Regina asks: Well, in what way are you affiliated with BO? At first I thought, why is she asking about body odor? Anyway, I digress. I am affiliated with his evil in that my tax money is now funding his bullshit agenda to kill babies (embryonic stem-cell research, abortions here and abroad, etc.). As we are a Navy family, he's our Commander-in-Chief . . . I respect the Office of President, but I cannot the man currently in the Office. I did NOT vote for him. I supported McCain (though, he has issues with some things, but not as . . . well. I won't go there).
Mau asks: Who was your favorite 80's punk band? I have always liked all types of music, but as far as punk goes, maybe Alice In Chains, Ramones, the Clash. There was an English band called The Damned (awful name, yeah? My mum hated them based on their name) that I had every one of their albums. They had some nice ballads, too.
Suzanne asks (in not so many words - LOL!): Did you ever run away from home and if so . . . for how long . . I'm talking about when you were a teen??? Well, you would think I might have based on those hideous pictures of me and knowing a wee bit of my past story. However, No, I never did even pack a bag to do so. My sister did often - what the hell was her problem? She had been given everything - she was my grandma's fav and got everything! She got the car! She got the horse! She got the room added on to the house! Geeesh! Anyhoo, no bitterness, I just didn't "get" her. I guess she wanted their time. My theory has always been: go somewhere quiet and wait it out or yell at the dumdum - talk it out. I was allowed to say F-O to my parents, believe it or not! It's an awful admission, here, but it's true. I feel awful about it now. How dern disrespectful I was allowed to be! So . . . running away does not solve problems. If there is something wrong - it's usually my own selfishness and my own perspective out of whack. It's a way to manipulate a situation in your favour and I disagree with manipulative tactics. I read a lot of books growing up and by the time I was a fussy punk arse, I had some knowledge of how things operate in life (I'd read a ton of Dostoevsky, Dickens, etc.) to learn something. There's nothing advantageous about walking away from those who love you and whom you love - at least not without talking it out. I like to talk things through. I was not always a bunch of raging feelings and unwilling to listen to advice or ask for help. I maybe knew intuitively that a life of a runaway would be a poorer life than the one I had been given. Of course, I've always been a thankful person. I tease about my sister, but I got things, too. Not the grand things she did, but I did. You know what? She felt bad about the unevenness, too. She would buy my brother and I nice gifts for our birthday's from the wad of money my grandma would give her. So, my sister was generous and thoughtful . . . she always has been. But, see, I can't say I would have been a good steward and generous like that had roles been reversed. I might have swung either way in kindness with that kind of money. I was power-hungry as a child as well. I was resentful of how unjust and unfair everyone behaved. I was angry that my folks could not see their children "drowning" because they were so self-absorbed and lost themselves to drink and mental issues. Who knows? I'm glad I've been constantly humbled in life . . . I know now that my wealth is in Christ.
LarryD asks: When you replace a roll of toilet paper, do you have it come over the top or down from underneath? This may tell a lot about a person, huh? Over the top. In fact, I OCD this to death. If I'm in a stall anywhere in the world or in someones bathroom, I will switch it to MY way. I got to complaining about it often enough around here, that rather than put a new roll on in any direction, they put the new roll haphazardly on top of the empty one on the holder. How incredibly annoying is that?!?
Barb, sfo asks: What do you do with your family to strengthen your pro-life commitment? So far, I'm embarrassed to admit, we have not taken the kind of action I would like. We talk about the right to life and we almost went to the March for Life in D.C. together - but I chickened out for fear of crowds and the cold (I'm serious). We pray - I always remind them that they can pray and offer up Mass for the unborn. When we move to Oahu, we will very likely join the Oahu walk for life. I think the kids are finally old enough to not get lost in a crowd - my worst fear! I think it's my worst fear 'cos my mum took us to a Billy Graham event at the Kingdome in Seattle when we were very little. I may have been five or six? I got separated from them in this sea of people. I was so scared that I don't remember anything but relief when we were reunited. HEY SUZ: maybe this is why I never ran away! But, Barb, I am trying to do something as an offering for the unborn, but haven't hit "the thing" just yet. Something I can do that is more a donation of my time rather than my money. Any suggestions? If I can carpool with someone I may be willing to spend time outside a clinic.
