The day before Thanksgiving (At least if you're American)

It's Wednesday night, and tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in my little corner of the world. This time, last year, I had two friends, neither of whom lived near me, was working as a janitor (a thankless job that barely paid for the gas my truck needed), was stressed over college, and was lying to myself about the damage my parents' divorce had caused for the third year in a row.

I've come a long ways from there. Now, I have five friends (yay!), two of whom live within a short distance from me, a different job that pays better, no college (though I really do need to go back) and while I'm still trying to work through my problems, I'm doing a lot better. I also have a new baby sister, my relationship with my mother is better, and my journey into the Catholic church is well under-way.

I'm still a little stressed, but I imagine I'll be stressed until they put me in my grave, so I'm really not to worried about that. I feel a lot better, even with all of my ranting.

So, how do I plan on spending my Thanksgiving? Well, I'm going to help Granma cook and clean, I'm going to watch the parade and the Muppet Christmas Carol, I'm going to read A Christmas Carol, set up my Christmas playlist for work, work on my knitting, and just generally enjoy the day.

Thanksgiving officially marks the start of my holiday season, and I'm really looking forward to it.

This year is also the first year that I'll be celebrating Advent. I've got a nice little wreath and candles, and two books, the Magnificat Advent companion and The Little way of Advent. While I don't feel the same kinship to St. Therese that so many seem to, I do find her Little Way to be lovely in it's openness. Both books look promising, and I'm hoping they help me celebrate my first Advent properly.

Anyway, I'm just on to wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Yours always,
Tara

Why do days sometimes seem so long?

Today has been a good day. I met up is two of my friends for lunch at Molly Macpherson's Scottish Pub, which was brilliant. I loved seeing them and spending time with them and the food was really good. Fish and chips, yum! I'm actually really picky about my fish, and I actually really loved it.

Despite all of that, today still seems really long.

My sister still has yet to enter the world, which has my mom worried that when she comes, she's not going to give much warning at all. Which, given everything so far, would actually be really accurate to Little Bird's personality.

Work has been incredibly dull, which is a good thing, but doesn't help to make the day seem any shorter.

Ah well, I guess that's just life.

Yours always,
Tara

Busy Thursdays and Awkward Appointments

So I wasn't able to post yesterday due to not having a computer available. I spent the entire morning with Aunt D, which was lovely, and then went to work, expecting to use the computer there as I normally do. No dice.

Some idjit had put in the wrong password enough times that the computer locked us all out. Until Tech comes out and fixes it, we're S.O.L.

So I brought my personal laptop today. This has the added benefit of having my kindle app on it (since I don't have an e-reader) and all my bookmarked web-pages.

Next Tuesday, the same day RCIA classes start, I'm supposed to drive with Aunt D to her old place (about 5 hrs. away) to pick up her stuff. We're going to attend noon mass at her old parish, and then head back, arriving with (hopefully) an hour to spare before class-time. I like to be early. But anyway, other than making sure Baby has all her fluids where they should be and checking her tires, she should be all ready to go. It's not quite time for another oil change, and I just got the front-end alignment fixed (with tire-rotation), so like I said, we shouldn't have any problems.

I went to the doctor today. Nothing to bad, no worries. She thinks I might have acid re-flux and basically told me to cut back on everything I enjoy in life. I'm kidding, it's not that bad. She did advise I cut back on the sodas (I didn't have the heart to tell her I've already cut my consumption by more than half. I went from going through a 12-pack in 4 days to going through one in two weeks. Progress has been made) and also to take it easy on spicy foods (I refuse to give up Indian food) and fats (she couldn't possibly mean my shepherd's pie). Truthfully, everything she told me I already knew and have already started working on, despite my jests.

Of course, as with any visit, they're doing some tests, just to verify that everything is, indeed, fine. Fech!

I'm reminded why I don't go to see doctors unless I absolutely have to. So many tests and so many ridiculous questions. I spent fifteen minutes answering the questions in the paper work I filled out!

Oh well, Que sera sera.

I bought a few new e-books recently. Thankfully Amazon has a kindle app for computers, since it will likely be a while before I give in an buy any sort of e-reader. I had a tablet, but I could never quite get it to work to my liking, so it was retired.

I've got just about everything for the music boxes. I just need to grab a few pieces of sturdy scrapbook paper and a stapler that I can lay flat. Well, that's all I need to do the one for Little Bird. I still need another set of lights and a small celtic cross to go inside mine. I'm really pleased with the lights. They came in today and are just the right size, really bright, and operated by a small battery pack. In all, I'm thrilled.

