. I worked until 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Friday morning, I was so tired, I apparently turned off my alarm clock and went back to bed. I don't remember doing that, but it must have happened. I woke up to my secondary alarm at 7 a.m. Thank goodness for redundant systems. Anyway, so I missed mass on Friday. Did I stop working at 10pm because I was caught up? Noooooooooo. I stopped because I ain't working past 10. Mind you, I'm supposed to be off at 6. I'm still not caught up and the stuff keeps rolling in - a new pile of stuff every day and folks wanting their stuff taken care of.

It's a constant race against the clock. From the moment I start in the morning until I quit, I'm in front of a computer working as fast as I can. I am forced to break to use the restroom, other than that, it's constant. Can I stop and have a conversation with a co-worker? Not if we both are trying to stay on top of things.

There are some others working late with me. One of them said something to the effect of "No way am I going to lose this job." So I'm thinking that guy must know something I don't. My last job was 43% more money for probably 43% less work. Again, I'll just have to stick it out and see how things goes. Maybe as I get better at it, I won't have to put in so many extra hours. I ain't no friggin quitter. However, if it doesn't get better by end of August, I'm going to make plans to walk.

Today, Pooh and I will go see Mission Impossible and run some errands.

Go Spurs!

week in review

A moment of prayer for vocations ... (pause) ...

ok

I decided to go with the 6:45 a.m. weekday mass mainly due to traffic--it's so much better at six-something in the morning. So for weekday mass I'm actually at the parish I prefer. Ideally I would study in the time between end of mass and start of my shift, but most of the time it's half study because I'm half asleep.

It so happens that this particular parish has a school. One morning I heard the announcements, given by two students. Whether I can hear it or not depends on the parking lot I choose. Being a visitor, I had unwittingly chosen that parking lot that day. Anyhow, the first kid led the Our Father then Hail Mary and Glory Be. The second kid did the Pledge of Allegience (and actually, an adult did the announcements). Wow, now that's a good wholesome start to a day. It gave me a warm feeling inside, a little nostalgia and a lot of confidence that these kids are in good hands. I never got the prayers in school as a kid, but I certainly did the Pledge.

Friday morning I entertained the thought of missing mass. Then it occurred to me that it's first Friday and in truth, other than mass, I wouldn't be doing anything special to commemorate the day. So I got my butt up and made it to mass.

I'm not liking my new job. But there are really intelligent people at the job, so there must be a good reason to stick around. So I guess I need to stick around and find out what that reason is. Also, if I were to move in with the Dominicans, I'd be a mere few minutes from the job. Gotta leave some room for those dreams.

I didn't do didly squat yesterday. I don't want to do anything today either, but I'm going to have to. I did go to mass and did my volunteer thing, but I'm definitely not on the positive kick I usually am on when I'm at my parish. I didn't even really make an effort to give my pastor a hug (usually you have to wait in line--that's the "effort"). I'm just not a happy camper, but I'll make it.

Naked again

The last time I tried Naked juice, it was the Mango flavor and it was good.

Today I tried the Pomegranate flavor ... yecht!!

So Naked Pomegranate is not recommended.

Cheers.

love CSS?

then check out

• Open Source Web Design
• CSS Zen Garden

Maybe one day I'd have the time to play around with CSS ... like maybe learn the stuff.

just taking a break from studying for the CCNA cert ... it's painstakingly slow progress for me on that front ... I'd rather be studying something else like Dominican stuff

trying to get back to the groove

There are two parishes near my job that I can visit. There's one that has morning mass at 8:10; I can probably make that one since my shift doesn't start until 9.

The other one has morning mass at 6:45. To make that, I'd have to get up around 5 and head out at 6. I would prefer that parish but I don't think I'm disciplined enough for that. However, they do have perpetual adoration - I should be able to go visit at any time. If I start getting swamped on the job and need to go in at 8 just to catch up, then this parish would be an option.

I think I've ignored my Lord long enough. Now that my work schedule has stabilized, I ought to attend daily mass. Jesus awaits me daily, I ought not to forget what a privilege it is to attend mass. So beginning on Monday, I will try to make mass a part of my routine. God knows I desperately need Him.

on the vocations front...

Woke up with a little tummy ache. It made me a little late to meet with Sr. X of the Dominicans. I took a lunch break but still didn't eat. Intended to grab a snack at the end of my shift, but as I was walking to my car, I realized that I hadn't snacked. Yeah I'm on the edge with my new job. Fortunately I'm not alone; there are other newbies. Funny how us humans can't really take being "alone;" we find comfort in just being able to share--no matter how little the sharing.

