Christmas Reflections

This Christmas was probably the most enjoyable and meaningful it has ever been. It's definitely one I will be talking about and remembering for years to come. It was the first time I could actually take the time to enjoy the weeks leading up to Christmas without rushing around with studying, term papers, exams, packing, and just plain rushing to make sure you have covered everyone on your list that year...

But I think the most enjoyable part for me was how reflective and involved I was able to be. First of all, I think Advent is the most peaceful prelude to Christmas, and, as I said in a previous post, necessary to fully appreciate the season. We all received an Advent reading to reflect on, and I think it really helped put my mind and spirit in the right place. My Wednesday reflection days were a little more meaningful in the last month, and I really hope I can use what I've gained through all of this to help in the coming weeks and months. While I have learned and gained a lot, there is a lot more I can still learn, gain, and change.

Christmas with both of my families was wonderful. Christmas Eve liturgy was beautiful, and so was the service Christmas morning. I was privileged to be an "angel" at the beginning of liturgy, carrying the Advent candles and placing them in the wreath. I guess all I was missing was a halo, which I received after the service had ended. A lot of good that does, ya know? :p I am always humbled when I am asked to participate in prayer or liturgy, and this was no different. But there's nothing like being so nervous that you fear your sweaty palms might drop a candle just as you're raising it up or something. Yikes! (Shout out to my four wonderful candle holders, you were great!)

Sunday evening I arrived home to a house full of family and good food. I could have plopped into bed right then, but somehow I managed to fight sickness and heavy eyelids and finished out the day with a family gift exchange at midnight.

This week home has been nice. I have to admit, not setting an alarm and sleeping in with no bells waking you up is kind of nice, but something has been missing. Oh yeah, you know, the 60 other people I live with?? And then there's prayer. You get into a routine, so even when I'm at the Mount but sick, my days are a little empty without some quality time spent in chapel. But today I return back to my second home in the 814. I still need to pack, though. Somehow I always seem to come back with more than I left with. How is that?

Farewell, 'Fane. Until we meet again...

Even the pets get presents :)

One Special Christmas

Well, Christmas Day has come and gone, and I am not too sure how to put into words the past few days. I can definitely say I have developed an entirely new appreciation for Christmas this year. It's been an ongoing process, actually, beginning a couple of years ago, but I think it has really come full circle now.

Being at the monastery to experience everything leading up to Christmas morning was really special. I think I needed that. And while I was not able to see my family until Sunday night, something I am definitely not used to, I really felt like I was in the presence of family. There is something very unique and special about being one person in a group of 100 women, and feeling connected to each and every one. And there's nothing like Christmas to make that feeling stronger. The Sisters are my family, and although none are blood related and I have known the community for only a few years, they are no less special to me than the family I have been a part of for almost 23 years.

I did manage to make it home Christmas night, and I will be here through Friday. I guess I should take it all in because I'm not sure when I'll make it back here again.

I will post a longer entry later in the week with some photos, hopefully when I'm feeling a little better. Nothing like arriving home and promptly getting sick within the first few hours...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

A Decorating Frenzy

With only today and tomorrow to go before Christmas Day, the season is officially upon us. The Mount is decorated and everyone is getting into the spirit.

I was a little down and out when I heard that my family had decorated the house and were getting ready to bake and ice our Christmas cut-outs, which I will still insist are the best I've ever tasted, although I might be a little biased, and there still wasn't even a tree up here. To the Sister's credit, however, Advent is allowed its own season, which is something very new for me to fully experience, but absolutely beautiful and, I think, necessary if you want to appreciate this time of year. But the house is no longer empty.

Wednesday night was pizzelle night. A handful of us made pizzelles for a couple of hours and it was so much fun! It was also fun to have a little friendly competition to see who could make the perfect pizzelle, which is pretty hard to do. I had a great teacher though. Who knew that the perfect pizzelle cookie required a dance and oh so delicate flipping?

Last night was the big decorating night. It began with the GINORMOUS tree in the community room. It was so big, in fact, that Carrie and I were up on scaffolding to reach the top, while the others handed us ornaments and directed us to any bare spots on the tree. We even trusted our fearless leader to pull us around the tree on that thing...it's ok, we're still here. It's really cool to see such a big tree decorated in under 30 minutes!

After the tree was all set, we had prayer in the community room, followed by the blessing of the tree, and the Sister eldest in rank having the honor of lighting it. Christmas carols and cut-out cookie decorating came after. I was a sprinkle-er, or sprinkler, who knows. Anywho, I was in charge of putting sprinkles on the cookies, and there were dozens and dozens of them.

AND THEN!...after that was finished, off to the South Assembly we went to put up another tree and more decorations.

BUT WAIT! We weren't done. Our director and Carrie's mentor requested our assistance in putting up yet another tree, and decorating a lounge area down by their rooms. It really was a lot of fun.

After about 4.5 hours of decorating madness, and absolute fun-ness, we called it a night. Christmas is finally here, although I thought it was just August...actually, yesterday was just graduation. Where has the time gone??

Have a very merry and blessed Christmas, everyone. Enjoy the time spent with family and friends.

Getting Into the Christmas Spirit

As the days 'til Christmas are winding down, which is happening faster than I ever remember, we are definitely gearing up for the holiday at the day care center. We have themes for each week that go along with Christmas and include activities and crafts that incorporate the theme.

Last week was green week. We played with green goop (it may sound gross, but it's actually a lot of fun), painted Christmas trees green to hang on our winter slopes on the art wall, and looked for green things on our walks around the city, which included holiday displays in storefronts. This week was red week. We put red noses on our hand-and-feet reindeer, played with red goop, put red holly berries on the green trees we painted last week, and today Santa Claus comes to visit, which will close out red week on a high note, hopefully. Next week will be yellow week. I'm not sure what we'll be doing yet, so stay tuned.

I believe my Christmas shopping is all done. I just have to wrap the presents, which is my favorite part. I'm also in the middle of making one, which should be finished in a day or two. I'm just in need of a hot glue gun...anyone?

What Brings You Joy?

As part of the Advent season, the Mount community participated in a group lectio and reflection supper last night. One question posed was: what brings you joy? Seems easy enough, right? I can imagine some responses if you were to ask a few people I know. The answers might go a little something like this: snow days, playing X-Box, canceled classes, the end of the school year, money, etc. But let's look at the question again. What really brings joy to your life? Are there any experiences you are having right now that are joyful? Sometimes you have to look beneath the surface.

