7 Money Makeover Commitments

I've decided it is time to make my Total Money Makeover a total commitment!  If I want to move myself toward debt-free living I need to make some changes and some new commitments!

  Recently I was catching up on The BudgetingDiaries series over at Our Life On A Budget (one of my favorite blogs)… I am enjoying these series because it not only shows the deals, or the frugal life-hacks, it also allows me to meet people and learn their stories and their lifestyles.   Learning about the "who" behind the "what" and "why" has been a great help in the motivation department! 

7 Ways I Am Committing To My Total Money Makeover!

(1)    Not Sacrificing My Mental Health for My Financial Health
This one has been (and likely will continue to be) a struggle for me.  As I mentioned in my last post, I have been struggling with some issues relating to depression and anxiety.  I have determined that my second job is no longer a good fit for me, and I have taken an indefinite leave of absence.  In the short term this means some back-stepping financially, but I am committed to looking at the big picture, and not allowing myself to feel guilty about what I know was a necessary decision.  I am also committed to not allowing myself to allow the price-tag to keep me away from proper mental health treatment.  

(2)    Simple Christmas
I am committed to not spending money I can’t afford on Christmas.

(3)    Homecooking
I am committed to cooking at home.  To making packed lunches for work.  To skipping the fast-food and the coffee stops.

(4)    Charity

I am committed to supporting charities in accordance with my values and my budget.

(5)    Lilla Rose Business

I am committed to my Lilla Rose business.  I am committed to working this business to extent allowed by my career and to growing it into a valuable income.

(6)    Order and Organization 

I am committed to growing in order and organization. Neither of these virtues come naturally to me.  I am committed to learning to better order my time and space to best use these resources for my overall financial good. 

(7)    Purging

I am committed to sorting and purging excess goods in a way which will benefit me financially (and help with #6).   This may include bringing books to a used bookstore, donating items to charity, consigning clothing, or selling things online.

This post is linked up at some cool web-places, including:
This Ain't The Lyceum, Time Warp Wife, The Modest Mom Blog,

7 Smiles

Pope Francis has taken over my internet! When you attended a Catholic college, have friends working at Catholic schools and universities, an follow Catholic bloggers... I guess you should just be prepared for everyone to head to Philadelphia and see the Pope.  Since I am not speaking at the World Meeting of Families, attending Mass in Madison Square Garden or anything else equally motivating - I thought that for my seven quick takes I would share some fun (mostly non-Pope related) links from throughout the interwebs to make you smile. So here you are... 7 quick smiles :)

Because, Buddy the Elf was right - "smiling is my favorite."

(1) This post I found via New Wave Feminists

How cute is that baby?!

 (2) These awesome Halloween costumes - and the Dad who created an entire company dedicated to building even more of them!

(3) Pope Francis stopping his car, to greet a child with cerebral palsy in Philadelphia (c'mon I said mostly not about the Pope).

 

(4) The excitement of these children who got to greet Pope Francis upon his arrival to Harlem! 

 I love their attitude and the facts they share about him - his love of soccer, stamp collecting etc.  (Having trouble posting the video, but watch it!!)

(5) The dedication of a local school in memory of a recent military hero.
So often we see schools named for heroes from generations past, this school was named for a recent hero.  A man who died less than 6 years ago after sustaining injuries in Afghanistan, and whose parents and family members were able to attend the dedication.

(6) Dogs on a train!

(7) PYO 
 Number 7 is pick your own smiles :)  This is for the little thing that made you smile throughout the week... I am probably missing some but there were many more things from the internet world that made me smile this week - the newly announced flexi styles from Lilla Rose, the viral video of a little girl demanding her newly-divorced parents stay friends, lots of great pictures from friends attending weddings, and last (but totally not least) this awesome apple butter recipe I plan to try next week!



7QT

Yes, I disappeared again.  But now.... I'm back!  I would say "I really do plan to blog this time," but umm, been there, said that. (I really do plan to this time but, no promises!).

 

So... while I was busy not blogging, what have I been up to?

(1) Working!
I still work a lot.  In the past few months I received a promotion, quit my second job, and became a consultant with Lilla Rose so work pretty much is my life at the moment.

 

(2) Reading

I am still a big fan of reading, but I still don't do it as often as I used to. 

 

(3) Planning

In making the decision to give up my second job, I wanted to be careful not to simply spend the extra 20-ish hours a week lounging around my apartment or wasting time.  I decided that despite the income they bring in, the hours spent at my second job simply weren't adding value to my life, so I decided to figure out what I COULD do with that time that would improve my life.  I've decided to focus on a few key areas -

Personal Wellness - Mind, Body and Spirit

Professional Development

Hospitality

 

(4) "Wellness Hour"

Wellness has been a bit of a struggle for me of late, and I know that all areas of my health, not just physical but also mental and emotional can really use some work.  The biggest thing I've decided is to start implementing a daily "wellness hour."  I am planning to put this into effect as soon as I am down to one job, by dedicating the first hour after I get out of work to doing something to support one or more of the areas of wellness i.e. walking, going to the gym, attending daily Mass etc.

 

 

Hmm... and now a few around the web quick takes of things which made me laugh, smile and think in the past few weeks:

 

(5) God Bless the White & Gray

Sisters' got talent!

 

(6) Baby Quinoa

I always enjoy reading The Penny Hoarder, to get ideas on how to make and save money and continue (admittedly half-heartedly of late) my frugal lifestyle and TMMO attempts. This post on how to get $10,000 by naming your child Quinoa made me laugh!

