Spring Vacations!

Seems like most of the college kids will be going on spring vacations this week. Maybe to sunny Florida, skiing out West or having fun in Mexico (with precautions) or taking a ride up North to Montreal to see the sights. Perhaps many of you will be home with Mom and Dad and the family. I would love to know about your experiences if you care to share them, well maybe some of them.

Enjoy yourselves but please be safe.

Bye for now, Sis Paula

And then there were 14! Yikes!

I can't believe this woman out in California. She's in her 30's and already has 6 children AND she wanted another girl? Whoops, now she has 14 children. Can't believe that! What was she thinking? Her mom said that all her daughter wanted was to have children. Yes, but who is taking care of them - her mom and dad!

I know this whole thing is controversial. The ethical component, the doctors, hospitals, etc. Not to mention the hospital bill in the millions and the care for these children and the health of the mom. Really, its amazing that all 8 of them survived and are doing well. Is there any hidden messages in all of this. What are your views?

Let's Talk

The hype is on, the momentum is running high! In less than two weeks we will have a new president. The mementos and souvenirs of this historic event are already in play. Even the home shopping channel QVC had a full hour dedicated to the presidential memorabilia. Seems like the country can't wait. Do you think we will be asking too much of him, too soon? Seems to me that is what we are doing.

I have been thinking of all of this. Our country, the economy, the world at large. Our young nation,the USA falling to its knees. I never dreamed I would see these days be so bad. I have been through some rough times, layoffs, but not this bad. Although, it did not happen all at once. It is a culmulation of a lot of things through many years and decades and now the young preseident-elect Obama has it all to contend with. I think he has a good balanced cabinent and a lot of good people that will surround him and advise him. He is inclusive of both Democrats and Republicans and that's what I like about him. Building those bridges towards collaboration and to peace. I believe it can be done. I stand united with the people of this country to support the efforts of our new president. Times might even get tougher but we continue to trust and walk in faith that God makes all things new. We will have a brighter future for our younger generation to take hold of. I believe that and I have hope that the light will dispel all of our fears and anxieties. I am going to enjoy the inaugration events - what about you?

Sister is back!

Happy New Year to all my blogger friends! I am back after a lovely respite of much needed rest and relaxation.

Hope this year will be much better and brighter for all of us.

So many things happening out there. The Middle East, our ecomony, Caroline Kennedy for NY Senator.(Oh My)!

Just heard about John Travolta's son, Jet. I am so sorry for his family. Losing a child is so very devastating. They remain in my thoughts and prayers.

What would you like to converse about? Caroline Kennedy? Start the conversation.

Snow ,Silence and God!

I anticipated a wonderful weekend where I absolutely wanted to finish writing my cards and wrap some gifts. I thought I might be able to do a late night walk at the mall and sip a cup of coffee and maybe look for a handbag that I really do need. Hopefully, I thought maybe I could get a real deal on a good bag.

However, for the past two days I have been in my house due to a snow storm that has hit the Northeast. The only time I got out was on Saturday when I had to move my car when the plow man came and to attend the 4 pm mass at Saint Luke's. As I write the snow is still falling gently.

Although I was disappointed I could not go to the mall, I was able to write my cards and wrap some gifts. I also did so many other things that did my soul good! I made Christmas calls to most of my elderly relatives whom otherwise would get a card. They were thrilled to hear my voice and chat. I called some of my old work friends and supervisors that I have been thinking of and wanting to hear their voices (we laughed a lot about the old days). I had a chance to tidy up my desk in my Spirit Room and do my calender for 2009 . I relaxed with the Lord and prayed in silence as still as it was thanking God for all the blessings in my life especially this wonderful day to just 'be'. I listened to Christmas Carols and looked for a Pecan Breakfast Bread recipe that I will make tomorrow. Took a nice hot relaxing bath and manicured my nails. Needless to say it was a wonderful God weekend amidst the quiet and the purity of the falling snow. God was very present in all my activities. I could almost hear him say - slow down Paula - what's the rush? Let's enjoy one another! Indeed, how sweet it was!

I will not post another blog until after the new year. Hopefully, I will have some photos on the blog. I am also happy to say that my blog can also be accessed through a nunslife.org blog.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God Bless!

What does everything have to do with everything

Lots going on in the news! The lastest is about a wall street investor that mis-managed millions from his clients. Very wealthy and prominent people. Looks like they will be strapped for money and might even be destitute according to one news program. The investor's son's turned him in to the police. What is going on here? The big 'G' word. Greed! Greed! !

On the flip side, the New York Yankees are opening up their wallets in the millions for pitchers. What is going on here? Even the auto industry can't get a dime from Congress!

I guess everything has to do with everything - big business, big money, big greed! Where does that leave us? So much imbalance in the world!

This will be a short blog today! I'am going to the mall and window shop.

Hard Times Hopeful Times

As I mentioned in my previous blog 'Cyber Monday' I like to go to the mall during this time of year. Not necessarily to do a lot of shopping but to be in the thick of all the excitement that this season lends itself to. I like to stroll the mall, window shop and have a bite to eat. When I first went the weekend of Thanksgiving, I did not feel the energy and the crowds weren't there like before. All the bad news about the stock market, layoffs, more layoffs and bail outs showed itself in the mall and with people's pocketbooks.

This weekend I decided to go to the mall. My niece, LindaB was doing makeups at the Nordstrom's Trend Show. And being a former beauty consultant myself, I always like to know what's new in the industry. I arrived at the mall around 2pm and could not find a parking spot anywhere. The place was packed! After circling, I finally found one, thanks to my friend Joseph. I always ask St. Joseph for help.

The mall was packed! People everywhere. I went into Nordstrom's and it was mobbed at the makeup counters. Every chair was taken for beauty makeovers. I walked into the mall itself and it was just as crowded. It seemed to be a little better than Thanksgiving weekend. I felt a sense of energy run through me. I don't know if people were actually buying a whole lot but I sensed that people, at least for that day, lightened up a bit. After all the bad news on the TV, on the Internet, and the newspapers this day lended itself to a little hope during these hard times.

A little fun, maybe? A little walk around the mall with a cup of coffee or a pastry, maybe? Looking 10 years younger from a beauty makeover, maybe? Or, maybe just for one day, losing oneself in the midst of the crowds.

I know people are hurting, I know people are waiting on the food pantry lines, I know people are losing their jobs and houses. These are very real things that are happening right now to millions of people. And I know that our president-elect Obama said that this recession could get worse before it gets better. I know that! But I also know that there is hope and that is what I feel. The Spirit works through chaos and hard times in making things new. As painful as it is we are in the midst of a rebirth. It is going into the unknown that is the hardest. But we are a people of hope. We are resilient and we stand strong together. Reaching out to help each other is key right now. Being supportive, being a good listener and being hopeful for others. Depending on our circumstances, we could volunteer at a homeless shelter, or help out a neighbor who has fallen on hard times.

I count my blessings everyday and pray that I never take anything I have been given for granted. It is all gift from a very generous God. With hope and trust we can get through this with each other. I met a woman today at a store and she was laid off from a bank after 26 years. Ouch! that hurts. However, she was hopeful that she will get a another job, not at a bank though, but somewhere else and perhaps doing something different. Maybe God has other plans for her. You never know!

During this sacred time of Advent we wait and we hope and we trust. All is not lost and never will be.