What brings joy to my life? Most importantly right now are my kids at the day care. I cannot express to you the enormous smile that must spread across my face when I walk into my classroom each morning and see several smiling, excited faces staring back at me, and inevitably, one or two stop what they are doing to run up to hug you. For all of the moments of frustration and defiance, and for all the tantrums, these little moments far outweigh any of that. In fact, they are anything but little. When you look forward to going to work each morning, when it doesn't feel much like work anymore, that is pure joy, at least for me.

The support I have of my family and several of my friends as I journey through this year also gives me great joy. You really need those special people in your life to be there cheering you on as you go through something that is indeed an adventure and very exciting and meaningful, but is not always the easiest thing to do. I have those special people, plus an extended family of almost 100 Sisters who are always here for support when things might not always go as planned, or when things get rough. It also brings me joy to return the favor and pay it forward.


So now I ask all of you out there: What brings YOU joy?

Getting Into the New Groove

It's been one week in my new classroom at St. Benedict Center, and things are looking pretty good. Our new teaching team seems to be meshing well, and our children are adjusting to the new routine and people just fine. We have 7 very headstrong little girls, and they all have their own individual, very big personalities. This makes for very funny meal time conversations.

We are, however, going to be welcoming another girl and one boy into our classroom very soon. Next week, I believe. That will bring our total to 9. I'm looking forward to the new additions. I'm anxious to see how they will fit in.

We're almost 4 months into the year, and through week 1 of Advent. It's crazy how fast time is going by. I'm still trying to find my balance between taking everything in, giving each part of this experience the attention it deserves, but also being on top of what needs to be done for work, classes, and homework. Yes folks, homework. And soon, preparation for grad school will need to be worked into there somehow. There's too much going on in my head some days. Sometimes I wish I could turn off my brain for a day...

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I find myself making a list of things I am grateful for. I don't think I've done this since elementary school when it was a graded assignment...

I am grateful for:

-The wonderful education, opportunities, insight, and life-lessons I received while attending Canisius
-The great relationships I have formed as a result of college
-A supportive and loving family
-Good health
-The wonderful opportunity I have this year
-The opportunity to openly grow in faith and shape my future
-Jumping from no sisters to approximately 1,000 (give or take about 900...)
-My wonderful mentor and program director/fearless leader, both for helping me step out of my comfort zone, for the laughs and for the serious moments
-An open mind

I spent Thanksgiving morning here at the Mount and left for home early in the afternoon. It was nice to see my family, even for just a couple of days.

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent. I am really looking forward to the next month. Oh wait, I almost forgot...present moment, beautiful moment :) I'm also trying to kick a week-long cold, complete with this rather annoying cough. My stomach feels as though I just did about a kajillion, yes, kajillion, sit-ups. Maybe all that coughing is the equivalent of a workout. So should I really be complaining? Hmmm...

Changes

The beginning of this week marks my last few days in my current classroom at St. Benedict Center. The season is ending so the East Coast Migrant children will be leaving and the entire center will be shifting.

I was privileged to have three East Coast children in my room, all of whom I fell in love with. I will be sad to see them go. When I began, 2 1/2 months seemed so far away, but now it's here. Two of our current children will be moving up with me to the older toddlers. 29-37 months is the age range we have, I believe.

There will be a lot of changes. A new set of adults in the room, although one of them I have been working with, 7 children in a new classroom together, a new age group, and a lot of new things to learn. I'll be in the basement level of the building now, so I won't get all the traffic of people walking by to use the elevator :( To be honest, I'll miss that. Since I'm in one room all day, I feel like I never see anyone. But change can be good. I'm sure I'll be just fine. I'll have no end of events to keep me busy! Bring on Winter.

On a different note, Thanksgiving is just a few days away! I'll be at the Mount for part of the day, but later in the afternoon I'll be off to the 'Fane to spend a couple of days with my family. I get 2 turkey dinners...yum!

At It Again

Once again, the Sisters were successful in getting us to try something new. This time, it was a slightly different kind of thing: trying on a full firefighter's uniform.

Every year the Sisters have a dinner to thank the local volunteer fire department. It took place Monday night and the dinner concluded with the fire chief asking for two able bodied people to come up and put on the uniform. The entire dining room looked at Carrie and I. And when I tried the excuse, "I'm on dishes tonight", it didn't quite work. So up we went, and attempted to race each other into the uniform.

First off, the guy that owned the uniform I was putting on was probably over 6ft tall, so on top of the the gear being about 80lbs, it felt heavier than that because it was so baggy on me. I'm only 5ft...

Second, the mask didn't fit me. It was too big for my face, and it wouldn't seal so I could breathe with just the oxygen. I'm mildly claustrophobic too, so having that on my face wasn't too exciting, but I toughed it out.

It was so much fun, though. I spent most of the time laughing because I'm sure I looked ridiculous with all of the gear on. Then we did a lap around the dining room and I almost beefed it numerous times. But I had fun, the Sisters sure got a kick out of it, and I have more of an appreciation for those that are full time and volunteer firefighters. It takes a lot to join a team like that. I'm not sure I could do it.

Below are some pictures that show the process. Enjoy!

Talents

I have recently come to realize a new way to put my talents to use. Yesterday's gospel reading was from Matthew 25, the Parable of the Talents. (Now what is meant by talents here is up to interpretation, at least in my opinion. The way that I have always translated it for my own understanding is one of a few interpretations that I have received from several people). If God gives you certain talents, then you should use them, and hopefully your talents will spread. Well, I think I have done just that. At least I hope I have.

A few weeks ago, Carrie and I were asked to do candle and incense during the vigil Saturday night. Carrie quickly grabbed up the light rite and gave me the incense. For those who knew my dance background, this seemed like the role for me to play that night. To tell you the truth, I was not too thrilled about the idea of being left alone and so exposed in front of most of the community when all I was thinking was "I have no idea what to do!!"

But then I realized, with the help of a few Sisters, that there really isn't a set way something absolutely has to be done. As long as you are doing it for the right reasons, as long as your heart is in it, then anything you do is fine. I took dance lessons from the age of 3 through my senior year of high school, and as I'm heading into my 5th year without classes, I miss it. A lot. While I am now horribly out of shape, not nearly as flexible as I once was, and fighting to maintain the balance I once had, dance is still and will always be my heart's passion.

Since I do not have the means to take lessons at this time, I think I have to consider some new ways to put my talents to use. So, this past Saturday, I was once again asked to do incense at the vigil. And you know what? I really enjoyed it. I did the first time, after my nerves took a rest, and it was a little easier this time around. Now, I realize what I may be doing by making this statement. I'm going to leave it at that...

God gave me my talent. Now it's up to me to use it.


Our fearless leader returns tomorrow night. 'Bout time :)

My Educational and Thought-Provoking Road Trip

This past weekend, Carrie and I took a road trip with two Sisters to Delaware, Ohio to attend a conference on monasticism at Ohio Wesleyan University. We were there selling several of Sister Joan Chittister's books (see below) since she was the Friday night keynote speaker.

