Wednesday, November 30, 2005
new month resolution
I took the new job in anticipation that I would have more opportunity to speak and write some more.  Well, clearly the speaking has gone like gangbusters.  With not a microphone in view throughout the month of December, it’s time to, like Snoopy, site quietly on the doghouse, and paw away again at the keyboard.  << Blogging >>

 

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Round, Round, get a round
According to this State Map Generator, I have visited 78% of the United States.  Of course, I have Alaska and Hawaii to go, but also Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North and South Dakota (shouldn’t these two count as one??), Oklahoma, Vermont and Wyoming to go!  << Blogging >>

 

  Monday, November 28, 2005
"God made us to be happy forever"
From Zenit: "As the Vatican prepares to release a statement on who should be omitted from the priesthood, the archbishop of Boston made it clear that the Church does not hate homosexuals. Archbishop Sean O’Malley reached out to homosexuals in a pastoral letter sent to all the parishes of Boston last week." 
This seems to be a concise (albeit politically well-timed) representation of the church’s teaching in light of recent headlines. << Church >>

 

Sunday, November 27, 2005
started the holiday weekend with three kids
finished it off with 2 kids and one adult.  My oldest, Nichole, hit 21 today.  Clearly an occasion for a Panera Bread run, an ice-cream cake offering, and some nice father-daughter time.  So, a full weekend- multiple loads of laundry, some card games, a few meals cooked, a turkey stuffed, a few videos watched, quiet time/ nap time, …  whew! Good weekend… but lost a kid along the way. << Friends + Family >>
Rent of the Litter
Went to see Rent this afternoon. I do believe that I am turning the circle on movies having now stayed awake for two features in a row. The music was excellent and I remain continually struck about how enamored I am with characters (of all lifestyle choices) living life passionately and out loud. That and Law and Order’s Jesse L Martin absolutely chews up scenery every time he s in front of a camera. <<Culture >>

 

  Saturday, November 26, 2005
Runt of the Litter
Went to see Chicken Little last night and found that it surprisingly exceeded minimal expectations. It was actually about three, possibly four cartoon stories weaved into a 90 minute 3-D full-length feature. Favorite character was the pig who seemed enamored with bad 1970’s disco music. <<Culture >>
Christmas season- bring it on
Just when you feel like you might be losing any Christmas spirit??  Well, not sure that this mini-movie will serve as any help, but, WOW, check it out.  <<Culture >>

 

  Friday, November 25, 2005
golfing with God
This has been my Thanksgiving reading. Beyond some reincarnation stuff (which might bear rethinking, at least) it was a charming little innocuous book.  It celebrated the nature of the game of golf as well as the game of a spiritual life. All in all, a mild thumbs-up. <<Culture >>

 

  Thursday, November 24, 2005 Thanksgiving
Updating last year’s Thanksgiving list
THINGS FOR WHICH I OFFER THANKS. . .
. . . It is a warm, sunny cool, crisp Thanksgiving morning with a smattering of snow on the ground -  cookies already baked, sausage on the way. Turkey is ready and waiting for its moment of the day.
. . . All three kids are happily sleeping the morning in, but they are all great kids. each fiercely independent, each working their way out through this wack-job world.
. . . for many good friends, that I really enjoy, who both love and care for me.
. . . My church community gets community as much as they get church.
. . . for the blessing of the presence of some wonderful women in my life.
. . . for a ministry that allows me to have good meaningful work.  I believe that I do make a small difference in the world.
. . . for the perception that I have neither achieved or passed my prime.  I have considerable future to which I look forward. feeling more so this year.
. . . All that being said, there are only five days scheduled at my desk between now and the new year.  December 17 begins a long needed break and rest. OK, I am actually looking forward to what I can accomplish at my desk during the down time of December and January with a lay off of the ArchBalt speaking circuit.
. . . You can see the light at the end of the tunnel for the reception of the diploma of my on-line Master’s in Religious Education.  The request went out a few weeks ago and it should arrive soon.
. . . My father, now passed these eighteen nineteen years, remains a role model in my life.
. . . the sensation of being ahead of the ball game on the Christmas season this year, a significant dent has already been placed in shopping and shipping for the holidays. OK, not so much on the shopping, but The apartment is already decorated with the exception of the tree.
And, if you are actually reading this
. . . thanks for you, friend, for taking a moment out to check up on me and/or this site. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The Thanksgiving test
Rabbi Marc Gellman wrote a article for Newsweek.com in which he suggests that too many of us are grateful for the wrong things. Read it here.  << Culture >>

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005
a tale of two turkeys
Meghan came for a Thanksgiving visit. She, of course, is the one on the right. Clark lost in backgammon to the old man 2-1. <<Friends & Family >>

 

  Monday, November 21, 2005
does anyone else remember "swine flu" from the 1970’s???
(click on it to enlarge) << Culture >>

 

