Mark and I had the pleasure of attending the Best Manager's Meeting this past weekend at the Grove Park Inn (GPI). I cannot really describe how wonderful the weekend was, for many different reasons.
Paul stayed with family friends, the Coles. Paul is good friends with the kids, I am close to Kathleen and Nick.
Our house was cleaned in preparation for Mary, John and the kids visiting. Mark and I left at about 2 on Thursday, the Welsh's arrived at 4pm.
Mark and I got to the GPI around 4pm. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was a different kind of resort. The staff was very friendly, including the parking / bellhop / Valet service at the front. Our luggage made it to our room before we did - I got lost looking for the elevator. I didn't realize that it was a very small elevator built into the side of the fireplace!
One of my friends described it as a Harry Potter sort of elevator - and I think the description is very clever.
The Inn has a 'turn down service' nightly to turn down the blankets on the bed to prepare for sleep. When they do this, they also trade out any used towels. Amazing. We had fresh towels at least twice a day!
Mark and I were able to concentrate on being adults, alone on a romantic weekend. Every need we had was met by the hotel. Needs were anticipated before we could even give them voice.
The dinner Thursday was out on a deck - beautiful views, amazing food. I met many of the managers that Mark works with, and some of the men that he reports to as well.
After dinner we went to a dueling piano bar..... it was fun, the piano players were amazing.
More soon
Monday, July 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Changing Perspectives......
I cannot pretend to understand what men think..... although I would like to. I have realized though that I have a disconnect between my perception and reality when it comes to video games / media.
I am jealous of Zelda, the warrior princess, for taking my husband's time and attention away from me. I might even go so far as to look at it as almost an emotional affair.....
My dh is thrilled to have me and Paul in the same room, looking a the same screen, working together to solve the same problem.
I want to have something to 'show' for my time.
My husband wants to have time to spend with the ones he loves, no need to show anything for it, just be.
I don't fret about time spent on skype / facebook / the phone because I feel like I am working at maintaining friendships.
Where do I strike the balance between electronic friendships and the physical work and world that is my personal environment? Does one carry a priority over the other? Absolutely. The physical world - my home, my immediate family are the first charge. Does my action reflect that?
Does my home environment and my home relationship always warrant first priority or am I placing more value on things happening outside the home, on the internet, at work?
Where do I fit. How do I balance it out? We are in a media rich envrionment, there is no escape from it. How do I fully function within it?
All I know is that my carpet STILL isn't clean, and I have a T-ball game in 30 minutes...... the one hour phone call was alot more fun - emotionally I feel great. Physically, I need to move. How do I unite emotional with the physical?
I am jealous of Zelda, the warrior princess, for taking my husband's time and attention away from me. I might even go so far as to look at it as almost an emotional affair.....
My dh is thrilled to have me and Paul in the same room, looking a the same screen, working together to solve the same problem.
I want to have something to 'show' for my time.
My husband wants to have time to spend with the ones he loves, no need to show anything for it, just be.
I don't fret about time spent on skype / facebook / the phone because I feel like I am working at maintaining friendships.
Where do I strike the balance between electronic friendships and the physical work and world that is my personal environment? Does one carry a priority over the other? Absolutely. The physical world - my home, my immediate family are the first charge. Does my action reflect that?
Does my home environment and my home relationship always warrant first priority or am I placing more value on things happening outside the home, on the internet, at work?
Where do I fit. How do I balance it out? We are in a media rich envrionment, there is no escape from it. How do I fully function within it?
All I know is that my carpet STILL isn't clean, and I have a T-ball game in 30 minutes...... the one hour phone call was alot more fun - emotionally I feel great. Physically, I need to move. How do I unite emotional with the physical?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sleep therapy?
I took a long nap this afternoon..... thinking I would be going to work overnight. I got called off. So now I am feeling well rested and refreshed, I've eaten breakfast for dinner (cereal with blueberries, milk & orange juice).... and I am NOT going to work.
I hope to get some more housework taken care of this evening and tomorrow to finish everything off. My attitude has shifted with sleep. I am not angry any more. I am resolved that what needs to be done needs to be done, and if it is my job to do it, then I am going to do it. No complaints, no grumbling.
