Little Moments

The year 2010 has been full of little moments. Most of the year was great, but not all. The one dark spot was the death of Ken's brother, Jon. He will definitely be missed!

Some of the little moments include graduating with my Master's degree in English, playing a lot of pool with Ken, and muddling through travel disruptions, delays, and detours due to Europe's massive snowstorm as well as New York's massive snowstorm these last couple of weeks. Despite our travel woes, we did get to spend an unplanned night in Paris, and celebrating Christmas with my Aunt Betty and Uncle Alan, my cousins, and my parents in Coventry, England was a great way to top off the year.

Ken and I are wrapping up 2010 at home where it's safe from revellers who don't know when to say when. My favorite type of celebration: a quiet evening at home with Ken.

We plan to embrace 2011 and all its little moments.

Happy New Year!

***

Ken outside Aunt Betty's house in Coventry, England

Ken and Bob--with Dad and Uncle Alan in the background

Sisters!

Dinner with Mom and Dad. Cheers!

Coventry Cathedral --still in ruins from The Blitz in 1940

View from our hotel in Cologne (Köln), Germany

au revoir 2010!

Happiness is not a Potato

"Happiness is not a potato, to be planted in mould, and tilled with manure. Happiness is a glory shining far down upon us out of Heaven"

This little quote is from Villette by Charlotte Brontë. The quote is Lucy Snowe's response to Dr. John's comment to her about a cure or a preventative for her mental disturbances (she thought she saw the ghost of a nun): "Happiness is the cure--a cheerful mind the preventative: cultivate both."

***
I am finished with Grad School. I turned in my last paper yesterday, and I walk the stage this Thursday evening. A piece of paper that says I have earned a Master of Arts degree in English will be mailed to me. How do I feel?

I am happy, but I do believe I will need to cultivate that happiness a little bit over the next few weeks. I am transitioning from student back to a member of the working class. I'm excited to discover the changes that are sure to come in 2011, but I'm also a little nervous. I will be happy to find a new place for me out there in the world, but that happiness will need a little tending and cultivation as I prepare for the new year. I am ready.

***
When I first read the above quote, I laughed. Upon reflection, I am inclined to agree with both Dr. John and Lucy Snowe. Happiness isn't always easy to come by, and it can wax and wane as it pleases, so a little cultivation is a good idea. But happiness also comes from Heaven, from God.

When you receive that wonderful gift of happiness from God, how do you accept it? Do you receive it with open arms and expect it to linger in your presence as you go about your business? Or do you embrace that happiness and cultivate it so that it blossoms and spreads its tendrils out to the hearts of others?

Time to Reflect, Time to Move on

Good News! I passed my MA Comprehensive Exam! I know it's been a few weeks, but my three classes are demanding now that the semester is winding down! I have no time to blog, but here it is anyway.

This MA Comprehensive Exam was one of the hardest things I've experienced during my academic career! But there's one thing about the whole thing that really bothers me: I really hate (maybe hate is too strong of a word) that people said, "of course you passed. I knew you would" or something to that effect. Or they would say before the exam, "stop worrying, you'll do fine. You're smart, etc." Passing this exam was definitely not a given, no matter what people think about my capabilities or past achievements. Three people out of eight did not pass. I know it's rare to fail, but it's really rare to have three people fail in one semester. I knew about these fails before I went in for my oral part of the examination. I was so freaked! I knew that passing was not a done deal! Here's how it played out:

Monday, October 25 from noon to 4:00 pm: Four essays in four hours. This was so hard because we didn't know the prompts beforehand. It was all a surprise, and we had to think fast and type fast. I went to class after, and I played in my pool league that night. What a day!

Tuesday, October 26: I cried in the morning because I couldn't stop thinking about the essays. I felt they were awful, and I was embarrassed that three very esteemed professors were reading them. I wallowed in self pity all day, and then I went to class.

Wednesday, October 27: I studied all day to get ready for my oral examination on Thursday. On my way to class that night, I saw Robert right after his oral examination. He failed! He was the last person I expected to fail. I've had several classes with him, and I've always been impressed with what he has to say during class. I was devastated for him, and I was totally confused that he didn't pass. I spent the evening completely distracted and sick to my stomach (yes, I still went to class).

