The ‘weekend’ as we once knew it is on the verge of becoming extinct.
You would work hard to get to Friday, which was quite the welcome site. At quitting time on Friday, a big sigh of relief for two days of reckless abandon and much needed sleep.
Those days are gone. In the TV business, there is no such thing as a ‘regular shift.’ So for many people, ‘Friday’ is not really ‘Friday.’
Whenever your ‘weekend’ may fall, there are chores, responsibilities, required engagements, and the list of mounting duties (which never gets smaller, only multiplies)!
Now, even though you may be able to complete some of the tasks at hand during the ‘work week’ there are so many lingering jobs left, the days termed ‘weekend’ are just two more consecutive days to arise at the break of dawn, continue where you left off on a task the previous day or night and trudge forward.
The novelty of visiting family members, taking a weekend trip, girls night out, or sleeping until you wake up are only memories we glance at in our rear view mirror.
The next time you come across what looks like a ‘weekend,’ tread lightly!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
You can't live with 'em, you can't live without 'em
Cars and men. Or men and cars. Which ever you deem more important at the time. You can't live with 'em and then you can't live without 'em. They cause much happiness at times and then so much frustration. Yet, both totally necessary.
Right now, I am striking out on both fronts!
I have been dealing with car issues for a while. My car is great! It's my baby that is now 14 years old. However, along the way it got mixed up with the wrong crowd. The big chain fixer uppers ruined her. It's better to find a mom and pop joint or little family owned auto body shop.
Well, I believe I have found the right place. I just hope it's not too late.
For the longest time the chains and the dealership could not figure out WHY my baby was not accelerating properly. A friend from work put me on to a great little shop in the Heights. They are friendly, listen to your problem and turn no stone unturned. However, because no one could find the problem for so long, I think deeper issues developed.
It pains me to think that I may have to give her up soon. There is virtually nothing wrong with the car except for some scratches from my battle with the parking garage barrier (I lost) and a faulty CD player. Oh, yea, and when you turn the ignition it needs a lot of pumping up to get her going. But, everything else is perfect. I'm at my wits end.
It's been car swapping week. I took my car in and they did some work. When I picked her up, I dropped off Mom's for a safety check. They loved her car. Could not say enough nice things about it. Then since my little bugger was still acting up, Scott said I could 'swap them out' again and they would take an in depth look as to why the little girl was huffing and puffing.
Only time will tell if my Riv has a little supercharged turbo life left inside of her or if it's time for the big car lot in the sky?!?!
Right now, I am striking out on both fronts!
I have been dealing with car issues for a while. My car is great! It's my baby that is now 14 years old. However, along the way it got mixed up with the wrong crowd. The big chain fixer uppers ruined her. It's better to find a mom and pop joint or little family owned auto body shop.
Well, I believe I have found the right place. I just hope it's not too late.
For the longest time the chains and the dealership could not figure out WHY my baby was not accelerating properly. A friend from work put me on to a great little shop in the Heights. They are friendly, listen to your problem and turn no stone unturned. However, because no one could find the problem for so long, I think deeper issues developed.
It pains me to think that I may have to give her up soon. There is virtually nothing wrong with the car except for some scratches from my battle with the parking garage barrier (I lost) and a faulty CD player. Oh, yea, and when you turn the ignition it needs a lot of pumping up to get her going. But, everything else is perfect. I'm at my wits end.
It's been car swapping week. I took my car in and they did some work. When I picked her up, I dropped off Mom's for a safety check. They loved her car. Could not say enough nice things about it. Then since my little bugger was still acting up, Scott said I could 'swap them out' again and they would take an in depth look as to why the little girl was huffing and puffing.
Only time will tell if my Riv has a little supercharged turbo life left inside of her or if it's time for the big car lot in the sky?!?!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Back timing my life
In television news, producers 'back time a show.' There is a hard start time and a hard out time given to them. You do not want to step on either of these two times if you know what's good for you. The last thing you want to do is miff Dr. Phil or Brian Williams!
Then the producer sandwiches in their stories, promos, teases, commercials, sports, weather, etc., and hope to end their show right on time!
Sounds easy, but trust me, sometimes its hard to do depending on the reading swiftness or slowness of a news anchor, breaking news, spontaneity of a live shot, the list is endless.
