New Arthritis Medicine . . .

but with weather like this how can I tell if it is working or not? The dang barometer is all over the scale today. One minute it is raining the next minute the sky is clear blue. I feel like I have been put through a pasta roller.

I suppose in a day or two the weather will calm down and I will be able to tell if this new medicine is back doing what it used to do which was allow me to get around without always feeling like I had a touch of the flu. (achey muscles all the time).

I suppose I should be thanking God that we finally have some rain.

Thanks a lot Old Man!

That is all the gratitude I can muster right now. I need a nap.

Pax

A Good Day!

Yesterday was a good day. I wanted to spend a few moments this morning writing down my thoughts so that I don't forget how blessed I am.


1) I got a call from third daughter's school (she is away on a mission trip with 9 other high school age kids helping to rebuild a house in New Orleans this week). The school secretary said that word from the work site is that the kids are all learning a great deal and things are going very well. Daughter couldn't find her cell phone before she left so we have only heard from her once all week. we miss her terribly.)

2) The School Secretary also personally invited us to the School Awards Night next week because Third Daughter is going to receive awards (note the plural)! Mom couldn't be more pleased with how well daughter is doing at this school. Sadly mrangelmeg will be flying back from a very long grueling business trip that day and have to miss the festivities.

3) Second Daughter stayed after school to finish up a Computer Graphics assignment and was exactly where we had asked her to be exactly when we had arranged to meet her to be picked up. This is a very huge thing for her because she is High Functioning Autistic, and has a tendency to wander and lose track of time. Yesterday was all good.

4) Son remembered to stop by Grandma's house after work to mow the lawn, even though she had called to tell us that she didn't think the grass was long enough to need a mow. Grandma lives all by herself in what has become a not so pleasant part of town, so I am sure that she loved the company. Son is becoming more and more responsible as he grows into adulthood. This is very nice to see.

5) First Daughter and I drove to Indy (she drove I just went along for the ride, I hate to drive in Indy-rush-hour traffic) to see an advance screening of a new movie Waitress starring Kerri Russell and Nathan Fillion. We met one of my best friends from my Gradual School program who works and lives in Indy and she came to the movie with us. The movie was funny, and touching, (the morality was way off base, but once I let go of moral judgements I really liked it). I am still puzzled over the why of one plot point, but I may never figure that one out. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see something that will make you laugh out loud. It did that, all the way through.

6) When we got back at midnight, mrangelmeg was still up and we had a chance to talk, he had had a pretty good day and with Friday being the last day of his one and (thankfully) only Gradual School Economics class, things will be much better for him after class today. Well, and after he completes and returns his final too.

7) I have completed four chapters of the book I started writing. It is really funny; I thought I had the entire story plotted out in my head, and then yesterday as I was writing a new scene the action took an unexpected twist that will bring a very interesting nuance to the plot. This development brings so many new shades of color to the characters and how they will interact, and how the story will develop that I actually can't wait to find out what will happen next.

My only sadness is that in my rush to get everything in order so that I could go to Indy yesterday I completely forgot that I had planned to call our retired pastor and make lunch plans one day this week. I am horrible. I really want to go out to lunch with him but in my excitement about writing every day (some days I am at it till noon or later) I just completely forgot him. Oh well, maybe I will call him on Monday and make plans for next week while mrangelmeg is out of town.

Pax

Another Good Day

I came to visit mom today. This has been a good day. I thought I should take a few moments to count my blessings before I go to sleep.

1) mom remembered my name, when I came in the door she called me Maggie right away, I don't know if she was prompted by Tina, but even if she was she used my name a few more times today and it felt really good that she remembered my name.

2) we took a walk around her neighborhood. It was nice to get back outside again. She really likes to go out for short walks and I like to get her outside, but the weather has been so nasty the last few times that we haven't been able to do this. We had some wonderful conversation while we were on our walk too. I know she won't remember our conversation, but it was nice while it lasted.

3) she has had her sense of humor again, something that has been lacking over the last few months. I wonder if this is due to the new Alzheimer's medicine the Dr has her on. I hope she can keep it for a while.

4) she was fascinated by my IPod. She watched most of a video on it before she got bored. It was really fun watching her have fun with the technology.

5) We went out for Chinese food that tasted really good.

6) She let me help her with the self care activities that she has usually only wanted my sister to help her with. I like the fact that she is allowing me to help with these things since I am going to come and stay with her this summer. I need to get in the mode of doing for her.

So, Praise God for His many blessings.