Hopefully I can smooth things out emotionally within the house as easily. I know Paul will be happy to stay home tomorrow.
Such is life.
I hope to get some more housework taken care of this evening and tomorrow to finish everything off. My attitude has shifted with sleep. I am not angry any more. I am resolved that what needs to be done needs to be done, and if it is my job to do it, then I am going to do it. No complaints, no grumbling.
Hopefully I can smooth things out emotionally within the house as easily. I know Paul will be happy to stay home tomorrow.
Such is life.
Running and anger...
Well, being angry does nothing for running. However, running does help dissipate anger. If I can just get through it and resolve my issues, I'll be in great shape - interior and exterior!
Week 4 - run 1: kicked my behind. Run 4 minutes, walk 1. Not so much. More like Run 4 minutes, walk 1, run 3 minutes, walk 2, run 1 walk 1 run 1 walk 1 run some more, walk a bit and then it was over.... no real pattern.
More later. Must sleep.
Week 4 - run 1: kicked my behind. Run 4 minutes, walk 1. Not so much. More like Run 4 minutes, walk 1, run 3 minutes, walk 2, run 1 walk 1 run 1 walk 1 run some more, walk a bit and then it was over.... no real pattern.
More later. Must sleep.
What does it come to?
A quote from Fr Joe McNamara comes to my mind, "Some things are interesting, others are important."
What is interesting in my house?
TV: British Open Golf, Tour deFrance, Baseball, Loony Toons
Computers: Social Media of many varieties, Games: PBSKids, NickJr, Yahoo.....
Video Games: Zelda, Star Wars, Wii games of any variety that appeal to the male variety.... and that they can then pull me into..... either to compete against them or to help them solve problems on screen.
Being creative
What is important?
Faith
A clean house
Food on the table
Clean clothes
Reading (for fun and education)
Conversation that doesn't revolve around videogames or television
Being active
Work
What has happened?
I feel as if the interesting things have eclipsed the important things on the priority list. I work part time in order to be able to take care of the important things, but I am so overwhelmed by the enormity of it that I am unable to fulfill my own expectations. Yet, when I look to my family, we have ALL gone down the interesting path to such a degree that they are unwilling / unable to re-order priorities and align themselves with me. At what point do I throw up my hands and run out screaming?
I use work as an excuse to not cook, to not clean, to not do laundry. And I accept it as an excuse from Mark. Except when there is laundry to be done and then I find myself angry that I am the one who has to do it. He works 50-60 hours per week..... why should he have to do laundry? I work outside the house 5-40 hours per week - completely variable. Why shouldn't I arrange my work outside the house around the work within the house? What is MY priority? Aargh! And so I come back to the question: what is interesting, what is important? How do I get a balance in the reality of my life? How do I set priorities? How do I turn off the computer, phone, TV and get things done? How do I use media to really make me more productive?
Is it unrealistic of me to expect to have a conversation or interaction with my dh or ds that does not revolve around a video game or or sporting event? Should they expect me NOT to talk about what happened to day via Skpye or FB? Is the integration of social media/television into our daily reality a distortion or enhancement of what reality is?
All I know is that I am in a struggle to grasp reality and not throttle anyone around me as I grasp it!
I hope I can find myself in a happier place soon.
What is interesting in my house?
TV: British Open Golf, Tour deFrance, Baseball, Loony Toons
Computers: Social Media of many varieties, Games: PBSKids, NickJr, Yahoo.....
Video Games: Zelda, Star Wars, Wii games of any variety that appeal to the male variety.... and that they can then pull me into..... either to compete against them or to help them solve problems on screen.
Being creative
What is important?
Faith
A clean house
Food on the table
Clean clothes
Reading (for fun and education)
Conversation that doesn't revolve around videogames or television
Being active
Work
What has happened?
I feel as if the interesting things have eclipsed the important things on the priority list. I work part time in order to be able to take care of the important things, but I am so overwhelmed by the enormity of it that I am unable to fulfill my own expectations. Yet, when I look to my family, we have ALL gone down the interesting path to such a degree that they are unwilling / unable to re-order priorities and align themselves with me. At what point do I throw up my hands and run out screaming?