On a daily basis, I feel like I am back timing my life. There are certain things I MUST fit in and tend to every day. I make a list of things to do. At the end of the day, though exhausted, I've only crossed off a few things on my original list...but have completed a myriad of unexpected, non-scripted actions and requests thrown my way through the course of the day.
People say, 'sit back, take it easy, and relax.' Or 'don't take on so much.' The funny thing is that NO is a very prevalent part of my vocabulary these days. I have not taken on too much. It's just the normal daily responsibilities that creep up and pounce and those 'unexpected emergencies' that really sock you!
There are days when I literally do not have a minute to spare. It is all timed out perfectly. I will get up at this time, normal morning drill, shower at this time and the shower can not go over 8 minutes, etc., etc. It's amazing how if one action is not timed perfectly and kept on schedule, my tower of cards comes tumbling down!
I am in the midst of a 'make it or break it week." On one hand, I LOVE these deadline weeks because they keep me on my toes and accomplish so much. On the other hand, there is absolutely no time to come up for air, no room for error.
Looking into my crystal ball, It would be nice to have everything on my long laundry list crossed off by the time "The Iron Chef" comes on Sunday night so I can kick back, relax and rev up for yet another 'make it or break it week!'
Then the producer sandwiches in their stories, promos, teases, commercials, sports, weather, etc., and hope to end their show right on time!
Sounds easy, but trust me, sometimes its hard to do depending on the reading swiftness or slowness of a news anchor, breaking news, spontaneity of a live shot, the list is endless.
On a daily basis, I feel like I am back timing my life. There are certain things I MUST fit in and tend to every day. I make a list of things to do. At the end of the day, though exhausted, I've only crossed off a few things on my original list...but have completed a myriad of unexpected, non-scripted actions and requests thrown my way through the course of the day.
People say, 'sit back, take it easy, and relax.' Or 'don't take on so much.' The funny thing is that NO is a very prevalent part of my vocabulary these days. I have not taken on too much. It's just the normal daily responsibilities that creep up and pounce and those 'unexpected emergencies' that really sock you!
There are days when I literally do not have a minute to spare. It is all timed out perfectly. I will get up at this time, normal morning drill, shower at this time and the shower can not go over 8 minutes, etc., etc. It's amazing how if one action is not timed perfectly and kept on schedule, my tower of cards comes tumbling down!
I am in the midst of a 'make it or break it week." On one hand, I LOVE these deadline weeks because they keep me on my toes and accomplish so much. On the other hand, there is absolutely no time to come up for air, no room for error.
Looking into my crystal ball, It would be nice to have everything on my long laundry list crossed off by the time "The Iron Chef" comes on Sunday night so I can kick back, relax and rev up for yet another 'make it or break it week!'
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Lord has Risen
The stone has been moved. The tomb is empty.
Our Lenten preparation has ushered in the most holiest of high holy days for Christians around the world.
Jesus Christ has risen today.
Jesus could have exited the tomb whether the stone was moved or remained in place. However, 'we' needed a concrete sign. 'Our heavy stone' being moved symbolizes the crosses we bear, the burdens we place upon ourselves, any worries lingering and feuds we have brewing with others.
They are all lifted with the risen Lord.
Our sins have been forgiven. God will continuously forgive us, grant mercy upon us and ultimately greet us with open arms when we die.
Overall, for me, a very successful Lenten Season. Looking back, I prayed more, was at peace, rarely had road rage, surrounded by daily gifts from God the Father. I offered up my gifts to the Lord. I realized the gifts God has given to me and used them to praise him. We used our gift of song at all of the Easter Masses. It was my pleasure to lift up my voice and praise you with my whole heart and soul. We decorated the most beautiful church in the diocese. We donated our time to make gifts for the kids of our parish. None ever a burden but a gift we wanted to gladly give to God and our fellow Christians.
The harder task is at hand. Can I keep up the very successful practices put into place during the Lenten Season? Only time will tell. I know one thing for sure. I definitely need you, God, every single step of the way to grant me the grace, peace of mind, patience, strength, endurance, perseverance, love and kindness toward others, and the gift of forgiveness toward others and myself.
I thank you very much for giving me the quality time I spent this weekend with Mother and the rest of my family. Time is precious. We never know what will happen in the future, but the time we spent together this weekend is a gift only God can offer. Thank you.
