Blog Silence

Hey there people who still read this blog. Sorry for the blog silence. January has been busy. -50 degree temperatures. Visits from my big sister and her kids and now my big brother and his oldest. And Latin. Lots and lots of Latin.  I'm taking a J-Term intensive course in Latin as part of my program requirements, since I'm supposed to be able to laboriously read original Latin sources like Aquinas or Augustine .... with the use of a dictionary of course!  All is going well. It is just very, very time consuming.

In other news, I have discovered that my personality matches Dumbledore and Obi-Wan, so all is well with the world. ;)

Otherwise, not much to report. Just thought I'd check in on the blog in the hopes that it gets me back in a bloggy mood!

Relationship

Your Heart is Simple

You don't understand why people complicate love so much. It doesn't need to be dramatic or difficult. You prefer a deep relationship that's stable and full of meaning. Being with the right person gives you purpose. You are not competitive when it comes to love. You figure either someone loves you or not - you can't control it. You love the many layers of a long-term relationship. You like knowing someone better than anyone else in the world.

The Crazy Heart Test

My heart may be simple, but life has been complicated lately.  When my life gets messy and my schedule overly busy, a few things tend to slide.  My room becomes an obstacle course for one thing.  And sadly, I also cut back on time for prayer.  Crazy, I know.  I should know better.  Yet, when I look back on the crazy level of my life I can usually find a correlation to the time I give to prayer and reflection. Less prayer and reflection, more crazy.

Last night, I was drawn to pray with the office book that our Sisters use in most of our communities, large and small. And wouldn't you know it, I heard exactly what I needed to hear!  Everything complicated was not magically fixed, but I was grounded and connected to my loving God.

A few months ago a friend told me that the reason she makes going to Church every Sunday a priority, no matter how she's feeling or how much she likes the liturgy/preaching/pastor/community is relationship.  As she sees it, it's a matter of keeping up her part of the relationship, being present, showing up.  I've reflected on that quite a bit since.  Really, prayer is about relationship.

Many years ago when my mom was dying from cancer and my own relationship with God was on shaky ground, a very wise priest friend suggested I read the Psalms.  At the time, I was having some issues with God (understandably) and didn't feel like I could pray and connect in a peaceful way. He pointed out to me that the Psalms are filled with anger and emotion at the pain and suffering the world.  Think person shaking fist at sky.  He then helped me realize that anger is a very intimate emotion.  God wants to be with us at our angry moments, our fist shaking moments, our moments of frustration, and exacerbation, just as much as God is with us at the happy, grace filled moments of peace, joy, and gratitude.

Before I end, a quick note on the silly blog quiz heart I picked.  It is an open heart.  It wasn't until after I took the quiz (due to some major bloggy writers block yet a desire to write something) that I realized the open heart is key for me and my vocation journey.  You see, it's the personal motto I had inscribed on the inside of my profession ring: "Live with an open heart."

Amen

Silly Blog Quiz ... Trees

It's been almost a week since my last post. For those of you who actually check this page expecting to see something new, my apologies.  School is busy and my course content is rather intense this semester, with courses in topics such as the ethics of power and racial justice, spirituality of human rights abuse survivors, and sexual ethics.  Hence, on this snowy Saturday morning before I dive into my homework I give you a silly blog quiz on trees. That's about all my brain can handle.

You Are Smart and Reflective

You are a brilliant and independent thinker. Ideas are important to you. You need a lot of alone time to develop your theories and views. You are an introvert. You get along with anyone who likes to think and learn. You are never superficial. You spend a lot of time thinking about morality. You try to do what's right, even if most of society disagrees.

The Tree Test

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

Why did I pick a blog quiz about trees?  Because this transplanted Pacific Northwesterner who is sojourning in the Mid West for her graduate studies misses trees.  Don't get me wrong, I'm looking out the window on this March morning and looking at trees.  But they are bare of any green leaves, standing strong in the midst of snow flurries, with no sign of green in the near future.  Meanwhile, my inner sense of seasons, trained from 20+ years in the PNW, is yearning for green.  Tall green cedars and lush green forests, nourished by a light gentle mist.