I might still check the craft store while I'm there though, just in case they have anything better there.

Anyway, that's all there is to tell for now. I'm back down to 36 hrs because of the RCIA, but I'm hoping I can pick up Saturdays in the future, and even so, I'll still be doing pretty well. I'll buy the yarn for mom's socks soon, and probably P's as well. H and Step-dad are both getting plain grey socks, so that won't be hard, and as soon as Little Bird is born I'll get started on the dress. Hopefully Granma's shawl won't be too hard, and I've already got more than enough yarn for the advent calender.

I'm hoping to open an Etsy store following the holidays, where I'll sell rosaries and chaplets, and maybe music boxes too. We'll see how it all works out. Look for more info in the future!

Yours always,
Tara

A Truly Brilliant morning!

I decided to go to mass this morning, despite a late night (12:50) and having gone yesterday and I'm so glad that I did!

Immediately following mass I ran outside to put a quarter in the meter (mass ends about 7 minutes before 8, which is when the meter starts to really be an issue) and met a lovely lady who I shall simply refer to as Aunt D. Aunt D is new, and moving here shortly. I actually saw her at mass yesterday, but I was in a rush yesterday (bad Tara!) and didn't say anything. Today though, it turned out really well.

While we where talking, I was led to give her the Our Lady Star of the Sea chaplet that I made. I paid the meter and went inside to sit in front of Mother Mary and finish the rosary I had started to say before mass began (I can usual get a decade or so in before mass starts), and then Aunt D and I went to breakfast.

There's this really nice Parker's on Drayton that I call the Fancy Parker's because it's got all sorts of little gourmet or really high quality food items, and we went there and had breakfast. It was really nice because we sat and talked for about an hour before I showed her where Saints and Shamrocks (the closest thing we have to a Catholic bookstore, as far as I know) and then parted ways.

There are two things that make this whole thing so fantastic! Number one is how happy Aunt D was! She loved the chaplet! And was so happy to just sit and talk over breakfast. Second great thing is that I got an aunt out of it! I love when you just click with people and become friends! And when you become family? Brilliant!

Of course, I'm at work now. Speaking of! I just picked up 8 more hours so I am officially full time again! Isn't that great? And my boss and I have already talked about me having Tuesdays off come September for the RCIA classes.

There's also a place not to far from the church that has beginner's Irish dance classes about an hour before the RCIA classes, so I'm hoping I can take that, and the RCIA, plus pick up a class or two for the fall mini-mester at STC.

Yeah, I gave up on trying to be really sneaky about where I'm at. Anyone who knows South Georgia worth a fig knows where the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is. No point hiding it. I live within easy driving distance of Savannah, Ga.

Anyway. Aunt D and I also saw the strangest thing while in the Fancy Parker's. Giant Wooden Rosary beads. And I don't mean like the ones you get for teaching toddlers to pray the rosary (no, I'm not secretly looking at baby stuff in the hopes of one day having progeny of my own despite telling my parents and everyone else that I am "never having kids", not at all *pfft*) I mean like 4 1/2- 5 ft long rosaries made of 1/4 in to 1/2in wooden beads and a 2 1/2 in long crucifix. And it was white.

Weirdo that I am, I'm tempted to go back and get one, just because it's such an interesting rosary, though I'll be honest, I'd probably have it a week before attacking it with brightly colored acrylics. Either way, I'm leaving it be for now. I can probably make one myself, or find one else where cheaper.

Aunt D also gave me a lovely turquois and gold rosary over breakfast. We were talking about it (because of the giant wooden ones) and I mentioned my strange relationship with rosaries (I partially blame them for the fact that I'm converting) and she just pulled it out and gave it to me. It was nice. I'm going to pray with it tonight just for her.

We talked about a lot of things. Her daughter, my mother, my pub that I want to open, her parents, and it was brilliant! I'm so glad that it happened. Nothing like this ever happened while I was attending the Baptist church. I feel like today is just a taste of what might be in my future if I allow it to be.

I'm also incredibly thankful for second chances, because I could have given it to her yesterday, but because of my nervousness and rushing I missed the chance. But God and Mother Mary (yes, I know she had a hand in this whole thing, it's got her name written all over it!) knew that we both needed this, and it all worked out!

Aunt D is headed back to her home to tie up lose ends, and then she'll be moving to Savannah and I'm so excited! It'll be nice to know someone at the Cathedral when I go (Besides Mr. J, I mean. I don't see him every time). I'm thinking about maybe inviting Father Shrek over for dinner one day, but that I think can wait for a little while. It's not like I live alone, after all, and my granma might be opposed to that. I don't think she would be, but it's best to make sure, you know?