Thursday, October 28: I spent all morning frantically studying. My oral was at 3:00, so I got to campus around 1:30. I just sat there feeling sick. Right before the exam, I went up to the English Department and talked to Reina. That's when I found out about the other two fails. I just wanted to run away! At 3:00, I went in front of three professors (doctors) and defended my essays and answered questions (everything on my reading list was fair game). At 4:00, I went out of the room and waited while they discussed my performance and if I should pass or fail! Ack! It only took about eight minutes, but it felt like an hour. When Dr. Lopez opened that door and said, "congratulations!" I was so happy! It's over! Wow, I couldn't stop grinning. What a relief. I had no idea how I would have told Ken I didn't pass. Thank goodness that call was filled with happy news instead! He said he had the phone right there waiting for me to call. I happen to know for sure that he was very relieved it was over--mostly because I was such a mess, and I definitely drove him crazy.

This process was so intense, and passing was not a given--no matter what kind of student I am or how many good grades I have made or how many books I have read. I could have blanked out or froze up or whatever because oral examinations are not the norm. I had no idea how I would react in that setting. Thankfully, I was prepared (I read and analyzed everything on my reading list), and I was able to remain calm throughout. I stumbled a few times, but the professors nudged me along because they could tell I knew the works--but it's hard to know EVERYTHING. If you blank out or say, "I don't know" too many times, they can't help you. Even though I was prepared and was able to hold up my end of the "conversation," I never lost sight of the fact that I was being examined. I was comfortable, but I was never fully relaxed. I talked a lot, I was honest when I was unsure of something, and I showed enthusiasm. That hour was a beast, but it went fast. Whew!

My reading list consisted of 53 authors with 129 individual works (novels, poetry, speeches, and essays). I spent about a year preparing by reading, rereading, and analyzing so that I could write about and discuss it all intelligently, make connections between works, and write and talk about the works in specific contexts (historical, thematic, and genre). This whole process, especially the week before and the week of the exam took a lot out of me--emotionally, psychologically, and physically (I cried, I felt stupid, and I lost weight). But it's over, and I passed, and I never want to go through that again!

Almost and a Day

I know I said I wouldn't blog until after my MA Comprehensive Exam on October 25 (written) and October 28 (oral), but I've decided to relax on this fine Saturday evening. I thought I would enjoy a delicious cup of green tea and spend a few minutes posting this unexpected update. Every day and night, I'm either doing schoolwork, studying for the exam, or playing pool. I'm in desperate need of a night off!

I have a scant two weeks before the exam, and I'm strangely calm. I have been inundated with work for my three classes in addition to preparing for the exam. Thankfully, I have been keeping up with the schoolwork, and I have taken the time to meet with other students to study for the exam. I readily admit that my energy, enthusiasm, and strange calmness comes from God. I know I can't do this without Him, so I pray constantly. It's how it must and will be.

I hope I'm still calm at noon on the 25th, and I hope those four essays in four hours are passworthy!

O! The Insanity of it All

With taking three classes that are reading/writing intensive, studying/preparing for the MA Comp Exam on October 25 (yes, I'm freaked!), and participating in three different pool leagues each week. . . well, let's just say I'm going to take a little break from blogging and pretty much everything else.

Stay tuned. I'll be back after my big exam.

Being Grateful During a Not So Gratifying Week

This week has been sucky!

Okay, I did win my 9-ball match on Monday, but the week went downhill after that. Maybe it's because it's the last week before my last semester starts next Wednesday. Maybe it's because I had my annual checkup on Tuesday. Yuk! Necessary and important, I know. But, yuk. Maybe it's because I spent an obscene amount of money on books for these last three classes. Maybe it's because a friend's dad died this week. Maybe it's because I have recently realized that some people I have called friends over the years are really just acquaintances.

It's probably all of these things rolled up together. I'm bothered that I'm bothered to the degree that I'm bothered (huh?) because it's not my nature to be down or depressed for any length of time. I'm half full, truly! I am the first person to shout to the world that I have a lot of reasons to be grateful!

I guess I've just been bombarded this week by a whole lot of turbulence--unexpected and not so unexpected.

