Toilet Paper
Today’s blessing seems pretty obvious. Who wouldn’t be thankful for toilet paper? But I have to explain myself a bit more.
When we got married (almost 22 years ago) a friend of mine gave me some advice that has stuck with me. She said that we shouldn’t stress out over the little mishaps or mini disasters that were inevitable in life… that we should try to laugh at them early on because eventually, we would find the humor. She then gave an example about running out of toilet paper. She said that it was inevitable that sometime (probably early on in the marriage) there would come a day when we would be out of toilet paper. While it might seem like a major disaster at the moment, eventually, we’d laugh. Good advice… but I have to tell you, for 22 years, I’ve dreaded the day when it would happen to us. As a matter of fact, I guess you could say that I’ve obsessed over the issue. So much so in fact that I have bought toilet paper by the case and stacked a whole shelf in each bathroom full of the stuff just to prevent such an occurrence. Don’t get me wrong… I’m not worried about laughing at myself, I just don’t want to run out of toilet paper.
We’ve been busy, and we’ve cut back on the Costco visits so my ability to purchase this necessary item has been limited, but believe me, it has not been out of my mind. When Leroy announced today that he was headed to Costco… toilet paper was on the top of the list. The best part is, when I went to put it away on the nearly empty shelf, I realized we were down to our last roll in each bathroom.
Too close for comfort.
Vocabulary
Today I noticed that Steel had posted his Facebook status as… “Steel Rocha is convivial.” Huh? I had no idea what that word meant. He does that to me a lot. He likes vocabulary and whenever I proofread something for him (which is not very often) I usually accuse him of copying something because the words he uses seem beyond his vocabulary, but apparently not. He’s pretty concerned about proper use of words and spelling. I’ve always said that he has a gift for writing… and this is just more proof.
By the way.. convivial means: friendly, lively and enjoyable… sounds good to me.
A Week Ahead
I’ve complained a lot about my online college class but one of the good things about it is the fact that not only have I been able to stay current, I’m even almost a full week ahead of schedule. I like the fact that I have my assignments are posted so far in advanced. I TRY to get things accomplished as early in the week as possible because my weekends are so packed with activities, I can’t afford to leave anything for the last minute. The reading has been the most difficult part.
I’m really going to try and stay ahead. Our schedule for the month of October is not nearly as crammed as September, but I like the feeling of this class not hanging over my head all of the time. (I do work well under pressure, however.) There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I’m going to keep focused on it. I know the subject matter will probably become more difficult, so I’ll need to allow more prep time, but I have to say, so far, so good.
Linguica
One of my favorite things in the whole world is to cook breakfast for overnight guests. Our most frequent guests are high school and college students. Occasionally, we get a coach or relative, but those are few and far between.
I really don’t care for Linguica (a Portuguese style sausage) but it’s a crowd favorite around my house. I always keep some in the fridge for those last minute breakfast. It’s easy to store and prepare. Usually, I just slice it up and fry it. But, last week I tried a new cooking procedure. I sliced it up, and baked it in a pan with white wine. Not only delicious, but easier and seemingly much less fat. It was a hit with my guests this morning.
Luau Themed Party
Today we celebrated Anne’s 40th birthday. There was a big party at her neighbor’s house complete with appetizers, drinks, dinner and dancing. The fun part was the Luau theme. Almost all of of 100+ guests came in the suggested Hawaiian attire and were greeted at the entry way with a lei. It really added to the festivities and made for a fun evening. The menu, decor and even the beverages were all coordinated to go along with the theme.
Quick Service
I hate those little warning lights that occasionally appear in my car’s dashboard. Today, I had one that said my gas tank lid was not on properly. (Which I promptly argued with and had to stand corrected after Leroy checked and tightened it.) That warning light went off, but another came one… the more serious of the two… the CHECK ENGINE light. Since I was going to be traveling about 1 hour and 45 minutes away later in the day, I panicked. It’s Friday, so that means it’s game day. I didn’t have time for this.
Thank goodness for good friends who own a car dealership. One phone call and I was in the front of the line for the service department. They even waved me forward as I drove in and immediately took the car back for a diagnostic check. It only took about 10 minutes to determine that I just didn’t fix the gas cap soon enough. They reset the diagnostic system and I was on my way in about 15 minutes. Now that’s service!
Writing Time
There has been a lot of added stress around our house lately. With the football season well underway, kids back at school and the current state of the dairy business… things that ordinarily fall into place are taking a bit more time (and energy) than usual. One of the victims of this chaos is this blog.
It was really a blessing to have time to catch up (for the most part) on this blog today. I finished a project yesterday that I had anticipated taking more time so I used the opportunity to catch up today. Like I’ve said before, the blessings come easily, everyday… it’s taking the time to write down my thoughts and posting them that seems a bit overwhelming on occasion.
19 out of 20
I’m taking an online course through our local junior college called Internet Literacy. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into and to tell you the truth, it is a miracle that I’ve been able to keep up so far. Thank goodness the instructor allowed three weeks for the first few assignments. There were so many things to remember to do, write, read and post that I had missed a couple on the first attempts.
Today, I took my first official test (up until now they had been only practice tests) and I got a 19 out of 20! I was shocked. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t know all of the answers… guessed on a couple and looked up the rest, but I made it through.
I can’t concentrate and learn like I could when I was younger. I have to read things a couple of times, and double (triple) check my assignments so it takes a lot more time… but I’m getting through it. I promised myself I wouldn’t drop the class no matter what and so far I haven’t regretted that commitment.
RCIA Team
I have been a part of an extraordinary group of individuals for the past twelve years who have truly become dear, life long friends. The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Team at St. Stanislaus Church has had such a positive influence on not only myself, but everyone that they work with and for. Just the fact that I’ve stuck around for 12 years should tell you that this group is special. I’m not very tolerant… but they are.
What really makes this group unique is the diversity. Each one of them brings a gift to offer and week after week God uses those gifts to reach out to those who seek Him. Truly a miracle. This team is dedicated to the initiation process and work tirelessly with the help of the Holy Spirit to welcome and teach those who are interested in conversion to Catholicism. It is a privilege to work so closely with them in this process, but even more so, a blessing to have them as friends.