The conference was entitled: "Radical Gospel Living-Monasticism Today." It was very interesting. There was all sorts of information on alternative ways of monastic living. One Sister we traveled with gave a presentation on this community's new monastic movement, Monasteries of the Heart. Check it out. 

The second speaker was Shane Claiborne, one of the founding members of The Simple Way, a faith community in inner-city Philadelphia. He and Sister Joan had a very similar message, but very different presentations. Both were interesting, educational, and thought-provoking. Both left me thinking, what can I do to create community and promote social justice both during my time spent with the Benedictines, and especially after I leave? What have I learned from the Sisters themselves? What can I do to leave a positive mark on this world? All valid questions just waiting for an answer.

For those that might think monastic living can only be achieved by taking vows and joining a formal religious community, a lot can be learned from conferences like this one. If one shows up, take advantage of it. And really check out the two links on this post. They present several different ways to live out monasticism, but everything is rooted in the same values.


Sunday was a gorgeous day. Carrie and I drove into the city, walked from 9th St. down to the bayfront, FINALLY got our library cards, and checked out one of Shane's books. I'll let you know how it is.

I am 11 weeks into my adventure here at the Mount and in Erie, and I can hardly believe it. It's been a packed 11 weeks, though. We've experienced Jubilee, a funeral, Community Weekend complete with tons of oblates, survived several game nights with heated competition, and though I can't seem to curb my late nights just yet so 5:30am doesn't seem that daunting, I have not yet dropped from exhaustion. Don't ask how, because I don't know the answer.

One thing I am really enjoying, and I probably say it a lot, is my ministry placement. I don't think I could be happier with the decision that was made. I am having so much fun. The kids are great. I really think it's helping with my level of patience, and I'm learning a lot of skills that will be put to good use in future careers and when I become a mother. It's priceless experience, I really don't know how else to explain it. And to have 8 smiling faces waiting to hug and kiss me each morning is such a great thing to look forward to.

And for the first time ever, I actually look forward to going to work. It can be frustrating at times, but because toddler mood swings go up and down and up and down, there isn't a day that is completely ruined. There are frustrating moments, but not all around bad days. I can handle that.

This morning, Carrie and I are heading out with two Sisters for Ohio Wesleyan University to work and attend a conference entitled: "Radical Gospel Living-Monasticism Today". Sister Joan Chittister is one of the keynote speakers. Looking forward to it!

Community Weekend

This past weekend was a busy one. It was community weekend, complete with a speaker, lots of oblates to meet and make friends with, and lots of fun.

 The theme was "Move It", and we did just that. We all received a lot of tips on how to keep our bodies moving so that "old age" doesn't get the best of us. No, this talk wasn't over my head. I get cramped up and sore already from sitting or kneeling too long, and have hips and knees that painfully click and pop when I walk, probably from being so active for so long and then suddenly discontinuing all of it to sit in a library for hours on end with my face in a textbook. I learned a lot from our speaker on how very gradual changes can help a lot.

Food was a big topic, too. Ya'll need to stop having birthdays and feast days, and sticking candy bars and other snacks in my mailbox!! I'm already struggling with the college 20, it's like another Freshman 15 coming on! Or should I say, the Riepper 15. I know, I know, it's all that wonderful and MUCH appreciated Benedictine Hospitality :) I can practice a little self control, too. But I feel kind of rude turning down chocolate frosted brownies, pie, and ice cream. I mean, after all, it IS their special day...

Today is Halloween! We're having a costume party at the day care, and going trick-or-treating with our kids around the building. Carrie and I carved our pumpkin this weekend. Look for it in the Business Office at the Mount!

Celebrating Life

Sunday afternoon Sister Margaret Mary passed away. It's one of those events that I knew might occur during my time here, but I just didn't expect it to happen as soon as it did.

The Erie Benedictines know how to celebrate. They know how to celebrate feast days, jubilees, and they most certainly know how to celebrate the life of one of their Sisters. Taking what could be a very depressing and sad thing and turning it into a celebration of life and achievement is a gift, and this community has it. This was not the first funeral I had been a part of here at the Mount. When I led our Canisius group here in January, Sister Marie Celine had passed just before our arrival so I had the privilege of witnessing what a wonderful event a funeral really can be.

Sure, there is sadness and there are tears. Hearts are heavy, and it's a little odd not to see her anymore, but between the memory service and the mass, so many happy and funny memories are brought up, and you begin to realize that she has achieved what they all are working towards: eternal life and the most intimate relationship one can have with God. I stand in awe of how epic these past two days have been, that someone was loved so much by so many, and you can feel it everywhere.

I have missed having her sit on my side of the chapel for prayer, and I've missed wheeling her out into the dining room or up to her bedroom. I'll miss her kisses and hugs, and her sweet voice telling me she loved me, because I know she meant it even though she didn't know me that well. But I know I am all the better for knowing her these past 2 1/2 years, and I will cherish the short amount of time she was part of my life.

I love you too, Sister Margaret Mary.

Fall Fun

You'd think when I work with young kids all week I'd like my weekends to be kid-free, right? Wrong. I actually can't get enough of them most times, and then I get these motherly urges that just breathe down my neck. My biological clock is just ticking away...yes I realize I'm only 22.

Sunday, Carrie and I spent the majority of the day with two kids, ages 3 and 5, at Port Farms. They are the niece and nephew of one of the Sisters here. I had a blast riding down slides, jumping hay bales, feeding goats, and playing in a pit full of corn. It brings out the kid in you, and it makes you see how great the simple things in life really are. Life should not be taken so seriously, what's 100 times down the same slide really going to hurt? We closed out the day with an impromptu 3rd birthday party for Bryn which consisted of a tour of her family's farm, a hay ride, and cake and ice cream. It was such a gorgeous day, it would have been a shame to have wasted it.

Some really awesome news: I was accepted to Edinboro University's Masters in Social Work Program this weekend as well! Some much needed good news :)

Bryn and I racing

Rest in peace, Sister Margaret Mary. I was blessed to have known you. You will be greatly missed.

Real Silence

Have you ever been silent for an entire day? Like, actually silent, by yourself, with nobody else around you? Yeah I hadn't either, until Wednesday. Well, it wasn't an entire 24 hours, more like 9, but you get the idea. I actually don't think I could have lasted much longer, which I'm kind of ashamed to admit.

It was very nice, though. It was the first reflection day in about a month that I could actually use in its entirety for the intended purpose. I could read, nap, go for a walk, listen to some music, work on my cross stitch (cool kid), and just be. And another great thing about it was that I was in a hermitage out in the woods. I was literally right on the grounds, but felt like I was miles away. It was nice to have new surroundings and be in a different setting.