I need to turn my attitude around so that I focus only on this week's wonderful things rather than on the sucky things. Easier said than done, but I will try . . .

Actually, I feel a little better after typing out my woes. Blogging is therapeutic!

A Not-So-New Student

I haven't felt like blogging all week--but I have this here goal on my Day Zero list to blog at least once a week. I have been doing just that for quite some time now, and I even have a couple of topics just waiting to be blogged about:

• We went to Ken's high school reunion last weekend, so I want to blog about that (with lots of pictures). But not today
• Doreen, my wonderful friend, is moving to Albany, NY soon, so I want to blog about that. But not today

I guess today I will just mention a little something that's been shoving me in the back, propelling me forward. My last semester as a grad student starts in less than two weeks. My goal this summer was to have everything read or reread that's on my MA Comprehensive Exam reading list (exam is on October 25) before the first day of the semester. I'm almost there! Despite my tendency to procrastinate, I haven't spent the summer unwisely. I have read a lot of stuff.

I think what I really want to say is that I'm excited to start this last semester, but I'm reluctant as well. I'm ready to graduate, but I'm not ready to end my time as a student (what a ride!). What in the world will the future bring? I don't know, but I will trust God to make sure my path is true.

My Immediate Goal: I will do everything I can to enjoy this last semester so that I can get the most out of these remaining days as a not-so-new student. Here I go!

Shutterbug

Well, we finally got the last of our shutters installed yesterday. We now have six beautifully adorned windows!

This is our very large window in the master bedroom. We had some sheer curtains and nothing on the arch. I actually like to look out the window when I wake up as well as admire the stars through the arch at night, but it was time to put up something more substantial. As you can see, the arch is extremely large, so the shutter for it came in two pieces. I'm glad we had professionals install these things.

The arch/shutters over the doorway were also installed yesterday. I like that this small window now has a finished look. On the other hand, we can no longer peek through the window to see if the wasps that survived Ken's toxic ambush are rebuilding their nests on the porch ceiling. You can see the other arch and window to the left.

The guest room got shutters yesterday as well. Now guests don't have to wake up with the sun!

The third bedroom, the dining room, and the study/office kicked off the shutter extravaganza last year, and the master bedroom, second bedroom, and window over the door finished the process yesterday. Whew, finally.

***
It looks like the shutters are white, but they are actually a pearl color. Is there a difference? Not really, but the color matches our bookshelves and columns in the study as well as the ceiling color throughout the house. Subtle, I know, but it's the little things that tie a look together. In addition to looking fantastic, these shutters are functional as they do a fabulous job keeping out the heat of the sun as well as the cool air in the winter.

It only took us 15 years to take the big plunge to spend the money on these good quality and very delightful window treatments, but it was worth the wait. I have always liked to have a lot of natural light in our house, so it's nice to have shutters that I can adjust to let in just the right amount of lovely light from the great outdoors.

Home is my favorite place, and a few improvements here and there, now and then, make it so cozy.

A Life Filled With What's Important

I didn't log in to Facebook last week. The initiative to "unplug" from electronic time fillers and to plug into other positive things such as nature and reading came from my stepdaughter's church: Vineyard Community Church. I enthusiastically decided to join in, and I chose to give up checking Facebook for a whole week unless someone sent me a message that required an immediate response.

The result: I didn't miss Facebook. This doesn't mean I don't want to use Facebook--it just means I don't need a daily (hourly?) dose of social onslaught. I was able to confirm that I can use Facebook sparingly and still reap the benefits of staying connected. This was exciting and enlightening! Thank you, Jennifer! Thank you for sharing this experience with me.

I did utilize Goodreads a little more last week while I was unplugged from Facebook. Even though Goodreads is an electronic tool (hey, so is Blogger), I like that I can track what I read and what I want to read. I thoroughly enjoy using this wonderful site to enter or to update book information as well as to see what my friends are reading. Gotta love that!

On another note, I deleted my Twitter account. While many people find this social media tool fun and necessary to stay connected, I don't see any value in it for me personally. I never use Twitter, and I don't want to log in and watch tweets go by all day long. Ditto for Myspace: not needed. not wanted. goodbye.

