From Darkness to Light

Last night my husband, sister and brother-in-law attended the Easter Vigil Mass at our parish St. Matthew in Largo. Easter vigil is the most sacred mass of the year. It is the first mass of Easter where we celebrate Christ rising from the dead.

It is deep in tradition. As the photo shows we start outside (this year we were under and overhang because it was raining off and on) with a fire which signified the light of Christ. This light is then passed candle by candle through the crowd. We then process into the dark church illuminating it. Readings from the old and new testament are read, music is sung and finally the lights come up and we sing the Gloria. Following is one of the best parts - the baptisms of those coming into the church ending with their first communion and confirmation.

I know it's a long mass - more than two hours. But I always say it is worth it. It is the encapsulation of what we as Catholics are about. An Easter people, a people of the word, with up to nine readings packed in (it's up to the pastor on the number of readings), a sacramental people and a people of the light. I always say that every Catholic should attend this mass at least one time. Granted it's not the best place for young kids, it is a place for anyone wanting to witness deep traditions that use your senses well - from sight and sound to the smells of incense permenting the space and even taste as there's often cake to celebrate with the newly initiated.

So Happy Easter to all. Alleluia, Alleluia.

I Love the Wind

We've been having the strangest weather lately. The late winter and spring are typically very dry here in Florida. And while we often have breezy conditions because I live close to the beach, it isn't often windy. Recently we've had a series of fronts come through that have started and/or ended with lots of wind.

There's something that I love about the wind. I love coming home and opening wide the windows. I love the the way the curtains billow as the wind flows through them. I love sitting on my love seat by the front window and feeling the wind on my face. I love the smell of wind.

I have heard lots of ladies complaining about bad hair days recently. But I could care less. Because all I want to do fling open my windows or sit outside and enjoy this fabulous weather. I know that soon it will be hot and humid and I'll be shut tightly behind my windows and cooled by a machine rather than God.

As Seen on My Commute

I was behind an SUV that proclaimed "Born and raised a bitch" and "Drive it like you stole it."

Now I'm not too sure why you would feel the need to put either one of those things on your car. These are really things you want people to read about?

I just don't get it.

I have never understood liking being called a bitch. I'd rather go with strong, smart, sure of herself as positive words/phrases. Men don't get a label like that when they are successful. I see the word bitch as a negative word. Plus - ever heard of road rage?

And Drive it like you stole it? Um...you just want the police to hassle you?

Just something else that is random but bizarre in my world.

March - whhaa?

How can it already be March? I just can't believe how time flies. It just seems like days just roll into the others. One minute it's 8 a.m. and I am wondering will I EVER be at work right on time when my boss is in? and the next it's time for bed. I wish I could savor more moments. I am seeing how fleeting life can be. Rather than thinking about how to get to a next big moment.

Just a random thought. Pretty heavy for a Monday I know. But it's all I've got.

Whew - what a week

What a blur. That's how I would categorize my week.
Sunday, we had a health scare with my Dad. We thought he might have had a heart attack. Thank God, he didn't. He had a really bad cold and because he didn't eat and drink enough so his electrolytes got out of whack, causing his blood pressure to drop and him to pass out. The moral of the story? Drink when sick, just drink in general. My sister suggested the new family motto should be "Just drink!" And I said that the family coat arms would have that motto across it with four different kinds of glasses, a wine glass, a beer mug, a water bottle and sister Karen suggested a glass of milk since she is pregnant and is drinking milk by the gallon.

Then there was a jaunt to Orlando for a meeting. And then to Tampa for a different meeting. And in between, lots of work at work which also included my yearly evaluation that I wasn't prepared to do.

By the time I got to today, I just wanted to sleep and then sit on the couch in my pajamas watching cable.

And now? I am watching the bonus features on the Veggie Tales Top 10 Silly songs with Larry. Now I have admitted it out loud. I like the Veggie Tales. I don't have children, but I think they are the funniest thing. And now, I have sucked my hubby into them. What's not to like about singing cucumbers, tomatoes, asparagus, peas, squash and other various veggies?

Man, what a random post.

So Shiny and New..and Pink!

So I must be the last person I know practically who was iPodless. I had thought of getting one before..and it just didn't happen.

Until Valentines Day. My sweet Hubby bought me a lovely new pink iPod Nano. Yes PINK. I think that makes it even better. I've officially put some music on it and found out where we can buy music - you know Amazon is cheaper than iTunes? And their specials on entire albums can be pretty good.

So yes, now the only person I know who DOESN'T have an iPod? My Hubby. And now he wants one too, just not pink... Maybe if he's really, really good...