Pax

181. My talk went well
182. Running into my old boss and finding that I have no emotion whatever (no more anger, nothing) left over where he is concerned.
183. Being asked to share my love of my faith with others
184. Fresh friut
185. Cheese
186. The fact that there was still a priest available to hear my confession after my talk was over (thanks Fr. Rich)
187. Top Chef, it keeps entertaining even if Marcel won the Quick Fire Challenge
188. sleeping well (This one may come up repeatedly, but when you have insomnia, every time is a gift
189. Having a lazy morning every once in a while
190. getting a little Christmas shopping out of the way
191. Spending some time with my mother in law
192. Finding something you are looking for (Christmas surprise)
193. Fun old movies on AMC
194. spending an entire day away from the computer (hey I do it occasionally)
196. Watching tv with the kids Especially Thursday night's NBC lineup
197. Jamie Presley's portrayal of Joy on My Name is Earl
198. Writing in my journal before I go to bed.
199. Volunteering at the Library at my daughter's school, just as my mom did at my school when I was my daughter's age. Some traditions are good to carry on.
200. Good friends like Deb, the Media Specialist I work with at the School
201. Elementary School kids who can make me laugh every week by doing exactly the same thing.
202. Finding the non-wheat bread that I like at the Organic grocery in town.
203. Flourless Chocolate cookies
204. Driving by just in time to help my son when he had a blowout in his truck.
205. The fact that my son was handling his truck's flat pretty well on his own.
206. Being able to eat a BLT because I had #202 above yummy
207. Getting to sleep in on Saturday, even if it only meant until 9:45
208. Watching the Angelbaby donate her hair to Locks of Love
209. Getting a good haircut
210. Watching a sappy Christmas movie with mrangelmeg about a 50 year old man who wants to join the Senior Tour.
211. Being able to tell mrangelmeg that I would support his wanting to join the Senior Tour if he thought that God was calling him to do it, and meaning it.
212. Mrangelmeg finally getting the title to his jeap and getting the plates so he can drive it.
213. Spending the evening with good friends
214. Dancing with mrangelmeg even if we aren't "stars"
215. Having mrangelmeg say that he would be willing to take ballroom dancing lessons with me at the YMCA (something I have always wanted to do)
216. Not being tempted enough to indulge in one of the brownies that looked so good but would have been very bad for me
217. Getting to see Bill and Aggie, a very dear older couple that I haven't seen for a very long time
218. Staying to help clean up, even if my feet hurt.
219. Never having to wear those sandals ever again
220. coming home to our kids after being out
221. scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast, especially when you are really hungry
222. Good homilies
223. Seeing a friend whose mother has recently died, being able to console her.
224. Seeing my prayer partner whom I haven't been able to pray with for a while since I have been going to mom's on Monday nights.
225. Son and husband getting son's truck tire fixed, which took most of the afternoon.
226. Third daughter going to the youth Mass, something I was hoping she would want to do but wasn't going to push her into doing.
227. Getting most of my Christmas shopping done while she was at Mass.
228. Warmer weather for a while
229. finding the rest of my Christmas gifts on the internet, nothing left to buy WOO HOO!!!
230. Dr's who take care of us when we need it
231. Second daughter, who doesn't talk much, but can say what needs to be said and can laugh with me occasionally
232. Good weather for my drive up to mom's
233. Having a good day with mom.
234. Seeing that mom eats her meals, even though she complains about them
235. Making dinner for mom and my sisters


more later

Pax

189.

151. The feeling you get from finishing reading a novel.
152. The writings of Nicholas Sparks, I like his characters.
153. A Warm Blanket (hat tip to Linus Van Pelt for that one)
154. Not getting a migraine after not taking my medicine last night which I forgot to pack.
155. Another pleasant day with mom, full of laughs.
156. Visiting with a colleage and talking about many things. I don't miss my old job, but I do miss some of the people I used to work with.
157. The act of driving home. It seems to take less time each time I drive home.
158. Ariving home to a well ordered house thanks to mrangelmeg
159. A late afternoon nap.
160. Surprising the angelbaby by picking her up at the Boys and Girls club (I wasn't supposed to be home till tomorrow morning)
161. Rice Pasta, which doesn't taste all that bad and means occasionally I can eat spaghetti again.
163. Preparing for St. Nicholas Day tomorrow.
164. Getting more ideas for my talk tomorrow night.
165. Breyers All Natural Coffee Ice Cream

