Just read a quote

Wanted to re-blog a quote I just read on another web site.  I tell my kids all the time to spend as much time with your parents as you can because before you know it, they are gone.  Fortunately for me, I feel like I did that rather than just thought about it.  But the quote I just read is another that is worth thinking about on a regular basis....

Mark Twain...
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

A Second Update - Our Holy Father

Just finished watching the Patriots beat the Dolphins.  At the end of the game, I switched to EWTN and watched the Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI.  I am in awe of our Holy Father. I feel so connected to him for a few reasons.  Although Pope John Paul II was much beloved, being in Formation in the Diaconate makes me feel so much closer.  Having visited Rome and the Vatican a few years ago, it is another reason I feel more connected to Pope Benedict.  Lastly, Pope Benedict is one of our most published Popes having written many, many books.  I have read about 12 or so of his books and have at least another 16 or so in queue.  Some are very deep and some are very simple with several in the middle.  Having read so much by Pope Benedict, my faith has deepened due to his writings.  In my studies of Vatican II, although both he and Pope JPII were present, I've paid special attention to his participation at Vatican II as well as his service under Pope JPII.

K and I are planning to go to Rome in 2013 with my brother and sister-in-law.  Watching this, expecting that I will be taking the Rite of Acolyte in 2013 with my brothers in Formation makes my plans for this trip even more special.   With the recent speculation on the health of the Holy Father by the media, he certainly looks fantastic at this Mass, especially for 85 years of age.  Perhaps at this planned trip I'll have time to pray at the tomb of Pope John Paul II.  Didn't get to spend much time at St Peter's Basilica in 2009.  Watch for a few pictures of my previous trip to Rome in the next few days.

Vacation

For the first time in my career, I have a factory that is shut down and have enough vacation, that if I don't use it will lose it, so I am completely off next week.  I'll sneak a bit of work in because I really like my job, but have a full week free.  We take our usual vacation for two consecutive weeks in August and this year I get an extra week.  Last year at this time, we were dealing with my mother's stroke and ultimate passing, so we are looking forward to a less stressfull Christmas and week off.

We are going to mass tomorrow for the first time ever since I won't be going to my parents house for Christmas for the first time ever.  I get to watch the full Pats game.  We've been going to the 4 PM mass for 25+ years.  10 AM tomorrow and then to my brother's house.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Remember what this holiday is really about - the birth of our savior!

Disappointment

Well, I was all amped up yesterday anticipating our new spa.  It arrived early, and I had the location all prepped, at least I thought.  Once the spa was on the pad, the overhang was a bit greater than what I expected based on the measurements I was given.  First disappointment, as I could not just start filling with water.  I was told I'd need to add some support under the edges that overhang so there was no risk of the spa shell fracturing.  OK - I can deal with that, a few days of delay perhaps and under my control.  Then I noticed an imperfection in the base on the perimeter on a side that shows.  I thought it was a crack and so did the guys delivering the spa, but when I looked closer it was not, but still a manufacturing defect in the base.  Fortunately K came home and knowing how much if a perfectionist I am, she agreed we should get a new one.  The guys and the shop were very accommodating and apologized.  So now it's about 4-5 weeks before another arrives and I'm left in the cold, depressed over the wait.

This bothered me all day, and still does to some degree.  But late in the day, I was reminded how insignificant my little issue is. I got an email from a fellow parishioner to pray for the child of someone who was airlifted to Boston Children's Hospital.  No other news, but just reflecting on that family having to deal with whatever issue with their child just days before Christmas whacked me in the head at how my little "problem" was so minor to what is really important.  Another reminder from God that our time and how we choose to spend it is really the most important thing.

Busy-ness

A busy first half of the week.  Meeting with my spiritual director this morning.  Always an uplifting feeling after leaving that meeting.  Tonight is our last class for our Little Rock Bible group reviewing the infancy narratives.  Looking forward to it - assuming I can find time to do my homework!

Tomorrow have a meeting to attend mid-afternoon.  Wednesday our new spa is delivered.  We did the wiring on Saturday and I'm hoping we have enough wire at the spa to reach the connections.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be frantically trying to figure out something to buy K.  My first plan went south.  I quizzed the kids, M is trying to help but we've come up with nothing.  She's offered to mall it with me - I dread hitting a mall this week!  K thinks she is easy to buy for - I think not!  Perhaps it's me...

In NJ

Day 4 of the NY/NJ/PA trip.  Good visits.  Heading to Eatontown, NJ today and then working my way North in NJ before heading home early this evening.  One week until Christmas, and I have no idea what to get my wife for Christmas.  I certainly need to find something that reflects my love and appreciation for her - but what?