I will continue to use Facebook on an as-needed basis so I can stay close to my family and friends. Facebook has become a powerful, global means to maintain connectivity . . . and it works for me--as long as I continue to recognize its value and don't allow it to strangle the other important aspects out of my life such as face-to-face interaction, learning, household chores, rest, recreational activities, reading, nature, and daily prayer.

Life is so much more interesting and meaningful when it's filled and balanced with what's important.

Please, Tread on Me

An impression of a leaf in concrete: who cares? I do, actually. This image can be amazing even though many might never take the moment to observe and to admire its simplicity. To me, this humble leaf cast in concrete represents the past, the present, and the future.

The past is fairly obvious. An image that boldly says, "I existed." This little leaf served its purpose to provide shelter, shade, and oxygen. The solitary leaf was then chosen to remain "alive" long after life has left in order to serve a new and lasting purpose.

The present is represented through the concrete that contains the leafy memory. Cement that humankind has perfected over time and uses almost everywhere. A firm matter that makes modern life easier, cleaner, starker. The leaf image provides a very small amount of softness and beauty to an otherwise utilitarian path.

Where is the future in all this? The invisible footprints that remain on the unassuming image track the future as the living advance to and fro into life's journey. The future is in the young and the old, human and beast, who run, skip, plod, shuffle, and tread on this imprint of the past preserved in the substance of the present.

Don't overlook nature when you venture into God's wondrous world, even nature that is preserved by humankind. Never discount the simple, the small, and the obscure that can possibly make you smile, cry, laugh, or ponder. This shade of a bygone leaf may not produce high emotion in the breast of the casual observer, but it can create a lasting impression on the soul if we allow it to penetrate the armor that is our distracted and busy lives. Admiration is free and takes but a moment.

I lived in the past * I dwell in the present * I uphold the future.

Blushing Beauty

Almost time to harvest this cute little Roma tomato.

Here are some more that will hopefully turn the same lovely shade of red.

Here's a different one. I like that even tomatoes don't always feel the need to conform completely.

Summertime!

Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

That's how fast this summer is moving: faster than a speeding bullet. July is almost half finished, and I am so not ready for August. The end of August means school and my last semester as a grad student. As I approach this final semester, I am excited, sad, scared, apprehensive, exhilarated, and sleepy.

The end of August also means my MA Comprehensive Exam will be right around the corner, which I have been preparing for by reading a lot this summer. I don't feel, however, that I have done enough or that I have always used this precious summer time wisely. I really need to kick it into a much higher gear . . . starting now!

Summer won't last forever, and speeding bullets must eventually land. Ready?

Pool Party!

No, it's not that kind of pool party with all the splashing, chlorine, suntan lotion, and tons of food. Although that does sound like a fabulous idea to get through our hot Texas summer.

It's about Pool.
This is what Ken and I do these days. We play pool . . . a lot!

And I'm not talking about heading out to the local pool hall every so often to breeze through a few racks. I'm talking about league nights with all the excitement and stress that goes with playing on a team against other teams. I play three nights a week and Ken plays four. I'm not sure who is crazier--Ken for being a pool-playing maniac, or me for allowing him to talk me into playing a game that is ridiculously hard with people standing around watching your every move. I have to admit though, it's a lot of fun.

If you have a mind to, come on over to the house and play a few games of 8-ball or 9-ball. If you're a beginner like me, we'll both get to shoot. If you play Ken, be prepared to rack just about every time and to sit and watch. He's sneaky good.

It's a Pool Party!

Peach Cobbling and Goal Checking

I consider myself a middlin' scratch baker, but I'm in the process of expanding this particular horizon. Here is my very first homemade peach cobbler. I had a lot of peaches that we bought last weekend at the farmer's market, and they were getting positively ripe--the whole house smelled like peaches. I had to do something with them before they graduated to deer food.

With a light dusting of sugar (Splenda) and cinnamon on top, the finished cobbler looks yummy!


Now it's even yummier with a dab of ice cream and a cup of coffee.

After making this cobbler from scratch, I was finally able to check off a goal on my Day Zero list.

