tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56009042011-12-24T19:54:26.113-06:00and the dreams start coming true...tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.comBlogger1651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-45388133144416880772007-08-01T15:46:00.000-05:002007-08-01T15:52:22.748-05:00

This is my Chicago blog. Tangled Hair in the Windy City just won't work outside of the Windy City. So I'm moving to a new location for my years in Hawai'i. It's still connected to this blog... just go into my profile and it'll have both listed. Or, go directly to http://82andsunny.blogspot.com/.But just so you know (I don't want to be called a liar), it's 8/01/07, and the high today is 87. Just

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-79816182146976412772007-07-20T10:25:00.000-05:002007-07-20T11:26:16.714-05:00

Four years.It's amazing how much can change in four years. How much I have changed. But as I prepare to leave this place, I think back and it is obvious how much I have learned, and changed, and grown. And it is obvious that I will take these lessons--working with the poor, the ignored, the hated, the feared--and I will move forward in my life with this mission in my heart. I have learned

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-52262948356262996272007-06-18T08:33:00.000-05:002007-06-18T10:57:11.193-05:00

If you've got a few minutes to kill and want to read something fun, go check out the comment someone left me on the post entitled, "On a Lighter Note." Wow.But back to me. I get nervous about work, because I'm going to be leaving it so soon. And in a lot of ways, I'm not ready for it. I have spent the last few months realizing over and over how much I have grown here, in Chicago in general,

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-12459439028754120672007-06-13T07:58:00.000-05:002007-06-13T08:47:28.233-05:00

Maybe a month ago, I watched Who Killed the Electric Car. The major thing I learned in that movie is that electric cars exist. Or, more rightly put, they did exist. 100% electric. Not gas-electric hybrids. Electric.They were on the roads, leased by real people, for a year or so. Then the automobile companies pulled them all. No one was allowed to buy, even people willing to pay way more than

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-88553502257017550462007-06-04T15:43:00.000-05:002007-06-05T09:29:32.699-05:00

And time is flying.I knew it would come to this. I knew we'd get to the point that the volunteer year would be about to end, our time in Chicago would be about to end, our time with the Claretians would be about to end... and here we are. As we got closer and closer to The Big Move, my anxiety level rose higher and higher, until last week I stopped sleeping altogether. Which is, of course, an

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-38833793838341823052007-05-18T09:58:00.000-05:002007-05-18T10:03:45.071-05:00

I had a dream last night. I was talking with Michael, and then all of the sudden I decided I was ready to cut my hair again. In fact, I was ready to shave it again. Having thus made up my mind, I went directly to the bathroom, grabbed the clippers, and started shaving. I had gotten through the front half of the left side of my head when I thought, "What am I doing? I should braid my hair

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-75208207693963891402007-05-14T09:49:00.000-05:002007-05-14T10:38:47.460-05:00

Michael and several other members of the Coalition to Protect People's Rights organized a conference on torture that happened on Saturday. CPPR developed as a reaction to the trial against Muhammad Salah, a Palestinian American who was arrested by Israel during an aid trip to Palestine. He was tortured for 80 days, and then imprisoned for five years in an Israeli prison based on confessions he

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-78183901331664762742007-05-07T09:10:00.000-05:002007-05-07T10:10:35.886-05:00

And another thing... Our phone isn't working right now, at the house. So that's why I haven't been calling anyone. And you can't call me either. I'll borrow my roommates' cellphones sometimes, but really, that' just not going to happen regularly.I've been thinking about my trip to Guatemala an awful lot lately. One of the reasons is that I'm in the midst of de-stuffing my life. Michael and I came

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-83707989257201631842007-04-23T09:10:00.000-05:002007-04-23T09:25:51.473-05:00

I had a great weekend. And it was a good thing too, because work last week was busy and upsetting and good, but not very enjoyable. Still working hard pushing this investigation through with DHS. I don't know; maybe we're getting somewhere now. But we won't know for weeks now that it's in the hands of yet another department, yet another aspect of this gigantic system.I tell you, it's more and

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-8631579410246386282007-04-16T08:31:00.000-05:002007-04-16T08:54:28.320-05:00

I know. I'm 24, going on 28. I am not a very old person. But I guess since the failed attempt at my second marathon and my realization that my knees would never let me make a third attempt, I've been on this kick to enjoy certain things now, before I can no longer do them. When I was a teen and I was sure that it was migraines I was getting and not just headaches, I thought about my mom saying

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-34551537191016618152007-04-11T17:07:00.000-05:002007-04-11T17:29:07.460-05:00

A.K.A. "Kati is the Luckiest Person on Earth"So, it turns out that I'll be going to grad school at the University of Hawaii this fall. And yes, that IS the one that's in Hawaii, oddly enough. This fall, Michael and I are moving to Honolulu. I'll have a teaching assistantship and a tuition waver and we'll be living in paradise. And Michael will be able to get in-state tuition immediately

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-76671667790900194412007-04-04T08:02:00.000-05:002007-04-04T08:21:45.309-05:00

The cold comes again. It's been 60s and 70s for a few days, and sure we had rain... but man it was warm. Now it's Pantry Day and we're expecting another snow. I'm so ready for it to be done snowing.And I can't help but think of the weather... well, you know where. I'm days (like, maybe tomorrow) away from knowing about funding, away from it being official. I'm crazy with anticipation. I