Downside to the new hours is that I have to reschedule my appointment with the tattoo artist. I don't really mind to much, I mean, those hours will help me out a lot, but at the same time, I'm really interested in seeing what she did with my (really pitiful) rough draft. and to talk color. Of course, H is still a little disappointed that I haven't gone to see her guy (because he's the best, obviously) but I like this place. It's where I got my first tattoo (same artist too) and I was really pleased with it. It's also really close to the mall, so when I (inevitably) get the munchies after getting inked, I have lots of options.

Also, I'm almost finished with the stole! I'm a little more than half-way through the crocheted edging and boy does that make me feel like I'm all thumbs! I miss my knitting needles! It's been a while since I last crocheted anything, so I feel so awkward! But it's good practice for that sweater I really want to make. As soon as I finish I'm going to finish the other bootie and then make my socks! Then a pair of mittens and a hat, followed by Christmas knitting! I've got the yarn and the pattern for a lovely butterfly shawl for my granma (she loves butterflies) and that's where I'll start. Then socks for Sasquatch, and part one of the knitted advent calendar, that is to say, the garland it sits on. Hopefully by then I'll have money again and can buy the yarn for Little Bird's Christmas stocking and P's socks, as well as the eyelash yarn for Little Bird's dress. I've also still got to make her pumpkin hat. That, thankfully, will not be as bad as that awful cabbage patch hat.

Wow, I've written a lot tonight. I am so sorry. You are all wonderful for reading this far!

So, question time! Have you ever had something happen that just had Mother Mary's hand-writing all over it? Have you ever had a priest over for dinner before? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you!

Yours always,
Tara

Powered by egg-rolls

Or at least my step-dad seems to think we are.

I went over to my mom's this morning after mass to make egg-rolls and just spend time with her. She scared the crap out of me, with her standing on her head and all. Apparently, Little Bird is still laying sideways when she needs to turn her little tail feathers around and lay head down, you know, to get ready? And so the mid-wife had advised my mother to lie with her butt up on the couch and her body on pillows on the floor. While she was doing this, my mother started laughing, which apparently hurt really badly and scared the tar out of little old me.

Did I mention that I don't do well with loved ones in pain?

Thankfully she was okay and she no longer has to do that.

The egg-rolls turned out good. The recipe is a traditional Vietnamese recipe that my mom got from a friend of hers who's husband was Vietnamese. Apparently it's his family's recipe. Either way, we've been making them forever and they are delicious. No photo's I'm afraid, but believe me when I say these are better than any egg-roll you've ever had a you local Chinese place.

My mother ate 3 and then had a energy boost, so to speak, P ate a belly full of them, and I ate 3 and got a move on myself, hence why my step-dad thinks that egg-rolls are apparently a power-boost.

I didn't get around to the boxty or the onion marmalade, so I'll have to do those tomorrow.

Sunday we're celebrating my birthday. We're going to go out for lunch after church, so that'll be nice. I spent  about an hour trying to decide where to go because I live for food that's good and cheap, and sadly that's not something you find in restaurants. I've settled on an Italian joint in Savannah, but I won't say where until Monday.

I went to mass this morning, although I almost didn't. For some reason I had a really hard time getting to bed last night and I did not want to get up this morning. I did though, and as always I'm glad that I did.

I'm headed to bed now, but I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Yours always,
Tara

A truly profitable if somewhat hectic day

As has become my custom, I dragged my tired and lazy body out of bed at 6 o'clock in the morning to get ready for mass. Truthfully, I could leave it until 6:30, because I usually only take about 5 minutes to get ready anyway, but getting up at 6 gives me time to check my email (I get the Morning Offering from the Catholic Company) and maybe grab some toast with a liberal amount of marmalade if I'm so inclined.

Mass was lovely, as always. It's nice to get there a little early, and see how the alter glows when they turn the lights up. I'm still stumbling my way through mass, but everyone is kind enough not to say anything.

After  mass I got some breakfast and walked through the cemetery reading the plaques until the office opened at 9. They weren't there, so I killed another 15 minutes walking to the nearest store and getting some tea before heading back. I went ahead and put my name down to be contacted about the RCIA classes in September, and I already talked to my boss about working on a different day so I can attend the classes.

This was followed by a quick stop at the catholic store, where I got a new rosary and another guide to mass, as I gave the other one to L. I had to rescue my scarf (with it's tempting tassels) from an adorable dog at the catholic store, I then proceeded back to the Cathedral for a few moments of prayer before braving traffic in Savannah.

