Wow!

Less than 24 hours ago I started a "blog-a-thon" to raise money for Heifer International to help end world Hunger. I came back from a day away from the computer (see below for details) to see that the contribution thermometer is up to 96% of my goal of $500. That doesn't include a pledge of $50 so really I'm above my goal by $30. Wow! Thanks to everyone who contributed to such a worthy cause. And if you haven't contributed but would still like to, I'm totally ok with exceeding my fundraising goal by buckets of money! Especially since it will provide families in need with food and a livelihood.

I am SO feeling the Christmas Spirit.

Now for the update on my day away not only from the computer but from the Novitiate House and fine state of New Jersey: I spent the day in New York City with a Paulist priest friend of mine. I took the bus across the GW Bridge and then caught the Subway to Columbus Circle and walked the 2 blocks to the Rectory. It took just under an hour and was easy as pie! My charming host then led me on a grand tour of the City. We saw the windows at Macy's AND snuck a peek at Santa. We had lunch at an Indian Restaurant in NoHo and dessert in Little Italy. We visited both the Old St Patrick's Cathedral and the new one. Checked out the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and skating rink. And walked back by way of Central Park. My feet are TIRED but my spirit is renewed (and one might even say Christmas-y). It was great to spend the day with my friend Rick and to see New York with all the hustle & bustle of Christmas.