 

(7) This Video
Yes, this is a video about Magic Mike. Yes, it is a PG-rate movie.  Yes, I am aware I just linked up to a Catholic blogger link-up with a post about Magic Mike. Yes, Channing Tatum is handsome.



Saints

If you haven't caught on yet from the frequency of their inclusion in my recent quotes posts, I like saints.  What can I say, I'm Catholic?  As a Catholic I see the saints as role models to help us in our faith journey, but I also know that the concept of saints is something which separates Catholic & Orthodox Christians from most of our Protestant friends.  While some liturgical Protestants (Lutherans and Anglicans most notably) do have saints, the role is still a bit different.  So here are a few quick takes about the saints, hopefully it can bring some understanding for my non-Catholic/Orthodox readers and also inspire some of those cradle Catholics who already consider themselves quite knowledgeable :)

 

(1) Who ARE the saints?
The term "saint" (as used in the Nicene or Apostle's creeds) simply refers to all of the people in heaven.  All of them, even your grandma.  Saint with a capital S, refers to a particular saint who has been canonized in the Church.
 

 

(2) Intercession of Saints
"Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness... They do not cease to intercede to the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped." 

- Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 956 

 

(3) Icons

"The icons of the saints act as a meeting point between the living members of the Church [Miltant] on Earth and the Saints who have passed on to the church [Triumpant] in Heaven. The Saints depicted on the Icons are not remote legendary figures from the past, but contemporary, personal friends. As meeting points between Heaven and Earth, the Icons... constantly remind the faithful of the invisible presence of the whole company of Heaven; they visibly express the idea of Heaven on earth."
-From a monk at St. Tikhon's Abbey in The Holy Orthodox Church: Her Life and Teachings

(4) Veneration
" Basing itself on the mystery of the Incarnate Word, the seventh eceumenical council at Nicea (787) justified... the veneration of icons - of Christ, but also the Mother of God, the angels, and all of the saints... Indeed 'the honor rendered to an image renders to its prototype,' and 'whoever venerates an image venerates the person portrayed in it.' The honor paid to sacred images is a 'respectful veneration' not the adoration due to God alone."
- CCC 2131-2132

(5) Saints Point Us Toward God
Religious worship is not directed to images in themselves, considered as mere things, but under their distinctive aspect as images leading us on to God incarnate. The movement toward the image does not terminate in it as image, but tends toward that whose image it is.
^{- Summa Theologica}

(6) Heaven Rejoices
Everyone in heaven is concerned about our repentance & salvation.
"There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine persons who do not need to repent." (Luke 15:7, NIV)
"There is rejoicing in the presence of angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)

(7) Patron Saints
"The patron saint provides a model of charity and an assurance of his prayer."
-CCC 2165

Linked Up At:
This Ain't The Lyceum, The Modest Mom Blog
 



Indifference, Inspiration, And Other Things I Didn't Say

When looking at the AtoZ blogging challenge for this year, I considered doing a quotes version with daily quotes by various famous and not so famous people that I liked and which had inspired me.  I (obviously) changed my mind, and decided to go eclectic instead.  But today is the exception as the biggest quote which stood out to me was one by Elie Wiesel about indifference.  Since I <3 quotes here are the words of Mr. Wiesel as well as several other quotes I thought worth sharing.

 

(1) Indifference

The opposite of love is not hate, its indifference.
The opposite of art is not ugliness, its indifference.
The opposite of faith is not heresy, its indifference.

And the opposite of life is not death, its indifference.

-Elie Wiesel

 

(2) (More) Indifference

The most deadly poison of our times is indifference.

- St. Maximillian Kolbe

 

(3) Simplicity

I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things in life which are the real ones after all. -

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

 

(4) Love

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts there can be no more hurt, only more love.

- Mother Teresa

 

(5) Suffering

Human suffering anywhere concerns men and women everywhere.

-Elie Wiesel, Night

 

(6) Challenges

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

(7) Habits

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not a virtue but a habit.

- Aristotle

Linked Up At:
Blogging from AtoZ Challenge, This Ain't The Lyceum, Missional Women, Create With Joy's Friendship Friday, The Modest Mom Blog



 

Debt & Money In The Bible

Today I am combining my participation in the AtoZ blogging challenge with participation in one of my favorite weekly linkups - 7 Quick Takes Friday. I decided pretty easily that letter "D" would be debt.  After all I have been reading Dave Ramsey, and I aspire to be debt free.  Then I realized that right now, I have been far from gazelle intense toward that goal.  I don't have one of those inspiring "getting out of debt" stories that I like to read on other peoples blogs.   But my letter D is still debt....

In one of his talks Dave discusses debt from a Biblical perspective, reminding us that debt is not a salvation issue, it is not something to send us to Hell, but still the Bible has nothing good to say about debt!  So for my inspiration and yours, here we have 7 quick takes on things the Bible does say about debt!

 

(1) Proverbs 22:7

"The borower is slave to the lender."

 

(2) Proverbs 6

"If you have put up security for a neighbor... free yourself like a gazelle from the hands of the hunter."
 

(3) Psalm 37:21
"The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives."

 

(4) Romans 13:8

"Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who has loved his neighbor has fulfilled the law."
 

(5) Deuteronomy 15:6 & 28:12
"You will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow."

(6) Ecclesiastes 5:5

"It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay."
 

(7) Proverbs 22:26-27
"Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you."

This post is linked up at:
Blogging from AtoZ Challenge, This Ain't The Lyceum, 5 Minutes For Faith, Missional Women, Create With Joy's Friendship Friday The Modest Mom Blog, Grace and Truth Weekly Christian Link Up, Soul Survival Christian Living Link Up



7 QT - Grateful for the New & Old Years

Yesterday I wrote about my theme for 2015 - Year of Gratefulness.  I am only two days into the new year, but thus far I am enjoying my theme!  As one year closes and another begins, I decided to share some of the things I am grateful for from 2014.
Linked up over at This Ain't the Lyceum for 7QT Friday.