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-39477006527652195032007-03-30T11:32:00.000-05:002007-03-30T11:54:15.185-05:00

I know these forms exist in Spanish. I've seen them. But still, for some reason or other, people come in with English forms that were sent them by the DHS office, or by their legal counsel, or... who knows? They're applying for foodstamps, or medical cards. One lady came in the other day with paperwork regarding a child support case. And they need them translated because they don't speak the

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-13454987068989924692007-03-27T16:04:00.000-05:002007-03-27T16:05:54.256-05:00

"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play, bring a friend... if you have one."- George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill"Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second... if there is one."- Winston Churchill in reply to Shaw

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-47366633656646122112007-03-26T09:02:00.000-05:002007-03-26T09:28:05.313-05:00

Everyone came last week. Molly and Eric and Ian came to visit. Emily's family came to visit. Our Missouri volunteers came to visit. All at once. We had many people in the house. It was awesome.The Alspaughs wound up only able to stay for a day, due to a family emergency. They'll be back soon, though, and when they do come back, they're just going to stay at our place rather than getting a

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-66730234666727305242007-03-15T11:52:00.000-05:002007-03-15T12:17:22.807-05:00

I feel much safer today, knowing that the mastermind behind all terrorist attacks ever has finally confessed to his depravity. And I'm glad that he was disappeared by the CIA and held in Guantanamo Bay without charge or legal council for three years. And I feel well protected by my government, knowing that this man will not receive an independent trial, but will rather be tried by military

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-32874350548582538602007-03-12T16:34:00.000-05:002007-03-12T16:50:52.366-05:00

"Good thing I'm not a torpedo." --Michael CorlewIt's funny out of context. In context, perhaps you had to be there. So I'll just leave it at that.It's been pretty exciting at the pantry lately. Lot of people coming through. Plus, for awhile we've been gathering complaints and grievances from the clients of our local DHS office, in particular regarding this one bastard caseworker who tells

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-4907707025323461072007-02-22T13:57:00.000-06:002007-02-22T14:33:59.775-06:00

I've started reading psych textbooks to update the information in my head. I've joined the Y so I can exercise and not get too stressed. I go back and forth between determination and high anxiety. I want to have every possible piece of information at hand before I make my final decision. Hawaii is the front-runner right now, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm being impractical, even if

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-24570156610248570232007-02-05T09:49:00.000-06:002007-02-05T10:22:28.908-06:00

The inside of your nostrils freeze. Your eyes water and the tears freeze on your lashes.I wore one outfit over the weekend, although, to be fair, it was closer to three outfits at once. I'm wearing more work appropriate clothing today, but it doesn't seem enough. It was -9 this morning when I left to catch the bus. I paced back and forth at the stop to keep my blood flowing. My thighs hurt,

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-44177846871831098542007-01-15T15:27:00.000-06:002007-01-16T10:38:22.457-06:00

The snow makes Chicago quiet.Today has not been a particularly busy day. We've actually had very few people come through for food. But the people who have come through on this particular day have had a particular desperation about them.It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and it's snowing outside. The first gentleman that came through had recently lost his job. He was fired because of a transfer.

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-79476440975085008872006-12-22T12:19:00.000-06:002006-12-22T14:04:23.810-06:00

When I get really busy, I get really creative. It's something about the rushing about that gets my blood flowing and my brain working. And it builds, too. The busier I get, the more creative I get. And I start on projects and I get busier and I get new ideas for new projects and it's awesome.I'm working on a book right now. And a few art projects. And of course, things are so crazy at work

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1166736899435368262006-12-21T09:08:00.000-06:002006-12-21T15:34:59.453-06:00

It's funny how things change. Last year at this time, I hated my job and loved my community. My community really was the only thing that kept me in the program last year. At the Christmas party for my youth group, I nearly quit. It is the only time since I've been with the Claretian Volunteers that I really was ready to walk away. But I didn't. I was miserable with my job, but I stuck with

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1165870366959007602006-12-11T14:24:00.000-06:002006-12-11T14:52:46.973-06:00

The thing is, we knew for a year before he left that Joel was going to go to war. And then he was there for a year and a half. So I've spent the last two and a half years having every waking thought tinged with the idea that my brother might die at war. Those of you with loved ones, truly loved ones and not just passing acquaintances or friends or the guy who cuts my hair's older brother, know

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1164656828259141752006-11-27T12:58:00.000-06:002006-11-29T08:16:36.886-06:00

The final total was 144. That was how many families we were able to supply with a turkey. We got donations from all over, but were fifty short of what we'd hoped for. One of our major donors simply stopped returning our phonecalls. We were sad.But, we got in surprise donations from other places, including people who just showed up and said, "Hey, we've got turkeys. Do you need them?" And

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1164150171447858132006-11-21T16:41:00.000-06:002006-11-21T17:02:51.470-06:00

The short version is: Ireland is awesome. I stayed with Ciaron O'Reilly, who I've not yet googled, but whom I imagine would warrant several thousand pages. He's an old-school activist and all around neat guy. The sights and sounds of Dublin are confusing at first, but somehow less so once you have Guinness in your system. And Guinness is better in Dublin.The anti-war protest at Shannon was

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1163807748019313022006-11-17T17:54:00.000-06:002006-11-17T17:55:48.033-06:00