So I picked this quiz.  I picked this tree.  And discovered that this is apparently where I am supposed to be right now. I don't know that I'm brilliant, but I do enjoy playing with the world of ideas and how they apply to the world at large.  I need to remind myself that this is why I am here, this is why my community encouraged me to engage in academic studies, so that I could have some time and the resources to learn more, delve into theology and ethics, and develop some of these ideas. 

And while I still miss green and forests, I know where to find them.  Our reading week coincides with Holy Week, and I will be heading back to Seattle to spend some time in the forest with our Sisters. By the time I come back to Chicago, it will be April and surely signs of spring will be visible here as well.

In the meantime, back to my studies!

Peace Out.

Heart Shaped Blog Quiz

Feeling a little under the weather, so no major thoughts to share.  Instead, I give you a blog quiz:

You Have a Content Heart

Your heart doesn't crave much. It doesn't take much to make your heart happy. You may or may not have found love, but either way, your heart is at peace. If your heart has been broken, you are over it. Your heart has no scars. Your heart is open to anything. You have a lot of love to give to the world.

The Hand Drawn Heart Test

Blogthings: Our Quizzes Weren't Written By Bored 12 Year Olds

Indeed I do.  Today I opened my mailbox and found a Valetine's Card from one of my CSJP Sisters in Seattle.  It made me smile (thank you to you know who!).  Later this week I have an overnight date with my 2 1/2 year old nephew.  It's his parents wedding anniversary. These are things that make my heart content.  I have so many good people in my life.  Who could want more?

What I would like is for this migraine to go away.  My head is not content at the moment, even if my heart is.

Peace my friends.

New Years Themed Blog Quiz

Howdy everyone! I know the blog has been a little quiet.  After a great week with my Dad and then a wonderful Christmas with my sister and her family, I've been in my room working on my non-school-related to do list.  While I have not checked everything off, I am happy to say that some of the biggest items are done, others are in progress, and I'm starting to think of the others.

But for now, it's time for a break! One of my "young nun" friends is coming into town tomorrow night for a few days.  It will be good to see her, visit, see a few sights, and just generally hang out.  In fact, this blog quiz I think pretty much sums up our New Year's Eve plans, although dinner out might also be part of the plan!

You Should Stay Home for New Year's Eve

By the time New Year's Eve comes around, you are usually exhausted. You just need to rest. That doesn't mean you won't celebrate, but you'll definitely be toasting the new year in your own low key way. You'll reflect on the year that's passed and make plans for the year to come. And when the clock turns over at midnight, you'll be cheering along with anyone else. You'll just be in your pj's!

How Should You Spend New Year's Eve?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Blessings of Peace and Joy in the New Year! 2013. Hard to believe.

Foggy Headed Blog Quiz

Given the normal state of things, I think this silly blog quiz is actually fairly accurate:

Your Thoughts Are Creative

When it comes to thinking, you definitely like to "color outside the lines" a little. You're not totally wacky, but you do put your own interesting spin on the world. For you, every contrast is a little bit deeper and every idea is a little more profound. Amazing things can come from your thoughts. You've got a lot of original ideas in there.

The Thought Bubble Test

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

But, I've succombed to the cold weather crud and my thoughts are more foggy than anything else.  Alas, I still have 16 pages of a 20 page paper to write, and another 20 page paper to research and write in the next two weeks. Professors also keep assigning interesting readings (as if I have time!).  Sigh ... All will be well. I just wish I would be well soon! :)

When life gets too seriously silly ...

There's too much silliness in the world, of the serious variety.  So rather than an actual blog post, I give you a silly blog quiz.