Help!

Activities

Well, let's see....

Thursday this past week, we were fortunate enough to be invited to attend the installation of Bishop Peter Libasci.  This was an invitation only event, and the Director of Diaconate Formation got all the deacon candidates invited to the installation.  No one in the community missed this event.  We were at the Cathedral by noon for the 2 PM litrugy.  It was a tremendously moving event to see Cardinal O'Malley escort Bishop Peter to the chair, where he takes over the Diocese.  From our seats it appeared Bishop Peter was overwhelmed emotionally by this event.  I know I was and if he felt anything close to what I felt at our Rite of Candidacy, it is really hard to hold your emotions in check.

The Lawrence Eagle Tribune was at the event along with other media.  They were looking for people from the area to interview, so I was volunteered.  The link to the article: http://www.eagletribune.com/newhampshire/x1940558020/Libasci-becomes-NHs-new-bishop
A corny response, but I sincerely felt humbled to be in attendance at such an important event.

Friday, M was in a minor car accident.  She had some vision issues and is wearing a patch on her eye at least until Monday when she sees the doctor.  We have several medications and we're hoping everything will be closer to normal early in the week.

Today, Sunday, M gets confirmed by Bishop Christian at our parish.  Like my son's confirmation, I am a lector, but for this, my son is an Extra-ordinary Eucharistic Minister, so a truly family event.  Also, being in formation for the diaconate makes this even more special as I watch my children progress in their faith.

Tomorrow I head to NY/NJ for the week.  I'm using the short break in classes to do some travel for work.  This will be nice to spend the week visiting customers.  As a sales person, I'll return next week expecting it to be a bit slow and then the Christmas holidays.  With a factory shut down until Jan 3, I'll get to enjoy a forced vacation for the week that I've never had before in my career.  After mom's passing alst year at this time, it will be a relief to not have to go through that stress this year.

John 14:27

"Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."  How often did Jesus stress peace?  Why don't I recall this passage more frequently when my anxiety kicks in.  Any worry over the last week was for nothing, as usual.

Our weekend on Homiletics was fantastic, facilitated by Fr Michael Medas from the Archdiocese of Boston.  In just the first session, I went from fear to hope.  From thinking I couldn't do this (even though I knew that was anxiety and fear) to confidence.  Our formation directors have proposed that our homiletics practice will be by offering reflections of the readings we have during Liturgy of the Hours.  So what do I do?  I volunteer to lead a reflection at our next Formation Weekend in February.  Now that's the way to overcome fear - volunteer to face it at the next possible opportunity.

Below are some photos.  First is a photo of K and I with Fr Michael.  Many thanks to him for the time this weekend, his guidance and prayers and providing us the tools to begin our journey in Homiletics.  Following that photo are some pictures of our facilities for the weekend.  Each time we arrive for a weekend, I am grateful for the environment that the diocese provides us as we continue on our journey.

Don't forget, click on the photos for a larger version

The facility - front

 The facility - rear

 The 'great room' - our meeting space for the weekend

The view from the great room

Homily

Well, we're off tomorrow for the weekend, up to Contoocook.  Our Formation Weekend for Homiletics.  It's an introduction, so not sure what to expect.  We know the food will be great, lots of fresh coffee in the new coffee pots and great fellowship time with all the other candidates, their wives, other deacons and priests.

We've been assigned to lead night prayer.  Not much anxiety there.  When we first got assigned to do Morning Prayer a few months ago, we were frantically practicing in our room until 11 at night.  Being a perfectionist is tough - I wanted to be flawless in my first outing leading the group.  I even led the hymn - I bet everyone was glad they chimed in singing quickly.  When even your mother can't bear to hear you sing, you know you have no voice.  Anyway, I prepared for night prayer and although we haven't led it before, I'm comfortable enough for doing it for the first time.  Perhaps the Lord has provided me peace in that forum, praying and leading the group. One of the candidates who is highly gifted with music brings music for all the sessions now, so that will be stress free.

So my anxiety for being tasked with a sample homily has subsided a bit.  I'm still anxious and fearful of the unknown, but it is part of Formation and like my peers, I'll get through it, and certainly improve and become more comfortable over time.

Two days from now it will all be behind us and then we can look forward to our new spa and an upcoming trip for me to NY & NJ.

I'll write when we return if not sooner on how it went.

Paper done!