I still exist. And more importantly, my brother is out of Iraq. And less importantly, I've been crazy busy, and unable to do what I want to do: ie, upload journal excerpts from my trip. But will do. It was great.And also, my brother is out of Iraq.peace out, homies,Kati

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1161639770194466652006-10-23T16:31:00.000-05:002006-10-23T16:42:50.206-05:00

I'm going to Ireland tomorrow. I have three main goals for this trip:1) Run AIDS Marathon, and don't die.2) Go to Anti-War Protest at Shannon Airport3) Eat stew.Oh, and 4) Drink GuinnessAlso, the first thing I"m going to do when I get into Ireland is go to Paris for a day. Not the FIRST first thing, but only a day in. Because, at any rate, that's what you do when you go to Ireland. You go to

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1160678095445228902006-10-12T13:31:00.000-05:002006-10-12T13:34:55.456-05:00

Last year, on Nov. 16th, I recorded for the sake of posterity that it had snowed, so that this year, when I wondered if it should already be snowing on Nov. 16th, I could look back and say, Oh, yeah. I guess it should.It's snowing today. It's October 12th.Just for the record.And also for the record, I had a guy tell me on Tuesday that he believes there is a connection between St. Rita's school

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1160405032897295002006-10-09T08:45:00.000-05:002006-10-09T09:44:37.233-05:00

So, we live in an old house. Michael and I in particular live in an old basement. It's old. Sometimes there are smells. Sometimes the water in the bend in the pipes evaporates and then sewer gases can come through. Oh, have we learned that smell. But there's been a new smell over the past couple weeks that has been persistent and altogether bothersome. It's similar to say... a rotting

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1160081235232075392006-10-05T15:42:00.000-05:002006-10-05T15:49:48.493-05:00

In the grand scheme of things, it's really not that big a deal to take the GRE tomorrow morning. And it's funny. Despite how nervous I am, I really do feel okay. I was talking to roommate John about this the other day. He said, "Kati, I think you would feel much better... if... you... panicked." But I'm not panicked, even though it'd expected to be.On a completely unrelated topic, Lost

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1159476640902542512006-09-28T15:22:00.000-05:002006-09-28T15:50:40.943-05:00

My sister got married.I went home to Memphis and I got to hang out with my family (I even got to speak with my brother on the phone). I got to 'be home.' And I still hold that despite how much I love Memphis, and love my family, and how much I will always feel as though Memphis is home, I'm just not ready to return to Tennessee. I don't know that I ever will be. I think me and Tennessee might

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1156518182725524502006-08-25T09:46:00.000-05:002006-08-25T15:45:08.146-05:00

Remember Eddie? If not, scroll down a bit. He was the homeless volunteer at the pantry. He made chicken noises whenever we got a delivery of frozen chicken. He liked canned mushrooms. He always grinned and waved at me and could never remember my name, but would still sit down and talk with me about whatever random events were going on.Eddie came in to the pantry on Wednesday. I didn't get a

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1156340756685258712006-08-23T08:22:00.000-05:002006-08-23T08:45:56.696-05:00

My friend,You know this already. It's nothing new to you. You said as much to me last night. But in our line of work, you do what you can, and you do your best. But it will never, ever be enough. It's not you. It's just that there is so very much need out there. There's no way we can take care of it all. We can't fix everything and everybody. We can't take away their suffering.

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1154899984730222942006-08-06T16:21:00.000-05:002006-08-06T16:33:04.780-05:00

It was one of my first days at the pantry when I heard Sr. Joellen answer the phone. She spoke very slowly and softly and kindly-- much more slowly and softly and kindly than you would expect to hear someone speaking over the phone. In our fast-paced world, it seemed as though someone speaking that slowly and softly and kindly would kind of annoy the person on the other end of the line. I

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1154019369898586842006-07-27T11:34:00.000-05:002006-07-27T11:56:09.946-05:00

I had my first "Pantry Day" experience yesterday. The other volunteers I've lived with who worked here always came home just exhausted after pantry day. I came home exhausted last night. But it was a fun day all around.I like the other volunteers. They come from all walks of life-- this rich lady, this homeless man, this high school student, this retired man...I sat and talked with the

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1153500779938192812006-07-21T11:42:00.000-05:002006-07-21T11:52:59.983-05:00

I've started my new job at the pantry now. And I really enjoy it. Yesterday, this guy came in who spoke English, but not very well. As soon as he walked in, something in my brain froze, and I couldn't come up with any Spanish to speak. Maria talked with him. I listened. I understood nearly everything, but I just couldn't form any words of my own. I felt a bit defeated.But then, a little

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1152132122974152772006-07-05T15:21:00.000-05:002006-07-05T15:42:03.033-05:00

So, stuff happens.Last week my uncle was installed as bishop of Joliet, which is nice, because he's moved nearer to me. I don't expect to see him often, but I do expect we'll probably swap dinners at each other's houses during the next year, and that'll be cool. I like having family over. My mother and sisters came up for the installation, as well as aunts and uncles and second cousins I'd

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1150934151157275902006-06-21T18:43:00.000-05:002006-06-21T18:55:51.176-05:00

