Today is Ash Wednesday. In order to prepare for the day of fast and abstinence, I made a quick trip to the grocery last night to buy stuff for a non-meat lunch and dinner. Then I went home and prepared today's lunch and dinner. Tonight, Joe is teaching a sell defense class and will need dinner before I make it home from work. I made a pasta salad with shrimp and crab for lunch, and fixed some fish and macaroni and cheese for dinner.
As for my Lenten promises, this morning I said a Chaplet of St Michael.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Lent Begins
Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten season. I've been thinking about the Lenten observation that I will make this year. It seems like such a small thing. As we mature to adulthood it seems there is very little we deny ourselves - at least for me this is true. And so - I've decided on a sacrifice and a promise.
1. For the season of Lent I will not snack after 8:00 PM. I can eat dinner after 8:00, but no snacking.
2. Each day I will set aside 15 minutes for devotion to Mary.
3. At least once each week I will pray the rosary.
What are you planning to offer to God for Lent?
From today's Gospel:
And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”
-- Mark 2:3-5
Lord, we need Your healing. Help us to use whatever means necessary to attain it.
1. For the season of Lent I will not snack after 8:00 PM. I can eat dinner after 8:00, but no snacking.
2. Each day I will set aside 15 minutes for devotion to Mary.
3. At least once each week I will pray the rosary.
What are you planning to offer to God for Lent?
From today's Gospel:
And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”
-- Mark 2:3-5
Lord, we need Your healing. Help us to use whatever means necessary to attain it.
Taxes - Ughhh
This weekend I started working on the taxes. In prior year's, I did ours, JR's, Matt's, and Les's. This year Matt went to H&R block. Les is taking hers somewhere else - so I'm down to 2 returns (x 3 - fed, state, local). Our federal return is by far the most complicated, and requires lots of record keeping on my part throughout the year, but who knows, maybe the new president will take care of that, too.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Not Bursitis - Frozen Shoulder
Yesterday I went to the orthopedist about my left shoulder. We have had some luck with physical therapy - but I'm not making much progress in some ranges of motion. In my perspective, I got the worst possible trwatment plan - every day - at least once an hour, move my arm into the area of pain. Do not stop at discomfort - it must really HURT. Does he think I'm insane? And it will take quite a while for it to be fixed. Here is a treatment note from the AARP website (I know, I know):
Treatment involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), steroid injections, and physical therapy. It can take as long as 12-18 months to see improvement. The physical therapy is intense and needs to be done every day. Steroid injections can significantly improve the results of physical therapy.
If therapy is not successful, or if a patient can not tolerate therapy, a shoulder manipulation may be performed. This procedure is done under anesthesia. The health care provider will forcibly bring the shoulder through a range of motion to release the scar tissue.
Arthroscopic surgery can be used to cut the tight ligaments and remove the scar tissue from the shoulder. Some surgeons may use repeated pain blocks after surgery so the patient can participate in physical therapy after surgery.
Treatment involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), steroid injections, and physical therapy. It can take as long as 12-18 months to see improvement. The physical therapy is intense and needs to be done every day. Steroid injections can significantly improve the results of physical therapy.
If therapy is not successful, or if a patient can not tolerate therapy, a shoulder manipulation may be performed. This procedure is done under anesthesia. The health care provider will forcibly bring the shoulder through a range of motion to release the scar tissue.
Arthroscopic surgery can be used to cut the tight ligaments and remove the scar tissue from the shoulder. Some surgeons may use repeated pain blocks after surgery so the patient can participate in physical therapy after surgery.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
A Weird Valentine's Day
Ty and Leah spent Friday night with us. We weren't sure it was going to happen because, for the past week, a stomach virus has been making its way through their family. All were cured, so Mom and Dad went on a date for Valentine's day. I had recorded an old (1965) movie - "That Darn Cat!" - and we watched that. The kids really enjoyed it - actually watched it about 3 times between Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Friday night Leah and I baked a heart shaped cake for Valentine's day. Saturday we took them to Tyler's basketball game, and the kids returned home with us so Julie could get her hair cut. As Julie was preparing to bring the kids home, we snapped this picture of Leah and the cake. Before she made it out the door, about 5 minutes after this picture was taken, Leah puked all over my kitchen floor. Anyway - it's a lovely picture, and the cake was delicious.
