20040913 :::
 

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matins
On Saturday, J. & I drove down to Wrightsville Beach. It was at her instigation, as I think she both wanted to go on the beach & have a little company. Unfortunately, for her (actually, when I’m at the beach, don’t care what the weather is), it was raining. We had a nice long talk. Apparently, she’s thinking of moving to Chicago, & has been thinking about this for some time. While this was news to me, it wasn’t entirely unexpected…however, I’ll believe it when I see it. After all, she was just down here for an interim period, which has stretched nearly 8 years now.

Speaking of Chicago, my friend Big John actually moved up there this past Thursday. While he’d been talking about it ever since I met him nearly 3 years ago, it was still a bit of a surprise, as (like a lot of folks), we just assumed he’d’ stick around. But he’s really gone. The Monastic meetings won’t be the same without him, but we’ll try to muddle through, although he’s left a good foundation here. Big John was actually there on that blessed day, several years ago, when Josemaria Escriva was canonized in Rome. Wishing him all the best in his new responsibilities.

::: at 05:42

20040909 :::
 

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Compline

Well, we had our 1st CCD class this evening, & it was quite chaotic. Father Luis was there, as they’ve switched his day off to Tuesday so that he will be available on CCD nights. Father Frank actually went UNDER the time that we thought he would, so the Novitiate & I had extra time to deal with the children. We basically just passed out the books & a little questionnaire (the same one we gave them last year) to find out a little about them. Aryan showed up with Annie tonight—she was not on the list. Talked it over with Sue, & she agreed to shift both Aryan & Annie over to her class, in exchange for a girl who is friends with someone scheduled in our class. Hopefully, that will solve things. I hate to be biased, but Aryan is such a disruptive force that I hate to have her in class.

Achilles was in class for the 1st time tonight. He was quiet, as usual. It’ll probably be a few months before I really know how he’s fitting in—I just hope he makes some friends in the class. It’s so different having him there, as I cannot pay attention to him as much as I’d like, as they’re 14 others there. I just hope he gets as much out of it as possible.

::: at 04:18

20040908 :::
 

Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Vigil)
Vespers
The trip to Malta was worthwhile: while the rip currents were strong due to the far off storm, the weather was as gorgeous as you’re likely to get it. Both Achilles & Artemis had a great time; both were able to stay as active as they like during the time down there. When there are no significant injuries during the time that the two of them are together, it must be counted as a successful trip. While there, were able to meet with the men who have repaired, & will be repairing the damage to the dachau. We paid them for the initial work, but will be heading back later to supervise other work.

Back home, all is gray & glum, as the storm that missed the islands has plowed into the mainland, & it’s expected to rain all week long. Would have been absolutely divine just to be able to remain on Malta, but it is far too early in the term to be playing hookey. Just being in this kind of weather is tiring & wearing on one. I long for the crisp, cool days of Autumn that are not long away—this muggy miasma can go away, as far as I’m concerned.

Saw Shannon today. For the 1st time in, I think, four years. Her hair was different & she lacked braces, but I knew it was she. Was returning books (unfortunately, overdue) to the library, when I noticed her talking on her cell phone. I recognized her right away. However, I don’t respond well when surprised, & was due at work shortly, so I dropped off my books & left her there, chatting into the ether. Wish I’d had the presence of mind to at least say hello. Sigh! Well, I do hope to see her again & catch up with her. She was going into the army the last time I saw her, so I guess she’s out. She wanted to go to med. school & open up a hospital in China. She was IM’ing a boy named Trey, who was also interested in China, & was leaving to meet him when last we talked. Ohh! Simply must know how things turned out! This will drive me mad.

CCD begins tomorrow, so the Novitiate & I are once again a team. Achilles will be in my class, so I hope that I have my best game out there. Also, there are a dozen or so other kids in there who will be receiving Communion next Easter Season, so it’s our job to make sure they know what they need to know.

::: at 01:45