You Are Unity

You are simply joyful. You find it easy to have peace of mind. You bond easily and freely with others. You don't get wrapped up in selfish concerns. You are receptive and approachable. You are welcome the world with open arms. You are good at resolving conflicts and making sure everyone is satisfied. You mediate well.

Are You Peace, Love, Unity, or Respect?

Blogthings: We'll Tell You The Truth... Someone Has To!

Blog Quiz Morning ... My Happy Word

No profound thoughts this morning, so instead I give you a silly blog quiz:

Your Happy Word is "Bliss"

You are happy because you don't need a lot to be content. You experience happiness in the best and worst of times. You see the divine in everything. You believe that every moment, person, and creature is unique and special. You are an oasis of calm in this chaotic world. You never lose your head. You can feel totally elated and exuberant from the smallest pleasures. You don't hold back when it comes to ecstasy.

What's Your Happy Word?

I don't know that I'm an expert at bliss nor ecstasy, but over the past seven+ years my life has become more simple, as has what makes me happy.  I'm also not sure that I am an oasis of calm in this chaotic world, but I do find that being grounded both in community and a regular prayer practice helps me stay focused on what matters.  Life, love, beauty, God. In the grand scheme of things, I am pretty lucky.  Not only are my basic needs met, I am able to share my gifts to make the world a better place, have a loving family, great friends, and a community to challenge and support me.  What more do I need?

Air travel related blog quiz

Since the majority of this afternoon/evening will be in the air.  Actually, I will be trying to catch up on my reading for my last Women in Scripture class tomorrow night!

Your Personality at 35,000 Feet Is Thoughtful and Contemplative

Deep down, you prefer spending time alone to spending time with others. You enjoy thinking more than talking. You don't spend much time thinking about your place in the world. You are who you are - and people can just deal with that! Your gift is having a way with words. You know how to express yourself well. You are inspired by freedom. Whenever you are able to do what you want, good things happen. You are happy as long as you are given some personal space. It's important for you to have your own private life.

The Personality Test at 35,000 Feet

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Return of the silly blog quiz

As the results of this silly blog quiz indicate, I've got oodles of things on my plate.  Hence the light blogging of late. (I rhymed!).  School has started. I've got a few projects I'd hoped to finish before school started, but alas that was not to be.  Things in my ministry are heading into full swing as the fall season descends. You know the drill.  Failing to have the time, space or inspiration for a blog post, I resorted to the tried and true silly blog quiz, seasonally themed ....

You Are Charming and Impassioned

You encourage others to take a leap and to take action. You know it's hard to make that first step sometimes. You are easily distracted. You prefer to multitask, and you're always adding a new task to your list. You have a positive attitude. You try to keep a sunny disposition, even when life is getting you down. The potential for great leadership is there, as long as you don't abuse it. You have a lot more power over people than you might think.

The Autumn Leaves Color Test

Luckily, in the midst of my busy-ness I had an opportunity to attend an evening of reflection last week at Seattle U.  I was reminded me of my desire to enter fully into the rhythm of life, rather than to seek the elusive balance.  Sometimes that rhythm is slower, other times it is at breakneck speed.  Speaking of rhythm, I was also reminded of this poem that I wrote a few years ago on retreat at the ocean.

Here the stout ocean pines dance

swiftly in the wind

as seagulls glide overhead

the sun peaks through
the dusting of cotton ball clouds
just for a moment
and is gone

I spot two minuscule ants crawling
into my lap, they think --
Buddhist nun I am not

Yet the waves gently crawl
into the lap of my heart
one by one
over and over
the heartbeat of God?

Am I the first to ponder
their continuous rhythm - surely not
Rolling in
rolling out
since time began

No replay button or pause
Simply in
simply out
sometimes strong
sometimes very soft

But always there
Always here

The great "I Am"  

Whether in the quite space of retreat or the busy craziness of life in ministry and study, God is there.  A happy thought to end my day with.

moving my you know what

Hmmm ... not so sure about this quiz result, although given that I am trying to be more intentional and regular with exercise these days, perhaps I would newly qualify as conscientious (and reforming couch potato). No gym membership these days ... I'm recently back to my old friend the exercise video.