Our Lenten preparation has ushered in the most holiest of high holy days for Christians around the world.
Jesus Christ has risen today.
Jesus could have exited the tomb whether the stone was moved or remained in place. However, 'we' needed a concrete sign. 'Our heavy stone' being moved symbolizes the crosses we bear, the burdens we place upon ourselves, any worries lingering and feuds we have brewing with others.
They are all lifted with the risen Lord.
Our sins have been forgiven. God will continuously forgive us, grant mercy upon us and ultimately greet us with open arms when we die.
Overall, for me, a very successful Lenten Season. Looking back, I prayed more, was at peace, rarely had road rage, surrounded by daily gifts from God the Father. I offered up my gifts to the Lord. I realized the gifts God has given to me and used them to praise him. We used our gift of song at all of the Easter Masses. It was my pleasure to lift up my voice and praise you with my whole heart and soul. We decorated the most beautiful church in the diocese. We donated our time to make gifts for the kids of our parish. None ever a burden but a gift we wanted to gladly give to God and our fellow Christians.
The harder task is at hand. Can I keep up the very successful practices put into place during the Lenten Season? Only time will tell. I know one thing for sure. I definitely need you, God, every single step of the way to grant me the grace, peace of mind, patience, strength, endurance, perseverance, love and kindness toward others, and the gift of forgiveness toward others and myself.
I thank you very much for giving me the quality time I spent this weekend with Mother and the rest of my family. Time is precious. We never know what will happen in the future, but the time we spent together this weekend is a gift only God can offer. Thank you.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Good Friday
Life is so very precious. One moment the Apostles were breaking bread with Jesus Christ enjoying the moment, thinking they were on the top of the world. The next, eleven of them were blindsided by a single event that would change history forever.
I understand that 'what happened' was 'meant to happen.' However, it's a great lesson to reflect upon on a daily basis.
So many times you hear how a car accident changed a family's life forever in just a split second....or one minute a straight A student is on top of the world looking forward to graduation and their acceptance to Hiram or Boston College and the next moment they are dead, victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I have so much to be thankful for. I spent Good Friday cooking our traditional Easter delicacies with my Mother, who has been recovering from a grave illness. She was not feeling very well today but was stronger than I have seen her in weeks. I've learned to enjoy the moment because it may be gone in a heart beat (or lack of heart beat). In past years, I was always rushing, rushing, rushing to get onto the next event, the next concert, the next 'whatever.' There is so much in life I really don't remember, buzzing through it so quickly.
However, today, I live in the minute. I enjoy each moment in time and cherish the memories made each day with friends and family.
We must have faith in God that slow and steady wins the race. If we follow His lead, try to lead good lives, we will ultimately spend the rest of our life with God, Jesus Christ, and all of our family and friends who meant so much to us in our earthly life.
Spend some time reflecting on lessons learned this Lenten Season and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ in two days.
I understand that 'what happened' was 'meant to happen.' However, it's a great lesson to reflect upon on a daily basis.
So many times you hear how a car accident changed a family's life forever in just a split second....or one minute a straight A student is on top of the world looking forward to graduation and their acceptance to Hiram or Boston College and the next moment they are dead, victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I have so much to be thankful for. I spent Good Friday cooking our traditional Easter delicacies with my Mother, who has been recovering from a grave illness. She was not feeling very well today but was stronger than I have seen her in weeks. I've learned to enjoy the moment because it may be gone in a heart beat (or lack of heart beat). In past years, I was always rushing, rushing, rushing to get onto the next event, the next concert, the next 'whatever.' There is so much in life I really don't remember, buzzing through it so quickly.
However, today, I live in the minute. I enjoy each moment in time and cherish the memories made each day with friends and family.
We must have faith in God that slow and steady wins the race. If we follow His lead, try to lead good lives, we will ultimately spend the rest of our life with God, Jesus Christ, and all of our family and friends who meant so much to us in our earthly life.
Spend some time reflecting on lessons learned this Lenten Season and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ in two days.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Lent Day #44
It's truly amazing how a song, or a moment, or something very ordinary in the course of a day can trigger a memory.
We received our Holy Week Schedule in the mail a few days ago. As my Mother glanced over the list of week-long events, she started to cry. Now, our Pastor almost cried over the letter because they were sent almost three weeks ago and no one received them until a few days ago!