I use work as an excuse to not cook, to not clean, to not do laundry. And I accept it as an excuse from Mark. Except when there is laundry to be done and then I find myself angry that I am the one who has to do it. He works 50-60 hours per week..... why should he have to do laundry? I work outside the house 5-40 hours per week - completely variable. Why shouldn't I arrange my work outside the house around the work within the house? What is MY priority? Aargh! And so I come back to the question: what is interesting, what is important? How do I get a balance in the reality of my life? How do I set priorities? How do I turn off the computer, phone, TV and get things done? How do I use media to really make me more productive?
Is it unrealistic of me to expect to have a conversation or interaction with my dh or ds that does not revolve around a video game or or sporting event? Should they expect me NOT to talk about what happened to day via Skpye or FB? Is the integration of social media/television into our daily reality a distortion or enhancement of what reality is?
All I know is that I am in a struggle to grasp reality and not throttle anyone around me as I grasp it!
I hope I can find myself in a happier place soon.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Joy, Joy, Joy!
There is joy in the readings this day! These readings give me great cause for Joy because I see their reality in my life and the lives of my friends around me. In the first reading from Wisdom, we read, " Your might is the source of justice, your mastery of all things makes you lenient to all." And This week, I have seen it with my own eyes. My friend, Sandra, has been through a conversion experience that is a testimony to this reading. She has experienced the lenience and forgiveness of God in such a real way that even her appearance was altered. It is such an amazing thing, but really if I could have taken before and after pictures of her I believe there would be a visible difference. The reading ends with, " you give your children good grounds for hope that you would permit repentace for their sins." And I have seen it! I have hope. I have joy. Because there is a loving God who not only permits forgiveness for our sins, but who pursues us and seeks us out so that we would not be lost.
Psalm 86 also spoke to me of this week. It was an echo of my hymn of rejoicing all week. I am so very thankful that I am in love with a God who is good and forgiving. A God who is abounding in kindness to all who call upon Him. I prayed this week, and my prayers were answered. My sister Mary and I have prayed for probably 3 or 4 years for our friend Sandra, and our prayers were answered this week. We have seen the great and marvelous deeds of God, present in our midst.
And then the third reading gives me further comfort and hope for Sandra because as she is returned to the faith, she is still learning to stand on her own two feet spiritually. She is still learning how to pray, even elementary prayers that will lead into a deeper relationship with God. And like all of us, as we are learning, the Holy Spirit works within us, guiding us toward God. All of us are there at some point ..... relying on the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we are so very burdened or overwhelmed that we don't know what to say or do. What a great gift we have.
So I was at the vigil mass this evening, holding a sleeping Paul on my lap. He fell asleep in the car enroute to mass and I didn't have the heart to wake him up. Is it crazy to work hard to keep him awake if he is awake when we get to church, but to leave him sleeping if he arrives to church asleep? I am unsure. But that is what happened this evening. It is easier to listen and pay attention if he is asleep. Of course I believe as he gets older (and presumably quieter) it will be easier. As it is now, if he walks into church under his own steam, I do not let him lay down or sleep until AFTER mass, regardless of the struggle involved in keeping him awake.
The readings reinforced the joy that I have had this week. And after mass was over, I took my own advice and stayed in the church to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. I only meant to stay a moment, but by the time I felt like I had said enough thanks (is that ever a reality, enough thanks?) the church was nearly empty. And then I met the visiting priest, Fr Dominic and promised to pray for him, and finally left the church - there was no wait to get out of the parking lot - the lot was nearly empty already!
We ate a lovely dinner out.
I you have read this far, I would ask you to pray for me and my household.....
We ended up planted in front of the TV, playing a Wii video game. Actually my dh was playing the game and Paul and I were watching, directing traffic on the game. I have no problem with the game, I have a problem with the amount of time spent playing the game when other things in the house are not already done, such as laundry, vacuuming and cleaning in general. It makes me angry. I am open to suggestions on how to fix / change this situation.