It's not official yet, but I'm changing jobs this upcoming year. It's looking like I"m going to be working about half time with John Dimucci in the Volunteer Office, and half time with the Holy Cross/IHM food pantry Casa Catalina. I'm very excited about this switch. I feel like loads of weight are being lifted off of me. I do still worry about the youth group. I'm not entirely sure what's

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1149290928005498572006-06-02T18:14:00.000-05:002006-06-02T18:28:48.026-05:00

Ezra thinks I should have kids. His friend agrees. Ezra donated $2 to the AIDS Foundation, but wouldn't pay me to draw him. I bruised up my hands in the lake. Throwing a frizbee. It's like, the least dangerous sport, but my hands were black and blue all week from a Memorial Day frizbee game. The lake was friggin' cold (but I've been in colder). It felt good after awhile, though. I never

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1148672786095784532006-05-26T14:03:00.000-05:002006-05-26T14:46:26.150-05:00

1. This morning I went to buy new running shoes. I told the guy who was helping me, "You're gonna love me," then explained about how I'm a volunteer and cost really was a issue. He measured my feet, watched me run to see where my feet needed the most support, and disappeared for ten minutes during which time he found me some shoes that fit all of my physical and financial needs. We chatted

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1147470897195552192006-05-12T16:54:00.000-05:002006-05-12T16:54:57.206-05:00

Snow flurries today.WTF, mate?

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1147379061026663462006-05-11T15:05:00.000-05:002006-05-11T15:24:21.110-05:00

First off, my birthday was great. I was working, sure, but I heard from friends and family and even people who didn't realize it was my birthday but just thought it would be nice to get back in touch with me. It was neat.But stepping back one day...My friend devon wrote a poem about Tennessee, which is great, and which I may be sharing with you all here pretty soon. I wrote a response poem as

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1146699837867006742006-05-03T18:38:00.000-05:002006-05-03T18:43:57.880-05:00

Also, at the rally on Monday...I was listening to a speaker at Grant Park. My husband and roommates and several friends were all there-- but we'd gone in separately, so for all intents and purposes I was alone. This guy next to me asks me in Spanish who is speaking. I said, also in Spanish, I didn't know because I couldn't see. He asked if it was Gutierrez? I said Maybe. We made small talk

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1146690444589859492006-05-03T15:48:00.000-05:002006-05-03T16:07:24.663-05:00

For those of you who want to follow my marathon training, I'll be making weekly updates at my AIDS Marathon site:www.aidsmarathon.com , Sponsor a Runner, Chicago, 0117For today-- I ran for the first time since before the Palm Sunday sickness, as I've decided to call it. I feel good today for the first time since I got sick. I think I'm finally kicking this thing. I can sing again. I still get

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1145907728157449322006-04-24T14:14:00.000-05:002006-04-24T14:42:08.220-05:00

I was very sick for two weeks, but I spent the first week pretending I was hardly sick at all. But after I accomplished Good Friday, I crashed. My respiratory system and sinus pasages rebelled against me. I couldn't speak, could hardly sleep (and only sitting up), couldn't eat. I had no energy for anything but reading and watching TV. I think I have officially grown to HATE daytime

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1144953825871345952006-04-13T13:41:00.000-05:002006-04-13T13:43:45.886-05:00

It's the worst week of the year to be sick anyway, so of course, Michael and I thought we'd give it a go. Holy Week is the culmination of a lot of projects we've been working on, and plus, there are big events everywhere, all the time.We got sick Palm Sunday night. I lost my voice on Tuesday. It's showing no signs of coming back. I can't speak at all. Tomorrow is Via Crucis in the morning,

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1144276468934335882006-04-05T17:25:00.000-05:002006-04-05T17:34:28.956-05:00

E had her baby!!! Dot was born Thursday morning. Yay!Also, I've officially signed up for the AIDS Marathon.Those of you who had been paying attention will remember that I had been bummed earlier in the year when I found out the official AIDS Marathon was not going to be going to Ireland this year, but to Italy. I contacted the AFC, and discussed my options, then obsessed over it for a couple

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1143496507298364532006-03-27T15:15:00.000-06:002006-03-27T15:55:07.453-06:00

My friend Elizabeth is due today. I wasn't able to call her over the weekend, and I feel kind of bad because I'm hoping she'll not go into labor until I get a chance to talk to her and wish her a proper "good luck". It's not fair for me to feel this way. I should be hoping she gets it out as soon as possible, especially since I know she is firmly convinced she's going to be late. I was firmly

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1143242111188460972006-03-24T16:52:00.000-06:002006-03-24T17:15:11.256-06:00

I started at Su Casa this week. I'm going to be there one day a week until Easter, then two days a week. But this week was special, so even though it's still before Easter, I was there two days.Oh-ho, you're thinking. There she goes compromising her principles.Well, sue me.There were two groups in Chicago with the Claretians this week, doing Spring Break Urban Plunge sort of things. John D

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1142275179207526242006-03-13T11:26:00.000-06:002006-03-13T12:39:39.296-06:00

This lady, Claire, is staying at our house. A few months ago, one of the Claretians, Fr. Wayne, asked us if she could for a couple of nights while she looked for a place to stay. We said sure. But then, upon returning from some overseas mission trip, she kind of got whooping cough. So her move was delayed. But she's here now, whooping cough free (or at least mostly so-- she still has some

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1141860058539066362006-03-08T17:01:00.000-06:002006-03-08T17:20:58.586-06:00

I've ordered the stone. I decided which kind I wanted, and I made the call and placed the order-- and it was out of stock. So I talked with the guy and we decided on another stone that would be really good for my first adventure into stone sculpting. It ought to ship sometime this week-- 60lbs of Oystershell Alabaster. Very exciting.So on Sunday, I went to Home Depot to get a bunch of wood.