I then headed to my college to pick up my Serve Safe certificate and stopped by Michael's to pick up some chain and wire for the OL Star of the Sea chaplet (rosary? chaplet? we shall see) and while there picked up brown yarn for a cabbage patch doll hat for Little Bird. I also swung by World Market and picked up a fork, spoon, and plate for work. I'll add a coffee cup a little later in the season....and possibly a tea pot and cozy.

I purchased two of the Shining Light dolls last night. St. Patrick and St. Nicholas will be arriving tomorrow, along with a cute little purple and green bird themed baby blanket. I might get OL of Knock and OL of Lourdes later. I'll be honest, I still really want the plush St. Patrick.

Speaking of plush toys, my beloved teddy bear, who has slept in my bed and kept monsters at bay for nearly 20 years, is in need of repair....again. His heads coming off again. This time on the other side. I've decided to cut all the strings and just reattach it all the way around instead of trying to do a patch job. It's a terrifying thought, but it needs to be done.

I also received my books today. I received the following:
The Bad Catholic's Guide to a Good Life
The Bad Catholic's Guide to Wine, Whiskey & Song
The Bad Catholic's Guide to the Catechism
The Protestant Dilemma
Rediscovering Catholicism
Vampire Knits
and the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

So far I've already read the Protestant Dilemma, which pointed out things I already knew about Protestantism and gave the Catholic truth (jury still ou...oh who am I kidding? We all know how this will end!) instead. I've also started in on The Bad Catholic's Guide to Wine, Whiskey & Song.

Can I just say how much I love this book? It's funny! It has all sorts of lovely little tidbits and a fantastic flow. And the jokes regarding the subject (such as suggesting that Frenchmen burning a liquor producing Abbey as being proof of the reality and activity of Satan) make it an entirely too funny read!

That, I think, is one of the more brilliant aspects of Catholicism. It's summed up in a quote I've heard a few times "Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, there's always laughter and good red wine".  There's a fantastic love and enjoyment for life in the Catholic church when it's following it's own teachings. Protestants can often forget that we are allowed to enjoy.

Oh! I mentioned earlier I bought a new rosary. It's truly a practical move. I bought a fairly plain and inexpensive one to use instead of my Connemara rosary because marble is not a very good material to make a rosary (or truthfully much of anything else) out of. Use of it causes the marble to break down over time, and I'd like to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. The new one is nice enough for what I paid, but the Aves and Paters look more or less the same, and I tend to prefer there be a noticeable difference between them.

Anyway, that's my Wednesday. Tomorrow I've got cleaning and a few more packages, more reading to do, and another baby knit project to cast on. I'm not sure if I should do the booties, the mittens, or the last hat. I've already made a blue hat and a green hat. I'm thinking of doing the booties, and then ignoring her if she suggests that they need to be any longer. I'm extending them by a few stitches, not so much that it'll make it to hard to adjust the pattern, but enough to add the extra inch or so.

Still tempted just to throw the yarn at her.

Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow!
Yours always,
Tara

Robin Williams, baby knits, and staying up past midnight

I got home from work last night to the news that Robin Williams is dead. Of course, everybody has to die at some time, but it's not really something I was expecting to happen. Now, I'm not a huge fan, there are actually several of his movies that I didn't like, but there were many that I loved. Regardless of whether I loved all his movies, or just a few, he was a part of my childhood, and truly it was a good part. So here's hoping.

Moving on to the next topic, baby knits! So I bought and printed off the pattern for the angel dress I'm wanting to make for Little Bird for Christmas. Now, most of the pattern make sense, but the neck band part does not. I think I understand it, but I'm not positive. Hopefully once I get to that part of the pattern it will all make sense.

I don't have to worry about it for a while though. I've got bigger things to worry about. I ordered the yarn for the shawl I'm going to make my granma, and I need to look at the patterns to see what type of yarn I need for the other gifts. I want something annoying bright for P, but that's not the point. I'm hoping to finish up the knitting for Shawna by next week, so I can move on to the pumpkin hat for Little Bird, and the Irish ale socks for me.

Also, I've been having a hard time getting to sleep before midnight. Which, of course, means I don't want to get up in the mornings. I have to tomorrow, because I always go to morning mass on Wednesday, and then I have some errands to run, including a trip back to the little Catholic store to pick up a few things. I also have to pick up my Serve safe certificate and swing into the craft shop for some more yarn. Mom wants a cabbage patch baby hat. I'm happy to oblige.