Well, I didn't get laughed out of the convent at my revelation to Sr. X that I wanted to join them. I don't think they were surprised. Sr. X suggested that I do some Dominican reading when I have the time, and of course, I'd have to get rid of my debt before entering.

Dear God, you've brought me this far. Please continue to work your miracles ... I need them on my job, in my volunteer stuff, just in my life in general, but definitely it will take a miracle to get me into the convent.

Tonto in the mean time is going a little banannas. "So you'll give me a few years to forget about you?" Look, I'm not going to be cloistered and the Dominicans have been very open. "I won't be able to afford xxx." Sigh...Dear God, please don't make it my problem.

checking in

Been crazy busy; falling asleep exhausted at the end of the day. Moneybags, thanks for your greetings; been meaning to reply but too busy.

Tonto made a doc visit today. A friend did the chauffeur service. Very good and positive reports from the doc. Maybe Tonto will drive self to physical therapy starting next week.

Still not quite setup at work to do work. Maybe tomorrow. This is weird. How is it that you knew you'd have new hires, you knew that they'll be in training for two weeks, and yet you don't have what they need to get started after all that time? Did I mention that one of the things that frustrated me on my last job was that I didn't have the resources I needed to do my job?

Meeting with a Dominican next week to talk about where we take things from here. Dominicans invited me to their Triduum services. I could only make the Holy Thursday with them. I stumbled over the "May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his [God's] name, for our good and the good of all his [God's] church" -- they said the version in brackets and I, not. I winced, not so much at the inclusive language, but rather at my failure to blend in. Yes, inclusive language abrades me, but I wanted to set that aside while I am guest.

They did a washing of hands. Being my usual social klutz, I failed to observe and when I got up there, I was clueless as to what to do. My poor paired Dominican kinda floundered with me for a moment then she grabbed my hands and we got through it. Somewhere in that awkward moment, she carved a niche my heart as well.
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When my work schedule is set, I will need to re-start spiritual direction.

Happy Easter

HAPPY EASTER

to all!

Last night we had about 15 newly minted Catholics, five of whom were newly baptized.

get Naked

I was in the fresh veggie section of the grocery store this evening and spotted the Naked fruit smoothies. I grabbed the Mango flavor. Not bad. So I hereby recommend that y'all get Naked [fruit smoothies].

At $2 a pop (15.2 fl. oz. bottle), it's not cheap in my book; but I think I can splurge once in a while. I didn't look at their website, but it's at www.nakedjuice.com

PSA and blurb

Happy Palm Sunday to all!

PSA...

Just a friendly reminder that blessed items (like palms from Palm Sunday) are never to be disposed of by putting them in the trash. Proper means of disposal are incinerating or burying. There's a very good chance that religious items that are inherited from relatives are blessed, so better to handle them as such.

This ends the PSA. Thank you.
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My pastor mentioned this morning that we may at times hear the name of Jesus used in a non-prayerful manner or otherwise irreverently. He suggested that we quietly counter that with "Blessed be the name of Jesus."
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I've been very fatigued. New job. New commute. Study training materials, study for certification test, help Tonto, do everything at home that Tonto can't ... just tired. I was wondering how I was going to handle Holy Week. In the past, I'd always attended the entire Triduum plus the Chrism mass. This year, I've not even given much thought to Lent and have missed every reconciliation service, fish Friday, and soup Monday.

If I attend the Holy Thursday and Good Friday services, I'd be leaving Tonto to fend for self practically the whole day, so I'll have to see how Tonto wants to handle it. Chrism mass is probably out of the question (then I'll REALLY be gone the WHOLE day without stopping by the house because it'd make more sense to leave work and go straight there). Else I've decided to drop the study for certification since Holy Week only comes once a year and I ought not to let anything stand in the way of properly "celebrating" the week. Will have to see how it goes.
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Wishing all a most Blessed Holy Week !!!

navel gazing ABC's

as seen at various blogs...

