Sitting With Stanley

My brother-in-law's niece is doing a cool project at school. She read a book about a boy who becomes flat as a pancake. Stanley came to visit me and we had a great time. Here is our story.

First, Stanley and I went to Starbucks to get some coffee. He got to meet the baristas and a few other people I know, but would share my coffee with him.

Later that day we went out to lunch with my mom. We ate at a local Pittsburgh favorite: Eat-N-Park. I had a burger and fries while Stanley just nibbled on a one fry. I had no idea that such a flat guy could be so picky.

Later we went for a short walk and made snow angels and snowballs. That Flat Stanley sure loves the snow.

Our next adventure took us to downtown Pittsburgh. We drove along the river to the Duquesne Incline. The incline is a trollie that runs up and down the very steep hill of Mount Washington.

Since 1877 the cable cars climb the steep slope to the best view of the city.

It wasn't a sunny day, but Stanley and I had lots of fun riding the incline, meeting Frank who works there, and looking out over the city.

You can read more about it at http://incline.pghfree.net/

Stanley is now on his way back to Texas, but he is welcome to visit me anytime.

Covered In Snow

I think this is the first real snow that we've gotten this winter. No, not that the other snow that we've gotten is fake, but we don't count a few measly inches as a real snow fall. It was bitttttter could yesturday and snowy today. I shot this picture of my car before I tried to uncover it. It's hard to drive it like this.

I made my way to class today only to get there to read "Class Cancelled" on the board! Grrr...tee hee... yeay! Then I made my way back to my car and had to pay $6 for 30 minutes of parking - grrr. Turns out that everything everywhere is cancelled today. Reminds me of how much I loved snow days as a kid. I'd spend hours and hours outside in the snow building forts, making angels and snowmen.

Ironically the first reading for today says: "Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11)

When I was shoveling my parents driveway the snow was coming down and down, and then the rain came down and down, soaking my hat and my jacket until I was dripping. I wish that I was strong (or weak) enough to let God cover me like that. I wish that I didn't hesitate to dive into the Word of God SO much that I would be soaked in it. But see, God is even big and humble enough to use some frozen water to make Himself known.

The Master List: February 8th

I keep trying to keep track in my head of all of the assignments that I have to complete to graduate. I'll put them here to help me remember, AND to cross things off of the list!
Class 1 - TOB
6 journal entries - three done 3 to go!
one 12 page research paper - topic undetermined
Class 2 - TOB Independant Study
one 12 page research paper comparing and relating the writtings of St. Teresa of Avila to John Paul II's writing on the Theology of the Body
Class 3 - Catechesis of Adults - Duquesne
1. Take home essay 1 (6 pages) - DONE!
2. Take home essay 2
3. Adult Faith Formation Learning Project
a. attend 4 adult faith formation session
b. create 4 journals
c. 8 page paper
4. Resource Review (4 pages)

Ok I can't look at it anymore, I have to have it ALL done by end of April. I have to go lay down now, I'm not feeling so well.

Lion King

Mom and I went to the Lion King last night. It was really great. The music, dancing, costumes - all wonderful. There were a lot of little ones there, and I realized that I only like my little ones. My niece, godchildren and their siblings, my friends kids. Other kids, um, not so much.