 

(1) Memories

I am grateful for all the fun times and good memories from 2014.  Some of my highlights included: frequent meals at a new favorite restaurant Mexicali; spending a week w/ my family at the beach; a special birthday date; a visit from my long-distance friend from grad school including a day trip down to Rhode Island & Mystic with her as well as an evening in Boston; seeing the Improv Asylum in Boston with friends from College; St. Patrick's Day Parade weekend;  a daytrip to Mystic Aquarium & the beach; a family weekend trip to CT to celebrate my grandfather's 90th Birthday!; and a lot of fun holiday celebrations to round out the year.

 

(2) Dating a Great Guy

We are going through a season of change right now and not really sure where our relationship will go, but I am still grateful I had the chance to love and be loved by a really awesome guy, and to have a lot of fun together.

 

(3) New Friends

I am happy that 2014 gave me the opportunity to make new friends, and deepen some existing friendships.  I am glad I have a great group of ladies with whom I can enjoy both fun times and fellowship.

 

(4) Family

This one is nothing new, but I am still very grateful for my family!

 

(5) My Job(s)

As of October I have now been at my full-time job for a little over a year.  I recently had the chance to help with the training of some newer employees, and it really made me realize just how much I have learned in those fifteen months. I am really grateful to have a job I enjoy, the opportunity to work with good co-workers and a supervisor who I can learn a lot from.  I am also grateful to work for a company which treats its employees well, and where there is opportunity for career growth.

 

(6) Learning About Relationships

Before dating that great guy I mentioned in take 2, I didn't really have much dating experience.  I had been on dates but no real serious relationships.  As someone with mental illness, relationships have always been a struggle for me.  Whether it is a friendship a love relationship etc. I always struggle with knowing when to open up and how much. I act confident, but still constantly worry what others think of me. I wondered if I was even capable of love. I am grateful that 2014 taught me that I am lovable and capable of love.

 

(7) God's Faithfulness

I am grateful that God remains faithful to us at all times!


Linked up at This Ain't the Lyceum for 7 QT Friday.  Also linked up at:
Missional Women



7 Quick, Quick Takes

I don't even know the last time I participated in seven quick takes!  I have still been there as a reader on occasion, but I've been very much out of the blog circuit lately.  C'est la vie....

 

Here's What I've Been Up To Instead ---

 

 

(1) Working

I work. A lot.  So do all of you.  It's not all too interesting.

 

(2) Dating

I have a boyfriend.  I like him.  Sometimes we go on dates.  Sometimes we both work 60+ hour weeks and there are no dates. Sometimes we fight.  I love him.

 

(3) Budgeting

I am working on a Total Money Makeover ala Dave Ramsey.  It is part of the reason I'm back to blogging - it's a cheap hobby, and has the potential for side income.

(4) Shopping

I like to shop.  Yes I know I am on a budget.  Hence why I am all about thrift stores and thredUP!  Is anyone else digging thredUP's cute "GiftUP" section as much as me?
(P.S.  If you're not already a thredUP user here is a link, to get $10 off your first purchase!)

(5) SellingPart of my job involves sales.  I thought I would dislike that part.  It is actually my favorite part! And I am pretty good at it.  Like more than 150% to my goal good at it.

(6) Moving
I moved.  This is my first "on my own" big girl apartment. It was a bit overdue. 

(7) Forgetting
Moving has been humorous when I do things like go to cook and forget that I have no silverware.  On the plus side, I can scramble an egg with a spoon.  (Literally I had a spoon. One spoon.)

 

(7b) Decorating

That first "big girl" apartment means I get to decorate.  It is fun!  Me and my $5 thrift store budget managed to get several decorations :)



7 Quick Takes - Videos, Lenten Quinoa, and Other Favorites

Once again, life has been happening and blogging hasn't. C'est la vie.  I haven't been too busy to blog or any such, just haven't been writing (here or elsewhere).  But spring is a new season, and why not use this as a time to start up again? 

 

 

(1) This video.

 

I love this video.  Seriously. I. LOVE. this video.  I don't even have any strong personal connection to anyoen with Downs Syndrome (besides kids i worked with at camp, or individuals i work with now in my part time job). But I still love this video.  Must be a prolife thing :)

 

 

 

(2) Also This Video

My boyfriends brother is competing on The Voice, and of course he would love more views for his blind audition!  Social media is HUGE on this show, and the bigger following he gets the better.  Please check out his video, and share it with other music fans.

 

(3) Me.

Yes, one of my links is a shameless cross-sell to my other blog.  Starting April 1st, please visit L.B. Writes every Tuesday for my "Ten For Tuesdays" series where I will be sharing social media and marketing tips.  Learn about my passion for using social media for social good.

 

(4) thredUP

Anyone who knows me knows that I like bargain hunting and love thrifting! (I mean c'mon I managed a thrift store for a year!) Recently I have also come to love thredUP!   I had heard about it all throughout the web, but when Caroline over at the Modest Mom Blog posted a $15 first time shoppers credit I knew it was finally time to buy something!  For just a few dollars of shipping and handling I got a scarf, an Old Navy t-shirt, and a pair of red pants that retailed for over $80! And everything but the scarf still had original tags!  Score!

 

If you haven't shopped on thredUP yet you are missing out! Head over to their site today for great deals on both kid and adult clothes, and a $10 shopping credit on me.