Even so, I hate when my sleep cycle inevitably hit this point. I have a hard time going to sleep, and a hard time getting out of bed.

My day today is going to be filled primarily with cleaning, and hopefully boxing some stuff up to go to Goodwill. I've got a few things to set aside, but there's a lot I just need to get rid of. There's also some stuff I need to organize, like the t-shirts for the quilt that I want to make.  Right now, they're all over my room, and they need to be together, and out of the way. At least until I'm ready to use them.

Anyway, here's hoping you have a good day, dear readers.
Yours always,
Tara

Wow, where is my mind today?

I've just been forgetting things left and right and it's getting ridiculous! Okay, so, first thing first, I almost forgot to place the order for the parts of the chaplet for Our Lady Star of the Sea that I have planned. Then, I forgot to tell you guys how mass with L went on Sunday. And then, to top it off, as I was leaving for work I forgot my water bottle, my plate, and a fork! How ridiculous is that?

Thankfully, I've remembered to cancel my subscriptions to ancestry.com and idisciple. I was using idisciple for the daily reading, but I have a free app, Laudate, that has the daily reading, the rosary, and more. I still have Netflix and Catholic Answers Live, but that's about it. Next month, my phone bill goes up by $5 when I switch from my mom's contract to prepaid. I'm not too worried about it. Other than getting my front end alignment fixed on Friday, and some bronze chain and jump rings for the chaplet, I don't have anything else to purchase.

I'm not sure if I want to keep my Amazon Prime account. I don't use it very often, mainly because I buy the absolute cheapest one possible, which is often not the Amazon Prime option. I made use of it this time, mainly because the books I wanted, The Protestant Dilemma, The Bad Catholic's Guide (all three of them) and Rediscovering Catholicism were all just as cheap to buy the Prime version as to buy the lowest price and then add shipping. I also got Vampire Knits and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

I love Monty Python. It's a guilty pleasure that I enjoy, especially with a little alcohol involved. Not that it need alcohol, it's hilarious without it, but a little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.

Oh! I'm a terrible person, I'm sure! So, about a month ago I made a Guinness Chocolate Cheesecake (it didn't cook quite long enough, giving the center a more pudding like texture) and it tasted great. But that's not the terrible part. The terrible part is what I was so so so tempted to do!

See, my mother's church does Sunday school on Sunday evenings, and in each class there is food. And they like to spring it on you to bring something, little to no advanced warning, unless they remember to put out the sign up sheet (and even then...). So I had the absolutely terrible idea (though I didn't follow through) to take the cheese cake to church, and when asked what it is, to say "Guinness Chocolate Cheesecake". Now, given the nature of Southern Baptists, there would be someone who would comment on the sinfulness of alcohol, to which I would respond "Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker!" (thank you Mr. Willy Wonka!)

Thankfully, I never did that, but it was really tempting! I could just imagine the looks on their faces! I can also count on one hand the number that would laugh at it! Even the fun loving ones can be so uptight sometimes! I guess that's just people for you though.

Anyway! Sunday mass with L. We went to the second service they offer, and sat fairly close to the back. Thankfully we had the pew to ourselves, so there was no shuffling and tripping when it came time for the Eucharist (we just stayed where we were, given that neither of us are Catholics), and we weren't so far back we didn't have kneelers. My knees were still killing me though, but that's because I walked to a low table Saturday.

But anyway, we fumbled along as best we could, I more so than her because I actively try to participate, and she was content with just sitting when they sat and kneeling when they kneeled and so on. It was good though. It was nice to have her go with me.

I slipped up though! I generally tell people that I have no desire to marry and have children, largely because I'm not looking, not because I'm not interested. And the more someone says that I'll change my mind, the louder I say it. Truth is, I wouldn't mind getting married and having kids. And unfortunately I slipped up and let her know that. Damn! I did swear her to secrecy though (and that goes for all of you as well, dear readers!) so it shouldn't go any further than that. I'll slip up with the rest of my friends eventually, but right now....eh.

I know I said I'd wait until Wednesday, but I'm really tempted to just call the Cathedral tomorrow, and if they don't have a priest who can work with me, then sign up for the RCIA classes and talk to my boss about changing the schedule in September. I'm not a patient person, truthfully.

I'm planning on going to mass Friday, but honestly, I'm a little nervous. I've been to weekday mass, and Sunday mass, but I'm pretty sure that this is going to be a little more if that makes sense. Hopefully there will be something in the Let us Keep the Feast books to give me an idea of what to expect.