Got my paper done Sunday during 7-8 hours of watching football.  Proofread it last night, and I'm really pleased with the content and flow, but what really matters is that my professor likes it.  He doesn't need to agree with it, just needs to like it.  So far, I have done well in this course based on the feedback I received on my first two papers.

After having a really bad Monday and a so-so Tuesday, things are looking up today!  I'm quite anxious about our upcoming Formation Weekend on Homiletics.  Don't know why - but I think it's mostly fear of the unknown.  I've done plenty of speaking in public and even made sure I used two opportunities to speak on Gospel passages at Men of St Joseph.  Perhaps it's more that I'll be doing it in front of my peers.  We're also using a book called "Preaching without notes" and that is part of it - I NEVER have done any public speaking without at least an outline to follow.  All that wrapped up has me all wound up for this weekend.

However, to balance it all out, K and I went and purchased a spa for our back yard this past weekend.  We had a spa for several years that I purchased from a close friend.  It eventually developed leaks and we drained it and eventually gave it away.  We'll need to do a little wiring work, but hopefully by Christmas, we'll be enjoying +103°F water out under the stars in 0°F weather.  I find that when I am anxious about something, it's always helpful to find something in the future to focus on.  I keep telling myself - once I complete the weekend, then it's just a short time until the spa is hooked up!

Church - 5 pages

Has it really been 18 days since my last post?  I haven't really been up to posting anything.  The last time I thought about it seriously, I knew I was in a funk and knew that I just needed time to come out of it.  I think I've arrived.

It's the last day of a four day holiday.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year.  Four days where the focus is family and food - no stress about gifts and running around like Christmas.  Just time to be with family, friends and eat!

The downside is that not only does the holiday end today, but today is also the last race of the Formula 1 calendar.  My least favorite track (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and I measure the winter by when F1 starts again in March.  It always seems like such a long way off.  Quite a boring racing year in F1 from my perspective - Sebastian Vettel won almost everything and was the champion two races ago.

Anyway, along with the normal football today, especially the Pats at 4:15, I need to write my 5 page paper to complete my class in Church History.  I've finally settled on a topic - educating the faithful after Vatican II.  Now the question is, can I ramble on for 5 pages on that topic, or will I need a subtopic to hit the page count.

After that is complete, it's anxiety time as we prepare for a Formation Weekend next week on Homiletics.  It's our first time on this topic, with one Formation Weekend per year on preaching.  I expect we'll be tested in preaching so that there can be some assessment on where we all are in public speaking.  I always get quite anxious with public speaking, which tends to keep me on my game, but still a source of a lot of stress.  Preaching in front of your peers is also quite stressful.  But I'll get through it.

So rather than keep typing here, I'll go type some of those 5 pages....

Restaurant Impossible - Robert Irvine

Went to the Chatterbox Cafe in Windham tonight for a seating at an episode of Restaurant Impossible taping for Food Network.  Met Robert Irvine, host of the show, and Tom Bury who leads the construction team from the show.  They were hours behind in re-opening the restaurant, so we didn't get seated, but pretty exciting to meet both Robert and Tom and learn about the show.  Both were fantastic and from my conversation with them, the show is as real as it is depicted.  The episode should air in late January, early February.  Below are photos of me and K with Robert and me with Tom.  Also there is a scan of the menu, autographed by Robert and Tom.

 K, Me and Robert

 Robert Irvine at the wrap

Me with Tom Bury outside the tent where all the construction is done

The new Menu, autographed by Chef Robert and Tom Bury.  Robert liked my new Nikon D7000.

House sitter

Today I am heading to my mother's house to house sit in anticipation of the fire inspector to OK our smoke detectors and CO2 detectors.  This because MA needs the government to intervene for our safety because we are not capable of taking care of ourselves.  Sorry for the minor rant, but I get really peeved with government intervention into my life, especially when they need to tell me what I need to do to be safe.  I can't believe the human race even survived without wearing bicycle helmets for so long...but I digress.

Got most of my paper written, so today is polishing to submit tonight.  Still am behind in reading, but this will be catch up weekend before our last week of classes.  Then a 5 pager to finish up the class.

The house should be sold on Thursday, and I'll need to let go of that tangible item that has all my childhood within it.

