Easter 08

This is the first year that I've been in Texas for Easter. I had heard of the San Fernando Passion play from one of my professors and I was excited to see it for myself. See my post on "Passing On The Passion" for pictures and thoughts (coming soon...er or later).

Being with my family and sitting in the sun gave me a much needed break from my rainy days in the library. I loved spending time with Melissa and Daniel even though the time was brief. I so appreciate being able to go from "hello to deep" in 2.5 seconds.

Zoe and I had some quality big sister time. I explained to her that when the baby cries that he or she is hungry or has a wet diaper. Either that or they are trying to blame you for something that you didn't do. I told her that whatever the case the appropriate action is to run and hide.

We also had a great time walking like giaraffs, doggies, hoursies and flying like birdies. We played the harmonica and read books. Ah the imagination is such a wonderful place. I hope to visit there often.

Two of the coolest things about this trip were watching Zoe eat her first (and second) chocolate.

And watching her run for the first time (my first not hers). We would run and giggle at the joy of "racing".

Party

Here are directions to my retirement party. No, wait, graduation party... wishful thinking. The correct address is 34 Blueberry Lane, Wexford PA 15090. I recommend Google Maps.

From Bethel Park & Other Places South
Take 79 North to
Turn RIGHT onto 910 (Orange Belt)
Get into the left lane as you see Eat-N-Park
At the 2nd Light turn LEFT onto Mingo Road
Stay on Mingo for about 1/2 mile
Turn RIGHT on Neely School Road (frist right)
Stay on Neely School for about 1.5 miles
Turn RIGHT onto Huckleberry Lane at Blueberry Hill entrance
Take the first LEFT onto Strawberry Lane
Take the first RIGHT onto Blueberry Lane
Follow to end
The Barn is in the cul-de-sac

From Penn Hills, Plum & Other P's
Take the Turnpike to Cranberry (Exit 28)
Follow signs for Route 19 South
Stay on 19 South for about 2 miles
Turn RIGHt on Shenot Road
Stay on Shenot for about 1 mile
Turn RIGHT on Wexford Run Road
Turn LEFT on Strawberry Lane
Make the first LEFT onto Blueberry Lane
Follow to end
The Barn is in the cul-de-sac

Allison Park & North Hills
Take 19 North to 910 West
Stay on 910 about 1.5 miles
Turn RIGHT on Wexford Run Road
Stay on Wexford Run for about 2 miles
Turn LEFT on Strawberry Lane
Make the first LEFT onto Blueberry Lane
Follow to endThe Barn is in the cul-de-sac

(There are lots of ways to get there from here, check Google Maps or call me for more details)

From Shaler 'nat
But down the pierogi
Your best bet is to take 279 North to 79 North
and follow the directions for the yinzers from Bethel.

From San Antonio
Get in the car
go to airport
get on the plane
We'll pick you up and take it from there.

Masters List Update: March 28

Since I have something to cross off the list, and since some of my due dates (not to be confused with my sister's due date) have changed, here's an update:

Class 1 - TOB
>6 journal entries - done! (just need to proof them)
>one 12 page research paper - topic: Part 1: The Adequate Anthropology of the TOB. Part 2: I have to figure that out this weekend
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
All of the TOB work must be in the mail to my prof by April 14th so that he can grade it and get my credits in to transfer by April 25.

Class 3 - Catechesis of Adults - Duquesne
1. Take home essay 1 (6 pages) - DONE! (completely)
2. Take home essay 2 (6 pages) - DONE! (completely)
3. Adult Faith Formation Learning Project (due April 8)
a. attend 4 adult faith formation session- DONE!
b. create 4 journals
c. 8 page paper
4. Resource Review (2-3 pages) (due April 22)

Ok I better get to work. Now you know why you haven't seen me in a while.

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.