However, Mom was teary-eyed because reading the Holy Thursday schedule brought back memories of her brother, Tom. She told me that she and Uncle Tommy would attend the Holy Thursday service and then pray for an hour during adoration.
Uncle Tommy and Aunt Lucy have passed, but as you can see, their memories continue to live on in all of our hearts.
Even though I rarely show emotion in the presence of family members, I am a blithering fool. I am very emotional, which I believe I get from my Mother. I cherish family tradition, which in today's busy world, is almost extinct.
I do thank you, God, for allowing me to see you in every day occurrences. I am blessed that I have my Mother's faith. I don't need a life altering miracle like Jesus changing the water to wine. I see you and feel your gentle hand in a song that comes on the radio, in an elderly woman maneuvering her wheel chair while crossing the street, in a puppy that brings a huge smile to a small child, or a little boy who was not expected to live but now belongs to a church for the deaf and signs in the choir. I see you in my day-to-day life and thank you thank you thank you!
I could not function without your guidance and love.
I pray that You always give me the memories of what you did for me, Jesus, especially your dying on the cross. I owe my life to you.
We received our Holy Week Schedule in the mail a few days ago. As my Mother glanced over the list of week-long events, she started to cry. Now, our Pastor almost cried over the letter because they were sent almost three weeks ago and no one received them until a few days ago!
However, Mom was teary-eyed because reading the Holy Thursday schedule brought back memories of her brother, Tom. She told me that she and Uncle Tommy would attend the Holy Thursday service and then pray for an hour during adoration.
Uncle Tommy and Aunt Lucy have passed, but as you can see, their memories continue to live on in all of our hearts.
Even though I rarely show emotion in the presence of family members, I am a blithering fool. I am very emotional, which I believe I get from my Mother. I cherish family tradition, which in today's busy world, is almost extinct.
I do thank you, God, for allowing me to see you in every day occurrences. I am blessed that I have my Mother's faith. I don't need a life altering miracle like Jesus changing the water to wine. I see you and feel your gentle hand in a song that comes on the radio, in an elderly woman maneuvering her wheel chair while crossing the street, in a puppy that brings a huge smile to a small child, or a little boy who was not expected to live but now belongs to a church for the deaf and signs in the choir. I see you in my day-to-day life and thank you thank you thank you!
I could not function without your guidance and love.
I pray that You always give me the memories of what you did for me, Jesus, especially your dying on the cross. I owe my life to you.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Lent Day #43
Is 50:4-9; Mt 26:14-25
Finally, I found something during the Lenten Reflections that I actually do on a regular basis! It's never too late. Today's reflection talks about speaking with God first thing every morning before we start our day. I could not make it through the day without speaking to Him first thing, continuously throughout the day and then when I lay my head down to rest at the end of a very hectic day.
We are about to embark on the most holiest time of our religion. How could we not speak with Jesus and thank him for what he did for us. We have been reliving each step Jesus took, methodically, day by day, minute by minute. It's heart-wrenching and painful to see how he received every beating mark, every mark from his crown of thorns, and to see his blood drop to the ground slowly taking the life out of Him.
I can not even imagine going through what He endured. I can not fathom ever being able to repay or thank Him for the gift of His life.
Every time we read a lesson, there is something new that seems to jump out. It is interesting to compare the four writers' works and find the differences and similarities.
I thank you for giving me life. That is why I must thank you and pray to you as the first action of my day, my existence.
Finally, I found something during the Lenten Reflections that I actually do on a regular basis! It's never too late. Today's reflection talks about speaking with God first thing every morning before we start our day. I could not make it through the day without speaking to Him first thing, continuously throughout the day and then when I lay my head down to rest at the end of a very hectic day.
We are about to embark on the most holiest time of our religion. How could we not speak with Jesus and thank him for what he did for us. We have been reliving each step Jesus took, methodically, day by day, minute by minute. It's heart-wrenching and painful to see how he received every beating mark, every mark from his crown of thorns, and to see his blood drop to the ground slowly taking the life out of Him.
I can not even imagine going through what He endured. I can not fathom ever being able to repay or thank Him for the gift of His life.
Every time we read a lesson, there is something new that seems to jump out. It is interesting to compare the four writers' works and find the differences and similarities.
I thank you for giving me life. That is why I must thank you and pray to you as the first action of my day, my existence.
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