Behind a bit

Well, the good news is that my mother-in-law continues to improve.  A few minor issues, but things look OK.  Spoke at Men of St Joseph in Litchfield this past Saturday and I think it was a much better than my first time.  A bit more polished, shorter talk, but more focused with good and active discussion after.  I'll continue to seek out these things to gain experience for the day when I will have to preach homilies regularly.  Our Homiletics Formation Weekend is coming up Dec 4/5 and I'm sure we'll have to do some speaking at that.  Then spent the rest of Saturday moving the large items out of my mother's house.  Our closing on the sale is scheduled for Thursday, so I am house sitting while working tomorrow waiting for a fire inspector and water meter reading.   We had to move a few things yesterday and I think it's done.

However, the move encroaching on Sunday has really put me behind in my reading for class.  I am still behind two long chapters for tomorrow and still need to write and submit my 2-page paper by tomorrow and I have not yet chosen a topic.  So enough time here, time to pray Morning Prayer and then work.  Perhaps at lunch I'll have a topic and can get at least a page written.

Surgery update - good news

Surgery is complete and went well.  Some hospital recovery time and then rehab, but things look good so far!

Prayers today

My mother-in-law is having surgery today, so we are praying for a successful outcome and easy recovery.

M is getting her braces off, after what seems like 10 years and $1,000,000.00 - perhaps the time and cost were less, but it doesn't seem it.  It's been 2.5 years total I think.

I found this on another blog and liked it so I am reposting it.

Places I have and have not been

I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family & work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, & I’m not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, & I try not to visit there too often.

I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart!

Concert

Tickets to see The Tubes tonight at Tupelo's Music Hall in Londonderry.  Had these tickets for 7 months now, so decided to miss my first class to take in the show.  Much more entertaining than I expected.  Some photos:

Daughter stalking my blog

Somehow I got up at 4 AM, got the generator running, cleared the driveway and then missed the sunrise.  However I was outside and looked around at the trees covered with snow and marveled at the wonder of God's creation.  As much as I dislike the cold, the snow really is beautiful...after all the parts of the house are clear.

Hi M!  She said she was stalking me here.

Snow in October

Was up at 4 AM - no power, fire up the generator.  Wow - about 14-18" of snow.  Heavy and wet.  Had the driveway cleaned by 6:30.  C had to head to work for 6:30 and he made it there safely.

Got most of my reading for class done.  Today is busy - have to write a paper that is due Tuesday.  Also have to prepare for my talk next Saturday at MoSJ.  Patriots at 4:15, so I lost 3 hrs of time there.

Off to start accomplishing stuff...

Tuesday - New class

Tonight we start our second class, lasting 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  A bit more challenging - a lot of reading and a paper due each week.  Subject is Church and Church History.  The reading was good so far, with an easy read on the development of the first 5 centuries or so.  Fortunately, I took an online class at University of Notre Dame last year on the first 500 years of the church and followed that with the next 500 years in a second online class.  Although we covered 100 years per week, I at least had a glimpse into the time period in preparation for this class.  I'm no history major!

M takes her driving test as part of her class this week.  With luck, we'll be heading to the Registry later this week and a written test there, then a road test.

Saturday AM and all is quiet

My favorite time of the week.  K is already off to have the final yard sale of my parent's stuff.  We are hoping that we have a firm buyer for the house.  C is asleep and M slept over a friend's house (actually, C's girlfriend's house) so I am alone with J - the dog.

Another week has flown by.  I am lector at 8 AM mass tomorrow, I haven't been at the parish in two weeks, with the UK and then the Formation Weekend, so it will be good to re-connect with the 8 AM Mass crowd after mass.

We start our second class next week in Church.  4 weeks and then Thanksgiving.  This class will be more challenging as there is a paper due each week.  On Nov 5, I am speaking at another Men of St Joseph men's breakfast in Litchfield.  More practice, new topic.

K has decided to go back for some schooling in a new field.  Great news and it will be quite challenging as the course work is M-Th for 18 weeks from 4-10 PM.  She'll work all day and then jet off to school.  It will be fun around the house.  Looks like the kids will have to get some chores!

With no class this week, I was able to attend Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesday.  I didn't realize how much I miss that with the busy-ness of school.  It also reminds me of Mom, since for the last year, I would call her on my way there.  I think of her each time I go, among the many other times I think about both parents.

So, a few last pics of England with some comments:

The tower in the center of Manchester

My hotel

The Midland Hotel, next to my hotel.

Albert Hall?

Is this the location from the Beatles song?  How many holes does it take to fill it?

A strange architecture for a Hilton Hotel.

Final night at pub.  The ale goes down too easily.  This glass was not my first of the night.