I've got one baby hat done. Tomorrow I'll try to knock out the other one, and hopefully I'll be able to get the striped one done on Wednesday. If all goes well, then Thursday I'll start on a new pair of booties. I still have a pair of mittens too though. One more thing I'd almost forgotten.

I really want to get started on my Christmas knitting.

Good night, dear readers, I'll talk to you in the morning.
Yours always,
Tara

Minor Disappointments

So, L was unable to go with me this afternoon to mass. Her baby wasn't feeling to hot, so she asked if she could go with me Sunday instead. This means that Sunday, I will once more brave the crowds at the Cathedral instead of trying the (slightly) smaller parish of the priest who's working with me.

Well, I hope he is, anyway. Still haven't heard from the deacon, so, in keeping with what I was told Tuesday, I'm going to email the priest. If he doesn't get back to me by Wednesday, I'll be making phone calls again.

Is it obvious how frustrating I find this to be, dear readers?

I also stopped by the store with the Catholic books and such. The only problem is how small a selection they have and how little of it is would be useful to me right now. After I've been confirmed (assuming that's what happens) then it might be good, but right now, most of it would go over my head. Oh well.

Both yesterday and today I have completely ignored my usual rule about cutting back on soda. Yesterday was because I needed quarters for parking, and today because, so far, I just wanted a coke. After I finish this one, I'm back to tea and kool-aid.

The bottom just fell out with a resounding CRACK! I mean, really! I'm hoping it clears up within the next ten minutes, because I have to go out and would rather not drive in that sort of weather. No because I don't like driving in the rain, but because I don't like the way other people drive in the rain.

It's like a little in-climate weather and suddenly no one can remember how to drive and frankly it's annoying.

I don't mind them being cautious, but there's a difference between caution and stupidity.

Anyway, I'll chat with you later, my dears.
Yours always,
Tara

A slow night

I am so bored! It's a slow night here, and it's driving me nuts!  The good side of it is that I can turn the volume up on the computer and listen to Catholic Answers Live, which is nice, but there's usually more going on at this time.

Really, I can't complain, I do enjoy the quiet. It's just a little disconcerting when you aren't expecting, or even hoping for it. (In fact, if you spend more than a day around small children, unexpected silence quickly becomes something dreaded, something I haven't yet gotten over)

Either way, I'm still bored, so that's no help. Idle hands, so to speak. I could knit. I'm less than halfway through a pair of baby booties, but truthfully, I just don't feel like working on them. I have to, I want them done by Sunday so I can give her the booties and the mittens I made earlier this week, I just don't want to work on them.

I've still been attending the evening Sunday school at my mother's church, even while attending mass on Sunday mornings. Part of this is just to see my mother, part of it is because, as much as I think I'm going to swim the Tiber, so to speak, I can't definitively say just yet. And part of it, dear readers, I shamefully, and shamelessly, confess, is because they feed me dinner.

Yep, free food.

My friend Cas has two boys, and the youngest of them apparently thinks it's awesome that his mom can repay me (for picking him up or other such things) with food.

The way I see it, free food is good food. There are a few notable exceptions, and I am careful of where I fix my plate, but generally, if you tell me there will be free food, I will go. I might not listen (several school functions come to mind) but I will eat.

This may, of course, be the wrong thing to do, but I'm 21, almost 22, food is a big priority.

Of course, H would glare at me. For all that I often think with my stomach (even going so far as to navigate by restaurants), I still don't eat as much, or as fast, as she does.

It's actually terribly funny, because we'll go out to eat at this Mexican joint, and they will all order the lunch specials, and I'll have one little chicken enchilada and some chips. Afterwards, as we leave, I'll mention how stuffed I am, and she just glares at me. I'm also usually one of the last ones to finish eating, which I imagine helps.

I also really need to work on my room. It's a bit....well, a lot, of a mess, and it's long since passed ridiculousness.

I guess tonight is just going to be a slow night. Just a short post. I can't promise I'll be back tomorrow morning, but I will definitely post tomorrow night. I have to tell you how mass with L goes!

Yours always,
Tara

Didn't go to mass this morning. Actually, I slept through my alarm, which is what happens, dear readers, when you stay up until  2am reading a book. I still had one chapter left when I went to bed, but I thought, for some reason, I would still be able to get up and go to mass. Truthfully, I probably could have. I have the vague feeling that I did actually hear the alarm go off, but in much the same way as I vaguely recall my dad coming in to give me a kiss on the head before he left for the Box at 5am when I was a small child. He did, and I sort of woke up, but I didn't really wake up, you know?