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1141261019881535012006-03-01T18:32:00.000-06:002006-03-02T17:39:58.410-06:00

I'm back at work now. Finally. I was really starting to get bored.Michael got really, really sick Thursday night. Really, really, really sick. Badly sick. It was not good. In addition to my not being able to help him at all, I was also worried about getting at least some sleep before I went in for the 30 Hour Famine retreat with my youth on Friday. Michael was really sick. I couldn't do

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1139866796145833762006-02-13T15:27:00.000-06:002006-02-15T12:34:07.656-06:00

So what's the news?The retreat was good. It was really nice to get away, have some time to play and pray and think and relax and not work. And there were some unexpected surprises. For instance, when this lady name Cody asked who was going to jump into the slushy Lake Michigan with her, I was surprised to find myself saying Me! She wound up not doing it. She'd had a heart transplant less

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1139440088994216592006-02-08T16:33:00.000-06:002006-02-08T17:08:09.086-06:00

It really is just tired whining. It's not worth reading. I'll write about something more interesting next week. Come back then....Jeez I'm tired.I've been getting a decent amount of sleep, but I just can't shake it. I've decided I'm going to start therapy soon. I can't help but think that life has always been more or less like this, and therefore it's me with the problem. And I'm okay with

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1138992930913031792006-02-03T12:23:00.000-06:002006-02-03T12:55:30.993-06:00

Erika is in recovery. They'd had her on Tylenol plus codeine, but it wasn't enough the other day so now she's on morphine. When I saw her yesterday, it was hard to tell if it was the morphine or the brain surgery that left her sometimes less than lucid, but she's recovering. They have her walk around a few times a day. She gets up to go to the bathroom. When she's awake she can vocalize,

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1138831136926899072006-02-01T15:55:00.000-06:002006-02-01T15:58:56.943-06:00

She's survived the surgery, and the doctors seem hopeful. We've had trouble getting in contact with her family to find more. Tonight, the youth group is going to make cards and what-not, and tomorrow I'll go back for another visit (I saw her the afternoon of her surgery, but she was only very barely conscious. Daena and I stole a couple of latex gloves and blew them up like balloons and wrote

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1138644868494759022006-01-30T12:12:00.000-06:002006-01-30T12:14:28.510-06:00

The tumor is imbedded in her brain, and they're operating today to take it out. They apparently won't know more until they open up her head and look. Surgery today.That's all I know.

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1138564813912969992006-01-29T13:41:00.000-06:002006-01-29T14:00:13.950-06:00

Hey y'all.I came to mass this morning, and was rushing around getting everything ready for fundraising (the youth group is doing a 30 Hour Famine at the end of February to help end world hunger), and Fr. Todd pulled me aside. "Hey," he said. "Have you heard about Erika?"No, I hadn't.About two months ago, Erika's mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Erika and her brothers Nick and Andrew

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1138388558272733812006-01-27T12:40:00.000-06:002006-01-27T13:02:38.326-06:00

You know, it's really interesting what human beings are capable of. Michael and I watched this documentary last night about Korea, and it's incredible. Most of the country is desolate poverty, but then they build up this huge, rich-looking, and almost completely empty city for visitors to see. You have people starving to death, and then children practicing every day, six hours a day, for

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1137698336886468262006-01-19T12:50:00.000-06:002006-01-19T13:18:56.946-06:00

So... what's new in my life?Well, after months of avoiding it, I finally got tapped for singing at the weekend masses here at St. Paul. I'd befriended the organist awhile back, and maybe in hindsight that wasn't the best idea if I were going to try to avoid this one extra position. But you know, one thing led to another, and suddenly I was singing along at the 5:00 Saturday mass last week. And

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1136330748560603862006-01-03T17:19:00.000-06:002006-01-03T17:25:48.560-06:00

I've been nominated for the third annual Quills Fanfiction contest in the Best Angst category! I've been writing fanfiction for a couple of years now, for fun and for ego boosts, which I get in the form of reader reviews. But dude, this takes the cake! It's so awesome! I'm so excited! I don't even know who nominated me! Holy cow.

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1136330356445746232006-01-03T17:18:00.000-06:002006-01-03T17:19:16.460-06:00

2005 will not go down as one of my favorite years. It’s actually scored pretty low on my all-time favorite years list. I’m not even sure it would make the top fifteen, and seeing as how I can only remember twenty or so years with any clarity, I think that says something.Oh, 2005, you were not a very good year at all. You had such potential back at the start, a year ago… but you went and wasted

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1135880492830480272005-12-29T11:47:00.000-06:002005-12-29T12:21:32.910-06:00

Warning: Bitching below.I have bags under my eyes today. This is new for me. I've been back in town all of two days, and I have bags under my eyes. We had a Christmas party last night with the youth group, and holy cow. I've realized a couple of things.One, I really don't think I can relate to these kids. I don't know what's so different that I can relate with the kids twenty blocks south,