Home and then away again

Got home friday from the UK, went to bed early and then up early Saturday morning for our first Formation weekend of the year.  Topic is spirituality of the leader.  We really love these weekends.  So even though I had no time at home after travel and have not seen the kids, except to provide my daughter spending money, we are really happy to be here.  Have a few last photos from the uk including the last night in the pub.  More after I get home today

Trade show, day 2 of 3 complete

Day 4 in Manchester UK almost complete.  Can you guess the weather?  The sun came out this morning, realized where it was, and quickly hid behind the clouds all day.  No matter - cooped in a convention centre for the day, wouldn't have seen the sun anyway.

One more day and then flight home early Friday.  Good dinner with friends last night, expect another with new friends tonight.

Looks like we sold my mom's home - it will be tough to let my childhood home go to someone else.  I suppose we musts let go and move on.  No more Christmas at that home, no more sleeping over on Thanksgiving for the family.  Time for new family traditions.

Pats are on in the UK!

Thought I'd have to listen to the game over the web, but the Patriots are on Fox in the UK!

Go Pats!

Forecast - cloudy and chance of rain

You know you are in the UK when the forecast is overcast and light rain for the week.

Nice hotel, just across the street from the show.  I was lucky to sleep almost the entire flight, woke up with 20 minutes before landing in London Heathrow.  However, the flight was not without adventure.  About 2 hours into the flight, we heard the flight attendant call a "Code Red" at the back of the aircraft.  After a bit of activity, another voice inquired if there was a doctor on board the aircraft.  It started me thinking of how that would impact the flight when we were 2 hours over the Atlantic.  I wondered if we would turn back, or land at another airport prior to Heathrow.  A short bit later they brought the passenger up to first class to manage her care for the duration of the flight.  She was a young woman and it made me think and pray for her well being regardless of how it impacted our flight plans.  I imagined myself in her shoes, frightened of what could happen to her health 35,000 ft above the Atlantic ocean halfway between the USA and UK.  In the end we landed on schedule and the flight was met by paramedics to treat the young lass.

So now that I have arrived, most of the anxiety has left and I am going to enjoy the week here - Friday will arrive before long.  Lots of friends here and colleagues from the states for the trade show.  This will be my only method of communication for the week, so I'm hoping for a few posts.  In the meantime, here are some photos of the hotel room and the view of the convention center from my room:

Oh no! No phone!

Heading to Manchester, UK in a few hours and just discovered that I will have no phone for the week.  Seems none of the family has a global phone.  My Droid 2 won't work there.  I can't wait to ditch the Droid for an iPhone.  It will be my first venture into an Apple product.

Finished our first class on Thursday.  We've learned a lot about the individual synoptic gospels from an academic perspective.  Next up will be a Formation Weekend as soon as I return from the UK, followed a week later by class #2 - Church History.

Just a quick post - still scrambling trying to get everything I will need for the next week packed into a small travel bag.

Next communication will come from international lands...

Anxiety and anticipation

Now starts a very busy two weeks, with two "lost" weekends in the mix.  I say lost only because weekends are my time.  I try to find some alone time and a good amount of family time on weekends.  Next weekend, I head to the UK on Saturday night.  I like England, but still the idea of losing 'my' weekend to travel never excites me.  Until I arrive at the destination.  It's a Saturday night flight that arrives Sunday late morning.  I'm traveling with a friend which will make it easier, and I sleep ok on a plane - although those around me won't, the poor souls, due to my snoring.

I return Friday, 10/14 around 2 PM (hopefully) and then bright and early Saturday morning, head to Contoocook for our first Diaconate Formation weekend of the 2011-2012 Formation Year.  Topic is Spirituality of the Leader.  Formation weekends are fantastic, we've really enjoyed each one.  The instructors change each time, and I do have a favorite in the past, but each weekend has been a great experience with the topic, the food and especially the community of Candidates and Leaders.  And...we have improved our coffee plans this year.  We consume enormous amounts of coffee - in the past, faster than we can brew.  So we are donating two Bunn coffee brewers that I am purchasing and bringing with us to the facility.  All the Candidates are contributing as our gift to the facility (and ourselves!)

So some prep work this week before the trip in addition to the usual grind.  Lots of reading still to do for class, but I will be complete by tomorrow night.  First class is almost complete.  We turned in our paper last Thursday, so the 'homework' portion of the class is done.  Next class on Church history is not so simple, with 2 page papers due each week and a 5 pager at the end.  Right before our first lesson (on a Formation Weekend) on Homiletics!

Off to meet with my spiritual director in a few hours.  Another part of Formation I really like.  Keeps me growing spiritually while all this education happens.

