Jim Gaffigan makes me laugh...and its not even about Hot Pockets...

From his facebook page:


I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day but one of things I do love are the commercials. One of my favorite is this one for Vermont Teddy Bear. Sure the first 50 times I wanted to kill myself, but now I watch it amazement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Fa41HOJ_iI

Why I love this commercial
- Guy in cubicle wearing sunglasses on head? It does get sunny in the office.
- Announcer: “Giving her the ‘same old, same old”. That’s right women hate flowers and jewelry.
- Woman who receives Bear-gram is dressed like a lovely seductive dress.
- Only men in cubicles. What a coincidence
- Women in office completely over-react to gift of dust collecting bear.
- Guy removes sunglasses from top of head to see why whorishly dressed woman over acting.
- Disgusting line “so much bigger than I thought” reference. Excuse me?
- Announcer: “Take it from me. This is not your average bear”. Um who are you again? What is average bear?
- Guy actually has a “love” tattoo on his arm? Um ok. What a coincidence. I guess since I have a “love” tattoo on my arm I should get the bear with the “love” tattoo.
- Announcer tells us Bears are guaranteed for life. “Yes, I got my girlfriend a Lover Boy Bear 8 years ago. And it stopped working. (pause) Well, she started having sex with this other guy. Hello?”
- Free chocolate? Um isn’t that the “Same old, Same old”
- Guy in orange shirt pumps fist after ordering a teddy bear. Is this his first online purchase?
- Woman with crazy teeth (who did not get a bear) announces, “I can’t wait to give him my surprise”. Yikes.

Time is marching on...and I need advice...

Even after being on NET ministries for 2 years and traveling the country so much, I never thought of it as really much more than a glorified road trip while I was working. I loved it, I'm not putting it down in that sense, but in the sense that I didn't think that the traveling aspect was all that incredible, mainly because they were places i always expected to go, that it was relatively easy to get to, and very possible in my mind.

Going to Peru in 2007, and twice in 2008 really blew my mind, and blew my concept of travel, Americans, consumerism, and need right out the window. Going somewhere I had never dreamed I would go changed me.

I never thought I would go to South America, which made me savor the experience, and the enhanced the surrealness of being there all the more. What seemed impossible became possible. In Luke 1:34 it says, "For all things are possible for God."

I now God has had a purpose in my travels, that much is clear, it is just the next direction, that remains cloudy.

After my last trip to Peru, I never thought I would return. Partly because I got sick and was frustrated, party because I know I can't afford it and it was unlikely that I would be sponsored a fourth time to go when so many others would like the opportunity. I haven't been focused on the thought of going with the group this summer at all. I am planning on taking summer classes at Holy Apostles so that I can graduate next May, and they will cost $1100, so that leaves no money for a $2300 trip to Peru. My mind has been so many other places- other job opportunities, other things I want to buy and do, other places I want to go. Yet somehow the thought of not being on the plane when they leave, makes me sad....I'm a masochist...trust me, I know...but those children 'los orphonatos'... and the mountain air and the people and the need...and the llamas...they rip my heart out.

So Fr. Michael asked to see me today, and offered to pay for me to go, I was very surporised, shocked really. I would need to pay $85 for tips for the guides and staff...that is all...I know he is desperate and wants my help speaking the language and teaching all the newbies the ropes, and I have a good head on my shoulders and I'm his right hand and I've always been there...

Part of me remembers all my previous frustrations with the teens, with father, with the clinics, with being sick, and the logical side of my head says enough is enough, stay home, go to class, relax a little...chill out...

The adventurer and evangelist and the spirit that seeks a higher purpose and calling within me thinks it is absolutely ridiculous to pass up a fully sponsored trip to the third world that may never come around again. The glamour of Mother Theresa's lifestyle...I think of the corporal works of mercy I can perform and the basic true humanity I can encounter and help...and the mental and spiritual benefits of being out of the USA and all its capitalistic inhumanities...I think of these things and the decision is already made.

Then I think of my mom and dad, and how they do not want me to go. For my own safety and health and their piece of mind, I ponder this: How far does the fourth commandment carry over into your 30s?

Then I think of all my friends that I have made in Peru- Carmen, Vanessa, Paul, Liz, Eliza, Alcides...and not seeing them again until heaven makes me hurt inside...and they could never get a visa to come here...and then the decision seems already made.
The thought of talking and walking and laughing with them...to pass that up seems illogical...

And, I just got off the phone with the college and summer session will be over be the time we depart...so the question becomes...how much can I and should I cram into a four month period? May & June - school, June& 1/2 of July- Peru, end of July- teens summer retreat with group of 70, August- kayaking trip for Youth Group and being a bridesmaid in MN...

And is that really a good thing? To set myself up for another rigorous September with another full course load and academic year for catechism? With no real mental or physical break over the summer to process everything that is going on?

And I have no answer...only conflicting desires...and many more questions...

Should I go to Peru?

