Jan's moving day

Totally enjoyable!

We had a great group of people gathered to help my sister move to her new digs.

She lived on the 3rd floor and I made a vow to get the most out of this adventure by carrying things up and down the steps to get my daily workout.

Exhilarating!

At first, quite a daunting task but as time went by, could not believe how we got it all in order and successfully moved an entire apartment from point A to point B.

If there is one thing I can say about my family (and there are so many things), we have fun with everything we do. We are quite blessed. Even in the act of moving chairs and drawers and knick knacks, we have a blast!

How could you not? If you love life, you love life all the time!

It was time consuming on such a hot, humid day. But at the end of the day, complete satisfaction.

We had one shopping cart, about a dozen people, and many muscles!

The heavy items went into the shopping cart down the elevator and the rest of us carted boxes and odds and ends weirdly shaped up and down the stairs.

I had a blast.

One of my favorite moments was when my youngest niece's boyfriend got a glimpse of my sister's private articles of clothing in one of the open drawers --not uncomfortable, rather comical!

Another great outlet was tossing things into the dumpster. Ok, not tossing, but slamming unwanted articles such as a small tv, a cabinet, and a few other things into the dumpster to let off a little steam.

Then helping get her settled into her new place as best we can was exciting....though that will take longer as she figures out where she wants what....but still, it was nice seeing her joy and celebrating this great accomplishment with her.

At the end of the day, exhausted yet energized knowing it was a good day! The first day of the rest of my sister's life, hopefully surrounded by love, family, good friends, nice neighbors and the start of many new memories!

New beginnings

A bittersweet day.

Friday, certainly a day of endings and new beginnings.

We recently lost our former Pastor, Father Anthony Zepp.

Fr. Zepp gave my Mother a wonderful opportunity to serve our church for so many years as well as becoming a member of our extended family (he and his family).

He will truly be missed. I'm sure this was his greeting for so many, but I loved when he welcomed me by saying, 'Hi Honey' and gave me a big hug!

Mom and I were quite fortunate to see him only weeks ago as I sang a funeral for one of our parishioners. Fr. Zepp was ailing but attended the funeral Mass.

Friday, we said goodbye to him so he could begin his life of eternity with the Lord above. I'm sure the first face he saw was his Mother, who we also miss!

His funeral Mass, a moving and deserving sendoff. There had to be over 200 priests on hand saying goodbye to their brother. Bishop Anthony Pilla officiated the Mass. It was so nice seeing former parishioners, friends, and members of Father's family we've not seen in years.

I'm extremely proud and blessed to have my religion be the main staple in my life. Though we were at a funeral mass, it was not a sad occasion. It was a joyful, beautiful remembrance of a truly great man.

And, seeing how faith-filled my Mother is and hoping that one day, I too, will carry that trait makes me look forward to each new morning.

Mom has garnered so much respect being such a wonderful woman.

During the ending procession, Father's nephew, a Pall Bearer, leaned over and gave Mom a big kiss.

But wait. There's more.

During the ending procession, Bishop Anthony Pilla did the same. He not only greeted Mom but lay his hand on her head and gave her a blessing.

I'm in awe at how much love is extended toward my Mother. She certainly deserves it, but the fact that there are still caring people in the world offers hope for our future.

Father Zepp went immediately to heaven. That's a given. We mourn his loss but praise his life and rejoice that he is no longer in pain and has met up with family and friends who have gone before him. We extend our prayers and thoughts to those left on this earth that we all can carry on his legacy as caring, loving servants of God.

Now the next bittersweet news doesn't even compare to the death of a loved one.

However, none the less, a life-changing event.

Friday, one of my most cherished possessions was taken from me for good.

It was first taken from me back on March 25, 2009.

Friday, my car was towed to its final resting place. Very telling. As we were at Father Zepp's funeral, the insurance tow company took my totalled vehicle.

Not seeing my car in the garage anymore --reality hit as I realized my car was gone for good, gone forever.

Again, it's just a 'thing.' But a momentous occasion in my life as well.

One chapter closed, the next one opened.

God's in charge and knows what he is doing.

We just need to follow his lead, do the best we can and know that no matter what, God is on our side and with us every step of the way. Every trial and tribulation. Every joyous event. Every time someone persecutes us for doing what we believe is right. He's right by our side.

Dear John letter

I think I wrote a 'Dear John' letter last night. One hitch, I don't have a 'Dear John!'

I am all about new beginnings. I thrive on being given another chance or starting over.

There are 4 seasons yet I have my life broken down into even more segments during the year.

New Year's Day is my first beginning to clear the slate, rejuvenate, and work hard at new visions or at rebuilding old visions which went awry.

My next 'starting point' is Lent where we are given a chance to repent and ask forgiveness.

Spring training and Opening Day are usually not far behind.

Advent is a welcome sight after going for months without recharging my system.

And that brings us back to Happy New Year!


I have been a push over for years....at least 11 years if not more (possibly my whole life).

When someone asks me to do something, I usually acquiesce whether I have the time, the interest, or the money (depending on the request).

That will change in 2009.

Hence the 'Dear John' letter.

A very dear friend of mine called to thank me for his Christmas present which I sent through the mail. Not necessary but very nice. In his next breath, he asked me to look something up for him. I said I'd do it even though I knew if he was near a computer, he could very well do it himself! I figured they had computers, even where he lives!

That moment passed. Once I get into work, for the most part, everything outside of work is a blur on a back burner until closing time.

Near the end of my shift, I remembered his request. I looked it up and immediately sent him an email with the information he requested. I sent the email from my work address in business-like fashion.

And then I just went off. I reminded him of my passion for New Year's Resolutions...getting back on track....taking much better care of me (last 5 years has been harsh taking care of Mom and I have neglected myself)...and told him that things WILL change.

I informed him that he could have just as easily looked up his information. I refuse to do his dirty work anymore. I've been doing it for the last 11 years and as of December 31, 2008, it's halted.

I also shared that my tirade is not directed solely at him. Pretty much everyone in my life bosses me around at one point or another--from Mom on down the line to family, friends....even fellow church/choir members which is a scream --come on, we're in Church for goodness sake!! I find laying low is the best remedy (especially at work, church, choir or wherever we have an able bodied 'leader' (like my boss/choir director/pastor--you get the idea)......'bossiness' crawls all the way down the chain.

The tides will change.....across the board....overflowing into the workplace. Everyone needs to do more work, pick up the slack, and be a team player in the workplace. We have so much added responsibility at work, I am finally putting my foot down and holding my fellow co-workers accountable for their actions in 2009. They WILL work as hard as I bust my butt in the workplace.

Anyway, I was pretty harsh in my sort of 'dear John letter' and to the point with my directives for 2009.

And, I WILL keep them. I have to. It is really a matter of life and death. I need to take much better care of me or else something detrimental will happen. I don't really care about hurting other people's feelings or satisfying everyone else's needs (I do, but you know what I mean)UNTIL mine get fulfilled at this point and time in my life.

When I hit 'send' I realized, 'I think I just sent my first Dear John letter,' and boy did it feel good!