Accent: I think none. But some say I have a Texan accent.
Booze of choice: Powerade
Chore I hate: cleaning house; I suck at it; if I live alone, I'd have next to nothing so that cleaning would be simpler
Dog or cat: both
Essential electronics: watch
Favorite perfume(s): none
Gold or Silver: what's the occasion?
Hometown: somewhere in U.S.A.
Insomnia: the extreme opposite
Job Title: um...it's salaried non-management
Kids: 0
Living Arrangement: 1 story house w/yard in the 'burbs
Most admired trait: in me? dunno
Number of Sexual Partners: 0
Overnight Hospital Stays: once, for 2 days
Phobia: public speaking
Quote: "Seek first the kingdom of God."
Religion: stone Catholic
Siblings: 4 older bro
Time I wake up: Usually between 7-8am on my own. This past week it was 6am or a little after. But next week I have to be at work at 7, so I'll probably get up at 5 or 5:30am.
Unusual talent/skill: nothing unusual about me
Vegetable I refuse to eat: lima beans, green peas, black beans
Worst habit: I'm friggin forgetful I don't drink enough fluids, water or anything else.
Xenophobia or Xenophilia?: how about neutral?
Yummy foods I make: uh...cornbread dressing?
Zodiac Sign: virgo

1st day

OK, I'm officially hired. I got the employee badge and parking sticker. I was told that I passed my background check. One guy feigned surprise when informed that he passed his background check. hee hee

On my old job, the rule is to never act surprised. If it breaks, at least make it look like it was either designed to do that or you knew about it.

There is about half a dozen of us new hires. The company promotes from within, so they have to backfill the bottom slots.

I don't think they have a dress code. I'm trying to decide whether to maintain office casual as a reminder to them that I'm professional and should be promoted (as soon as fitting), or to go jeans/t-shirt to show that I'm a team player and good sport, willing to blend in. I think the rule is to never out-do your boss, dress or otherwise.
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Visited with Tonto in the hospital after work. Brought home as much as possible, leaving only what Tonto needs for tomorrow. A friend will provide the chauffeur service. Got home later than I wanted. Made chicken vegetable soup so that Tonto and friend would have something to munch on if desired. I'd classify the soup as "light," not much flavor but certainly edible. I might pack some for lunch.

We've been rather unsatisfied with the nursing staff. General complaints would be untimely response, loud talking, unconcerned attitude, and general lack of attentiveness, sometimes downright rudeness. At night, they're rather free to do as they please since they're not under supervision. Tonto no longer relies on the night staff for anything and would rather suffer doing things self or do without. When I was there, I'd be the one helping. So good thing Tonto is coming home Tuesday.

zzz

Didn't even hear my alarm this morning, but Tonto woke up and needed my assistance so I was up in time, though later than planned. The first of my two volunteer gigs started half an hour later this morn, giving me time to get home and shower. I snoozed through part of both volunteer gigs. One of them was during mass, causing me to miss part of my pastor's homily -- my favorite pastor who gives great homilies! I've been quite tired the past several days and just couldn't really wake up this morning.

normalcy, please

Looking forward to a normal life. One week+ in the hospital isn't exactly fun. Just helping out Gumby. Nurses didn't know what to think of me, and I didn't care to explain or socialize. No, I'm not some overprotective love interest. I'm a just sticking around because Gumby so requests. When Gumby said to me this morning, "I'm sick of you." My natural reply was, "Great, can I go home now?" So I have some hours of freedom here, doing some of Gumby's laundry, running a few errands, maybe clean up the house a bit, and certainly a few rounds of web sudoku.

New job on Monday. I still have to apply to some places this week so that I can get unemployment benefits for the week.

Mass and communion has been weird, never on any regular schedule. Haven't read a lick of spiritual stuff. So out of it.

Gumby will be discharged on Tuesday 4/4, so ends the hospitalization saga. whew!

My friend with the lung tumors is up and about. Treatment at this time does not include chemo or radiation. Thanks be to God.

hired

As promised:

Yes, I got hired. Temporary for the moment. Permanent hire is contingent on me getting my CCNA within 120 days. Big cut in salary from my previous job, but this is going to be a great learning opportunity and a great start on a new career. I got the call on Friday. The Fed-ex package arrived on Saturday, I'm just now getting home today to pick it up; have not read it.

Gumby got tubes and such attachments removed on Friday and got moved to the re-hab unit on Saturday. It has been extremely rough going for Gumby -- psychologically, emotionally and physically. I'll get back to the hospital as soon as I can.

My friend with the lung tumors was expected to go home today or tomorrow. I heard that my friend continues to be in great spirits ... ah, so in character. And me over here selfishly fretting over the prospect of losing such a beautiful and amazing creation that is my friend.

prayers needed

Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. Gumby's medical procedure went without a hitch. Now Gumby is on the long and painful road to recovery.

Prayers needed for a friend who was recently diagnosed with malignant tumors in both lungs. Coming on the heels of Dana Reeves' death, this is a very scary thing. The biopsy was done on Wednesday and last I heard on Thursday, my friend was still in ICU but would probably be moved to a room.

Y'all take care. Back to the hospital (after I jump in the shower).