 

(5) Vegangela Quinoa

So my dad is changing up his diet, and after reading WheatBelly that means limiting the carbs and losing the wheat.  Which of course means, I'm looking for new recipes to cook!  My google browsing brought me to, Vegangela a (you guessed it) vegan website, where I found this delicious and incredibly easy quinoa recipe! I have made it twice and enjoyed it both times.  Since we're not vegan, I put a dollop of sour cream and some cheese on top of the servings making it extra delicious.  Also worth noting - if you're like me and have a limited spice cabinet (read: garlic, Adobo, and some Mrs. Dash) improvising won't hurt this recipe! In fact the second time I made it I just used southwest seasoned diced tomatoes, added garlic powder and called it even. Still delicious.

 

(6) The Full Time Girl

I discovered this blog within the last couple of months, and I just love it.  We do have some differences theologically, but this girl is full of faith and just packs so much Truth into her posts! 

 

So far I think this great post on modesty, "5 Things Modesty Never Taught Me" is my favorite.  Like I said - so.much.Truth.

 

(7) St. Patrick's Day

Yes, I know it was on Monday but I'm from Western MA. We are all about parade weekend here, and for us that means this weekend!  I'm not Irish.  I'm not a big drinker.  And yet I look forward to this every year.  7,000 runners.  500,000 parade spectators.  Bands. Colleen floats.  Shamrocks in the street.  I love it.



Life Happens Again... 7 Quick Takes

It seems like "life happens" is simply the theme of my Quick Takes lately.  At least a three week hiatus is better than that 17 month one I took before I "re-started" blogging last month, right? I'm a little late to the party once again, but still linking up over at Jen's blog!

 

 

(1) How do the Mamas do it?
I have to admit that my foray into blogging, and my frequent perusing of link-ups from Conversion Diary and the Modest Mom Blog often leave me in awe of the fact that these women find the TIME to blog?  Seriously so many of these women are not only mothers but mothers of large families, homeschooling mothers, writers etc. and many of them have jobs outside of the home as well.  Seriously, how do ya'll find the time to add blogging to the list?

 

(2) Banking
I am still enjoying banking, and still not quite sure if this will be a detour or a new path - either way I am happy for the chance to do something new and enjoy it.

(3) Hypocrisy
I have to admit sometimes I feel like a hypocrite, teaching Jr. High Religious Ed yet coming to the realization that I missed Sunday mass more times than I care to count in the last year, and haven't been to Confession since I went out at Notre Dame in July/August...

(4) Encountering Sin
I am guessing (or is it hoping?) that the reason I feel like such a hypocrite and sinner so much lately, is not in as much that I am sinning more but in that I have been attending our Alpha Follow-Up Adult Ed program and making a conscious effort with my prayer life and JourneyLiving goals.  I definitely believe in the Franciscan philosophy that as we grow closer to God, we also become more aware of our sin.  After all nothing scares the devil more than to see Christians in love with Christ, and if it is happening he will definitely try to make us aware of our shortcomings.

(5) Satan Trembles When He Sees...
Does anybody else know the hymn "Satan Trembles When He Sees the Weakest Christian On His Knees..."?  I'm not sure if that is the title but it is definitely one of the resounding lines from the song.  I believe it is mainly a Methodist/Protestant hymn, but we sang it in prayer at Alpha/Alpha Follow-Up once. I tried googling it for a video or lyrics and had no luck.  If you have either please let me know - I like this hymn!

(6) Christ the King and Advent!
For some reason I was a week behind liturgically and was expecting this week to be the last week in Ordinary Time as oppososed to the Feast of Christ the King and the last week in the liturgical year.  (I think on account of Thanksgiving being so late, I always expect Advent to start two weeks after Turkey Day instead of one).  I was pretty excited when I realized Advent starts next week though! It is my favorite liturgical season, and since 2009 I have been enjoying the tradition of  celebrating the Church New Year by setting spiritual resolutions.  I will definitely be spending the next week thinking and praying about what my spiritual resolutions are for Anno Domini 2014.  Will you join me?

(7) Mass With Others
One of my favorite things about the Church is community and our opportunity to celebrate Christ with others every Mass.  I have a part-time job doing direct care with individuals with developmental disabilities, and the past few weeks I have been taking one of the ladies I work with to Mass at her Church.  The first time I brought her she excitedly asked me after Church, "Lauren are you Catholic?"  I answered yes, and she said "No wonder you knew when to stand up and sit down!"  I'm guessing some of the staff who've brought her in the past were a bit clueless, but I am enjoying the experience of attending Mass with someone else and the opportunity to share our faith together.

7 Quick Takes - The Life Happens Version

Once again, I am little late to the party on joining in Seven Quick Takes (hosted over at Clan Donaldson this week) but after a three week hiatus I decided I would simply steal my post title from Emmy over at Journeys of a Catholic Nerd Writer, and simply say "life happens, better late than never."

 

 

(1) Life Happens...

 It seems that when we least expect it life simply starts happening.  I expected to miss a week of 7QT on account of heading down to New Jersey to celebrate a wedding, but life simply had other plans that led to me missing even more weeks of writing.  My car died.  I got a job offer.  Quit my old job.  Convinced said old job to let me continue on a relief/per diem status.  Decided to buy new car.  Started new job.  Bought new car and exceeded budget.  Regretted exceeding budget.  Got more relief hours than expected at old job.  Got more "homework" to study than expected at new job.  Spent past two weeks fairly exhausted.

 

(2) Anything Else?

Well, I think QT 1 basically summarizes the last three weeks of my life, but I will see what I can do to find some other things to write about for the next 6 (now 5, this one totally counts right?) Quick Takes.