Or being woken up at 4am to lay with my little brother while Mom went to the hospital to give birth to my youngest brother. I actually had to get out of bed for that, still wasn't really "awake".

Anyway, vague childhood memories aside, I didn't wake up, and so missed mass.

Speaking of mass! I'm so excited! My friend L is going with me to mass on Friday! I'm going to pick her up so we can ride together, cut back on gas prices and such, but still!

The little voice in the back of my head has pointed out how strange it is that I'm not Catholic, and yet I'm incredibly excited about her going to mass with me. I should probably just accept it, huh?

I read Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn, in fact I actually just finished the last chapter (which was all that was left after reading until 2am like an idjit). Some of the theological aspects went a little over my head, I mean, yeah, I find theology interesting, but it's not my passion in life. Of course, I've also never been faced with suddenly finding that the church I was against is THE Church.

I'll be honest, I was in middle school before I realized that there was any difference between Catholics and Protestants. That's actually why I was so worried about my mother's reaction. It wasn't my text books that introduced me to that concept, although it ran rampant through my middle school and high school texts (I was home schooled) but my mother and her disdain for Catholicism.

Anyway, I enjoyed the book. It was especially nice to see both sides of the story, Mr. Hahn's and Mrs. Hahn's.

I'm still going to be doing Saturdays with the Saints, despite the fact that I'm no longer working on Saturdays. In fact, it might actually be better, now that I have to make time for it, rather than using it as an enjoyable way to kill time until I can go home.

There was one thing about the book that got me, and I've heard it in a lot of conversion stories. Mr. Hahn had such a hard time finding someone who had the answers to his questions. I guess I don't understand it very well, because the Baptist church my mother attends is big on evangelism, but it seems like, if you want into the Catholic church, you have to beat on the door for a while, before someone hears you knocking. It can be very frustrating for non-Catholics because we have questions, and we need answers, and guidance. Every parish near me has RCIA classes, but beyond that, what is there? What is there for those people who can't make it to the classes? I've finally found a priest who will work with me, but why was it so hard to find him?

If you are in the Church, if you are a leader in the Church, if you are a layman, even, please, as an interested individual, please, even if all you do is take pity on the first timer ("This is my first time" "At our parish, or at mass in general?") and help us stumble through, please try to reach out to us. I can't tell you how much it would help.

Well, that's all for now. I'll talk to you all again later.
Yours always,
Tara

What joy is in the Blessing!

Have I mentioned how much I love morning mass? I mean, there are fewer people, so if I goof up, it's a lot more noticeable, but there are also fewer people to see, and they're kind enough to not point it out. Anyway! Not the point!

Normally, when I go to mass, I just sort of sit awkwardly during the Eucharist because, well, I'm not Catholic, but I was advised that Tuesday that I could go forward and receive a blessing (I'd heard that you could do such, but I generally don't trust the internet), so I did so this morning. Aside from the initial nerves (which is pretty close to my usual state), it was fantastic! I've had warm fuzzy feeling ever since!

After mass I decided to kill some time until a certain store opened up. I'm pretty sure it's the closest thing to a Catholic book store we have, which is kind of sad, but I picked up a few things, including a pocket guide to mass! It's meant for kids, but still! This is what I've been hoping to find for a month now!

Anyway, killing time! I ran into a...friend? Acquaintance? Some one I knew, and we had coffee, and walked around until the store opened. Aside from the little guide, I picked up two little saint medals, St. Brigid and Blessed Teresa, a saint card for St. Dymphna to send to my sister along with the chaplet, a card of Mary with Hail, Holy Queen on the back (in hopes of helping me memorize it), and a small crucifix for a rosary. 

When I finished up there, my friend and I walked back to the Cathedral. He's never been inside before! How can you be near a church like that for months and never go in? Or am I just weird? I'm just weird, never mind. 

There's an older gentleman who always sits outside the front door. I think he's homeless, but he's very nice. I like to talk to him when I can spare the time. Apparently he had a rough night last night, which I don't really understand. He's such a nice person, I don't know why anyone would want to hurt him or cause him trouble. 

Anyway, bet that sounds incredibly naive, doesn't it? 

I've got to figure out what I want for lunch, and what to pack for dinner, as well as finish some laundry. I'll talk to you later!

Yours always,

Tara

The Joys of (trying) to get started

I refer, dear readers, to Christmas knitting. The men in my life, whether they like it or not, are getting socks! But the other members of my family are another matter entirely. And then there are my friends to knit for as well.

So far, my list looks something like this...