Your Fitness Type is Conscientious

You are committed to fitness and good health. That's motivation enough to keep exercising. It's likely that you belong to a gym where you can get in a variety of exercise. You're always pushing yourself to be stronger and better. You value routine, and sometimes you're reluctant to deviate from what you've grown to love. Try to add one or two new exercises to the mix every so often. Your body will get even stronger from being shocked.

What's Your Fitness Personality?

Resurfacing

I had a great mini-retreat. Have been back at work this week, working on the last issue of our quarterly justice journal for the year. Other assorted odds and ends as well, including oodles of homework, happy hour with a friend last night and acupuncture tonight for a persistent eye twitch. The eye twitch has a tendency to appear when I've got too many balls in the air that I'm trying to juggle. Looking at my to-do list, that would accurately describe my life at this particular moment! Ministry, community, and school ... oh my! But there is a light at the end of the tunnel otherwise known as beginning of summer, which here in the rainy Pacific Northwest is firmly calendered well into June!

So much to write and reflect upon, especially given our current state of world affairs. Hopefully I'll have time for that in the very near future. In the meantime, I give you a silly eye related blog quiz in honor of the eye twitch that I hope has gone away for a good long while. (My eyes, by the way, are in fact brown).

Your Eyes Should Be Brown

Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom People find you to be: Loyal, honest, and comforting Your best trait: You are comfortable with who you are, and you don't pretend to be someone you're not What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

jelly belly morning

I had an in depth conversation this morning with my niece Julia about Jelly Beans. It seems a certain rabbit of Easter came to her house this morning and left lots of the little sugary creations in plastic easter eggs which were scattered about. She was fast, so she told me, faster than her little 11 month old cousin so she got the most eggs. And, it seems, she also got the most jelly beans. We agreed that red ones are the best. After that she likes orange ones. And green ones. I told her I didn't like black ones, and she agreed that those sounded yucky, although she didn't think she had any of that variety.

I had a wonderful Holy Week and Easter celebration with the Sisters, but it was good to be able to check in with some of my munchkins this Easter by phone!

You Are a Cherry Jelly Bean

Sweet yet strong, you have a distinct personality without being a weirdo. You're the most normal of all flavors - but you're never boring.

What Flavor Jelly Bean Are You?

chirping blog quiz

It is indeed spring. The birds are chirping--even in the results of this morning's silly blog quiz. Days are getting longer. Thanks to the labor of my gardening housemate, we have tulips and daffodils and other assorted spring blossoms in our front yard. And thankfully, the beautiful blooming trees on our block are almost finished (which means my allergies are almost finished!).

It's also spring quarter. I start my Christian Ethics class this weekend. I've plugged through most of the readings, which were really quite fascinating. I think it's going to be a very interesting class, but we will have to see. Hopefully like the blog quiz says, I'm able to listen attentively.

On that note, must scoot like a chirping bird and get to ready for school.

You Are Chirping Birds

You are a very caring person. You especially feel for innocent beings, like animals and children. You are keyed in to the world and very peaceful. You believe that everyone is connected. You remain focused and in the moment. You are not easily distracted. You have a good memory, especially for things that you hear. You listen carefully.

What Part of Spring Are You?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

Spring has Sprung

Spring has sprung. I don't need my sense of sound or sight to tell me ... my allergies are enough! There are so many beautifully blooming trees around me that I haven't been able to breathe through my nose for more than a month! I still love spring, even if my sinuses and lungs don't!

Spring quarter starts this weekend. I'm taking a class that is held over two weekends this quarter. As a result, all of my free time has been spend reading the assigned reading on moral theology and Christian ethics!

Homework + allergies = lack of blog posts.