Measuring the Immeasurable

Sonnet 43
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet needs, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints--I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

***
I believe it's possible to love another person so deeply that God could choose to allow that love to transcend death. Is it possible to measure this kind of love here on earth? Probably not while the loving is taking place--throughout the rise and fall and rise of life's moments, days, and years. It can be difficult to measure something that is often intangible or while it's in the course of full steam ahead.

Falling in love hurtles us to an unrealistic height, and we are often blinded by expectations of perfection. But love eventually flutters softly to the mortal ground, and, once there, it makes a decision: can true love grow here? As life takes hold, the glistering gold of new love settles into a gentle and knowing look, touch, smile.

I am fortunate to have weathered the inevitable descent of new love and to embrace the steady growth of true love. Loving someone for better or for worse, in sickness and in health is easy to say during a moment of emotional promise making. Fulfilling those promises takes a special courage and strength that can only come from God. Everyday life can be love's cruel enemy and intimate friend all in the same breath. But, through God, true and everlasting love will persevere and win the race. Only then can we look back on a lifetime of smiles and tears and confidently say, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."

The Little Plum With a Mean Streak

Farmer's Markets are a lot of fun on a Saturday morning, and it's hard to resist sampling your purchases right away. Trust me, I didn't resist the temptation. I had to try one of those tiny plums as soon as I got in the car. Whoa! How can such an itty bitty fruit pack such a gigantic punch of juice? I took one little bite, and the juice gushed everywhere--and I mean everywhere!

Well, there's nothing to do but finish eating the trickster plum while Ken is leaning away and shouting, "watch out!" sheesh. I then topped off the entire fruity episode by spitting the plum pit out the window--so attractive.

Winning Things isn't Everything, but it is a Fun Thing

This September will mark one year since I started playing in pool leagues with Ken. I want to show my progress so far in terms of "things." I plan to blog in detail about my experience over the past year, but I will wait until it has been officially one year. Playing pool in a league (make that three leagues) has definitely been an experience . . . but more about that later.

For now, here is what I have won in 8-ball and in 9-ball. The trophy is for second place in 9-ball for this past spring session. The pin is for high point champion in 9-ball that led us to the playoffs that led us to winning the trophy.


The patches are for 8-ball. They are all "rackless night" patches, which means I won the lag and all the games within my match for that night. I will receive another patch tonight for last week--yay! I actually got a rackless night two other times, but the powers that be forgot to give me the patches--boo.

Showing off my "winnings" might smack of bragging, but it's actually not--okay, maybe a little bit of bragging. Hey! if you knew what I have gone through this past year (and you will in September), you will understand that winning these things has been no easy task for someone with my limited pool skills.

I will, however, give credit where credit is due. The pin and trophy were won due to the efforts of everyone on our 9-ball team, the Snipers--we did great this spring! By the way, I will get a little plaque with my name, etc. to stick on the base of the trophy.

Here is an interesting observation. If you look closely, you will see that the person on the trophy is a female. Yes, Ken's trophy is male.

And now . . . for a man who needs no introduction, but I will give him one anyway: Ken Jones! Take a look at all his winnings, and yes, he is that good. I would have arranged everything on the pool table like I did my things, but we only have a 9-foot table--there just wouldn't be enough room. Ha!

Good job, Ken! You're my hero . . . and not just in pool Y

God's Crocheted Hugs

My Church, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, has many ministries that provide opportunities to reach out to people all over San Antonio. The Hugs Ministry is a small, unassuming ministry that allows us to make baby blankets for unwed mothers. No matter a person's feelings towards women having children out of wedlock, it is important to reach out to them and their children because even a simple homemade blanket says, "God loves you and so do I."

Here are two blankets I crocheted this past spring.


I was super busy with three grad school classes as well as playing pool three nights a week with Ken, but I managed to make these blankets as a way to reach out to women and their babies. Making these blankets also benefited me: crocheting and knitting offer a creative and relaxing outlet I desperately need when I am overwhelmed or stressed.

There are new projects on the horizon! I found out last week that the Hugs Ministry wants us to make prayer shawls for seniors who are ill and in nursing homes! Okay, God. I can do that.

While crocheting these two blankets, I was able to pray for the women and children who would receive these simple items that I lovingly fashioned. We are God's instruments, and I am happy to obey His commands. Even a small baby blanket can be created and given in His Name. Alleluia!