  Sunday, November 20, 2005
thoughts of the day
From MSNBC: Why we may be in Iraq forever: "As parents of young children and dog owners know, it takes longer to clean up a mess than to make one." From Joe Klein at Time: Will an American withdrawal from Iraq create more or less stability in the Middle East?  With a withdrawal increase or decrease the treat of another terrorist attack at home?  << Culture >>
under re-construction
Been updating the web site. . . reformatted the front page as well as added a review section to trainings. Oh yeah- napped, went to mass and the gym, and got breakfast out. << Blogging >>

 

  Saturday, November 19, 2005
The end of the month
At least as far as I am concerned. Walking out the door of the youth contact meeting, I let out a heavy sigh . . . What a month it has been… I moved back to the Archdiocese to get involved in training.  In these last nineteen days, I’ve been involved with 14 presentations – - – actually 24 presentations in the last 30 days.  Not a bad record for a guy just less than five months into a new job.  Now, I’m gonna take some time off, write a little, rest a lot, and look towards the future.  << Blogging >>

 

Friday, November 18, 2005
red shoe diary
He may never make the best-dressed lists, but Pope Benedict XVI is nothing short of a religious-fashion icon, riding in the Popemobile with red Prada loafers under his cassock and Gucci shades. See more. << Pope >>
EVERYONE HAS A STORY
Last night, we shared faith stories in the Methodologies class. This was mine:
It was a beautiful fall in the mid-west.  I was traveling from Iowa to Wisconsin for the Wyalusing retreat weekend (over 250-300 for a Friday-Sunday retreat- were we crazy in the early 80’s or what!) and was feeling a little out-of-sorts.
I crossed the Mississippi River and pulled over into a part that had an overview.  There I sat, wondering what my place was in this world and in relationship to a seemingly distant God at the time.  I could see across the Mississippi into Iowa for quite a distance. I looked up the river for what seemed more than a mile. I looked down the river for what seemed a mile more. It was vast and beautiful.
I attempted to calm myself and pray.
A fly flew buzzed around my face and I swatted it away. Again, I attempted to calm myself and pray. The very same fly buzzed near my head and close enough that I could hear it. I raised my collar, lowered my hat, grumbled and swiped at it again. As much as I persisted in my efforts, so did the fly.  I quit and left.
Later, I came to realize that in all the vast lovely square mileage before me, I had focused my attention on an annoying less than a cubic inch.  I resolved that this should be my position before God- buzzing about, active and annoying enough to merit attention in this immense cosmic universe.  << Blogging >>

  Thursday, November 17, 2005
Now thank we all our God
The Division of Evangelization and Catechesis decorated their office doors about a week ago with turkeys in honor of the impending holiday. Last night, mysteriously, they were all replaced by rubber chickens.  Of course, accusations flew but very little CSI work was actually accomplished.  (The turkeys were placed in the office of the co-worker who had originated the idea.) I have no idea who the prankster might have been in this case, but I do intend to turn in the receipt for the rubber chickens.  << Funny Business >>

 

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005
limping home for the holidays
The week that was has caused a stutter in the step.  A staff meeting at the office, a meeting at the old office, a social at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting last night, and a consolation dinner with friends later last night… Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends. Bring on Thanksgiving – - – I want to regain some gratitude! << Blogging >>
fastest power point ever
From the request for the slides and the provision of text to the completion…  15 minutes. It is on Adult Learners.  << Work Day >> 

 

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005
boiling the bunny
It’s difficult.  How do you tell another how appreciated they are?  How can you tell them what a source of healing they have been for you? How can you let them know that you have valued every minute? How can you communicate how they brought a smile to your face, a bounce to your step? How can you communicate a care and a respect that wants to shelter them away from your own ambivalence? How can you say, with all the above, that some closure is demanded. Dunno.  It’s difficult.  << Blogging >>

 

  Monday, November 14, 2005
what a week this has been (day eight)
Taking care of some details at the office- ordering my Master’s diploma, blogging, previewing a video, typing out staff notes, checking e-mail.  The night finishes with a the close of the Seminars in Youth Ministry program in Westminster.  Yes, for those following along on the Training page, that is now seven power point presentations in six days.  << Work Day >> 

 

Sunday, November 13, 2005
THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS (day Seven) EUCHARIST
It’s been a while since I have been to Mass in my own home parish lately.  Today, I watched the AYM choir and “band” work their way through our the usual parish song list as well as a peppy meditation song. Tonight, after months and months of being away from the “teaching pulpit” that I once had with the middle schoolers, I return to the Senior High program for a presentation on Eucharist. << Work Day >> 

 

Saturday, November 12, 2005
THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS (day SIX) Youth contact I
We “opened” the Youth Contact Meetings in Hagerstown today at St. Joseph’s.  A significant portion of the meeting was related to “A Renaissance for Adolescent Catechesis” which encourage passion for disciple-making amidst the concerns of our profession.  We also unveiled a vision for Hispanic Ministry as well.   I walked away with a mental “to do” list of many things, not the least of which is the next draft of a “markers” list for adolescent discipleship. << Work Day >> 