I still feel like I'm not using these days to their full potential, though. I know it takes more than two months to get used to something like this, but I was just getting into it when my days of solitude had to be put on the back burner for the next few weeks to try to take care of some student loan issues. So I feel like I've back tracked. It will take me a while to get back into the rhythm again, but I am more than looking forward to it.

Work is great as always. My kids are amazing, and full of colds this week. Gotta love this changing weather! I just hope the sickness stays away from me! Wishful thinking, I know...

Blending In

One of many things these Benedictines are great at is making you feel like you are one of them. You are a part of the monastery and a part of their family, whether it's for one week or one year. As each week passes by, it becomes a stronger, more present feeling. It makes me wonder, what will I do 10 months from now?? Ok, ok, I'm thinking too far in advance. Present moments only :)

There are events here and there that really bring this feeling to life. This past weekend, Carrie and I were asked to carry the candle and incense for the vigil Saturday night. For me, this was a very big honor. Carrie carried the candle and I had the incense. I don't know who thought it would be a good idea to give this klutz a bowl with a burning brick of charcoal in it, but hey, I'm still here so I must have done something right!

I think this was the most nervous I have been since moving here. Speaking at my commitment, or during prayer was not as nerve-wracking as this was. When you're up there all by yourself in the middle of the community, you feel pretty exposed. One Sister told me earlier this week, "the day you stop being nervous is the day your heart is no longer in it." So true. But I made it through, and I'm all the better for it. And for those that have commented on how precise my footwork was, if you did not already know, I was a dancer for 15 years. It is innate, I don't even think about it. I couldn't change it even if I wanted to. But thank you for noticing :)

So thank you, Sisters, for allowing me to be a part of your lives and your prayer. I would never take back the decision to participate in this program. It is the best choice I could have made at this time in my life. I am enjoying every second of it, and learning so much from you. I just hope I am giving back even a little to you.

Toddler Top 10

After working at St. Benedict Child Development Center for a month now, I have found I've learned quite a bit in such a short amount of time. Oh the things a toddler can teach you. These are in no particular order:

10. It is completely rational to empty every toy bin out onto the floor, but only play with one thing
9. There are three vocal volumes: loud, louder, loudest
8. Eating utensils are optional
7. So are napkins
6. The remaining 7 must copy whatever the first child does, whether positive or negative, no exceptions
5. "No" is a perfectly acceptable answer to anything you say to them
4. Play-doh, soap, paint, bubbles, and dirt make up the five major food groups
3. Hugs and slobbery, snotty kisses are freely given to you, whether you like it or not
2. Nap time is essential to one's sanity, adults included

But the absolute number one thing I have learned:

1. They are the future, and I have a hand in their development. This is both exciting and a little intimidating.

Fall is here and in full form. Below are some pictures of our backyard. It's ok if you're a little jealous... :)

Partying it Up, Benedictine Style

Don't believe me? You should have been a fly on the wall this past weekend. It was Jubilee, and several Sisters were celebrating 25, 50, and 60 years in the Community.
 
The ceremony on Saturday was absolutely wonderful, and very meaningful. I feel honored to have witnessed and taken part in the celebrations. And also being part of the set-up and clean-up, I can certainly appreciate all that goes into making it the best it can be for the Jubilarians. Whether it is a beautiful ceremony in the Chapel, or turning Kid's Cafe into what could arguably be the best party I've been to, the Benedictines know how to celebrate, that's for sure. They even got me out on the floor, with the help of a former Riepper, to improvise a dance to an Irish band, even when I was half-awake and ready to drop. (Sorry folks, no photographic or video evidence that I'm aware of. It's a shame, really) I'm thinking of hiring these women to plan my future wedding, that's how good they are! It was all so enjoyable and so much fun, I can't really explain it.

It was certainly the best weekend for celebrations and just being outside. If it weren't for all the changing leaves you'd never know it was the middle of October! Yesterday Carrie and I took one of those famous "Sunday drives" you always hear people talk about. It wasn't intentional, but we kind of got turned around trying to find something that ended up being somewhere we frequently travel to. Nothing like driving over an hour to a place that is 25 minutes away...

The place we were trying to find is Mason Farms. Cute little market. It's all decked out for Halloween and Fall in general, complete with a mini corn maze, pumpkins, a little petting zoo, apple cider, and of course, tons of apples that we just had to get. If anyone knows of an actual corn maze and/or gigantic pumpkin patch in a more rural area around here, let me know. I haven't been to one in eons. And if you do tip me off, you may even be invited to tag along...

Sunday night ended with me FINALLY catching the actual sun setting, and the most gorgeous colors in the sky. You'll never see anything more beautiful.

My new friend

"Eat, Pray, Love"

Yeah, I know. It's been over a year since that movie has come out and I am just now getting around to watching it. It took a sick roomie, a rainy day, and a Sister a little stir crazy like I was for it to happen, but hey, it happened. It's a great movie if you also have not seen it. The main character in the movie takes a year of her life after her divorce and travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of the meaning of her life, love, and spirituality. It sounds just like something I would love to do. But it got me thinking: I kind of am doing that right now. Granted I just went two hours away to Erie, Pennsylvania, but at times it can seem like I am in a whole new world. And no, I am not just getting over a divorce, but I am ending one very big part of my life and trying to decide where to go from there. So I broke down each category and tried to explain my version of "Eat, Pray, Love". Here it goes:

"Eat"
We do a lot of eating here. There's no way you could come here and starve. Maybe just on a Sunday night, but even then you have an entire kitchen to raid if you so choose. They feed you well, you will never have anything to worry about. But I was thinking of this idea in a more abstract sense, kind of taking in whatever is around, whether it be scenery, stories, wisdom, or your daily experiences. I have tried to do this every day. "Present moment, beautiful moment" (see, I do pay attention...). There is a lot to gain both within the monastery walls and being out around so many different people in so many different situations. But you can't just let it come to you, you have to do the work too. Reflection days help with this.

"Pray"
As you might have guessed, we do a lot of that here, too. I begin and end my days with prayer. But, again, it's much more than showing up to pray with the community each day. It's about looking into your soul and searching for your inner spirit, where God lies within you and how God works through you. How does that fit into your life, your daily rhythm? Spirituality and prayer goes much deeper than just saying the words. It takes sitting in silence, reading scripture, listening to what God says to you. It's not always easy, but if you can get into the right mindset, it does work.