Class half done

OK, so to start, my daughter pointed out that I had not recognized her 16th birthday on the blog.  My response - You actually looked at the blog?!?  She said that she is stalking me occasionally by reading the blog.  We had a party with about 20 of her friends two weekends ago to celebrate - of course it was her doing all the celebrating with her friends.  Who has time for dad when 20 of your friends are here?

Happy Birthday (a little late) M!

With that out of the way, we are halfway through our first class, the Synoptic Gospels.  Our brothers (and one spouse) in Plymouth have to deal with intermittent disconnections from the video feed.  I think it is wearing on them and I hope it gets a bit smoother since we have to do this for the next three years.

Class is interesting, building on an academic approach to the gospels.  However, it is interesting that we have basically checked theology at the door for our review of each gospel.  Some of the class are further along in their theology and are somewhat frustrated at the strictly academic approach.  They have a point.  Although what we are learning is valuable, it is a bit out of sequence.  We still could collectively benefit from a thorough learning of the church's position and teaching on the gospels.  Some specifics - perhaps the teaching on when they were written, why they were written, the church's official interpretation, etc.  We are unique that the Magesterium is the official teaching arm of the church.  I think some personal study is needed here to augment what we are learning.  That has me seeking out things like the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Answers Live and some other more orthodox sources of information.

Also new in the the news is the announcement of a new bishop of the Diocese of Manchester.  Installation is set for December 8 and hopefully he will be able to attend a portion of one of our Formation Weekends in 2012.  Our first weekend is coming up - Oct 15/16.

Class tonight at 7 PM with our paper for this class due on Thursday.  I used Sunday to ensure I completed my reading and homework so I could use Monday night to write the paper.  I have it mostly done, but want to use tonight's class info to polish it Wednesday in prep for turning it in Thursday.

If you recall, I was also giving a talk on Sat, Sept 21.  I'm glad to report my public speaking went well, but my topic was a bit off.  I talked about "Saying Yes to Jesus" more often in our lives.  I tried to shy away from making large commitments, but trying to focus on some small way we can say "Yes" to Him more often than trying to avoid Him.  It was probably a bit heavy a topic for everyone on a Saturday Morning.  A few good points came up in the discussion, and the feedback so far on my speaking and style has been positive.  So I got some experience, and a lesson in choosing a topic as I prepare for my next talk in Litchfield in November.

Class Time

Tonight begins year 2 of our Diaconate Formation classes.  We start with the Synoptic Gospels.  It looks like we only have to write one 700 word paper toward the middle of the 4 week class.  It can't be just that - I'm prepared that we'll get assigned a final paper.  As soon as that class ends in early October, I travel to the UK for a trade show for a week and as soon as I return from that, we have our first Formation Weekend of 2011-2012.  So I'll have 12 days away from home as soon as class ends.

Looking forward to class starting.  A bit anxious since I have not been in a classroom setting with the other candidates, but I do know all 22 of them.  Four will be joining us remotely from Plymouth, NH via teleconference.  The diocese worked hard to ensure we all got the same instruction, so the teleconference helps us all hear the same message.  I think they will be videotaped also since one person can't attend Thursday classes due to work scheduling.

I'm also quite anxious about my talk on Saturday.  I'll have to find time to review what I've prepped and be sure it is in a final state ready to go for Saturday morning.

We are also listing my mom's house on Wednesday night, so a mad rush to clean out the final items from my childhood home.  Even though it is empty, it's still home.  The thought of someone else living in "my" home is troubling, but we all must let go.

So with the anxiety, the activity, the stress, it is becoming a tough week.  I'll be glad once Sunday afternoon comes and it's all behind me and I am watching the Pats beat San Diego.

Making Progress

Another week has flown by.  This one had a holiday to begin the week - and a welcomed day off.  I accomplished quite a bit - fixing some things around the house and spending a bit of time helping my brother to continue to prepare my parent's house for sale.

Today I've also accomplished a few things.  I attended the Men of St Joseph monthly meeting in Litchfield.  Two Diaconate candidates are members there and a third regularly attends.  I volunteered to speak in November, so I went to get to know some folks and become familiar with my surroundings for my upcoming talk.  I am also speaking at our parish's MoSJ meeting next week, so I came home and drafted the outline for my talk.  Can't give away the topic, so that will be next week.

Planning to spend some time with my brother and his wife tonight having dinner.  K is working at the school, so just me heading out.  The place has Karaoke - good thing I am going alone, that means no drinking because I am driving so it spares all those poor patrons from my singing.