Pax

111. Getting to know some new friends.
112. Learning about Francis and Clare
113. The chance to have a long conversation with a friend I hadn't seen in a while.
114. Having Sr. Barbara as the Workshop facilitator, I love her knowledge of scripture and spirituality
115. Sleeping well away from home (and no strange dreams even on the 4th floor)
116. Waking up with the bells
117. Fruit for breakfast.
118. Seeing Fr. Damien at Breakfast.
119. Great Breakfast conversation.
120. Our workshop start time being 9:00 (10:00 my time)
121. The little Gas Station/Grocery store being open in Saint Meinrad, because I really needed gas and a few things.
122. A fun morning of music lyrics asides with Tom.
123. A great prayer from Francis that will help me with my mom.
124. Awesome lunch conversation.
125. Seeing an old professor at lunch.
126. Trader Joe's Chocolate Truffle Candy Bar
127. Playing guitar before class began in the afternoon.
128. Spending the afternoon immersed in Ignatian spirituality at a Benedictine House
129. Being able to share my love of Ignatian spirituality with my classmates
130. Having Sr. Barb thank me for my input and help with the Ignatian part of the workshop.
131. Making it to where I was going in the evening without losing my way.
132. A wonderful dinner with friends.
133. An evening of conversation, and consolation from two people who love me.
134. Staying the night at their house and being pampered beyond belief.
135. Waking up to the smell of coffee brewing that I didn't have to make myself.
136. Sharing in John and Pat's worshiping Community
137. Getting to hear John Lector at Mass.
138. Hearing Fr. Dan's Homily for the First Sunday of Advent.
139. The Good News of Jesus: I am not God!!!!! woo hoo!
140. A great breakfast, made lovingly for me by my hostess.
141. Helping John with some ideas for the class he is going to teach in the spring.
142. Beautifu weather for the drive home.
143. More clean laundry.
144. Spending the afternoon with the whole family here before I have to leave again.
145. Getting back in sync with my sister on planning for mom.
146. FInding a prayer to end my talk for Wednesday's RCIA session.
147. Being able to cook dinner for my family.
148. Doing the dishes (now that is a surprise, not usually something I consider a gift, but being home to do them today was a gift.)
149. Losing this list once and having to retype it.
150. Getting to sleep in my own bed, next to mrangelmeg, before I have to head back up to mom's tomorrow.

Pax

101. Safe Driving
102. Clear weather (even if it was a bit windy)
103. Getting my paper written
104. That first view of Abbey Church when you come into Saint Meinrad, it makes you feel as though you are safe.
105. being able to drag my bags up the hill from the parking lot (some people will realize how much of a gift this is)
106. Watching the angelbaby on Tiger Talk TV this morning at her school. She did a great job.
107. Having people who will pray for you when you need it.
108. Having a room far enough away from the bells, so that you don't really hear them.
109. A good friend to have dinner with when I am away from home.
110. Seeing friends again after a long absence.

Pax

81. Supportive friends whose loving counsel is only a phone call or email away.
82. Running into people from the parish where I used to work while out doing errands (happened three times yesterday).
83. Having some one's advise while I was trying on outfits at the store. (I hate to shop, so someone else's opinion was really nice to have)
84. Helpful employees who actually know where to find the stuff you ask them about. (Kate from Borders I am talking about you in particular)
86. Being able to find everything on some one's birthday list without pulling out my hair.
87. Or going broke.
88. Finding out that said list was also her Christmas list, which means I am done shopping for this particular child. ***see # 83 above ***
89. Finding the readings I need for a workshop I am in this weekend in a book I already have when I don't have time to get the book that is suggested.
90. Spending the evening with family at a Christmas party that had nice food and a fun activity and no one fighting.
91. My Name is Earl
92. The Office
93. Scrubs
94. Not waking up to a blanket of snow.
95. Having a husband willing to do the afternoon pickups so that I can leave earlier for my drive to St Meinrad so that I don't get caught in bad weather.
96. Having heat in my car before bad weather hits.
97. Our daughter calling to let us know when she would be home so we wouldn't worry.
98. Answered prayers.
99. A Charlie Brown Christmas Album
100. The Media Specialist (Librarian) at my daughter's school, for whom I volunteer on Fridays. We have become friends, and I love my time there more for the conversations with her than anything else.

more later. This has been so much fun, and so good for me. I highly recommend it for everyone. It is never too late to start.