Breaking News - Part Deux

Previously I wrote about my sister's pregnancy. Here's the update - there's going to be TWINS! So I'll be an aunt times 2.

Congrats sis and bro and law. I'm sure they will give Dave Simanoff's nephew Ryland a run for his money for the cutest baby ever.

Breaking News..(cue music)

I'd like to congratulate my baby sister and bro-in law Karen and Joe. They announced they are having a baby in September (which is a good month for a birth if I may say so myself).

We are very excited for them and are looking forward to welcoming him or her.

Maybe one day he/she will have a cousin...

Yo ho..oh you know the rest..

Saturday I attended my first Gasparilla parade. It was interesting to say the least. Hundreds of thousands of people, most of them drunk, some stoned and almost all festooned with beads.

Really, the main reason I went was because my parents received tickets for one of the corporate tents that line the parade route. These tents offer many cool things, including food and drink, private port-a-potties, seating and the best chocolate chunk cookies I've had in a long while. Being that I live across the Bay from the festivities, the parking, traffic and the crowds on the parade route, don't tug at me to come. I'm happy to stay at home and catch some of the highligts on the TV.

I still can't say I understand the allure of the day. A bunch on grown men and women, dressing up in pirate garb, throwning beads and getting drunk? I don't know - maybe I'm a fuddy-duddy.

But I did have fun. Mainly the people watching. And did I mention those chocolate-chunk cookies? I don't know if I'd make the pirate-fest in Tampa a tradition, but I'd say try it at least once. Now what the heck does a person DO with all those beads?

Blah, blah, blah

I haven't had much to say recently. I was sick with a BAADDD cold last week and the last thing I wanted to do was type. I mainly lay in bed in a half coma-like state because of the great drugs I popped throughout the day. And on top of that, my hands have been really sore. I have a new symptom that I take seriously, the shooting pains in my thumb and pointer. I understand that's carpel tunnel. So I have been cutting down on the typing when I can. So blogging will take a side to the health of my hands, because it I can't type - I don't know what I'd do for work...seriously, and that is sad!

The Internet Rocks

The Internet is really cool. And I was reminded of it yesterday when I received an e-mail from a friend I hadn't talked to in a long time. While all the cool information s neat - the connectivity it offers is what keeps me coming back.

On a random note - I saw a zebra-striped golf cart with pink seats ad an air-brushed smile on the front driving home tonight. I have to wonder what would suggest to anyone to do that? But at the same time - it was in Pinellas Park - and that say everything.

Happy New Year!

Wow - I can't believe it's 2008. But you know, I am ready for a new year. It seems that I needed the clean slate that comes with the new year. I'm excited at the prospects for the new year.

Although being back to work with a regular schedule isn't one of the exciting things. I was getting used to working partial weeks and shorter hours and there's not a holiday in sight. Oh well - it is called work for a reason I guess.

I know that every one talks about getting organized in a new year. Well, we are actually doing it. We tackled the problem closet in December and have started on the biggest cluster #$@! in the house - the garage. Oh - it will be complete before summer. I look forward to walking into the garage and knowing where to find the thing I am looking for.

Any way. Happy New Years to my friends and family. I am hoping your year is prosperous, happy and full of wonderful memories. You only get to do this year one time, why not make the most of it?

A Little Craziness for the Holidays

So we woke up this morning with the power out. Not the thing you want to find when you need to put the Christmas roast in the oven in a short time for Christmas brunch. But, luckily the good guys at the power company fixed it and the lights were back on.

I wanted to share some pictures from last night - hubby and my official 2007 Christmas photo didn't come out. BUT, there were photos that DID come out. Drum roll please!

Karen and Joe putting on the dog...well or as we called it, Disco Christmas - alluding to Karen's shirt - Joe even coordinated.


Mom and Dad. Looking dapper and lovely as always. Seriously - Dad looks the same in almost every picture - he's got the photo smile always ready to pull out of the back pocket.


Greg here is excited because we are about to sit down for dinner. mmmm...ham! Now remember the comment about Dad above? Greg has the same thing - kinda. This is one of the more natural smiles for him. Maybe it's the ham. See the photo at the end - I could have photoshopped the head?


This is Laura showing her wacky side during opening of presents. This is a common expression too. If you recall me mentioning that in an earlier post. Pretty funny.


This is Dad opening a lovely set of wrenches from Karen and Joe. I know - every guy can do their best Tim the Toolman Taylor impersonation.


This is the lovely self-portrait Karen took Christmas Eve before dinner. This is how she looks BEFORE all the makeup and hair -- see prior photo.


Laura and Greg at church. Yes - Laura does wear something besides jeans and a t-shirt. To be nice - we were lucky she was there - she had a taxing work day and we are happy she made it.