It's Alive: the galvanization of a rubber tree plant!

Last year I blogged about a rubber tree plant that I received as a welcome-to-the-family gift from my brother-in-law just after Ken and I got married on June 11, 1994.

Well, this past January we had the biggest freeze I have ever seen here in South Central Texas. For two nights in a row, the temperature dipped below 20°F (totally unheard of in this part of the country). Even though I covered my precious plant with TWO sheets, it froze and appeared quite dead. I really was devastated, but I kept these feelings mum. "It's just a plant."

On a visit to my parents' house over Memorial Day weekend, I discovered my mom's rubber tree plant suffered the same fate. BUT! her plant is making a startling comeback. My dad was ready to dump it when, lo and behold!, new leaves were spotted amongst the deadness. I resolved to check on mine (again) when I returned home.

Before Memorial Day weekend, Ken had dropped the huge (and heavy) dead plant off the deck (about 6-7 feet) to the ground so he could dump it out and recycle the pot for something new. For some strange reason, he didn't dump it right away. Instead, he set the pot out of the way under the oak tree to deal with it later. When I returned from my parents' house, I slowly went out to look. I was not very hopeful because I had already looked at it over and over for months hoping for any sign of life. What's this? It's Alive! I saw a very tiny (and I mean tiny) green leaf sprouting from the side of a seemingly dead branch at the very base of the plant. What in the world took it so long? No matter because I was beyond thrilled at this discovery! I trimmed down all the dead branches, and I moved the plant back to the porch so I could give it a lot of love and watch it carefully. Yes, my special rubber tree plant is still alive!

Here is a before and after picture so that you can see how amazing and full it looked before the "big freeze of 2010." It still looks amazing because life always finds a way!

A Little Stroll Some Sunday Evening

Ken and I took a little stroll around the lake at our neighborhood rec center this past Sunday evening. It's been a while since we did this, so it's nice to see that the lake has quite a bit water in it, which is not always the case in this Texas heat. Here are a few pictures of our small adventure:

Ken starts off with a firm stride and ready to conquer the path around the lake.

This seems like a nice place to sit and ponder.

A little golf on this short par 3 course? No, not today.

Another bridge along the way!

Ken is taking advantage of the little bit of shade.


Here is a leftover exercise station--there used to be several along the path. This one is made of metal and firmly in the ground, so I guess no one wanted to tackle its removal.

A nice splash of purple.


This spot is a little too sunny for me (I actually love cloudy days), but it's a nice place to admire the sunset.

Stonehenge, Texas style. Or maybe just a little rock art.


These children are fishing for something with nets. Minnows maybe, tadpoles? Whatever they're doing, I'm sure it's fun!


Here is the pavilion. An excellent place for a party.

No rec center would be complete without a pool.

Time to go home. What a lovely stroll.

Movies 2010

1. Sherlock Holmes--January 1
2. Up in the Air--January 10
3. Extraordinary Measures--January 30
4. Invictus--February 13
5. Shutter Island--March 14
6. Green Zone--March 17
7. The Bounty Hunter--March 19
8. The Last Song--April 16 and May 7
9. Date Night--April 17
10. Letters to Juliet--May 15
11. Killers--June 11
12. The A-Team--July 4
13. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse--July 6
14. Knight and Day--July 10
15. Grown Ups--July 16
16. Inception--July 17
17. Salt--July 31
18. Eat Pray Love--August 20
19. The Expendables--August 28
20. The American--September 5
21. The Town--September 18
22. Secretariat--October 10
23. The Social Network--October 15
24. Red--November 7
25. Unstoppable--November 20
26. The Tourist--December 13
27. True Grit--December 31

***
Movies 2009

Attention, Comprehension, Retention

I've been preparing for this monster exam I have to take this fall for my MA degree in English.

The MA Comprehensive Exam

Yikes!