"Love"
Now, I'm not looking for love in the romantic sense, at least not at this moment in time, but I am searching for a love of life and of self, and a sense of purpose. It is very easy to enjoy life when you do not have a ton of pressure put on you each and every day, and you are surrounded by so many people who support you, even when you might not even notice it. It allows you to free yourself, and really just work on being you. And when you have a love for what you do, like I do with all of the kids in my class, this just sweetens the deal. I've felt that in all of the ministries. When work doesn't feel like work, then you can enjoy what you are doing. And when you can learn to love yourself fully in the process, which can take a while, and I can admit I am still working on that one, then things can come full circle.


So there's my adventure of "Eat, Pray, Love". Not exactly the wonderfully exotic and adventurous year Julia Roberts portrayed, but it is most definitely a challenge and adventure for me. Hopefully it makes sense to some of you out there. I'll tweak these here and there as the year progresses, I'm sure.

Making the Rounds

I've been here for 6 weeks now, and between this span of time and my previous visits, can you believe there are some Sisters I have yet to sit and have a conversation with? I apparently need to branch out more. So imagine my delight when I came to sit with a pretty regular meal-time companion of mine during dinner last night and also got the chance to sit with someone new.

Want to know the worst part though? I sit next to this Sister every morning and evening during prayer, and other than a "thank you-you're welcome" exchange every now and then when I offer to take a paper or book up for her after prayer, or the occasional "how was your day?" short conversation a couple times a week in passing, I have never talked to her. Shame on me, that's for sure. But I am glad I had the chance to spend some time with her last night, and hopefully many more instances will follow. It was nice to sit with her, and I think she has the most beautiful smile. And I appreciate her little "jabs" regarding my not liking bananas...

There are many more Sisters that I must get to know better, or really wish I could hang out with more. The one downside, a handful of them don't live at the Mount, or they get home super late, work on Saturdays, or are part of the 4th floor lunch crew that I have traded in for the 1st floor ever-so-wonderful company of 8 adorable toddlers who wear their food each day. (A shout out to my former lunch buddies-I miss you all!! Wish I could visit)

So if you are reading this and fall into one of these categories, If I don't get to you first, seek me out!! Sometimes I just need a little reminder :)

Shuffle Hustle

This gorgeous weekend brought with it a joyous cold! Well, maybe joyous isn't the word for it. Was it from work? My brother? The schedule finally catching up with me? Who knows. All I can say is that I am glad it came on a weekend so I could actually rest and attempt not to infect anyone else, except for Carrie, my resident caretaker. I guess I should thank her for putting herself in the line of fire...!! And I should thank all the Sisters for their concern, and one in particular for her sweet little note and Snackwells Cream Cookies...yummmm. Also, you sometimes get other little gifts at your door, like Airborne tablets to put in water. The Sister who gave them to me agrees with me that they are awful, so I guess I don't feel bad posting what could be an exact snapshot of what I looked like when I first tried it (see below). But all joking aside, the concern is very much appreciated. If this was only for a little cold, what happens when you're actually laid up for a few days? Must be that good 'ol Benedictine hospitality.

Since Saturday was such a gorgeous day and I didn't get a chance to take advantage of it, I'm glad Sunday was even nicer. And I'm glad I was feeling better and agreed to take a walk with two of the Sisters because I discovered a hidden talent I apparently have. Now I was actually conned into this, it was disguised as just a walk. So imagine my surprise when I got to the front door and one Sister says, "We've got ourselves some shuffleboard partners!"

...Shuffleboard. You know, that game you see retirees play on cruise ships? Yeah, well, apparently this 22 year old plays pretty well. It took a few rounds to really get into it, but before long I was landing my team's discs right in the middle of the numbers, nowhere near the lines. 10? No problem! 8? Of course! And to be completely honest, I had a blast. So much so that I completely forgot myself and revealed my lovely "happy dance" a few times. Must have been the cold medicine... The funny thing is, we had to go over to the senior apartments behind the Mount to play this. No residents were out there, just us four young ones :) Unfortunately I have no documentation that this event even occurred. The score ended up to be 106 to 20-something. Shout out to my partner, my team was pretty beast. Re-match next week?

Gotta Love 'Em

Toddlers make the world go 'round.

I know this because I am now working solely at St. Benedict Child Development Center, a day-care and head-start program run by the Benedictines. I am in the toddler room, which means I am the human jungle gym-nose wiper-cuddler extraordinaire! Or something like that. Bottom line: they are the most adorable kids, and coming from a family where there aren't too many small ones, it's great to be outnumbered by them. And I get to put my 6 years of Spanish to good use finally! Now keep in mind I've only spent two full days there. This view may change in the coming weeks. But really, they are some pretty great kids. And when your day consists of playing dolls and blocks, going for walks, and running around on the playground, I'd say it's a pretty sweet gig. Throw in about 2 1/2 hours of napping quiet each day, and you're golden! I am absolutely whipped when I get home, but I have to say I am always looking forward to getting my hugs and slobbery kisses every morning.

Lesson learned this week: Don't make it to morning prayer for 31 days straight and then sleep through it one morning. You will single-handedly cause community-wide panic. Sorry ladies! But I do appreciate the concern  :)

Welcome to the Club!

We're official! Saturday night, Carrie and I made our commitment and formally entered the Benedicta Riepp Program for a period of 11 months. A very simple ceremony took place right after Evening Prayer and before dinner. I wish I could relay every detail to you all, but that's just not possible. Partly because you just had to be there to feel what it was like. But the overwhelming love and support of the entire community made the night very special. A short write up of the night can be seen here.

My family also came for the weekend. It was the first I had seen them in a month. They were so grateful for the hospitality of the Sisters and they had a great time. My brother was impressed by how "beast" everyone really was. Great job, Sisters!

A very special thank you goes out to our director of the program, and my mentor, for helping to make this past month an enjoyable and educational one, and for supporting me as I take this step toward what will be a very memorable and life-changing year. Let the real adventure begin!!

Signing my Statement of Promise while Sister Anne, Prioress, looks on

My brother and I

At the top of the Bicentennial Tower

One lone rose found on the parking lot side of the Monastery

Believe it or not, we're about one month into this adventure. Well, if you want to get technical, one month from the date I moved in is not until Tuesday, but come tomorrow, I will have been here four weeks already. Shocking, I know. Don't remind me that time is just FLYING by.

With that being said, Saturday marks my commitment. My family is coming and I am so excited to see them. My Mom, Dad and brother will be here Saturday afternoon. I have had countless Sisters come up to me with the same question. "Are you excited? Nervous? Ready? Dreading it? Huh? Huh? HUH???" Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but in no way can I tell that the community is looking forward to it...not.at.all. But I am excited as well. Excited, nervous, but ready. Let the real adventure begin.