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1135102085579827062005-12-20T11:53:00.000-06:002005-12-20T12:08:05.600-06:00

It's my mom's birthday today, and Michael has dubbed it Sallymas. Of course, she doesn't know that yet, because she's still at work, but she'll find out soon enough. The very exciting part of Sallymas is all the presents. I know what two of them are-- the one from me and Michael, and the one from Dad. Mom doesn't know what either of these are yet-- but she'll be happy once she does.I think I

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1134430725642568442005-12-12T17:31:00.000-06:002005-12-12T17:38:45.656-06:00

... if I'm a masochist, or if I just get bored too easily. I'm sick today, but I'm not home. I started to stay home, but it didn't work out so well, because I found myself hiking the half-mile (through the snow) (uphill) (being attacked constantly by ninjas) to work this afternoon. True, I have stuff I needed to get done, but it could have waited. I was ready to go back to bed a block outside

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1134013594050106662005-12-07T21:25:00.000-06:002005-12-07T21:46:34.103-06:00

I had a long day today, and I want to unwind a bit before I go home. I need a hug and a beer, and I'll get both of those things shortly, but I'm gonna do this first.It's been awhile since I've updated, but there have been several things that I wanted to talk about. So I'm just gonna give you guys the hot skinny on my life for the past few weeks.Two weekends ago, roommate John and I made cookies

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1132184897010352982005-11-16T17:25:00.000-06:002005-11-16T17:49:51.383-06:00

That was for the sake of posterity, so that next year when it gets to be cold like a Tennessee girl should never experience, I won't be wandering around saying things like, "Is it normal for it to snow on November 16th?"I've been so tired these past few days. Slept 10 hours last night. 11 the night before. And no, that's not normal for me. But I felt good today. Then I had a long argument

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1132006247237059662005-11-14T15:52:00.000-06:002005-11-14T17:41:47.910-06:00

While I was in Atlanta at the National Catholic Youth Conference, which was an admittedly very good trip and I had a really good time, something occurred that got me to thinking.It was at the closing mass. I'd already noted that most people in attendance were white, but it somehow slipped my attention that, similarly, most of the presenters and performers were also white. I really noticed it

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1131653499344875792005-11-10T12:34:00.000-06:002005-11-10T14:11:39.406-06:00

I had this bizarre sort of daydream experience about two weeks ago as I was getting out of the shower. I looked into the mirror in the bathroom, and the rest of my life played out in my head. It only lasted six months, because it began with a doctor telling me I was about to die. I went through all of the things that I wanted to, and could, accomplish in that time period, what I was going to

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1129581893076031052005-10-17T15:38:00.000-05:002005-10-17T15:44:53.083-05:00

I'm going to Atlanta next week. I don't even remember the time passing. How could it be next week already?I'm getting all the last minute things together. I was invited last minute to Cecilia's birthday dinner on Saturday night. She's the librarian lady at the school. She asked how the trip was coming together and I told her we were in the process of getting food donations to help keep costs

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1129149267043470732005-10-12T15:23:00.000-05:002005-10-12T15:36:54.863-05:00

The office in the rectory closed early last night. I was standing approximately 25 feet away, and missed it. My Writing Group had already converged, we had just not yet gone inside. But the doors were locked up, the stand-in receptionist had gone home. We lost our chance to get into our basement room.So we met outside.It was pretty good actually. The weather's turned brisk, but is not yet

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1128551275077950512005-10-05T17:26:00.000-05:002005-10-06T11:58:45.213-05:00

I hardly slept last night. I've been sick and have been on antibiotics for over a week. Just started a new one yesterday, and really, I do feel much better today. Maybe that was why I couldn't sleep. Or maybe the weird stuff I ate before bed. Maybe some stress, worrying about my kids. They got issues.But I wound up sitting on my yoga mat, thinking about my job, thinking about my life,

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1128117940399420452005-09-30T16:56:00.000-05:002005-09-30T17:05:40.406-05:00

So yeah. When I first started at St. Paul, one of the things I talked with Fr. Marino about was our mutual desire to have a Spanish youth group. The youth group as it is, is all in English. I told him that, especially in this neighborhood, a Spanish speaking youth group is key. There are a lot of teens here that speak English, but many more that do not, or do not speak that well.The main

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1127843580905538832005-09-27T12:29:00.000-05:002005-09-27T12:53:01.263-05:00

As an update on the writing group... Ashely showed up at Youth Group the next night after I first talked to her--with flyers. She told me she's told everyone that she's starting a writing club. She made the announcement at Youth Group, passed out the flyers. We're meeting again tonight to get the details down, and with a little luck and a lot of persistence, we'll be starting the group next

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1127335737014262902005-09-21T15:30:00.000-05:002005-09-21T15:48:57.053-05:00

I started spiritual direction this morning. I'm not entirely sure how it's going to go, although I imagine it will be useful in my life. Sr. Chris is a really neat lady who seems accepting of my very ecclectic spirituality. We talked about a lot of things this morning, and walking away, my main thought was that I really need a day off.Not so much because my life is ultra stressful or that I

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1126557186532601852005-09-12T14:54:00.000-05:002005-09-12T15:33:06.580-05:00