Psalm 86 also spoke to me of this week. It was an echo of my hymn of rejoicing all week. I am so very thankful that I am in love with a God who is good and forgiving. A God who is abounding in kindness to all who call upon Him. I prayed this week, and my prayers were answered. My sister Mary and I have prayed for probably 3 or 4 years for our friend Sandra, and our prayers were answered this week. We have seen the great and marvelous deeds of God, present in our midst.
And then the third reading gives me further comfort and hope for Sandra because as she is returned to the faith, she is still learning to stand on her own two feet spiritually. She is still learning how to pray, even elementary prayers that will lead into a deeper relationship with God. And like all of us, as we are learning, the Holy Spirit works within us, guiding us toward God. All of us are there at some point ..... relying on the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we are so very burdened or overwhelmed that we don't know what to say or do. What a great gift we have.
So I was at the vigil mass this evening, holding a sleeping Paul on my lap. He fell asleep in the car enroute to mass and I didn't have the heart to wake him up. Is it crazy to work hard to keep him awake if he is awake when we get to church, but to leave him sleeping if he arrives to church asleep? I am unsure. But that is what happened this evening. It is easier to listen and pay attention if he is asleep. Of course I believe as he gets older (and presumably quieter) it will be easier. As it is now, if he walks into church under his own steam, I do not let him lay down or sleep until AFTER mass, regardless of the struggle involved in keeping him awake.
The readings reinforced the joy that I have had this week. And after mass was over, I took my own advice and stayed in the church to offer a prayer of thanksgiving. I only meant to stay a moment, but by the time I felt like I had said enough thanks (is that ever a reality, enough thanks?) the church was nearly empty. And then I met the visiting priest, Fr Dominic and promised to pray for him, and finally left the church - there was no wait to get out of the parking lot - the lot was nearly empty already!
We ate a lovely dinner out.
I you have read this far, I would ask you to pray for me and my household.....
We ended up planted in front of the TV, playing a Wii video game. Actually my dh was playing the game and Paul and I were watching, directing traffic on the game. I have no problem with the game, I have a problem with the amount of time spent playing the game when other things in the house are not already done, such as laundry, vacuuming and cleaning in general. It makes me angry. I am open to suggestions on how to fix / change this situation.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Rejoicing (and avoiding housework) all at once
Today, I SHOULD be cleaning my house in preparation for my sister Mary's arrival. It is the last full, uninterrupted day that I have until she gets here. Instead I am busy rejoicing with my dear friend Sandra. I know I should be rejoicing AND cleaning, but I just want to sit and talk with Sandra.
So between now and Thursday, I have to turn the room of chaos into a welcoming guest room. I have to clean the bathrooms, clear the kitchen table, straighten out Paul's dresser, excavate the green chair and clean all the floors/carpets in the house. I think I can get most of it done this afternoon, if I just get up from the computer. Oh, and I have to go to the grocery store to be able to fix and eat dinner before a T-ball game at 7pm.
Why am I rejoicing?
It's a long story.
Sandra and I have been friends since the fall of 1988. At Easter in 1993 or maybe '94, Sandra was recieved into the Catholic church, and I was her sponsor. We have remained close friends over these many years, and even though we go for long periods of time without talking regularly, whenever we do talk, we just pick up where we left off, as if there were no time lapse.
Sandra is living outside of Naples, Italy. Her husband is stationed there with the US Navy.
I also have a dear friend who is a priest, Fr Benjamin Roberts. Fr Benjamin is in Rome for a continuing education experience on Ecumenism and the Catholic Church.
When I realized Fr Benjamin was going to Italy, and that Sandra was also in Italy, I suggested a meeting. Fortunately, it worked itself out and Fr Benjamin and Sandra were able to meet for lunch and discussion yesterday afternoon. They 'clicked' nicely - I knew they would. Sandra is, as my sister Mary says, "A mixer - she can go anywhere", and Fr Benjamin is a wonderful priest. I knew that they would get along well. After an afternoon of eating, shopping for holy items (a crucifix, holy cards, medals etc...) and discussing life, the world and everything, Fr Benjamin heard Sandra's confession! Hooray! This is exactly what I had prayed would happen.