Fall is here! Well, sort of. Temperature-wise, yes. When the leaves really begin to change color, call me. It's my favorite season!

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Have you ever had one of those moments where you're laughing so hard, you're crying? When your gut hurts so bad that it feels as though you just did about 500 crunches? Sometimes those are just the best.

This weekend I had my fair share of moments like this. Let's see, where to begin...
I guess with Friday night. Carrie and I have been occasionally playing a game of Hand and Foot with a couple of the Sisters, and this weekend was no exception. This time, I thought I'd share a little term with the Sister I was paired up with. Some of you might know it. "Beast." Ok, when someone is really good at something, like cards, for example, they are "beast." It basically just means you're awesome at something. I know, I know, it's not exactly a regular term I use, it was just a silly kind of night and the moment was right to use it. We were connecting rather well throughout most of the game, so we were most definitely "beast" that night. Just ask her, she'll tell you! Quite a few laughs followed while I was attempting to explain when was the appropriate time to use this term. It was great.

Saturday night, Carrie and I found the dollar theater and the movie "Bridesmaids." Talk about busting a gut. If you enjoy the kind of humor that is in this movie, then you will not stop laughing for two hours, and then proceed to quote the movie the entire ride home, continuing for the next few days, and laugh until you're crying each and every time. I definitely recommend it for anyone who is a fan of Kristen Wiig or Maya Rudolph from SNL. They are on top of their game in this movie. I know I am a few months late in promoting this, but the theater doesn't carry the movies until a few months after their release. Nevertheless, it was a great night out, even if we had to sit right up front and crane our necks for two hours.

And finally, Sunday night might have had the most entertaining moments of the whole weekend. The day naturally carried a heavy feeling, at least for me, but I am sure I was not alone. Laughter was a much needed remedy that day. After attending a wonderful 9/11 prayer service in the city, Carrie and I went out to eat with two Sisters. Best.Car.Ride.Of.My.Life. You want to see antics? You should have been in that car. Between the two of us in the back, and the two of them up front, we are a dangerously sarcastic foursome. "Orange" lights, developing slightly odd ways of protecting your passenger when you have to suddenly hit your break, getting all excited about a coupon and finding out it expired, but you're going to attempt to use it anyway (bustedddd). Of course, if you weren't in the car that night, you have absolutely no clue what I am referring to. In that case, is any of this even funny to you? Eh..?

I guess to sum things up, I really needed a good laugh this weekend, and I had several. All were most definitely gut-busting and tear-jerking, and I guess our many antics (word of the day) are to blame.

"The Sound of Silence"

Hmm...more song title references.

In the Benedicta Riepp program, each week I am given one day between Monday and Friday to use as a reflection day. Mine is every Thursday. During that day, I do not go to work, I do not have any deadlines to meet, per say, and I can just lay low. Throughout that day, I must feed my body, mind, and soul. Having one day to yourself is really a great thing, but I'll be honest, it's a long, long day, and finding something to fill all those hours with is difficult. At least for now.

The notion of a free day in the middle of the week is a new one for me. Being raised in a society where you are told that you must be doing something every second of the day, and then counteracting that by doing the exact opposite is kind of a shock to your system. Who has time to sit? To read? To pray? To do something YOU enjoy? To just be? Society's little mascot is just sitting on my shoulder, nagging me. "You're 22, life is just beginning, and right now your life should be 'go, go, GO', you will have time to sit and relax when you are retired." It's hard for me to brush it off and ignore it sometimes.

I like to be silent, don't get me wrong. I enjoy it, which may be a surprise to some out there because at times I don't know how to shut up. I talk too much and I talk too fast. But I like to be silent when I want to be, or when I personally need to be. So this is really proving to be a challenge, and we're only finishing week 3...I'm here through August. Yikes! What if this particular Thursday, I want to talk? It's a growing process, I keep reminding myself. Sisters are here to help, and I need to remember that, too. Stop being so stubborn and just ask.

I overthink things, rush the days, worry too much about tomorrow and not enough about the present moment. I am forever a work in progress. I am human.

The Simple Things

After rounding out two weeks here at the monastery, my internal rhythm is beginning to settle. Rising before the sun is up is getting easier, I just wish I was able to watch the sunrise since I'm actually up early enough! And I'm getting used to the fact that my bed time is between 10 and 10:30pm instead of midnight or later like I've been used to for so many years.

I also have to say that I'm beginning to slow down and take the time to notice the beauty of such simple things around here, most especially for me, morning and evening prayer. I've always enjoyed it during my visits. There's something calming about beginning and ending a long, and sometimes stressful day, with beautiful voices and a designated time for reflection, because I didn't ever have that opportunity, or didn't use my free time for something like that. I love it.

And I know I've said it countless times before, but the deer that appear each day continue to amaze me. I don't get that back home. Not in the city, and not in the town I grew up in. Last night when Carrie and I returned after dinner, two deer were just waiting in the grass, and one was laying down. And they just stay there. Perfect photo-op, although I have not uploaded those pictures just yet.

One last moment of beauty, and one some may overlook. Friday and Saturday night were spent playing games, mostly card games, with a few Sisters. It really was so much fun. Friday night it was Hand and Foot, which I think I almost have down, and Saturday was a mixture of about 3 or 4 different games. And the beauty of it? Different generations and opposite cultures coming together and having fun with something so simple. Lots of laughs and joking around. Nobody taking anything seriously. Just pure fun.

Today is Labor Day! And a day off for me. I have never been off of work for holidays such as this in, oh, maybe the 5 years I've been employed. I hope everyone has had a great long weekend. And good luck to my brother as he begins his sophomore year of high school tomorrow!

"And, umm...how did you become aware of this?"

I have been getting a few questions from some readers inquiring as to how I found this monastery, the Sisters, and this program. This post will hopefully explain.

I have known the Benedictine Sisters here in Erie for about 2 1/2 years now. I first came in contact with them through an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) service trip through Canisius my sophomore year of college in 2009. ASB is a chance to give up what for most college students seems like a rite of passage, a vacation, and use that week to volunteer at different sites around the country, mostly here on the east coast. I happened to be placed at the Erie Benedictine Community site, and, to my surprise, had the greatest "vacation" I could have asked for. No, it wasn't spent on the beach getting a tan, or staying up late partying, or sleeping in until noon each day. It was actually quite a culture shock for me. That week included 6:30AM prayer, packed days volunteering in the community's many inner city ministries, prayer in the evenings, a lengthy reflection each night, and then we'd go to bed and start all over again the next morning.

Much to my surprise, I loved it. So much so, that I interviewed for a leader position and led a team the following year for ASB, served as leader for our Winter Service Week team just this past January, and returned to my original role as a team member again this past March for ASB. So in all, between the four service weeks and our school's Women's Retreat, I had spent a little over a month here before moving in two weeks ago. So if it seems to many of you out there that I am comfortable with this place and the Sisters, it's because I really am.