 

(3) Banking

My new job is in a bank.  I am a bank teller (in training).  Not sure how my path led from aspiring non-profit professional, to banker, but we'll see where this goes.  Will it be a detour?  Is my path taking an unexpected turn?  Who knows!

 

(4) The Journey vs. The Path

While redesigning my blog (aka picking a template someone else designed and tweaking...) I started thinking about just what I meant by JourneyLiving?  What does it mean to live on a journey? How do I create goals for my overall journey (life) as well as short-term and material goals (for my path).  You can check out some of what I came up with in the JourneyLiving tab and expect a post on my JourneyLiving philosophy sometime soon!

 

(5) This. Blog.

I am in love with this blog, Modern Modesty.  Seriously in love. I love that she is a modest fashion blogger, who doesn't necessarily always look like a modest fashion blogger.  Now don't get me wrong, all of her outfits are modest, and would meet (or in most cases exceed) my own standards for modesty.  They are also super, duper cute!  She accessorizes well, looks stylish, purchases things in "regular" stores (i.e. not ones designed specifically for the modesty crowd nor the wealth millionaires). 

 

(6) These Blogs

While they're not getting a whole quick take of their own, I am also a fan of these blogs and sites which I also found recently.  In case you can't tell I'm on a bit of a clothing/fashion kick lately.  Blame the new job

MoMoMod -- www.momomod.com

JunieBLAKE -- http://junieblake.com/  (Haven't bought anything from here, yet, but LOVE the Katy dress)

http://www.eshakti.com/ (Haven't bought anything here yet either, but my friend gave them rave reviews and said that its totally worth the price).

 

(7) Prayer Request

I'm going to finish things up with a quick prayer request.  As many of ya'll have heard, a young teacher in MA was murdered this week.  She and I attended the same college. She was several years behind me, and so I never knew or met her, but we did have some mutual friends.  It is still scary for me to think about, especially because so many of my friends and family members are teachers.  I love this beautiful response which another blogger wrote after the death, and ask you to please keep Colleen, her family and friends, and the Danvers and Assumption communities in your prayers. Please and thank you.  



7 Quick Takes

7 Quick Takes

 I am a little late to the party this week, but I still wanted to share my takes for this week.  Be sure to visit Conversion Diary for the rest of this week's Quick Takes.  

 

(1) Amazon Prime Video Streaming!

I just figured out that with an Amazon prime membership you can stream video of lots of shows and movies for free.  How did I never know this before?  the whole reason I have a membership in the first place is because of a free trial I forgot to cancel, but now that I have one I want to get my money's worth out of this membership.

 

(2) Friday Night Lights

I have been using all that Amazon Prime to stream lots of Friday Night Lights.  I started watching this show with my roommates when I was living out in SD and teaching, but we only got through part of season 1 and I never got to finish it. 

 

(3) Confession Time

I haven't been to church in weeks.  I hadn't been going for awhile because of my work schedule, then I got into a good rhythm and then I just stopped going again.

 

(4) Hypocrisy

If you're wondering why I bothered with posting the above confession, its because of hypocrisy.  That whole Revelation verse about the lukewarm being spit from the mouth?  Sometimes I can see myself becoming that.  I have a blog about spiritual living, connect to other Catholic blogs, drive around with a rosary in my car - and yet it seems I miss church more weeks than I make it lately.  Just trying to be transparent I guess.

 

(5) Interviews, Job Offers and Work

Things have been a bit crazy for me a bit lately, picking up lots of overtime, working 40-60 hours a week, yet also looking for a "full time" job.  Things have been a bit confusing lately, trying to figure out what direction comes next, analyzing a job offer I received to determine if it worth leaving my current job for.  A bit messy, but I guess that's life.

 

(6) Reevaluation

I feel like this whole job switching time is a good chance for some reevaluation - a chance to look at my current goals, see if they need any changing, and see if I am really taking steps to work toward them.

 

(7) The Goals

My main life goals are still the same as when I wrote them previously, they haven't changed, but my commitment to them definitely needs a kick in the pants.  I have decided to add a few short term goals to the list as well which are:  move out, make aggressive progress toward paying off my student loan, and gain skills/experience which will help me build a career in writing and marketing.

7 Quick Takes

I am linking up over at Jen's 7 Quick Takes.  Two weeks in a row might be a new record for me!  I have to say I'm kind of excited I managed to get my link in at spot #46, definitely better than last week's #92.  I would have been even earlier, but something was wrong with my internet connection.  I'm not the only one who gets excited about these things? Right?


(1) I'm Live!

 

That "new" writing home I talked about last week, is fully live.  Granted I don't know how to create a wordpress site and then not have it live, so it never wasn't, but I have started working on it and officially posting the link and sharing it.  So it is fully live.  Check it out www.laurenbrunault.wordpress.com

 

(2) New Blog Post Format?

Is anyone else finding a new blog post format here in Blogger?  Or have I just been out of the blogosphere long enough that it happened awhile ago, and I just missed the change?

 

(3) New Laptop, Windows 8

So I made a great purchase, of a new Toshiba Windows 8 laptop.  If you've lived on the VISTA stipend, you know the fact that I purchased this within weeks of ending my service is a big deal!  I found an amazing deal on a laptop for less than $250!

 

(4) Spellcheck

I have to say the total integration of spellcheck into the internet, apps etc. is a great feature of Windows8.  Did you know that "blogosphere" is a real live word? It didn't get picked up by spell check.  For some reason this makes me really happy!

 

(5) Not enough hours in the day...