Today I also watched a video on another blog of an atheist chastising a Christian on a call in/television type show.  The question that resonated with me was when one of the two atheist hosts asked "Why are you a Christian" and "Why should anyone believe what we believe."  His argument is that when he (the atheist) was a Christian, his beliefs were without any rational justification and no evidence to support those beliefs.

My take away was more personal.  Am I prepared to answer those questions?  If not - better prepare!  After spending the afternoon thinking about it, I am comfortable that I've got my answer for myself.  But I still need to think about this quite a bit more because that first answer will be followed by more questions and challenges and I need to be prepared for them with good, strong rational answers, even if they ultimately lead to faith, which can't be scientifically proven.

Depp thinking for the next few days as class begins on Tuesday night!

Saturday - a rare post

So here we have one rare long holiday weekend.  It is really special to have Monday off.  Makes Sunday night feel like Saturday. And you know how I am about time.

Mass in the AM at our usual 8 AM. I still need to accomplish changing the oil in my lawn mower, snow blower (winter prep you know!) and generator.  I figure all at once is efficient although I am putting synthetic in the generator to buy time.  Perhaps I should do the same in the snow blower.

Niagara really made me think about God.  It made me aware of a creator for our planet.  Did anyone see the crescent moon last night?  I really like reading about scientist's theories about the creation of the universe, and specifically our solar system and planets.  I think most of us don't ponder these things often enough.  How many of you confuse the solar system and the universe?  I still need to think about it to try to grasp the expanse of everything.  Have you ever tried to grasp the size of the universe and the secular theory that we are just one of thousands of planets with life as yet undiscovered?  It really astounds me. Back to the crescent moon - I was driving to Nocturnal Adoration at Midnight last night when I noticed it.  It was one of those nights when the moon appeared larger than it should in our atmosphere.  That made me think about our size in the universe and our importance.  Sometimes I get complacent about Nocturnal Adoration because it can seem repetitive.  The drive reminded me about how insignificant I am in the universe.  My mother-in-law is beginning to decline and we were reminded of that last night via a brief hospital visit.  It makes me think of my eventual decline.  Can I bring someone, or some people to God before my decline?  Can I provide some witness or an example to a creator?  I can only follow God's will and remind myself regularly that I am His servant.  Just some random thoughts that run through my mind on a regular basis.  It keeps me focused on time and how precious a commodity time can be.

More travel

Was in Nevada last week, Buffalo this week.  First time!  I am beat after leaving home at 5 AM but here are some photos I took of Niagara Falls this evening after the sales calls.  Didn't venture into Canada, the traffic coming back over the bridge looked terrible.

Time

Back again, three days into the work week.  Travel to Reno, NV next week and Buffalo, NY the week after.

Last post talked about time.  How time flies!  Two weeks of vacation behind me.  Fall is coming.  Then Birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas!.  Also back to class on Sept 13.  Where will I find time for homework?

We seem to work all our lives for money yet time is much more scarce than money.  I am constantly and consistently aware of time and how little of it we really control.  Each day, 8 hrs min of work, 8 hrs hopefully of sleep and 8 hrs for us?  Where does prayer fit in?  Does it fit?  For the past year I have been doing Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the hours.  Alone this is 5-10 minutes twice per day.  Yet I regularly miss Evening prayer.  And on weekends, I'm completely out of it.  Why can't I find 10 minutes twice per day to pray?

Each weekday I resolve that at the end of the workday, I'll find the 10 minutes for Evening Prayer and more often than not I fail.  Why?  Time.  I get consumed - when is dinner, I need to get a few things done first, a phone call, personal time.

Weekends - two days to accomplish some resting, work around the house and some personal activities.  This weekend is already crammed - a cookout for all the Deacons and Candidates on Saturday.

Well, I've taken enough time with this post.  I hope it makes anyone reading ponder time a bit more deeply.

Last day and heading home

It's Friday and our last day at the beach for 2011.  Although we have until Saturday at 11, we usually leave Friday evening to sleep in our own bed and have all of Saturday at home getting back into the swing of real life.

Usually I use the time at the beach to reflect on my career path.  Not necessary this year.  Another reflection  I am continuously reviewing is time.  Time is one of my pet peeves and is clearly more precious than cash.  I always think when I hear someone say they didn't do something because they had no time, that what they are really saying is "it wasn't important enough for me to do it"  We seem to find the time to do what is really important or necessary.  I recognize that sometimes there really isn't time left to get to something, but if it was really important....