Finally - here's Laszlo with his Christmas Eve dinner. As you can tell he wasn't ecstatic to be getting his photo taken - his dinner was getting cold.

Anyways. Once again...Merry Christmas all and to all a good night. Unfortunately my vacation has come to an end..so my blog vacation has officially ended.

On to 2008 - Can't believe next year is next week.

From My Family to Yours

I've been on a self-imposed vacation from the computer during my vacation from work so to help my sore hands catch a break.

But I wanted to drop by to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. The wrapping is almost done - I'm waiting for a package from Amazon still!, the halls are decked and the famous green bean casserole is finished. I'm ready to enjoy the holiday.

And this is a special year for my family. This is the first time in six years that all of the siblings will be in the same city. It's a cool thing. Tonight we attend "midnight" mass (actually at 10 p.m. - yeah - I don't get it either - and then there are gifts will be exchanged. Tomorrow the in laws come to our home to celebrate.

So to all - enjoy the holiday season. Take time to sit back and enjoy those peaceful moments, laugh, and remember all you can because it's over quickly.

Merry Christmas!

Gold and Gold..

While cleaning the house and then putting up the Christmas decorations I now realize I am attracted to the color gold. As I was taking the decorations out yesterday and today as I sit with both boxes of Christmas cards, I noticed that I have been purchasing gold colored items that that are both inside and outside the house.

I never thought of myself as a gold person. But I guess I am.

From the angel clothed in golden threads on the top of my tree, to the gold balls down below to the golden curtains next to the tre in my dining room to the golden ribbon on the wreath on my golden yellow house to the gold on both of the boxes of cards I bought last year. I am truly surrounded by the color.

I'm not sure what this means. But if anyone notices me buying something in gold lame', please stop me. I guess I'm attracted to shiny things...or maybe it's my sparkling personality. ;-)

Happy Birthday Sister Laura

Today is the 31st birthday of my little sister Laura. This is the first year in many that she is home so she can celebrate with the family. In fact, we are getting set to head over to Mom and Dads to have yummy dinner and gifts and the cake deal.

So Happy Birthday sis - it's great to celebrate with you!

A Doodle and a Request

I was so happy to see my friend and fellow blogger Pat has brought back the very popular Mr. Doodle's Dog to the blogosphere. Pat and her furry family members bring a jovial look at being a canine and/or feline. As a fellow animal lover with a cat, a snake and a school of fish I felt it was important to help her (in my small way) get the word out about the monster who kept 97 wire fox terriers in deplorable conditions and if a judge makes the wrong choice, he may get some of the dogs back.

I know that many people will wonder aloud why we should spend time and energy on animals when we as humans have so many issues to deal with. I really think it is symtomatic of a society where we can allow any one or animal be abused. Especially those who can least protect themselves.

So please take a few minutes to read Mr. Doodle's plea.

Welcome back to the Doodle's - we've missed ya.

Happy Birthday Mr. Cooooee, Happy 30th to You!

I would be remiss if I hadn't taken a moment to wish our friend Roy a happy 30th Birthday! I know technically it was yesterday, but today the fun continues with Roy's Roast - which we will leave for shortly.

This man is a great guy with a big heart, a passion for NASCAR (I don't know if one should brag about that), a wicked sense of humor and a love for the Simpsons that is only matched by his brother's.

So Happy Birthday my friend! I toast with a Bud for you this weekend!

Presidential Politicing

Due to work, I was able to attend the Republican Presidential debate in St. Petersburg last night. I have to say it was a good time. It was fun just to people watch. From the national media, including the very svelte Anderson Cooper to tough-guy Chuck Norris (who has freakishly white teeth and is surprising short)to senators and representatives and the "executives" from UTube. But there were just lots of white middle-aged and older wealthy people. There was definitely lack of diversity.

One cool item, the back of my husbands and my head were on CNN. Kinda cool.

What I came away with was the knowledge that I know who I really really dislike and would never in a million years vote for. Namely Ron Paul and Mitt Romney. Yuck times 10. And I felt bad because I wanted to like John McCain. But the poor man just looked beat down, tired - heck I thought his coloring was a little on the gray side.

Anyhow, it was an interesting to watch. Interesting indeed.

Shoppers - Start Your Wallets

So Mom and I braved the retail world early this morning. We were at our first shop around 7:30 or so and finished before Noon. There were deals to be had - in fact there were a few gifts for myself along the way. Exciting things, drapes and two shirts. But I made a nice dent in the holiday shopping. I even got Hubby into the act by sending him to Target. Mom said she wasn't sure she wanted to go this year, but I told her it was tradition. That she could sleep in the afternoon. Happy Black Friday.