+JMJ+ asks/requests: Tell us about your daily prayer life. What are the prayers and devotions you schedule? My daily prayer life is quite active. I cannot remember a day I wasn't talking to God on and off, really. Now that I am older, I know I need to shut up and listen more - I am less restless and able to sit with the Lord, saying nothing - just being. It takes time to get there, though! As far as scheduled devotions and prayers: I use the Magnificat (in the AM I pray the morning and Mass prayers; after dinner, I pray the evening prayers; before bed, I pray bedtime prayers). I pray the St. Michael Chaplet (thanks to a special blogger, Barbara, at prayingforgrace.blogspot.com) frequently, I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet daily (tho' not always at 3pm), and I pray the rosary frequently (I try to get it in daily, but some of the time, I just miss it and on those days I'm usually praying Hail Mary's until I fall asleep). I've recently added (I'm caught up!!) In Conversation with God for Lent/Easter. It's profoundly beautiful and I will get the other books one at a time, if I can. I've added the Year with Saint Paul (Magnificat) daily readings. Every day I pray The Little Crown (St. Louis de Montfort). Every year, I renew my Total Consecration to Mary - which begins every year on 28 April and culminates on The Feast of the Visitation. I've been consecrated since 2006. During Lent, we attend Soup and Stations every Friday. Then I just pepper my day with prayers anyway - in thanks, in petition, so on and so forth, just giving it all to God as much as I can. And, I pray about discerning whether I am called to a third order. That process of praying and examination (just to get to the point of seeking out an order) has taken about three years now. I love Franciscans, Dominicans, and Benedictines. How to choose? Or, does the Order choose you? That's where I'm at, and, with the move to Hawaii soon, I guess that question is left to after we get to Hawaii. Any suggestions?
Kissteen asks several things: Did you ever skinny dip? Uh, that would be a resounding "no, ma'am." How did you and your husband meet and how many toads did you have to kiss before meeting this great guy? Long story short: we met in a bar; married four months later. I kissed no toads - I didn't have to kiss anyone, I wanted to. Ahem. I don't know - I had many friends who happened to be boys who I kissed. What kind of guy did you like ...sportos, nerds, punksters, hunters, ....etc.... Unfortunately I liked many who didn't like me. Truth. I dated no punksters, but just run of the mill types. I mostly dated my guy friends once they realized I was cool and then had "equipment". I know that is a bit harsh, but the truth is, once you "develop" the boys that were just friends find you much more ah, interesting . . . I liked a basketball player from 6th - 12th grades who was mean to me. Let's just say Molly Ringwald's characters got nothin' on my story!!
So, that looks like these are the questions and answers for this week. Thanks for playing along - I aim to be honest, so be careful what you ask next week. Now, I'm off to yank a home-made quiche Lorraine out of the oven (extra bacon on the counter for those who loathe the quiche - I'll even scramble them some eggs, but it sounds like they'll all give her a go). At my babysitting job today, I read the Kitchen Linens book (the kids were all sleeping) and it's great. There is an iron on transfer of vintage transfers in the envelop in the back cover (those stitches will have to wait until I'm settled in HI) - I got the quiche recipe from the book. Yum! My quiche pan hasn't been used in years. I'm enjoying Legacy of Honor by Alvin Townley at the moment (about Eagle Scouts). Have a blessed night and see y'all tomorrow (after you've all had a good chance to read this, of course).
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18 comments:
Thanks for this hilarious, informative and inspiring feature:). I know more than I've ever wanted to about a cyber sister and yet...I'm left with questions...hmmm.
About the pro-life calling...
I've had similar struggles as a parent trying to figure out where to fight this battle and not wanting to bring my little ones into large crowds...or to abortuaries where I've seen prayer warriors almost crushed by the vehicles driven by lunatic "nurses" and heard verbal porn spewing from the mouths of abortionists.
But we try to do our small part until they're older and I've just started a blog toward that effort. Many artists/crafters there who donate some profits to CPC's and make lovely pro-life items. So...You can shop for Life if so moved:).
BTW...We're short on Catholic members. Know anyone?
Forgot to leave the address...
www.handmadeforlife.blogspot.com
You're left with questions? I will open Q&A every Thursday and post the answers Thursday night or Friday morning.
Thanks for the address. I've been meaning to add it to my sidebar.
Wow - you answered my question. I'm honored! And I was just being silly.
In all seriousness, Sarah, you are an inspiration to me! Thank you for explaining your prayer life...
this was fun. i am not good at questions, but i enjoyed your answers!
Sorry I missed asking a question!!! Will try to make the next Q&A outing! Very enlightening and humorous! Cathy
LarryD: I like your silly side, so my hats off to you.
Therese - aw, shucks.
regan - well, if you think of any you might want to ask me by next Thursday, write 'em down and ask.
GrandmaK - bring it on! This is way too much fun, really.
The Q's don't always have to be about me, necessarily. Ask what you want. I'll do my best.
You are a prayer warrior, Sarah! I so enjoyed reading about your prayer life. That is what I aim for, but I have a long way to go in cultivating it ...
Sarah, just keep working at it. Every now and again I feel "pressured" like, C'mon just one day I'd like to NOT pray . . . but then I call those desert days where the Devil is trying to fool me into real dryness - C'mon, Sarah (JOT) just give in and get some sand in your mouth. The thing is, even when I don't feel like it, I do it. I don't like going to the dentists either, but I must if I want mouth health; same goes for the soul health.
Also, all the praying I do: I'm called to it. If you are called to it, it won't seem like you are forcing it. There are days, like I said, that I feel like I'm forcing it. It passes, as I trudge on through. Here's why, I believe: God is calling me to prayer. That, and exhorting. I'm glad I know this . . . it helps me focus and use my time a little more wisely.