I did not tell either person that this was my hope. I knew they would be fine socially, and I didn't want to place any pressure on either party for confession to happen. But I prayed that it would happen. And yesterday (Wednesday) when I was out running at 9am, it came upon me to fervently pray RIGHT THEN that Sandra would avail herself of the sacrament and that Fr Benjamin would offer to hear her confession and that Sandra would say yes.... It was a fervent prayer for about five minutes, perhaps more, and then I was calm and I kept running and praying for Sandra, for Fr Benjamin and for myself that I would get home safely from my run. It was hot. And then I felt a peace and joy descend over me. I came home and checked my emaiil / skype account almost fanatically until I heard from Sandra. And sure enough, confession happened.
The change in Sandra is almost tangible. When we finally did get on the computer to skype last night, she was practically radiant. The joy of her salvation has been restored. Thank God. I have my friend restored back to spiritual health, and on a path to spiritual wellness again. I cannot begin to express the joy that this brings me, and Sandra is over the moon with joy!
And so, today, instead of being active around the house, I have been on the computer - talking to Sandra via skype. And smiling from ear to ear. And thinking how wonderful to have two such good friends - a good and holy priest and a dear friend from college. And now, they are friends, too. And we are all on this spiritual journey together and we are never alone. God calls to us and comes for us, even when we least expect it, least deserve it. We are loved. And on this day, God's love is tangible - words of absolution, spoken in person, time spent in the company of a real person who listens and is compassionate. Truly, today I have been blest.
If I can harness this joy into action - I may never have a messy house again..... alas, I haven't figured that out yet. So I must sign off. Join me in rejoicing though.
A sheep was lost and the shepherd heard and rescued the sheep. A coin was lost and a lamp was lit, the floors swept and the coin found. It is truly an Amazing Grace, and I am rejoicing to have been even a tiny part in in the play.
God is so very good.
So between now and Thursday, I have to turn the room of chaos into a welcoming guest room. I have to clean the bathrooms, clear the kitchen table, straighten out Paul's dresser, excavate the green chair and clean all the floors/carpets in the house. I think I can get most of it done this afternoon, if I just get up from the computer. Oh, and I have to go to the grocery store to be able to fix and eat dinner before a T-ball game at 7pm.
Why am I rejoicing?
It's a long story.
Sandra and I have been friends since the fall of 1988. At Easter in 1993 or maybe '94, Sandra was recieved into the Catholic church, and I was her sponsor. We have remained close friends over these many years, and even though we go for long periods of time without talking regularly, whenever we do talk, we just pick up where we left off, as if there were no time lapse.
Sandra is living outside of Naples, Italy. Her husband is stationed there with the US Navy.
I also have a dear friend who is a priest, Fr Benjamin Roberts. Fr Benjamin is in Rome for a continuing education experience on Ecumenism and the Catholic Church.
When I realized Fr Benjamin was going to Italy, and that Sandra was also in Italy, I suggested a meeting. Fortunately, it worked itself out and Fr Benjamin and Sandra were able to meet for lunch and discussion yesterday afternoon. They 'clicked' nicely - I knew they would. Sandra is, as my sister Mary says, "A mixer - she can go anywhere", and Fr Benjamin is a wonderful priest. I knew that they would get along well. After an afternoon of eating, shopping for holy items (a crucifix, holy cards, medals etc...) and discussing life, the world and everything, Fr Benjamin heard Sandra's confession! Hooray! This is exactly what I had prayed would happen.
I did not tell either person that this was my hope. I knew they would be fine socially, and I didn't want to place any pressure on either party for confession to happen. But I prayed that it would happen. And yesterday (Wednesday) when I was out running at 9am, it came upon me to fervently pray RIGHT THEN that Sandra would avail herself of the sacrament and that Fr Benjamin would offer to hear her confession and that Sandra would say yes.... It was a fervent prayer for about five minutes, perhaps more, and then I was calm and I kept running and praying for Sandra, for Fr Benjamin and for myself that I would get home safely from my run. It was hot. And then I felt a peace and joy descend over me. I came home and checked my emaiil / skype account almost fanatically until I heard from Sandra. And sure enough, confession happened.
The change in Sandra is almost tangible. When we finally did get on the computer to skype last night, she was practically radiant. The joy of her salvation has been restored. Thank God. I have my friend restored back to spiritual health, and on a path to spiritual wellness again. I cannot begin to express the joy that this brings me, and Sandra is over the moon with joy!