I'm back at work today, and I'm starting to become normal again, although it's taken several hours and a good long walk. Most of you didn't know that I've been away, and the rest of you didn't know I was back. It's hard to talk about it, so I haven't much. But now that I'm returning to normal, I guess I ought.My grandmother died last week. I was able to go home and see her before she passed

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1125351011956385092005-08-29T14:52:00.000-05:002005-08-29T16:30:12.006-05:00

So, it occurs to me now that I've never been a youth minister before. It also occurs to me that even thought I've done most of what I"m going to be doing, that I've never been the one in charge before. It's kind of weird.Today I'm working on developing my longterm plan for the St. Paul Youth Group. And I must say, I am quite excited about the year. When thinking through all my ideas of all

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1123539791643994912005-08-08T16:11:00.000-05:002005-08-08T17:23:11.683-05:00

Okay, here I am, starting my page off with a bad pun for a title. Can you ever forgive me?The thing is, lots of things are in the process of transition right now. A week ago, I started my new job. In four days, my new housemates are moving in. I have a whole 'nother group of peers, community members, coworkers, bosses, and teenagers to get to know. That's a lot of bonding in my immediate

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1122317358852457092005-07-25T13:09:00.000-05:002005-07-25T13:51:22.806-05:00

At 3:30am this past Friday morning, Michael and I returned from Guatemala. It is a really neat country. The people are awesome. The places are beautiful. I've experienced somewhat of a culture shock since I've returned, and I'm currently experiencing a sort of 'computer overload', having just checked my email and found 150 messages waiting for me, plus about 300 more SPAM. It seems to have

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1118695831360231832005-06-13T15:04:00.000-05:002005-06-13T15:50:31.406-05:00

That was this past weekend. Saturday and Sunday, from early until late. They block off this half-mile stretch of 47th St., which is a pretty busy street, mind you, and have booths and food and music and dancing and pony rides and shops and drinks and crafts and all sorts of fun summery festival-like things. HOPE Program goes every year and distributes information about HIV prevention and free

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1118354595266518502005-06-09T16:30:00.000-05:002005-06-09T17:03:15.276-05:00

Last night was one of those previously mentioned nights where I had to figure out how to be in three places at once. And I won't give away my secrets, so just take it for given that I succeeded.One of the places was a mass with the Claretians. They're having their General Assembly this week, so all the priests and brothers in the Eastern Province are here, discussing things liks, Should we let

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1118169142762369612005-06-07T13:16:00.000-05:002005-06-07T13:32:22.770-05:00

is June.My first day off this month is.... June 27th!This is a month that I have to take one day at a time, because when I look at the month calendar on the wall in the kitchen, I begin to hyperventilate, and want to go hide in the corner. June. The sum of its parts are all going to be quite enjoyable. But as a whole, it's scary because there is so much I need to accomplish. The thing that

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1117044928707578242005-05-25T12:46:00.000-05:002005-05-25T13:15:28.733-05:00

So Michael and I went shopping over the weekend.At the Salvation Army, I bought a bike for $20. I figure, I want a bike. I've wanted a bike. I will likely continue to want a bike. And if we stay in Chicago, then I'll have a bike. And if not, then I'll have a bike that I can donate to the church or to a family I know or something like that. The first bike I picked out (and it took me a

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1116444399537646902005-05-18T13:02:00.000-05:002005-05-18T14:26:39.576-05:00

Daena and I drove overnight to DC on Friday/Saturday. We were helping our friend Kathy move, driving her stuff down in a rented moving truck. Eduardo came along, slept most of the way, but we had him shoved in between seats, so I doubt the sleep was too productive. Daena and I hardly slept at all. It was a great fun weekend, but I kept getting hit periodically with waves of exhaustion. I ate

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1115744692700315762005-05-10T11:40:00.000-05:002005-05-10T12:04:52.810-05:00

Really and truly.I say that all the time, that May 10th is the best day, and I hold that that is generally true, but I also hold that that is specifically true for today. It is the best day, weather-wise, that we have seen yet in Chicago this year. It's 79 degrees, with clear blue skies, slightly humid and cool the way it is the day after a storm, and the winds are just lovely. Add to that the

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1114719293778647602005-04-28T14:54:00.000-05:002005-04-28T15:14:53.780-05:00

Last time I saw snow: April 23rdFirst time this year I smelled cut grass: April 27thI mean, really, people. Snow on April 23rd?! Snow?! on April 23rd?!Michael kept saying, "I don't know why you're surprised. It snowed in May last year." Well, if it did, I blocked it out of my memory because that *certainly* should never happen. Ever.And April 27th is rather late in the year for the first

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1113861209317064592005-04-18T16:37:00.000-05:002005-04-18T16:53:29.320-05:00

Elizabeth and Winn came for a visit over the weekend, and it was so cool having them here. They both look different from the last time I saw them in summer 2004. Winn has grown a beard. It looks good on him. Elizabeth has grown a smile. It looks good on her too. I mean, well, E has always been able to laugh, no matter how many things are going wrong... but now, she's... well, happy. It's

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1113336360613170882005-04-12T14:51:00.000-05:002005-04-12T15:06:00.616-05:00

Today the temps are in the forties, and it's rainy and altogether nasty. But I officially declare Spring to be here, because it's been several weeks now since it has snowed.But more importantly...I got home about 9 last night, wolfed down some dinner, tried and failed to organize prayer, and then... maybe about 9:30... Michael says, "Are you going downstairs now?" Michael and I have a room in