These women are pretty great. And when you get to form real relationships with them, you find out a lot of things that surprise you. Like, for example, one of the Sisters happens to know someone who lives down the street from where I grew up, and has enjoyed the same popcorn from the stand I grew up going to each Summer, and that's a big deal to me because nobody knows about the town I'm from, unless you live there yourself or know someone who lives there. She also happens to be my mentor for this year.

Some more animal stories for all you readers out there. Wednesday night after dinner, three deer came up really close to the back porch, and behind them at the tree line, a mother turkey and her babies were walking along. All of them out there at the same time, and for a long time, too! I was too fascinated to run down and grab my camera. The mob of us just stood at the windows in the community room in awe until they walked out of sight. All I kept thinking was, "I could get used to this."

"Everybody's Working For The Weekend"

Credit to the 80s group "Lover Boy" for this post's title.

This past weekend was one for the books. It was full, but surprisingly relaxing. Friday night, Carrie (my fellow Benedicta Riepp buddy, and best friend) and I went down the road a little bit to Shades Beach to watch the sunset. We arrived a little too late to actually see the sun setting, but we were able to look out into a sky full of the most beautiful colors. I haven't done that in a long time. It hasn't ever been as easy as walking across the road for me. We were there for a good 45 minutes, and the weather was perfect, making it a great start to the weekend.

Saturday I was very much looking forward to a little visit from my grandparents. They were bringing my bicycle down from my hometown of Newfane, NY here to Erie. A 2-hour drive just for that! I was so grateful to them. They were able to meet a couple of the sisters, but man, does this place clear out on the weekends. It must have been partly because of the Polish Festival downtown. Speaking of which, that is the most fun I've had in a long time. We hung out with four sisters, eating pierogi and potato pancakes, and drinking a Polish beer or two. We ran into a few more sisters and oblates along the way, and against the wishes of the sisters, simply watched them polka instead of dancing ourselves, but promised if they taught us how to polka, we would dance with them next year...

Sunday afternoon, Carrie and I loaded our bikes into my car and off to the peninsula we went. A six-mile round-trip ride later, during which we ran into another sister who had biked there from her home in town, and we were set for the day. I'm falling in love with what Erie has to offer already. And with the help of several of the sisters, we are finding our way around this place, and learning quite a bit in such a short amount of time.

Tonight we are off to the Erie SeaWolves game, the farm team for the Detroit Tigers (baseball), with a few of the sisters.

In short, these nuns are cool.

Sunset Friday night

A Familiar Rhythm

After getting back into the all-too-familiar rhythm of the Mount and visiting a good handful of the ministries again, this has been one packed, eventful, and enjoyable week. Each day has brought new and wonderful experiences, and although I know I shouldn't wish away the days, I can't wait for what the next day will bring.

This week I spent time at both the food pantry and the soup kitchen, both part of Emmaus Ministries. I had volunteered multiple times in each before, but as always, no day is the same as the previous. It is always a bit overwhelming to spend a few hours in either place and see the number of individuals and families that come in for assistance or to eat a meal. But still, you are cheerful and inviting to each guest, and you just hope and pray that your smile and well wishes helped even a little that day. One guest at the soup kitchen left a particular mark on me this week. I was pouring drinks at the end of the food line when a man leaned over to me and said, "God will bless you for doing this, for helping poor people. It goes on your record, and God knows. Thank you so much for thinking of us." To keep my composure right after that was tough, but I just smiled, handed him a drink, and replied, "You're most welcome, and thank you for your kind words." I haven't been able to keep that off my mind since.

I also spent a few hours with the toddlers at the day care. Talk about an absolute blast! I don't have much experience with children this age. We don't have many young ones in our family right now, and the ones that are that age I never get to see, so this was a real treat. They are so innocent at that stage in their life. Everything is funny and an adventure to them, and they are just full of life. Yes, there is the occasional temper tantrum, but it last for all of a minute and then life is just fine and dandy after that. And one of the boys is a little flirt, as I found out rather quickly. Shy at first, hiding his face in his hands against the wall, then hiding his face against my stomach, and finally sticking his face in mine and busting a gut laughing. Too cute. I really hope I get to go back to that classroom.

For some entertainment and recreation this week, a few trips to the peninsula and out into the Mount parking lot to skate proved to be a lot of fun and a good way to relax and let out a little stress. Carrie and I skated a few laps around the circle just in front of the entrance way to the monastery, and gave the sister at the front desk that night some laughs as she suddenly saw two girls "whizzing" by rather effortlessly! We also *sort of* "learned" how to play hand and foot, a card game. If you were to put me into the game right now, I'd fall flat on my face. I need a few more lessons, I think.

Now, as I come to my first full weekend here, I find myself wondering what to do. EXPLORE! That is the only answer.

I caught the deer!

And So it Begins

After about a day and a half, I can finally say I am all settled into my new home for the year. Bags are unpacked and pictures are up in my room. I've spent two nights here, and explored the city on my own with my friend, and I have already caught glimpse of the deer I've heard so much about over the years, but have never had a chance to see. And I've experienced nothing but warm welcomes and hugs from many of the sisters. All in all, I can say this has been a great couple of days.

Today begins the work, and this morning I will be going to the food pantry. I am quite eager to get my feet wet, and I can't wait for what the week has in store. Stay tuned, I'm sure I'll have many updates for you soon!

"The Future Belongs to the Few of Us Still Willing to Get Our Hands Dirty"

**This will be my last random-day post. From here on out I will be updating every Monday.**


The day is almost here. Move-in day. Now for this question: am I ready? Well, I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Have I packed? Yup! Well, I'm almost all packed. I just have some clothes left, but that's all. It's a nice feeling, not to be rushing the day before or the morning of. Relaxing and deep breaths are key right now.

It's been such a strange idea, moving again. It really shouldn't be, since this exact time the past four years has been the same thing: packing up and moving out of the house at the end of the Summer. I dormed all four years of college, so leaving home is not new, nor does it scare me or make me nervous. And I'm moving out only one week before I would be leaving to go back to school anyway, so it isn't any earlier than usual. However, this move is quite different than it has been these four years. For one, I'm not leaving to go back to school, so wrapping my head around the fact that I can no longer say my occupation is being a student is a little difficult to get used to. Second, I'm also moving out of state. Granted it's just from New York to Pennsylvania, one state away and only two hours from my parents, but still. The longest I've ever lived out of state was two years ago when I spent a Summer in Tennessee. This will be for one year, and who knows, possibly longer depending on where this year takes me. And third, I am moving into a monastery, which still boggles the minds of everyone I tell this to, and to be honest, it's a strange notion to me sometimes. And to hear myself say it aloud is surprising at times.

