My friend Sam inspires me with her strength. Her ability to take what is being given to her and keep her radient smile on here face, her determined look in her eye. She is currently smiling at horror and is getting a hesitant look in return. Inspiring.
I was driving down Ulloa Street to 31st yesterday and ahead of me was only sand, sea, and sunset on the horizon. Beauty.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Monday, 27 September 2010
Work, work, work!
There are those who would argue that my job isn't exactly what you would call taxing. On the most part I would agree. From the point of view of someone who does the whole 9 to 5 bit it may seem that I live part the life of a worker and part the life of a student.
However, show me a 9 to 5er who would spend their Saturday night playing games, sharing, going to mass, and getting 10 minutes of sleep on the Bleachers of a school gym! That's right. St Cecilia Youth Group Lock In 2010 allowed me 10 minutes of sleep which has since changed into back pain.
Am I seeking sympathy? No. I am merely showing that there is somewhat of a balance to all things in life. Yes, I get to do great things like the planned Rock Climbing, Camping and hopefully the Ski retreat. But I also have to chaperone 65 kids who have no interest in sleeping at all!!
Loves me my job!
However, show me a 9 to 5er who would spend their Saturday night playing games, sharing, going to mass, and getting 10 minutes of sleep on the Bleachers of a school gym! That's right. St Cecilia Youth Group Lock In 2010 allowed me 10 minutes of sleep which has since changed into back pain.
Am I seeking sympathy? No. I am merely showing that there is somewhat of a balance to all things in life. Yes, I get to do great things like the planned Rock Climbing, Camping and hopefully the Ski retreat. But I also have to chaperone 65 kids who have no interest in sleeping at all!!
Loves me my job!
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Illnesses and Death
Sombre, Morbid, Depressing? Well, yes. It kind of has to be. Our nature is to find such things wrong. A Punishment. They bring the "Why me?!" mentality to the fore of our attitudes and often lead to disagreements and cause people to drift, drive a wedge between themselves. I hope this never happens to me.
Over the past week I have had some bad news. One of my close friends has been diagnosed with Leukemia and 2 people from our Parish of St Cecilia whom I worked closely with were killed by the San Bruno explosion last week. It has at times been overwhelming. Luckily my "colleagues" are Priests and they have been great but my friends away from work have been their equals also. I am lucky enough to have a safety net that is spread far and wide - UK to USA. I am incredibly appreciative of my friends at this point.
What I wanted to tell you in the post is how I managed to help myself with this also. I think my attitude to our morbid title has changed over the past week. Whereas I still get choked up and teary (I have no problem telling the World this - I cry! Get over it.) I have come to look on these passings and challenges in a different light.
As for my friend...well, she is (and I quote) "A tough cookie". She is surrounded by love and support and that tells me I'm not alone in feeling love for her. It also tell me I am not abandoning someone. There is no abandonment in numbers as far as I'm concerned.
The way I look at the "Passings" of our 2 Parishioners is summed up on the notice board at the door of the Church. It reads: Jacki and Janessa Greig are in the care of the Lord. This is what my Faith teaches us. Death, whereas devastating for who remain, is the beginning of your life with your God. Your new life where you wait for the correct time when your loved one's will join you.
When I think of death I often visualise Gandalf talking to Pippin in The Lord of the Rings. He says:
Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?... See what?
Gandalf: White shores... and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
Pippin: [smiling] Well, that isn't so bad.
Gandalf: [softly] No... No it isn't.
I think my perspective is now Trust in your beliefs (whatever they are - I'm not trying to preach my own). Without faith in something we must feel lost at these times. With Faith I am guided and reassured. With my friends and family - I am protected.
Over the past week I have had some bad news. One of my close friends has been diagnosed with Leukemia and 2 people from our Parish of St Cecilia whom I worked closely with were killed by the San Bruno explosion last week. It has at times been overwhelming. Luckily my "colleagues" are Priests and they have been great but my friends away from work have been their equals also. I am lucky enough to have a safety net that is spread far and wide - UK to USA. I am incredibly appreciative of my friends at this point.
What I wanted to tell you in the post is how I managed to help myself with this also. I think my attitude to our morbid title has changed over the past week. Whereas I still get choked up and teary (I have no problem telling the World this - I cry! Get over it.) I have come to look on these passings and challenges in a different light.
As for my friend...well, she is (and I quote) "A tough cookie". She is surrounded by love and support and that tells me I'm not alone in feeling love for her. It also tell me I am not abandoning someone. There is no abandonment in numbers as far as I'm concerned.
The way I look at the "Passings" of our 2 Parishioners is summed up on the notice board at the door of the Church. It reads: Jacki and Janessa Greig are in the care of the Lord. This is what my Faith teaches us. Death, whereas devastating for who remain, is the beginning of your life with your God. Your new life where you wait for the correct time when your loved one's will join you.
When I think of death I often visualise Gandalf talking to Pippin in The Lord of the Rings. He says:
Pippin: I didn't think it would end this way.
Gandalf: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it.
Pippin: What? Gandalf?... See what?
Gandalf: White shores... and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
Pippin: [smiling] Well, that isn't so bad.
Gandalf: [softly] No... No it isn't.
I think my perspective is now Trust in your beliefs (whatever they are - I'm not trying to preach my own). Without faith in something we must feel lost at these times. With Faith I am guided and reassured. With my friends and family - I am protected.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Prayers for San Bruno
At approximately 6pm last night there was a natural gas explosion in San Bruno, CA. The explosion destroyed homes, severely damaged others and has ripped the community apart.
Some people known to me through my work are missing. I ask for your prayers for those lost, found, alive, injured, and sadly dead.
My prayers are with everybody affected by this.
Some people known to me through my work are missing. I ask for your prayers for those lost, found, alive, injured, and sadly dead.
My prayers are with everybody affected by this.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
New Tricks
I'm seeking designers, artists; anyone who would be able to take a few facts about my life and put it to a design that will be with me forever.
I want a new tattoo. I'd like it to be "me" if you will.
I'd like it reflect the things that are most important to me, the places I have been, and my adventure in the States. Below is a beautiful picture which I love and I'm seriously considering this or parts of it. It was "penned" by a very close friend of mine and he caught certain things about what I am and used symbology to portray me.
Here is the Golden Gate Bridge (I live in San Francisco), Me (shown as St Christopher) with my guitar and family (shown as the small child), wading through the new shores I find myself in in The USA (hence the stars and stripes). It truly encapsulates what I want. Me, My Family, My music, my Faith, My Adventure.
I want a new tattoo. I'd like it to be "me" if you will.
I'd like it reflect the things that are most important to me, the places I have been, and my adventure in the States. Below is a beautiful picture which I love and I'm seriously considering this or parts of it. It was "penned" by a very close friend of mine and he caught certain things about what I am and used symbology to portray me.
Here is the Golden Gate Bridge (I live in San Francisco), Me (shown as St Christopher) with my guitar and family (shown as the small child), wading through the new shores I find myself in in The USA (hence the stars and stripes). It truly encapsulates what I want. Me, My Family, My music, my Faith, My Adventure.
I love it. If anyone who is specifically a Tattoo designer reads this and would be willing to give me another option I'd love to hear from you!
Lastly, heartfelt thanks and love to Craigy. You knocked this out in record time and you're still wanting to improve it with research. MH.
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