I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow...

My assistant Susan gave me a great valentine's Day present today :) He's right at home on my desk as you can see...right next to my rolodex and me watching office clips on Hulu (computer screen has betrayed me)
So Tuesady may have been awful, but school yesterday was great. i am doing really well with the Greek actually and today is good so far!

Tomorrow we leave for the four day ski trip adn I'm pretty excited! And my Aunt Margaret's principal, Sr. Kathleen, sent us $100 for the orphanage in Peru from teh Catholic School's week fundraiser.

WE have a speaker tonight, and I'm hoping everything finishes up in time for me to watch teh office tonight..it was continued and I'm waiting anxiously...

But I have to say no matter what the next few days hold...Bobblehead dwight on my desk is pretty much gold...


when I type fast his head shakes and I can't stop laughing...it doesn't take much to make my day...and this will pretty much make my week!

Please say a prayer fro us that we have a safe trip this weekend :) I may be posting from Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH if the kids bring laptops, there is free wifi all over the hotel and I'm not skiing :)

Peace yo!

oh, quote of the day,

"I've been involved in a number of cults-both as a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower. But you make more money as a leader"- Creed Bratton

Today totally sucks...I feel skeeved...

Last night I left work early with an intense migraine and stomach ache... I fell asleep as soon as I got home, around 5:45...One of the youth ministry core members (my friend Missy) called me at 8pm to tell me how everything went. I don't remember the conversation, but I do remember not getting back to sleep until 2:00am...

This morning at 5:00am a construction crew started work on the new stair well, which just so happens to be attached to my bedroom window...mouths like sailors, hammering like banshees, and I think they can totally see in through my blinds...because I could see them... anyway, I gave up sleep and started getting ready for work. at 7:10 my phone rings...I know it can't be anyone I know...because everyone I know- knows that they will never reach me at 7:10 AM... I pick up thinking it is the construction guys, because they told me in the parking lot yesterday morning that they will be replacing my windows and doors at the end of the week...
Its not them.

It is "Jerry the Bug Man" He is a 51 year old Vietnam vet who lives with his mom, has a slight lisp, loves to talk about rats and mice, and asks me out once every six months when he comes to check the mouse traps. He always makes me feel very uncomfortable....VERY. The first time we met, he just banged on my door at 8:00am and said he needed to check the bait traps. I had no idea who he was and wouldn't let him in. I brought the bait traps to the door for him to check. That was the first time he asked me out, I was wearing old sweats, a hoodie and snow boots with sleep in my eyes and bedhead...and blocking my doorway while he held a bag of dead mice...needless to say I asked him to please call and schedule visits in advance (so I could be away)..I guess calling in advance is two hours before he shows up at my door, and always at 6 or 7 am...the next few times I either got out of the apartment and had the landlord let him in, or pretended to not be home. I have never had so much as an ant or spider in my house...and I keep it clean. It is the one place I can feel private, and I hate that there are weird men outside my bedroom windows and coming into my apartment. I have had three or four very uncomfortable experiences with this guy...once he left a pair of rosaries on my night stand...there are NO TRAPS in my bedroom...Today I told him I wasn't home, so when someone was at my door I assumed it was the construction guys to measure the windows...I was wrong...in comes Jerry...45 minutes and a self invited cup of tea later I know that I need to just be like "I have to go now" next time and just make him leave, but I can never seem to do it..but the whole time its like the worst I've ever felt in my life...seriously my hair stand on end and I feel like I need to shower, adn I wash my hands vigorously for ten minutes after I shake his hand...he said this morning was our first date...I told him my boyfriend wouldn't like that, and he looked crushed and I was glad..He said, "I didn't know you were seeing anyone..." freaking stalker... so I said, "Well yes we're getting serious now, we've know each other a long time and we're the same age and he's wonderful..."

He left and my hands were trembling...I know he is harmless, but I couldn't stop shaking for a half hour. "Once you find the rats' food source, then you can eliminate them." Really Jerry? I find that completely not fascinating! What is your food source? I would like to eliminate you...okay I know that isn't Christian, but ...well no buts...its just not Christian and I made fun of him anyway...confession here I come...

I spent the rest of the morning at the laundromat where I was the only one who spoke English, but that didn't bother me, I just hate laundromats in general and I made some conversation in espanol.

When I got to work Susan (my assistant) was here and she cheered me up so much, she is a very wonderful person and fun and we are always on the same page, page 42 usually, but now she is gone for the day...and I'm grading confirmation tests, and I'm very content that only 2 out of 54 failed :)...take the test, I dare you! www.stmaryclinton.com, click on youth ministry and you can download the test as a PDF...see if that Catholic schooling your mom and dad spent so much money and so many bingo nights and yard duties on stuck at all! lol

Anyway, I'm feeling a little better, or pretending to at least, but still kinda creeped out in general and I'm really glad that I'm going away from Fri-Mon for the Youth Group ski trip...it'll be good not to be in my apartment. I felt invaded today...