And so, today, instead of being active around the house, I have been on the computer - talking to Sandra via skype. And smiling from ear to ear. And thinking how wonderful to have two such good friends - a good and holy priest and a dear friend from college. And now, they are friends, too. And we are all on this spiritual journey together and we are never alone. God calls to us and comes for us, even when we least expect it, least deserve it. We are loved. And on this day, God's love is tangible - words of absolution, spoken in person, time spent in the company of a real person who listens and is compassionate. Truly, today I have been blest.
If I can harness this joy into action - I may never have a messy house again..... alas, I haven't figured that out yet. So I must sign off. Join me in rejoicing though.
A sheep was lost and the shepherd heard and rescued the sheep. A coin was lost and a lamp was lit, the floors swept and the coin found. It is truly an Amazing Grace, and I am rejoicing to have been even a tiny part in in the play.
God is so very good.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Catholic Disney Land?
My dear friend Sandra is visiting Catholic Disney Land - AKA the Vatican today! I am so intensely jealous..... But I am also excited because she is meeting my friend Fr Benjamin who is there for a conference on ecumenism. I am excited for them to meet because I always enjoy when my friends become friends.
Today is HOT - expected to be in the mid 90's with high humidity to boot. I made it out on a run (couch to 5K - week3) and reversed the direction of my run - ended up feeling like I spent more time running up hill. I know it was an illusion, but still. I begin to realize how older people walked uphill both ways to school!
Also, this weekend past, I went on a handwork retreat. I spun some wool yarn, I worked on a tapestry that I started in January, and I knit some more on the purple scarf/shawl for Tracey. Now dealing with a flare up of tendonitis, but mostly I am OK.
Paul has had a bit of a bug - suspected strep throat, but so far, no confirmation, and he seems to be perking up.
First 5K race is on Friday! Hooray! I just hope I don't have a terrible time....
Sara
Today is HOT - expected to be in the mid 90's with high humidity to boot. I made it out on a run (couch to 5K - week3) and reversed the direction of my run - ended up feeling like I spent more time running up hill. I know it was an illusion, but still. I begin to realize how older people walked uphill both ways to school!
Also, this weekend past, I went on a handwork retreat. I spun some wool yarn, I worked on a tapestry that I started in January, and I knit some more on the purple scarf/shawl for Tracey. Now dealing with a flare up of tendonitis, but mostly I am OK.
Paul has had a bit of a bug - suspected strep throat, but so far, no confirmation, and he seems to be perking up.
First 5K race is on Friday! Hooray! I just hope I don't have a terrible time....
Sara
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Independence!
Today, we celebrate Independence Day. I thought I would write about what I am thankful for, but it felt like trite, already been said stuff.
So Happy Birthday USA.
And here is a random list of things I am thankful for, probably trite, but oh well.
1. Freedom to work, or not. And to choose my employment
2. Freedom to have a family, or not. And the joy that comes from being willing to have a family and follow my conscience.
3. A Beautiful country
4. A roof over my head and food on my table
5. The ability to blog, or not, and not be censored by anyone other than myself
6. The freedom to worship God as I choose and to congregate publicly.
And so, I am thankful that our founding fathers designed a country and a constitution that has withstood 235 years of testing. Thank you to all those who have fought to create and defend our country and constitution.
May we always have the nerve and fortitude to defend our country, our freedoms and our constitution.
So Happy Birthday USA.
And here is a random list of things I am thankful for, probably trite, but oh well.
1. Freedom to work, or not. And to choose my employment
2. Freedom to have a family, or not. And the joy that comes from being willing to have a family and follow my conscience.
3. A Beautiful country
4. A roof over my head and food on my table
5. The ability to blog, or not, and not be censored by anyone other than myself
6. The freedom to worship God as I choose and to congregate publicly.
And so, I am thankful that our founding fathers designed a country and a constitution that has withstood 235 years of testing. Thank you to all those who have fought to create and defend our country and constitution.
May we always have the nerve and fortitude to defend our country, our freedoms and our constitution.
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