Socks: H, P, Step-da, Da
Granma: Shawl (Butterflies?)
Ma:....
Sister: Toothless Dragon hat
Little Bird: Angel Dress, baby blanket, Christmas Stocking, Plush toy
Step-ma: Infinity scarf?

Cas: (Doctor Who?)
Hale: Scarf
Hale's son: Dragon toy
Hale's daughter: Sofia the first?
L: Infinity cowl?
L's son: ???

Misc.: Knitted Advent calendar, socks, shawls

My mother is particularly challenging because she's a summer person. She likes wearing shorts and tank tops and sandals. Meanwhile, I daydream about crisp Autumn breezes and pumpkin flavored everything! Hats, scarves, mittens! Cowls and shawls, leggings! Did I mention how much I LOVE being able to cover almost every inch of skin below my neck and not having anyone look at me like I've lost my mind, or dying of heat stroke? I like cardigans and long-sleeves, and jeans, and long socks! Boots, and being able to wear my hair down without over-heating.

And did I mention pumpkin flavored everything, dear readers?

Coffee, cookies, cakes, pies, muffins, butter, tea, soups, bread, scones and more!

Is it October yet? Please?

Spring is nice too, I'm especially fond of March (and St. Patrick's Day...) and the wet, but not overly frigid weather. Well, hopefully. Last year it was miserably cold! I was so grateful we didn't live up North. Just the mere thought of snow is too much.

To be fair, it usually takes me half an hour to warm up after I've gotten cold. And my feet can take up to an hour. Miserable!

I do think I'd enjoy winter a little more if we actually got snow. Not a lot, mind you, but about two inches or so. And no freezing cold rain!

I've just about finished my second sock. I'll take pictures of it when I get home, and post it tomorrow after I get home from meeting with the priest.

Did I mention I'm nervous?  Oh I am so nervous! It's irrational, and with how impatient I've been I shouldn't be nervous, but I am. That's just how life goes, isn't it?

I'm also quite pleased with my goal to cut back on sodas. So far I'm down to one a day, occasionally two. Not bad considering I used to drink four and five a day!

Anyway, I'm going to call it an evening, dear readers, and work on getting this last sock finished. After that, it's mittens, booties, and three little hats.

Yours always,
Tara

I hate phone calls

Few things are worse than having to make a phone call.

Seriously! You have no idea how grateful I was when Papa John's started online ordering! No phone calls necessary! I hate calling people. I literally have to take a deep breath, and psyche myself up for it. I rehearse what I'm going to say, and try my hardest not to let the person on the other end of the line know that I feel sick with nerves! 

It's not like talking to new people! Surprisingly, I'm usually pretty good at that. But I have phone anxiety like you wouldn't believe! Family, of course, is an exception, but, as my good friend Cas put it "I've seen you about to fall out over ordering a pizza!"

So I called the Cathedral office and one of the local parishes today, since I still hadn't heard from anyone. The Cathedral said they'll call me back. The priest at the local parish is meeting with me Tuesday morning, so we can discuss this in person. It's the same parish I'm planning on attending Friday morning, and it's also the same one my friend Hale's father attends. 

Hale's the "wiccan". 

What can I say, I have weird friends. 

My point though! I hate phone calls, feel incredibly awkward when I have to make them, and would much rather just text, or email, or even snail-mail! At least then I wouldn't stumble over my words.

Moving on, I'm about a third of the way through my first sock. I just finished the heel flap and am about to start the heel itself. I'm honestly not sure how well they'll fit, but even if they don't, at least I'll have made them. And I'll have something to go off of for future reference. 

I'll still be a little heartbroken though. I really do love socks. Especially fun ones. These ones are pretty cool, if a bit of a pain to make (I feel like an octopus trying to juggle all those darn needles! Six needles at any given time, dear readers!). I still need to finish the pair of booties I made for Shawna. It won't take more than three minutes, I just don't feel like doing it right now. 

So, Friday I'm going to one parish, Sunday I'm going to a different one, and honestly, the one I'm visiting Friday will probably be the one I go to more frequently, based on the mass schedule. I still really love going to the Cathedral, and I think there might be one more parish close by that I can look into. 

I've never wanted to live in the North East near my sister, entirely based off my dislike for cold weather (which is completely understandable, dear reader, as I have a hard time warming up after I get cold) but right now, I wouldn't mind so much, because it'd probably be easier to find someone to meet with! 

My impatience is getting the best of me, I think. Do any of you have any tips, or suggestions on how to deal with it?

Yours always,

Tara