I think of this a lot about the lack of attendance at mass.  We got 168 hours in a week, sleep for at least 50 of them and God and His church asks us for one of those hours.  Doesn't seem so demanding to me.  One hour of worship to refuel our soul and prepare us for the coming week to be aware of God in the world and our role as members of His body.

Time - more on this when I return.  It's time to cook breakfast.

Vacation, Tuesday, week 2

Still getting LOTS of reading in, among watching DVDs, eating and some time in the ocean.  Yesterday was the best ocean day we have had.  Low tide, large waves, some sun, some clouds, water was relatively warm (for New England)  Then lightning, out of the water, beach closed and a quick, heavy shower.  Followed by God's bow over the ocean.  Of course I explained the science behind the prism effect of the water and light to my son's friend, but there was the end of the Noah story.

Coincidentally, we got our syllabi for our first two classes for fall.  We need 5 books and fortunately for me, I already own two of them and was already reading one.  So perhaps I am a bit ahead?  I ordered the other 3 from Barnes & Noble, so I can get a head start on the Synoptic Gospels.

With only a few days left to go, reality starts to set it.  This has been one of the best vacations ever for me.  The kids are older tho and made almost no use of the ocean.  C probably won't come back for two weeks and M is on edge, but it's likely we will be back.  Wish my mom and dad were here, they would have liked this place - more of a cottage than what we are used to.  The master bedroom has a slider to a deck that is not accessible from the ground and you can fall asleep to the ocean waves.  The real thing beats those ocean CDs.

OK - enough writing, off to do some reading before heading for Tripoli (the best beach pizza!) for lunch.

Vacation, Thursday, Week 1

OK, it's Thursday, the sun is out again and still enjoying the ocean and the reading.  Have caught up on work emails, called the boss and touched base with a few customers.  We're heading back to the ranch today to check on the house, pick up a guest for a few days and back to full time relaxation.  K is almost finished with Season 2 of Merlin, another of our favorite BBC shows.

As soon as vacation is done, it will be a bit of travel and then getting ready for year 2 of Formation for the diaconate.  Looking around early in the morning and late in the evening, it's humbling looking at God's creation and taking it in how insignificant we are in this universe.  We get to enjoy this beauty, but don't spend much time reflecting on it.  Instead we busy ourselves with work, family issues and realizing our "goals"  I usually come to the beach to reflect on my career, where I am at and what I need to do.  This year is the first time in the 15 years we've been coming to the beach that I am completely content in my job and instead am reflecting on my faith, my goals and how to embrace it more fully as I continue formation.

One thing - this blog will start to contain more of that.  For the most part, I have chronicled my activities but not my outlook or feelings.  I think I'll try to incorporate both going forward.

Vacation Tuesday, week 1

Our third full day of vacation at the beach.  Getting a lot of reading done.  Averaging 16 comic books per day, have already read a Spenser novel by Robert Parker and working on "The Brothers Bulger" by Howie Carr.  Got a burn on day 2 so not in the sun for a few days, which just means more reading!

Finally got an internet connection, but minimizing the time online to enjoy family time and reading.

Made pesto and garlic butter for garlic bread.  Food, reading, sunny weather, walks, reading and watching DVDs.  Yep, sounds like vacation.

Beach

hello,

this is chris guest blogging for my dad we are at the beach for 2 weeks. So far this vacation has been fun it's day two and i went down to the water for the first time and got sunburned great. I walked this morning to the rocks with my mom and dad. Yesterday we just sat around all day. Saturday was half of are first day we spent it like always at the center having dinner the best pizza ever tripoli's...the rest of this week will be ally coming down wednesday till friay hopefully assuming her mom let's her. then were going to caleb's birthday party saturday. he may come down next week. I'm leaving next thursday at 4. i'm hoping to leave here tanner than ever darker and getting some good solid games of catch in i like the whole playing everyday with my dad. i guess that's all i have to say so ta ta for now..

Chris

And another week, now...VACATION!

Vacation starts tomorrow.  Two weeks at the beach.  Last weekend we went on the Duck Tours in Boston with my Brother and Sis-In-Law.  Finished with a fantastic dinner in the North End.  Some photos of the time in Boston

No Duck Tour could be complete without a set of duck lips, courtesy of my sister-in-law, unsuspecting that I am taking a photo - she should know better around me!

And of course, K got to pilot the boat.  We didn't hit anything.

We survived the trip.

One of the denizens of Boston?

Ron got to hoist the cup.  In his mind.

And helped Orr stay aloft for the grand goal.

He joined the tennis greats.

And helped the Leprechaun hold the ball

Dinner in the North End

Last stop...