I'm organizing my notes, and I'm discovering how much more I need to read and how much more I need to know. The exam is not just about knowing plots and who did what, etc. This exam is about understanding novels, poetry, short stories, plays, etc. in their historical context as well as understanding different genres, comparing aspects between novels, identifying themes, symbolism, narrative styles, and a whole lot more than that--including understanding and using literary terms to describe various elements of a novel or novels or whatever. Like I said, it's about a lot more than reading a book and discussing the surface plot. But they know if you haven't read and if you are trying to fill the page or the air--yes, it's a written test and an oral test on two different days. I have to finalize my reading list and submit my Intent Statement by April 30. Oh dear!

This is scary, and I am definitely not ready at this point. I will be ready by the end of October . . . I hope. Did I also mention I will have to explicate a poem I've never seen before? I have time to prepare this summer, but I am already getting nervous--even though I heard it's rare to fail (you can only take the exam twice).

I feel overwhelmed right now, but I think I'll be okay when the time comes. I have several friends who are going through this with me. That helps. We are already discovering who is strong in specific works--so we can work together, rely on each other, share ideas, and learn as a group. Nice!

Improving Improvements for Body and Soul

I am definitely ready for Lent--the meditation on what it all means and how I can improve my spiritual life. I also enjoy the meatless soup followed by Stations of the Cross every Friday evening. I try to convince Ken to go at least for the soup, but that's not enough of a draw for him--especially meatless (he went once a loooong time ago). Oh well, I don't push, but I will keep trying. I did make a spinach lasagna with a garden salad last night for Ash Wednesday, and he didn't balk at all . . . well, not much anyway.

Since I don't eat meat (fish excluded, of course) on Friday all year, I'm giving up meat (fish excluded) during Lent. I did this last year, and I believe it worked very well. It was a big sacrifice, especially since I didn't tell anyone. Keeping something like that a secret for 40+ days, especially from Ken, was hard! I believe I shouldn't make a big deal about it and draw attention to myself and my "suffering" (okay, so I am making an exception with blogging about it :-)

While giving up meat for Lent doesn't compare to the sacrifice Jesus accepted and endured for us, it's still my small way of uniting my suffering with Christ's. An extra benefit is eating healthier! I never did go back to eating beef or pork after last year's Lent, so that's been a big health bonus for me. I wonder what the end of Lent will bring this year?

Spiritual and physical improvements are in the works!

My Cozy Place

It's wonderful to have a cozy place where I can curl up, relax, and read.

I consider myself a homebody even though I enjoy going out as well. I firmly believe that it's important to find a balance between going out and staying home and enjoying both. I actually like being in my house and doing little things to make it cozy and appealing. I also have no problem being alone. I'm not unhappy with my own company, but I definitely love when Ken comes home! This is a very good balance, and this balance keeps me going and keeps me happy. I don't feel the need to be with people--or even with Ken--every second of every day. Yes, I know many people who are unable to be alone . . . ever. When I am around people or when Ken and I spend time together, I find this time to be more meaningful and beautiful because it complements my time alone. Balance.


I just got this chair and ottoman, and I love it! This is my special place where I can curl up and read. All is as it should be in my cozy place!

2010 Ready or Not

I blogged quite a bit for most of 2009, but I kind of fizzled out by the end of the year. I'm going to say the reason my blogging fizzled is because I was very busy wrapping up the end of my semester and getting ready for the holidays, but I think a boring life is a more accurate reason. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bored with my life. I just think the events in my life and my personal thoughts about . . . well . . . anything might not be interesting to other people. I'm okay with that, but I will try to find some interesting things to blog about this year.

I don't officially make New Year's resolutions, but I do contemplate what events or changes the upcoming year might bring and what kind of role I might play in those changes. I have some things I want to improve about myself and my life. I don't really have the typical issues like smoking, drinking, overeating, etc., but I am a terrible procrastinator--more than average I'd say. I can usually cover up my procrastination fairly well, but it's stressful for me. It's not about learning time management because I've already been down that road . . . several times. Knowing what to do doesn't always lead to doing it. Here's the bottom line: I'm lazy. I have always been lazy, and I will always be lazy. All this laziness sometimes results in stressful situations. I want to make a few subtle changes this year to avoid that stress. I will never rid myself of laziness, but I can manage it a little better.

My spiritual life needs some attention as well. This is going to be a big focus for me this year because I can feel the *gasp* laziness creeping in. Unacceptable!

The mountain that is 2010 is before me. Here I go!