After the kids left, I slept, almost all afternoon. Joe provided a late dinner - he went to Frisch's and brought it home for us. Happy Valentine's Day!
After the kids left, I slept, almost all afternoon. Joe provided a late dinner - he went to Frisch's and brought it home for us. Happy Valentine's Day!
Hmmmm
When a person prays for courage do you think God just zaps him full of courage?... or when a person prays for patience he doesn't magically become patient ... instead God gives him the chance to be courageous, or patient.
The Miracle on the Hudson - a Prayerful Story
The flight that landed safely in the Hudson was headed toward Charlotte, NC. A Charlotte Catholic paper added this story . One of the passengers had recently picked up the devotion to the Divine Mercy.
Ambition
Children, you must remember something. A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive.
-Pearl Bailey
Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it. The man who knows how will always have a job. The man who also knows why will always be his boss.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
-Mark Twain
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
-Helen Keller
If your energy is as boundless as your ambition, total commitment may be a way of life you should seriously consider.
-Joyce Brothers
"We must nurture our dreams like we would a child. They are God-given and just as precious. Without ambition how would a child learn to ride a bicycle, play an instrument or whistle? We deny the spirit of God when we as adults settle for less than our dreams!"
-Conway Stone
The road to happiness lies in two simple principles; find what interests you and that you can do well, and put your whole soul into it - every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.
-John D. Rockefeller
If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles.
-Karl von Clausewitz
-Pearl Bailey
Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it. The man who knows how will always have a job. The man who also knows why will always be his boss.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
-Mark Twain
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
-Helen Keller
If your energy is as boundless as your ambition, total commitment may be a way of life you should seriously consider.
-Joyce Brothers
"We must nurture our dreams like we would a child. They are God-given and just as precious. Without ambition how would a child learn to ride a bicycle, play an instrument or whistle? We deny the spirit of God when we as adults settle for less than our dreams!"
-Conway Stone
The road to happiness lies in two simple principles; find what interests you and that you can do well, and put your whole soul into it - every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.
-John D. Rockefeller
If the leader is filled with high ambition and if he pursues his aims with audacity and strength of will, he will reach them in spite of all obstacles.
-Karl von Clausewitz
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Questions about My Life
Last year we lost three dear members of our family - Joe's Aunt Bernie, Mom, and Ron.
I'm trying to learn a lesson from these heartaches and think about my life, what I need to do with the days I have. I have found these six questions to be helpful.
1. Who do I love, and what am I doing about it?
I'm working on spending time with the people I love. I'm trying not to hold grudges, life's too short, and the time to forgive may never arrive. If I’ve done something to hurt a loved one, ask for forgiveness. Don't be too proud.
2. Am I pursuing my dream, or is fear stopping me?
Is there something I have always wanted to do but haven't for some reason? Am I afraid, or are the obstacles too big? I need to make up my mind that I am going to do it and set about making a plan to accomplish it.
3. Am I doing something that matters?
Our lives are busy with tasks - things that take up so much time, but provide little significance. I'm working on trying to separate the crazy busy from the more important things, I try to ask myself "will this matter in 5 years?". It helps me to not get so upset by the shoes piled up by the back door, the coats slung over the backs of chairs, and the mail stacked up a mile high.
4. What am I doing to help others?
You get the most out of life not just by taking what you can for yourself, but by giving to others. What have I done lately to help people out? Have I been kind to people? Have I been compassionate? Have I been there for anyone? Listened? Volunteered for those in need? Have I made kindness a habit?
5. Am I as good a person as I want to be?
When I’m impatient or selfish or less-than-helpful, I think back on what I’ve said and done and realize that I could have done better. Instead of beating myself up about it, I try harder, to remember to allow my faith to guide me, to rise above the minor things to a better place.
It’s not easy to be a good person, at least not all of the time. It’s easier to be selfish, without thinking about it. But is that how I want to be remembered? Is that how I want to live my life?
6. What am I doing to live life with passion, health and energy?
I've had some small health problems lately - so I am working through this as I write. It seems you can do all the right things, but if you don't have the energy, are sluggish, you'll waste what time you have on being sick. We all want to serve as a role model to our children. I heard yesterday that the way you take care of yourself, is the way your children will take care of themselves when they are our age. So don't be self sacrificing, and a martyr when it comes to your health. Learn to live a healthy life, with good foods. This will lead to more energy in your life. And then direct that energy into something you’re passionate about.