I have to say when I go blog hopping, and see everything that some of the bloggers manage to get done in an average day, week etc. it sometimes amazes me.  Even without children, my own home etc. I still feel like there aren't enough hours in the day sometimes - hence I have a backseat full of cans waiting to be redeemed, an incredibly messy room, and dishes sitting in the sink...

 

(6) And yet, more than enough hours in the week...

I have been quickly learning that in the human services world, there is always enough hours for someone willing to work.  I am on about my 4th consecutive week of working overtime.  I was thinking yesterday "wow, I didn't really work that much this week," then I calculated my hours, and realized that including what is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, I'm at 57 hours...

 

(7) Fall

Fall. I still love it.  Fall is definitely my favorite season.  I love "fall things."  So far the "fall things" I've done are - pumpkin latte & pumpkin donut from Dunkin, salted caramel mocha at Starbucks (not really fall, but it is a seasonal drink..), made chicken chili soup in the crock pot, and - WENT TO THE BIG E!!! For the uninitiated the Big E, is the Eastern States Exposition, it is located in Western MA and serves as the state fair for all of New England.  All 6 states are present at the fair, and the fair ranks as one of the largest state fairs in the nation. 



Seven Quick Takes... Spring Edition

So here I am, another 7 Quick Takes.  This time I may even remember to link up my blog over at Conversion Diary instead of just sending my (likely non existent) "readers" over to Jennifer's corner of the world.  Anyway, here it is my Seven Quick Takes spring edition! 

(1) 70 Degrees

It was 70 degrees yesterday.  Readers from other corners of the globe (aka Texans like our QuickTakes Host) may be wondering just why 70 degrees is so exciting.  But it is March in New England, and a 70 degree day is something to be celebrated, even after our mild winter!  Breezy days in the 60s or low 70s are my version of weather heaven.  I'd take 'em 350 days a year.

(2) 350 Days?

Yes, I am fully aware that there are 366 days in the year 2012, and 365 in it's non-leap year counterparts.  But I want 350 days of 65 with sunshine and a breeze, plus a week of beach weather and a week of snow.  Preferably coordinated with my vacation week and Christmas respectively.  

(3) The Winds of Pentecost

Yesterday was very, very, windy here in Western Mass!  But it was also our day to talk about the Holy Spirit at our Alpha follow-up, and my grandmother pointed out that at Pentecost the Holy Spirit came from Heaven like "a strong driving wind" (Acts 2:2).

(4) Scary Winds

Even with this concept of the Holy Spirit arriving as wind in my mind, the wind is still scary for me.  Ever since the tornadoes and micoburst in WMass last summer, I still get a little nervous every time we have a bad storm, especially one with lots of wind.  It is unfortunate because sitting on the porch and watching a lightning storm used to be one of my friends.  But I'm reminded that if I - a grown adult, who did not physically see the tornado, and was not directly affected by the tornado, and rationally knows how unlikely it is that this area will see another tornado in the near future - am so scared, then I can only imagine what the children who saw their homes, schools, and neighborhoods destroyed feel like.  There is still a lot of healing to be done in this area, and I can only pray it happens quickly. 

(5) Alpha Program

In #3 I mentioned the Alpha program.  It is a great program led by an Anglican clergyman, Nicky Gumbel, and used in Churches throughout the world.  It is used in Anglican, Episcopal, Catholic and non-denominational churches.   Gumbel, has actually spoken to the College of Cardinals on evangelization.  He also has a fabulous British accent which you can hear in all of the videos.  The program has been in my diocese for about 6 years, and is actively expanding to more Churches in our diocese.  It is a great program for evangelization to un-churched individuals, as well as  for a deepening of faith in practicing Catholics/Christians.  I highly recommend the program!  For those of you here in WMass, there is a new program starting in Chicopee after Easter, email me if you want more info!

(6) Super Tuesday

This week was Super Tuesday.  I think the only thing it did was remind me how little faith I have in our politicians.  I am not a very big fan of any of the current candidates.  I wish that for a change we could have leaders who cared about people instead of politics.

(7) Next Steps

I am 8 months into my commitment with Americorps*VISTA.  In many ways I feel like my service is just beginning.  I am just starting to feel as though I am making progress, as if I have things to do which are interesting, and meaningful.  I can't wait to see the direction our project continues to take! And then there is reality.  The reality wherein I realized that I went to a private college.  Have so much college loan debt I want to vomit just thinking about it, and likely can't afford to do another year of service.  And so, it's time to discern my next steps, and decide what happens next, and what direction I want to take with my career and my life.

Seven Quick Takes

Ya'll know the drill.  And just like Jennifer over at Conversion Diary, my quick takes are likely to be more scattered than normal.  And there will probably be some random links to various places on the web!

(1) Back In High School

Today I went and presented at a local high school.  It has brought on anxiety and bad memories all week.  Even a nightmare yesterday.  And no I didn't have a scarring high school experience, this was all based on the realization that I am SO HAPPY I am no longer a high school teacher. 

 

(2) It wasn't the kids 
 My hatred of teaching HS wasn't about the kids. In fact I loved them.  Were I the school counselor or campus minister, or an advisor, or in some other position that didn't require me formally teaching, I'd probably still be working in a high school.  But the teaching itself I wasn't a fan of, and the anxiety that accompanied I really didn't like.  I was miserable.  And so I'm not teaching anymore. 

(3) Anxiety

 No big surprise from the last two quick takes that I've been having some anxiety issues lately.  This isn't something particularly new for me.  I was diagnosed with depression more than five years ago, and also have general anxiety.  So when I say I'm anxious I don't just mean nerves, or fear, or being afraid to speak in front of people, as a lot of people assume. It's not always the most pleasant problem to encounter, but in the end it's just part of who I am.  We all have abilities and disabilities and areas for growth - this is mine. (Note: I love public speaking, so #1 had nothing to do with a public speaking fear).
 