But, Sarah, God loves it when we talk with Him and avail ourselves to His word. When you read Scripture quotes or passages, you are talking and listening to Him. Say the little prayers that have BIG impact throughout your day: Hail, Mary! Yes? YES! God bless you!!
Well Sarahskee...looks like your life in incomplete...NO Skinnydippin? Quick..run to the nearest pool, strip and jump in. Then you can tell the whole world YES!! I did it!!!!
Just given ya some guff.
4 mo...oohwee..he must have been the one! Thanks for your answer.
Great prayer life by the way. Total inspiration to me.
Kissteen - if I dive in nekkid, I'd have to be rescued . . . really horrible thing to be rescued when nekkid . . . I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SWIM. So, this is going to have to NOT happen.
Are you pulling my legskee. You do not know how to swim? Sign this woman up at the YMCA because she is this close to drowning at some Hawiain beach!
Another question??!! Do you read all those blogs on your blog roll? Whew!
Sarah, you are like a breath of fresh sunshine to me. Stay true to yourself, it's so evident that you have such spunk and deep love for everyone. Your convictions are deep and ooze out of your navy pores. *grin* Big hugs, great weekend to you! God Bless!
That was a great feature!
Re the prolife thing--what about some work with a crisis pregnancy center? You could tutor, help with resumes, man the phones, or even organize donation drives through your church or school. If you knit, crochet, or sew, you could make handcrafted items. AND you could enlist your children into finding coupons for baby items and helping you use those at the grocery store, and assemble donation baskets.
And as to Secular Orders, I am going to say that the Order chooses you. At least in my case. I grew up "steeped" in all things Franciscan, so what other way could I go?
Kissteen - there's a reason behind the not knowing how to swim: I had five ear tube surgeries in my youth - the time I would have learned to swim. Sometimes I think I'm missing something, but really, I wonder. I do know how to float should I find myself suddenly in the water . . . I think I'd figure it out. Maybe.
YES, I read every single one of the blogs on my blogroll - some of them several times a day - catching up with the past year or years . . . I spend way too much time on here - but the only thing not getting done for my doing so is my sewing/crafting (hence no picture of my embroidery - I kinda set it down and ...)
Renee - Why, thank you! What a nice compliment! I can only ever be "me". :-)
Barb - great ideas, thank you! I shall look into it. There is one center close enough to me I may be able to work with them before going to HI. I'm drawn to the Dominicans because I like their "veritas" and the whole educate yourself and share what you learn. I like the Franciscans for their easy-going, unattached to things way. I like the Benedictines for the rules. God help me.
Deeeeeeeeeeelightful~!
Sarah, thank you for the time you took with these answers. I am inspired by your prayer life!
(3/13/9 Sorry for the delay.) Regarding the subject of toilet paper, and "...I will switch it to MY way..."
The following will be long-ish. But because it's important I will presume on your space fully confident of your appreciation that I did. :D !
When the toilet paper isn't put on the spindle or it isn't put on the spindle to your liking, implement a gently aggressive pro-active vs. reactive corrective action program, with the upper hand and a grin. Sample below.
Level I. Smile, then relocate the toilet paper to VARYing places in plain sight in the bathroom but just out of their reach while on the toilet.
Level II. If your wishes are not taken seriously or improvements are not realized, smile, then relocate the toilet paper to VARYing places out of their reach, but NOT in plain sight to add a bit more alarm to their experience.
If necessary, Level III. Smile, then place the toilet paper in PLAIN SIGHT in varying places OUTside of the bathroom which means that they'll have to look for it on their way in to the bathroom. Occasionally they'll forget to look. And, occasionally, any urgency will make looking for it memorable.
If necessary, Level IV. Smile, then HIDE the toilet paper in varying places OUTside of the bathroom which will require calculated planning of their fluid intakes and bathroom visits to retain semblance of independence and an upper hand in the matter.
If Level V becomes necessary, smile, then place all things such as boxes of tissue and paper towels, etc., and all of the spare toilet paper rolls, to places you'll never tell or allow them to find, and table further discussions. Smile again, and place your own provisions in a pretty box with a lock. Occasionally, the time needed to barter with you to unlock the box on their behalf, will be memorable for them. And, as with Level IV, this scenario will require calculated planning of their fluid intakes and bathroom visits. Tip. Periodically scour your territory for hidden stashes of toilet paper as well.
(Keep in mind, if there are good girls or boys in the family group who do abide by your wishes, or if you have guests, by all means smile and unlock the pretty box for them.)
Last notes. Allow everyone time to modify his or her own behavior. In fairness, go through a full sequence of levels. Let it last as long as everyone wants it to. But. Once the full sequence has been... experienced... and if behaviors aren't modified or they revert to pre-corrective action status, then any Level, or others that you dream up, can be implemented with a smile, at your discretion, any time.
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