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1112643913985775332005-04-04T19:24:00.000-05:002005-04-04T17:19:16.683-05:00

We had a job interview last week at a retreat center in Chicago. Michael and I interviewed for the position of Director, which they are planning on splitting into two positions. Together, Michael and I are the perfect person for the job, or so we think, at least.True to Murphy's Law, Michael got a stomach virus the night before, and spent the day of throwing up. We went to the interview anyway

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1111192541259394862005-03-18T20:30:00.000-06:002005-03-18T18:35:41.283-06:00

My eyes used to be brown before I started to work in a Mexican neighborhood. I no longer know anyone, except for the white people I live with, who will agree with me that my eyes are brown. They laugh at me when I say it. They say that they are hazel, or green. But brown? No, that's just silly. And in fact, I have a group of ladies that are actively trying to convince me that my eyes are

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1111096323616334722005-03-17T17:46:00.000-06:002005-03-17T15:52:03.620-06:00

Yesterday I woke up feeling slow and relaxed. Everything was nice, and the day was pretty and warm (for Chicago March). And things went really well at work. In the afternoon, I got hungry again, and just couldn't stop being hungry. But, focusing on my work, and setting up for the retreat last night, it really wasn't so bad.By the time the retreat came, it really wasn't so good. I didn't feel

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1110926556793574012005-03-15T18:27:00.000-06:002005-03-15T16:42:36.796-06:00

It's about 4:30, and I haven't eaten since dinner last night. I don't feel hungry so much as I want to eat something, although the hunger has hit me in waves from time to time. It's been a pretty busy day. I had a Coalition for Adolescent Risk Reduction meeting downtown, then stopped for lunch with Michael at 8th Day. His turkey sandwich looked divine, but really, at that point, I had only

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1110844633137009122005-03-14T19:54:00.000-06:002005-03-14T17:57:13.136-06:00

Tomorrow is the Ides of March. And I have decided that, starting tomorrow, I'm going on an extended fast. Been working this out for awhile, actually. Ever since I mentioned here that I was afraid to do one, I've been caught up with the importance of facing that fear. We'll see how it goes. I'll try to update regularly with my progress--be it good, or even if I fail completely and cave in

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1109868971031200442005-03-03T12:28:00.000-06:002005-03-03T11:02:35.370-06:00

So we're back from our retreat, and I'm back to work now. Today's going to be crazy-busy with HOPE Program and meetings and such, but that's all right by me.Here are my favorite lines I heard from people over the weekend:"I have to go to the little nun's room."--Sr. Marilyn"If it weren't for women, I don't even think we'd have society. We'd probably still be running around clubbing things."--

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1109269919031976442005-02-24T14:13:00.000-06:002005-02-24T12:31:59.036-06:00

My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.I don't understand life, and most of the time I don't even bother to pretend to. But regardless of how good or how bad things are going, I find that I just feel better when I roll with the punches, so to speak. I had this urge last week to tell Fr. Bruce that so long as I got to work with my teens, I was happy, and that the rest

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1107980737495771812005-02-09T16:27:00.000-06:002005-02-09T14:25:37.496-06:00

Okay, so I spent a few months in this blog going off on random political rants, and I think now is the time for the spiritual. There's something so fundamental, so base, about me, that settles in my gut more than knowledge, more than instinct. And when I can't feel that, I wind up surrounding myself with lots of projects and people and things that need doing and places that need going, so that

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1107111223628116302005-01-30T12:24:00.000-06:002005-01-30T12:53:43.630-06:00

Today the Gospel reading is about the Beattitudes, which, for as long as I can remember, is my favorite Bible reading. It's all about the poor and the marginalized and the underdogs and the people who try and try but never get anywhere and the hungry and the lonely and the brokenhearted. And Jesus is all, Hey, take care, man, 'cause it'll be okay. Promise. I mentioned I've been having trouble

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1105565393403155532005-01-12T15:04:00.000-06:002005-01-12T15:29:53.403-06:00

It is unusually warm today. The snow from last week is melting, leaving huge puddles of water in the streets and sidewalks, overflowing the sewer system. I opted to walk as I often do, rather than take the 47 bus. It was funny, then, when the 47 bus passed me, and took it upon itself to spray grey melted snow water all over me. I laughed with a wry smile. I'm getting back into gear at work,

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1104867594934611682005-01-04T13:26:00.000-06:002005-01-04T13:39:54.933-06:00

According to the date at the bottom of this screen, it is January 4th, which means that it is ten days after Christmas. I still haven't mailed out my presents to people who don't live in Chicago. But I'm planning on doing so soon... as soon as I can secure a car during post office hours. We kind of only have one car right now, since we kind of got into a wreck a couple of weeks ago. Not our

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5600904.post-1103834724821779602004-12-23T13:54:00.000-06:002004-12-23T14:45:24.823-06:00

Oi, so it's been a long time since I've written about what I've been up to, so I figured I should, since I just so happen to have free time. Honest to goodness, 100% genuine free time! I mean, I hate to keep harping on about this, but I have free time. Days off. Even several in a row (coming soon... but they really are going to happen) (most likely, because I really like my job and just

tangledhairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06232489023850540446noreply@blogger.com7