(4) Courage
Even here in the 21st century, talking about Mental Illness can be fairly taboo.  While the days of mental institutions and such are behind us, society often looks down upon people who are battling mental illnesses.  I need to give a big shout out to, two fabulous young women who have used their blogs as a platform to help disspell some of these myths.  Emmy Cecelia over at Journey of a Catholic Nerd Writer has discussed anxiety multiple times on her blog, and Hannah Katy of HannahKaty.com and More Love Letters wrote an excellent post last week on depression, which can be found here.  Kudos ladies, and thanks for taking the time to address a topic so many people sweep under the rug!

(5) Next
This has been the recent topic of my thoughts. Next. As in, what comes next.  I'm not sure exactly what the answer is, but I hope you will join me in praying for whatever comes next on my Journey.


(6) WSU fights the WBC
Last week, rumors expected the Westboro Baptist Church to arrive here in Massachusetts, to protest at a soldier's funeral in Westfield, MA.  On less than 24-hours notice, a group of students from Westfield State University organized a Peaceful Counterprotest against the expected church members.  The WBC didn't end up showing up (Praise God!) but I am still very impressed with the WSU students for their swift organization, and their reminder to everyone involved that their job was to quietly and respectfully support the bereaving family - they were to be a "human shield" against the Church's hatred, not create a scene themselves.

(7) That said...
If I ever encounter someone from the WBC I probably will end up causing a scene.  This is a "christian" Church which preaches hatred! It is these types of organizations that give a bad name to Christians everywhere, in my mind this organization is to Christianity what extremists in the Middle East are to Islam.  The WBC is no more representative of true Christian teaching, than the Taliban is of the true teachings of the Muslim faith.  They are crazy radicals who try to use religion to teach hatred.  And while the WBC is not killing or sending out suicide bombers, their protests are still problematic and hateful.  I'm not sure how any Church which teaches that "God loves you" is a lie, can consider themselves Christian.  All I know is they need to read up on their Bible - they obviously missed John 3:16, Romans 5:8, and countless other verses about God's love for us!  

7 Quick Takes... Slighlty Lame Version

Alright folks, ya'll know the drill.  The 7 Quick Takes is hosted over at www.conversiondiary.com with Jennifer (who has returned to hosting after a few weeks of guest hosting by Haley at www.bettybeguiles.com). I have been missing for a few weeks, but  now I'm back and ready with some great QTs... This is definitely going to be a quick set of quick takes!

(1) Praying for my enemies

So for Lent this year I've decided to "pray for my enemies," or as one of my friends (who is also doing this) more accurately referred to it, we are "praying for a different person [we] kind of dislike everyday." I don't exactly have "enemies," but taking the time to pray for the people who annoy me whether it's an old friend who has recently ticked you off, or the "creepy looking obnoxious man in the last pew who says all of the Mass responses incredibly loudly as if trying to prove that he learned the new responses," (yes that is really who I prayed for on Ash Wednesday, and yes praying for him as the "creepy looking obnoxious man" instantly felt awkward and was changed in my prayer) has been a rewarding experience! I recommend. 

(2) Vegetarian Lent 

I've decided to go veggie for Lent.  Unfortunately this was challenged today when I attended a conference which only offered turkey and cheese sammies for lunch, so I did cheat a bit.  But ultimately this has also been rewarding.  I think my friends blog post about her Vegan Fridays during Lent, explains very well some of the reasons why I choose to limit my meat consumption.

(3) "Weird" Lenten Ideas

 Somehow in the world of various internet link-ups I came across this article from Lifeteen on "20 Weird Ideas" of what to give up for Lent.  Overall I thought the list made sense but there was one idea that REALLY bothered me.  The very first idea on the list "don't eat the last bite of your food." Now in theory this sounds like a miniature fast at the end of every meal, but then I thought about it little more.  Over the course of 40 days of Lent,  that is more than 100 bites of food, at an average of 3 meals a day that would be 120 bites of food. ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY BITES OF FOOD.  Wasteful much?  Imagine how many hungry people you could feed with 120 bites of food.

(4)  The Biggest Loser and Twitter
The Biggest Loser and Twitter are my new obsessions.  They might sound unrelated but in fact the obsessions fuel one another, primarily because I follow all of last season's contestants on Twitter and love to read their reactions to the show.  According to my twitter profile, my twitter dream is to have Bob Harper reply or retweet me, and I am only half kidding.

(5) Clients!
I am excited that work has finally been getting busy, and I am finally starting to serve lots of clients. It is a great feeling.  Starting a brand new non-profit venture is definitely a big undertaking, and starting to see things come together is quite rewarding.

(6) Diocesan Women's Conference
I have never attended the Diocesan Women's Conference (here in the diocese of Springfield, MA), I have also never heard Fr. James Martin, SJ speak.  But this year I'll check both of those off, because he is the keynote for this year's Catholic women's conference, and I am pretty stoked!  My incredibly limited Jesuit education during two semesters at Creighton and involvement in a Jesuit parish when I lived in SD, led me to an interest in Jesuit spirituality and introduced me to Fr. Martin. I am really excited to hear him, in large part because despite the fact that he is a nationally known and renowned writer he is a virtual unknown here in WMass, and in the conservative Springfield Diocese the Jesuits don't always get as much respect as they deserve (this partially traces back to the decision of Boston College to go against Cardinal O'Malley and allow pro-abortion politicians to receive communion on campus, and thus the negative press for the Jesuits here in New England). Before heading west my opinion of the Jesuits was definitely tainted, and I am excited for Fr. Martin to bring the beautiful Jesuit spirituality here to the Valley!

