It's almost Christmas! To get in the spirit, my roommate got tickets to the annual Christmas Carol Service put on by the Choir of the Cathedral of the Madeleine at... The Cathedral of the Madeleine. It was incredible! Beside the beautiful singing of Gregorian chant in a visually astounding building, I really enjoyed the perspective of the program... that being a Catholic perspective. It's neat for me to see other faiths in their own element- running the show, providing the dialogue, creating the atmosphere. And then just to observe and take it in- To notice what they value and how they value it. For example, when someone was closing their remarks, they'd rehearse words that everyone recognized and all would join in unison "Praise be to God" in the same way Mormons say "Amen" together. I loved listening to the Blessing the Bishop left on the congregation. His words were so well put together and concise. I know it is not the practice of Mormons to prepare prayers or rehearse them, but there is something to be said about a premeditated prayer with thoughts that have been developed rather than just a lazy, impulse-of-the-moment prayer. This picture is far better than what we took:
In other news, I replaced my own brake pads tonight. Pretty amazing, right? I have a brother who works for Napa Auto Parts and was able to get the brake pads at wholesale price. Another brother volunteered to supervise and direct me in the undertaking. By the time I was done, my hands were black with grease and my arms were tired. I was delighted by how dirty I got. It's funny how pleased I felt with myself when I finished. I tried to pin point the source of so much self satisfaction. It wasn't that I was proud I had figured something out... because my brother told me what to do. I wasn't relieved the repair was done because it wasn't really weighing on me. I can only explain that I felt like I conquered 'the Man.' I didn't pay a ton of money. And I wasn't dependent on someone else for this repair any longer. I think I felt satisfied because I had become more self sufficient. Self sufficiency is a liberating feeling.
I started running again last week. Everyone I know goes to the gym but I don't have a gym pass and I'm almost determined to keep it that way. I'm sure I would enjoy it. I'm sure I would use it. But I don't think it's necessary. Beside, I'd rather develop a habit of working out that doesn't depend on a gym. I have a decent ab work-out routine and I run. I'm looking forward to spring racing... curious to see what I could get my 5K down to. Sub 20? I think I can do it.
Work is great. I can't say enough how much I'm loving my job. It's such a contrast to the environment I was working in at Kiyonna. I love my responsibilities and independence. But what I love most is the people I work with. Within my working space are six other girls close to my age with similar backgrounds and experience. They all share my sense of humour and it feels like we goof off most the day. I act as goofy around them as I do with my family and feel as open with them as I do with any of my best friends. It's also nice to be around people who appreciate what you appreciate and find interest in what you find interest in. Just yesterday, one of the girls lamented that she was having a hard time finding an inexpensive, black party dress that she liked online. Immediately, there were 6 girls hitting their favorite websites and offering her plenty of options. It just warmed my heart to see that. They are all unfailing interested in my dating life and encourage me on in whatever I'm involved in. I'm really lucky to have such a wonderful group of girls to spend my days with.
1 comment:
thank you for your thoughts. perhaps i'm not as attracted to guys' forearms as much as you are (or guys at all). thanks for agreeing with me about two people holding hymn books (no one ever agrees with that). if for whatever reason you have a desire to hear my grievances audibly, go here:
http://www.ironrodcast.com/
way to go on those brake pads btw.
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