With just over 48 hours before I'll be moving in, all kinds of thoughts, nerves, and emotions are running EVERYWHERE! I'm excited, but nervous. Happy to be moving out of the house, but sad to leave my family. Ready to take this on, but finding myself ever wishing for one more day to be "more ready". I guess it's just this entire lifestyle change that I will be entering into. I am fairly familiar with it, but not entirely, and I am still asking myself, what am I doing?

I guess the bottom line is, I need to take a cue from Father Bucki at Canisius and just "RELAX", allow myself to just be me, and trust in God that this is the right thing for me at this time in my life, everything will be OK, and I will be just fine. I keep remembering what I said to my small group during Senior Retreat just before graduation: I have become really good in the last 2 years or so at putting myself in different, unsure, out there, and sometimes uncomfortable positions, and gaining so much from them in ways I never would have imagined. So bring it on. I am ready, and I know I will grow.



This week has been full of family dinners and chances to spend with my parents and brother. Last night we went to Joe's Crab Shack, a chain restaurant that recently opened its first New York State location just outside of Buffalo. 

My bucket full of 1 1/4 lbs of steamed crab, potatoes and corn

Yumm!

The Blessing of Family

Tonight wraps up a weekend full of visits with out-of-town and local family, some that I only get to see once a year, or once every 3 years or so. Yesterday was our annual Boyd Family Picnic, a family reunion on my Mother's side of the family that is always held the first Saturday of August. There is always a lot to catch up on with everyone, and this year was no exception. And today, my Grandmother's cousin and her husband celebrated 50 years of marriage with a wonderful party at Salvatore's Italian Gardens, an upscale restaurant in the Buffalo, NY area.

After a year of hard loss with the death of my great-grandfather in February, a rock in our family, I really began to realize the important role several members of my family have played, and continue to play in my life. Not to say that I haven't known that all along, but there are moments and events that bring that realization to the front of the line. As I am gearing up for the Benedicta Riepp program and getting ready to begin the next stage in my life, I felt blessed to be surrounded by family that has been able to stand the test of time, and have faith through all of life's challenges.

After countless questions about what my next step in life will be after graduation, and explaining what this next year will involve, I feel ready to take on life knowing I have the support of all of my family members, immediate and extended, near and far away, those I have known my entire life and some that have recently joined our family. As the challenges surface throughout this next year, I'll carry in my heart the love, well wishes, and the advice of all of my family members.

In other news, 13 days until Erie! As of right now, I am excited and ready to begin. A change of scenery is needed. Have I packed? Of course not. As the saying goes: "Procrastinators of the world, UNITE!...Tomorrow."

8-Year-Old Logic

How exactly does one explain what I am doing this next year to three 8 year olds?? I'm trying to figure that out myself. The girls I watch have known for a couple of weeks now that I am leaving and moving somewhere new very soon. Up until now they have been asking pretty simple questions like "Where are you moving to?" or "What will you be doing at your new job?" or "How far away will you be?" And those I can answer with little confusion, and I can even pull up a map to show them where exactly I'll be. But today, a whole new flood of questions came my way.

We were cooped up inside most of the day because of the lovely 98 degree weather and heat index of about 115, and I guess their minds were racing. It started because we were talking about chocolate (I don't remember why) and Maddy brought up the chocolate that I brought them from my most recent trip to Erie less than two weeks ago. I had stopped by Romolo Chocolates (website) to get my fix and had bought each of my girls a chocolate soccer ball sucker. Maddy fell in love and today asked me if we could go and get some more. Trying to explain to an 8 year old that this place is two hours away and only accessible by a very busy thruway that her parents would probably not be happy with me taking her on is not an easy thing to do. And then the floodgates opened.

"Is it where you will be living?"
"Yes."
"Can you mail some to me?"
".........possibly."
"Will you have time while you are down there?"
"Now and then."
"What will you be doing when you are there?"
"A lot of different things."
"Explain!"

I cannot describe to you the look on all three of their faces (I watch twin girls, the third is their friend that comes over most days) when I told them where I will be living, and who I will be living with. I wish I had a camera or my phone on me at that moment.

"Do you have a house down there?"
"Sort of. It's not mine, but I'll be living in a big house. Bigger than your house."
"No way!"
"Yes way!"
"What is it?"
"A monastery."
(Cue confusion)
"......what's that??"
"A place where nuns live. Do you know what a nun is?"

Their friend did, and hearing her try to describe to the other two what a nun is was so mind blowing I don't even know how she did it. I did my best, and I can't even remember how I explained it. But they asked what religion I am and what religion the nuns are and now they think if you are Catholic you are a nun. So if you ask them, I'm becoming a nun, and I'm living in a church.

Then they asked where I will be working, and since I don't know the exact place(s) yet, I kind of gave them an idea of the different options I have. When they found out I have a chance to work with kids they decided they are going to ask their parents to move down there. Good luck with that.

I have a feeling this is only the beginning of the questions. I think I need some more practice explaining things in 8-year-old-eese. Is there a handbook for this? I can only use the excuse "ask your parents" so much before they climb on me like monkeys and demand an answer! Maybe I'll perfect it in the next four weeks. I can only hope.

My monkeys are pictured below with me in the pool, our new home for this heat wave that doesn't seem to want to go away. Madison is on the left and Elizabeth is on the right. 

What to Pack or What Not to Pack...That Is the Question

With only five weeks left until the move, I thought I should get started on some packing. I have done this every year for the past four years before the move back into the college dorm, or at least I attempt to begin early. It hasn't always ended the way I planned for it to, and we'll see if this year is any different. But since I'd like to spend my last week home hanging out with family that I won't get to see very much in the next year, I should probably get going on this packing...thing.

The nice thing about this move is that I don't have to pack up my entire life. No furnishing a kitchen or a living room. No bringing my entire bedroom with me. My plan, and I stress that idea, my plan is to pack only a select few things: my two suitcases full of clothes, my duffle bag full of toiletries, one large Rubbermaid bin full of little trinkets and photographs and extra things to make my room feel a little more like home, and then my bicycle and inline skates for recreation purposes. This should actually fit in my little PT Cruiser rather nicely. It can fit a lot more in it than people give it credit for. Yay for hatchbacks!

I'm really looking forward to this adventure, although the two little girls I watch would rather I not leave. Every day Maddy asks if I can just find a job here or continue to babysit them, and every time the local news stations announce a new job opening, she tells me to apply for it. Too cute, and heartbreaking also. Maybe they will just have to visit me!