I'm trying to learn a lesson from these heartaches and think about my life, what I need to do with the days I have. I have found these six questions to be helpful.
1. Who do I love, and what am I doing about it?
I'm working on spending time with the people I love. I'm trying not to hold grudges, life's too short, and the time to forgive may never arrive. If I’ve done something to hurt a loved one, ask for forgiveness. Don't be too proud.
2. Am I pursuing my dream, or is fear stopping me?
Is there something I have always wanted to do but haven't for some reason? Am I afraid, or are the obstacles too big? I need to make up my mind that I am going to do it and set about making a plan to accomplish it.
3. Am I doing something that matters?
Our lives are busy with tasks - things that take up so much time, but provide little significance. I'm working on trying to separate the crazy busy from the more important things, I try to ask myself "will this matter in 5 years?". It helps me to not get so upset by the shoes piled up by the back door, the coats slung over the backs of chairs, and the mail stacked up a mile high.
4. What am I doing to help others?
You get the most out of life not just by taking what you can for yourself, but by giving to others. What have I done lately to help people out? Have I been kind to people? Have I been compassionate? Have I been there for anyone? Listened? Volunteered for those in need? Have I made kindness a habit?
5. Am I as good a person as I want to be?
When I’m impatient or selfish or less-than-helpful, I think back on what I’ve said and done and realize that I could have done better. Instead of beating myself up about it, I try harder, to remember to allow my faith to guide me, to rise above the minor things to a better place.
It’s not easy to be a good person, at least not all of the time. It’s easier to be selfish, without thinking about it. But is that how I want to be remembered? Is that how I want to live my life?
6. What am I doing to live life with passion, health and energy?
I've had some small health problems lately - so I am working through this as I write. It seems you can do all the right things, but if you don't have the energy, are sluggish, you'll waste what time you have on being sick. We all want to serve as a role model to our children. I heard yesterday that the way you take care of yourself, is the way your children will take care of themselves when they are our age. So don't be self sacrificing, and a martyr when it comes to your health. Learn to live a healthy life, with good foods. This will lead to more energy in your life. And then direct that energy into something you’re passionate about.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Accomplishments
Victory belongs to the most persevering.
- Napoleon
It is by what we ourselves have done, and not by what others have done for us, that we shall be remembered in after ages.
- Francis Wayland
We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.
- C. Malesherbes
The great accomplishments of man have resulted from the transmission of ideas of enthusiasm.
- Thomas J. Watson
Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision.
- Ayn Rand
Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen.
- Peter Marshall
Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
- Francis of Assisi
There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch
things happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have always chosen to be in the first group. - Mary Kay Ash Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
- Dale Carnegie
The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts.
- Booker T. Washington
The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.
- Thomas Huxley
Never confuse motion with action.
- Ernest Hemingway
Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.
- Abraham Lincoln
Everybody wants to be somebody; nobody wants to grow.
- Greek proverb
Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks...
- Phillips Brooks
Everyone has superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere, or to do anything, never to turn back or to stop until the things intended was accomplished.
- Ulysses Grant
Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.
- Dr. Samuel Johnson
- Napoleon
It is by what we ourselves have done, and not by what others have done for us, that we shall be remembered in after ages.
- Francis Wayland
We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.
- C. Malesherbes
The great accomplishments of man have resulted from the transmission of ideas of enthusiasm.
- Thomas J. Watson
Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision.
- Ayn Rand
Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen.
- Peter Marshall
Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
- Francis of Assisi
There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch
things happen and those who wonder what happened. We all have a choice. You can decide which type of person you want to be. I have always chosen to be in the first group. - Mary Kay Ash Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
- Dale Carnegie
The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what the man or woman is able to do that counts.
- Booker T. Washington
The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.
- Thomas Huxley
Never confuse motion with action.
- Ernest Hemingway
Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.
- Abraham Lincoln
Everybody wants to be somebody; nobody wants to grow.
- Greek proverb
Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks...
- Phillips Brooks
Everyone has superstitions. One of mine has always been when I started to go anywhere, or to do anything, never to turn back or to stop until the things intended was accomplished.
- Ulysses Grant
Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.
- Dr. Samuel Johnson
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