And is it just me, or should my landlord tell me these things instead of the people doing them? And is it not normal to start construction at 5am or call someone at 7??? Am I overreacting? And shouldn't my landlord ask me before giving out my cellphone number? I mean, I can take care of myself and I have mace and a baseball bat, but I AM a single woman alone in a basement, I wouldn't mind if he like, honored that a little...maybe I SHOULD move to Missy's garage place...

Something completely different. There is a great job in NYC my friends in the CFRs in the Bronx told me about "Director of Young Adult Ministry" Br. Daniel says it would be "Yours for the taking Annie!" its about 5-10k more a year, depending on what they offer, but its NYC, so rent...BUT I would get to do what I do now for liturgies, but in ... St. Patrick's Cathedral!!! I would organize a lot of Young Adult events, networking, rallies, retreats, etc...so I'm sending in my stuff, we'll see what happens. I would love working at St. Pat's, but I don't think I can afford Manhattan...or Brooklyn or Queens for that matter...and I don't finish my masters until next spring so I would have to come back to CT one day a week during the semester for the next year...but I'm not going to shovel before it snows...
Funny, everyone talks about how bad things are right now for jobs and I've had 3 offers this year and now this...turning to God must be a growth industry in these whacked-out times...

anyway, here is what Michael Scott hays to say about it all:


"Guess what? I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don't know. I sing in the shower, sometimes I spend too much time volunteering occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me. No, don't sue me. That's the opposite of the point that I am trying to make."

and I bid you good day... I hope yours was better than mine...

Why the hell did I let Jerry the bug man have a cup of tea???

Its all Greek to me

Do you know the greek alphabet? Are you able to write and pronounce it from memory? Yeah me either, until yesterday...here you go :) I hope you enjoy...my brain hurts

A few of my classmates were being a little loud and 'having fun' before class so Fr. John says, "All rigth then, how about one the ones having so much fun comes up and gets us started ont he board? I'll take a volunteer to write out the alphabet please."

At that moment I was so happy that I was quietly studying in the back of the room...But Br. Joshua got the whole thing. I was impressed...

I'm having a really hard time with my handwriting and the actual reading of greek, even though I can recognze the individual characters at this point.

I've been looking into doctoral programs at Fordham (Bronx, NY), Catholic Universityof America (Washington, DC), and Norte Dame (South Bend, IN), and of course the pipe dream to study in Rome. But one thing is for sure
-> I truly need to master this AND take Latin I & II if I'm ever moving forward after my M.A. and that makes me scared.

Anyway, here is your greek trivia for the day...because you feel like reading it:

Greek Alphabet

The Greek letters have consistent sounds – not like English, where a letter in different words or even different parts of the same word can be pronounced differently, such as “evert.”


FYI- To be able to type Greek characters in Windows, go to Control Panel/Regional and Language/Languages/Details. Then you can add Greek, and put an icon on the taskbar, and switch between languages with key shortcuts.


N=number; L=letter; T=transliterated; Named=what it is called; Pronounced=how to say it.




Ν L Named T Pronounced

1 α Α alpha a fa la la

2 β Β beta b be

3 γ Γ gamma g go

4 δ Δ delta d do

5 ε Ε epsilon e end

6 ζ Ζ zeta z zip

7 η Η eta ē ate

8 θ Θ theta th thin

9 ι Ι iota i it

10 κ Κ kappa k kin

11 λ Λ lambda l lamb

12 μ Μ mu m moo

13 ν Ν nu n no

14 ξ Ξ xi x fix

15 ο Ο omicron o on

16 π Π pi p pea

17 ρ Ρ rho r row

18 σ [ς] Σ sigma s see

19 τ Τ tau t tow

20 υ Υ upsilon u kip

21 φ Φ phi ph fine

22 χ Χ chi ch cry

23 ψ Ψ psi ps nips

24 ω Ω omega ō oh


and posting this helped me study :) :)

EPIC FAIL

“When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be

bought and sold are legislators.”


I'm feeling more and more hopelessness and less and less confidence int he governement lately...It would be amazing if we could all get together and refuse to pay taxes...what the hell the politicians apparantly don't have to...Corruptions and sellouts sicken me. People always say that the moral character of a polliticain shouldn't matter...but if that is true than what dictates tot hem what is ethical or not...oh right..nothing...sorry I got crazy ideological for just a moment there, how irrational of me.

I have so much frustration but I can't articulate it...so a picture is worth a thousand words...here are a few thousand...

Ted Daschle makes me want to vomit ... what a complete dirt bag

No time today for anything but this...

"I have been compared to a young Paul Newman. Its the eyes, adn the face, I guess. Also, I make my own salad dressing. I mix Newman's Italian with Newman's Ranch. I sellit at flea markets for a small loss. I could make a profit if I changed one of the ingredients to Wishbone, but I won't do it."

Take a wild guess who said that...