(7) PCWM
I've always considered myself an amateur (at best) use of social media, but as I continue using it more actively, and utilizing it for professional purposes as well as personal my desire to learn more keeps going.  Hence why I've spent the day at Pod Camp Western MA!  It has been an interesting experience, and I can't wait to go back and read through so many of the resources that were shared today.

Seven Quick Takes Fail....

Well, as I predicted, I haven't quite followed through with the 7 Quick Takes. I actually had most of a post written back on week 2, but my computer deleted it, and I just never got back to a follow through.  It is far too late to link-up for this week, but hopefully next week I'll be back. 

The theme I had planned for the failed 7 Quick Takes was "Words That Are Not My Own," or something to that effect.  Several of the things that are on my mind this week are once again not my own thoughts.  In the wake of the Roe vs. Wade anniversary last week, and the current political campaigns a lot of my thoughts have had to do with abortion and health care issues and the Catholic faith.  So here are a few of my thoughts:

(1) Option of Conscience

As some people have likely already seen from my Facebook statues or posts, I am a big proponent of an option of conscience for medical professionals. I believe it is important that doctors and nurses not be forced to assist in abortion services, and I also oppose the use of tax dollars to provide abortion services or medicines which are abortificent in nature.  Below is a statement on the issue from Cardinal-designate Dolan:

"The Amish do not carry health insurance. The government respects their principles. Christian Scientists want to heal by prayer alone, and the new health-care reform law respects that. Quakers and others object to killing even in wartime, and the government respects that principle for conscientious objectors. By its decision, the Obama administration has failed to show the same respect for the consciences of Catholics and others who object to treating pregnancy as a disease." 

(2) The "Catholic" Candidate

First off, let me state that I am a political moderate. I do not belong to a political party. I have chosen not to belong to a party because I believe that it is important to look at the individual candidate running for office and their stance on the issues (plural) at hand. I am not a single-issue voter.  And if you tell me that lack of enrollment in a political party means I'm an "uneducated" voter you can expect an earful. Similarly, I will not vote for a candidate simply because they are Catholic. And you shouldn't either.  (Note: You are a grown person, if you want to vote for Santorum go for it.  But for the love of God and Church, please don't vote for him because he is Catholic.)
http://www.fplaction.org/the-catholic-case-against-rick-santorum/
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/santorum-questions-us-bishops-immigration-policy/

(3) Abortion

If we really want to end abortion, we need to look at the whole picture.  Simply outlawing abortion isn't going to help the cause. We also need to educate young women (and young men) about the consequences of sex.  More importantly, we need to create a culture that embraces life.  We need to create a society that supports the vulnerable woman and makes it possible for her and her child to live a happy, healthy, vibrant life. These women know that abortion is a choice, we need to show them why life is a better one.

 

Seven Quick Takes - Volume One

So, after reading Jennifer Fulwiler's Conversion Diary for probably close to a year, I have decided to finally start participating in her 7 Quick Takes Fridays.  Basically, it's a link-up from her blog, where you post seven "quick things" about what's been going on in your life.  So here goes, my very first, seven quick takes.... "All About Blogging"

1.) Quick Takes Theme - All About BloggingI am not sure why I decided my quick takes needed a theme.  Some people use themes.  Some don't.  I seem to enjoy both, but I always like the ones where people come up with seven different things/thoughts on the same topic, such as Seven Examples of Christmas Symbolism or Seven Observations About Wearing Skirts . I also thought the thematic approach might make my first attempt a bit easier.

2.) Expecting Failure

As many times as I've said "I want to start really blogging," or want to "keep my blog to gain a following," or whatever, I never seem to actually do it.  I'm not sure I actually expect success.  Not even sure I'll be back again next week for a Seven Quick Takes - Volume Two.

3.) Ulterior Motives

Aside from the fact that I probably didn't spell ulterior correctly, I still must admit to some ulterior motives in posting this.  It seemed like an easy way to increase my blog readership.

4.) Ulterior But Not Entirely Off-Mark

That said, I'm only admitting to some ulterior motives. I do really enjoy the 7 Quick Takes! I spend probably far more of my time blog-hopping off of them, than I should.  I like that it helps introduce me to new blogs, that I otherwise might not find. 

5.) Femininity, Domesticity, Creativity and Blogging
These things all seem to tie together for me.  I enjoy blogging. I enjoy reading blogs. I enjoy reading blogs about feminity, domesticity, and creativity.  I am trying to embrace my feminity, become more domestic, and become more creative and crafty!  The last one is my main focus on the moment.  I think I'm already somewhat creative, but now I'm trying to hone the skills which will let me use that creativity. Hopefully these blogs will help me out, and you'll see a 7 Quick Takes of Creative Projects sometime in the future!

6.) The Only Thing I Learned in Science Was Osmosis

Sometime after begging for a Fisher Price microscope set as a kid, I stopped enjoying science.  I still like nature, and the outdoors, and appreciating science, but overall it's not my forte.  The one thing I've taken from science? Osmosis, defined as the movement of solvent molecules through a permeable membrane.  I try to recreate osmosis in my life on a regular basis.  For example, I try to become healthy by reading Self magazine, or become more inclined to cook by watching too much Food Network. Now I am trying to become more creative and domestic by reading blogs.  Obviously, this isn't quite working.  But the fact that I included "obviously" in this sentence means I'm better with science than I thought!

7.) Happy New Year I am out of blogging related updates.  So, Happy New Year.