Pax

Gifts Galore

61. Hugs from kids I haven't seen in a few days.
62. Especially being hugged by an autistic daughter.
63. Not having to cook dinner because the kids are so good at doing it themselves.
64. Coming home to piles and piles of clean laundry (thanks mrangelmeg)
65. Not needing the inhaler I left at my moms.
66. the feeling of accomplishment at having taken care of so much in the afternoon through phone calls and conversations.
67. Social Service people whose job it is to help when you don't know where to turn.
68. My comfy TV watching chair.
69. Salty potato chips.
70. The staff at the Starbucks that I frequent.
71. The church community I am involved in on Wednesday evenings for RCIA.
72. Realizing that I will always find new things to learn about this awesome Catholic Faith.
73. Being able to take correction, and grow from the experience.
74. Seeing my faults and hopefully not repeating them (with God's help.)
74. Realizing that I am good at helping people to understand theological concepts.
75. The comfort of using my own computer for a few days.
76. Good Night kisses
77. Sleeping in my own bed.
78. Having mrangelmeg's arm around me in the middle of the night.
79. My title to my car finally getting here so I can get the plates before the temporary runs out.
80. Watching my son's maturity level increase as he takes on new challenges every day.

I will write more later today, but I have a ton of errands to run if I plan to stay on track. You all have a blessed day and keep your eyes open for the fingerprints of God on your life.

Pax

Oooh, Oooh, More Gifts!

36. Sweet Potato Chips
37. The Company of friends at dinner, especially when they happen to be family
38. Being with mom on one of her good days.
39. laughing.
40. Hearing the same family story told over and over.
41. Cold Iced tea
42. Baileys Irish Cream
43. The Council of good friends.
44. Talking to my sister until we fell asleep, just like we did when we shared a room as kids.
45. A warm house.
46. Reading PD James' The Children of Men.
47. House, the television show.
48. Being able to work together with my sister to do what is best for mom.
49. Knowing, and being able to experience a GOOD Homilist like Deacon John-- Preach it Brother!!!!
50. Waking up and not feeling achy from arthritis.
51. The taste of Hershey's extra dark chocolate
52. cell phone plug in's for cars
53. web sudoku
54. The thrill of seeing your name in print for the first time.
55. enjoying the writing process.
56. the anticipation of going home after being away.
57. The Daily Show
58. The Colbert Report
59. The taste of morning coffee
60. Morning prayers

Pax

More to be Thankful For

26. The Readings at Daily Mass Today.
27. The sound of children singing (it was the school mass for my mom's parish)
28. The Grace of Tears (some will understand this better than others)
29. St Margaret Mary
30. My husband's voice, and his common sense which can calm me down.
31. Friends far and near, even when you can only spend a few minutes on the phone with them
32. Being given the gift of patience in just the moment that you need it, especially when you are dealing with someone with my mother's disease.
33. Having a sister who has worked in nursing homes most of her life and has the moxie to call and ask for help when she feels overwhelmed about what mom is going through.
34. Being able to work with mom, even to do something as simple as getting a haircut.
35. Christian music in my CD player.

more later.

Pax

Gimme Gimme . . . Tis the Season After All

I have decided that what will help me the most right now is to participate in this little blogger project. If you click on the picture above you can read more about it. I will be counting my blessings between now and the Feast of the Nativity, when we celebrate the greatest Gift of all, our salvation. This is supposed to help me get in touch with how blessed I am and how carefully God is watching over me. The way the past few days have gone I really need this.


1. Taking a long walk with my mother in the park.
2. Having a conversation with mom that was at times very lucid and present.
3. Having the patience to be here when she is in this condition.
4. My cell phone, which keeps me connected to my husband and children when I am here with mom.
5. Internet access, so that I can email friends for prayers and support.
6. Watching the dvd of pictures of the family with mom and being able to help her remember names.
7. The smell of Rose perfume.
8. Cooking dinner for mom and my sister.
9. Sleeping most of the night without waking up.
10. The taste of dark chocolate truffles.
11. The news that they have a professor for my summer class I need for graduation.
12. a portable keyboard so that I can practice piano while I am here
13. Warm weather these past few days.
14. The new story idea I have been working on.
15. The ability to laugh, which makes the harder things I have to face seem at least bearable.
16. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, a show with writing that is intelligent and stimulating.
17. Perpetual Adoration Chapels, mom's church has one we visited Sunday. It was a calm hour that gave me a lot of strength.
18. The life and writings of Walker Percy thanks to my pals at Korrektiv who first introduced me to him
19. Alarm clocks.
20. Daily Mass.
21. The smell of coffee brewing.
22. The medications that keep my body working the way it should so that I can function as well as I do.
23. warm socks
24. Priests who do the work they do because they are called by God to a life less ordinary.
25. the ability to read, anything, anywhere (mom was reading the signs in the park as we walked. she may not be able to read books anymore, but she can still read)


I will be continuing the list as I see God's fingerprints over the next days and weeks.


If anyone feels compelled, they are welcome to join in. What an antidote for this season of excess than to be excessively thankful for all that we already have.

Pax