 

  Friday, November 11, 2005
power point purgatory
Just spent the last 45 minutes recouping two hours of work lost as I closed a power point file without saving.  ARRRGH!  must . . . have . . .  more . . . caffeine!!!! << Work Day >> 
THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS (day Five)
This is the eye of the hurricane.  One waves of wind has passed by the back-side of the storm is about to expose itself.  Wrapped up session two of methodology last night, but the weekend and next week bring more presentations and more on the schedule. Here it comes! << Work Day >> 

 

  Thursday, November 10, 2005
THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS (day FOUR)
OK. The freight train barreling down the tracks that was ABCCE (see the prayer service)  has now passed.  All went smooth- no one was damaged in the process. Last night’s Methodology session one also went nicely. 
Everyone breathe.

OK… on to the next.  << Work Day >> 

 

Wednesday, November 9, 2005
THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS (day Three)
I’m practicing at the Baltimore Convention Center for the prayer that our office has crafted for the ABCCE (Archdiocese of Baltimore Conference of Catholic Educators).  I have two massive screens before me lit up by steroid-induced projectors. I have a beautiful 100+ slide power point to serve as environment. And I’ve just come to the realization that I’ll be the only one who never sees the .ppt on the screens.  Time cues, script, keyboard – - – this is where my eyes will be.  << Work Day >> 
What a morning
We have solved "where in the world was Matt Lauer." I have been up for hours already and feel no closer to accomplishing my tasks than this Ohio high school field goal kicker.  << Blogging >> 
World AIDS day
Catholic Relief Services has posted resources for World AIDS Day on December 1.  They can be found here.   << Youth Ministry Stuff >> 

 

  Tuesday, November 8, 2005
and all other assigned duties
I drove his car. Picked him up where he was doing a speaking gig.  Held doors. Briefly talked ecumenism with him (made him laugh with a small joke that showed a little awareness) and then he grabbed a quick cat nap. that was a portion of my afternoon- driving Cardinal Keeler. (turns out I wasn’t as chained to my laptop as I had originally thought!) << Work Day >> 
THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS (day Two)
Let’s see.  We have eight gatherings/ meetings in the next few days- six of which demand presentations.  I am chained to my lap tap today.

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends
We’re so glad you could attend
Come inside! Come inside!
There behind a glass is a real blade of grass
be careful as you pass.
Move along! Move along! << Work Day >> 

Just after I had recovered from the loss of the smurfs
Sad News:
It is with the saddest heart that I must pass on the following news: Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community.
The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.
Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he was still a crusty old man and was considered a roll model for millions.
Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly dad, Pop Tart.
The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes. << Funny Stuff >> 

 

  Monday, November 7, 2005
THIS IS THE WEEK THAT WAS (day One)
It started yesterday in Ocean City, MD. I attended the Evangelization and Catechesis Convocation and took a tour of the facilities for the BYCC.  Prayed with the group, socialized and card played, had a short night’s sleep and ten back this morning to the Catholic Center for a staff meeting.  << Work Day >> 

 

  Sunday, November 6, 2005
Seize the …
On this morning’s Prairie Home Companion, Billy Collins (US Poet Laureate 2001-2003) descried his personal motto as Carpe Podium. Clearly, a role model for all itinerate speakers. << Culture >> 

 

  Saturday, November 5, 2005
Controlling the dialogue, part v
So, we learned from George Clooney’s black-and-white opus on Edward R Murrow that one of the key parts in winning a debate is actually engaging into it. {Went to the Charles to watch it and found the Baltimore arts-y crowd.} << Culture >> 

 

  Friday, November 4, 2005
wish they all could be California girls…
Three men were sitting together bragging about how they had given their new wives duties.
The first man had married a woman from Alabama, and bragged that he had told his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning that needed done at their house. He said that it took a couple days but on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were all washed; and put away.
The second man had married a woman from South Carolina. He bragged that he had given his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes, and the cooking. He told them that the first day he didn’t see any results, but the next day it was better. By the third day, his house was clean, the dishes were done, and he had a huge dinner on the table.
The third man had married a Maryland girl. He boasted that he told her that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn mowed, laundry washed and hot meals on the table for every meal. He said the first day he didn’t see anything, the second day he didn’t see anything, but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down and he could see a little out of his left eye. Enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher, and telephone a landscaper. << Funny Business >>

 

  Thursday, November 3, 2005
another white guy…
check out this cartoon regarding Rosa and Bush’s court. (Of course, click to enlarge!)  << Culture >> 

 

  Wednesday, November 2, 2005
sometimes scripture really does speak to me…
I now have a new favorite scripture! It is Proverbs 10:13 in the Contemporary English Version. See it here. << Funny Business >> 

 

  Tuesday, November 1, 2005
This Generation’s Moon Shot 
Bono writes in Time Magazine about HIV and AIDS.  See the article.  << Culture >>