Your Spring Sense is Sound

You love the way the sounds change during the spring time. It's like the whole world is waking up. First the birds start chirping. Then the kids start playing. Before you know it, life is back in full swing again. You are observant, thoughtful, and even philosophical. You like taking the time to pay attention to things. You notice the little details that everyone else seems to overlook. And your memories tend to be extremely vivid.

What's Your Spring Sense?

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Random Bakery Related Blog Quiz

You Are a Cranberry Scone

The early part of your day is filled with a bit of confusion and grumpiness. You may enjoy the taste of breakfast, but you are certainly not a morning person in any other way. Mornings are very difficult for you. Most days you're just trying to survive until lunch. You're the type most likely to not have a scone unless someone gives you one. Getting a nice breakfast together isn't exactly you're strong point.

What Kind of Scone Are You?

Blogthings: Learn Something Surprising About Yourself

So true! And coincidentally, when I make scones (which I learned how to do during my novitiate experience in England), I make cranberry scones!

not so sure about this

So I've got no thoughts that I can condense into a blog post. Instead I give you a silly blog post ... one that as the title of this blog post indicates, I'm not so sure about. But it's something nice to aspire to!

You Are the Guru

You are a naturally good counselor. You are inspiring, encouraging, and compassionate. You are eager to help everyone who crosses your path, even those who don't want to be helped. You are a natural healer. People feel at peace when they are with you. You are so good for people, in fact, that they go through withdrawal once you're gone. You quietly do your own thing, without openly resisting. You secretly try to fix every problem. Your biggest regret is not being able to help as many people as you'd like.

What Role Do You Play?

Blogthings: Free Quizzes for Everyone

Busy about many things

I just realized that I haven't posted all week! Life got busy after the weekend in Arizona, as life is apt to do. All good stuff ... work, community, study ... you know how it goes. And so, in lieu of a profound blog post I give you a silly blog quiz.

You Are Stable

On the outside, you are a happy-go-lucky person. On the inside, you are a lot more complicated than that. You are a bit hard to read, and purposely so. You don't want to broadcast your feelings to the world. You are quite mature, and you are able to give back to others. You don't have to make it all about you. Community is important to you. You like to stay involved and engaged in order to lend a hand.

The Happy Smiley Test

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

New Year

I'm not really one for New Year's Resolutions, and yet it is nice to have a point on the calendar tailor made to help us take stock, an opportunity to start over, to re-energize our intentionality in our lives.

And so this silly blog quiz is actually close to the mark. My life is pretty busy and stressful due to a variety of factors, and most likely that's not going to change. As the quiz says, since my life isn't going to change, I'm going to have to change.

I used today to de-clutter my room. My prayer space is now clear and inviting, and my hope for myself is that I use this physical space and make space in my daily life to just "be" with God, to make room for God's love and for my response, trusting that God working in me can accomplish more than I can ask or imagine.

You Should Resolve to Manage Stress

Your life is crazy right now, and it doesn't seem like it's about to calm down. Since your life isn't going to change, you're going to have to change. You have to learn how to relax. You don't have to commit to being a zen meditator, but you should find an activity or two that helps you relieve stress. It may seem like a waste of time to relax, but you're going to break if you don't let some peace into your life.

What New Year's Resolution Should You Make?

Blogthings: Cheaper Than a Therapist

Snow Globe Quiz

Many of my family, friends and CSJP Sisters & Associates (on the East Coast & the UK) are living in a snow globe right now. I'm happily in a snow free Christmas environment. Except for this silly blog quiz that is:

You Are Creative

You see the world in interesting and unique ways. You are definitely a visionary. You are constantly being inspired to create something new. You are a natural artist. You see beauty in almost everything. You can appreciate people for who they truly are. You are authentic and honest. You may be a bit quirky, but you never hide the real you.

The Christmas Snow Globe Test

The First Rule of Blogthings Is: You Don't Talk About Blogthings